Farm News - February 2, 2025

 

Can I express how happy I am that January is finally over!  We had lots of snow and frigid temps.  The coldness led to frozen pipes because when we had plumbing done over the summer, they didn't replace the heat tape.  We got it unthawed after three days.  

Then my husband's contractor friend needed some money because he had been out of work for three weeks due to the weather and called and asked if we had any projects we wanted done.  Normally we wouldn't have done anything in January, but we wanted to help him out.  He came and insulated our basement ceiling and thus the pipes that had recently unthawed, insulated a wall beneath the chair rail in our dining room, replaced out bathroom floor and put down new laminate, and replaced out toilet.  Then came disaster. He was replacing the sink and vanity and broke the shut off valve.  Our house is 125 years old, and he tried and tried but after three days, couldn't get anything in the bathroom to run without massive leaks.  And because the sink shut off valve was broken, we had to turn off the water to the entire house.  We finally gave up and contacted a plumber, but they were booked until Wednesday.  However, they were able to come over and get us up and running but it ended up being an additional five days without water.  I kept reminding myself how blessed we were compared to some, but it was frustrating to say the least. 

Then to top it off, that same Wednesday, my mom fell and fractured her pelvis in several places.  She is currently in the hospital, but surgery is not needed. They are managing her pain and getting her used to using a walker to get around.  She will need 4-6 weeks to heal but at least she doesn't live alone, and her boyfriend is around to help.

All of this interfered with my desire to read, and I didn't read as much as I wanted in January.  I have to catch up in February somehow.  I did obtain some great arcs the past two weeks though and can't wait to share them here.

The No-End House: Jeremy Bates 
The Good Vampire's Guide to Blood and Boyfriends: Jamie D'Amato
It Was Her House First: Cherie Priest

Dearly Beloved: Prince, Spirituality, and This Thing Called Life: Pamela Ayo Yetunde

Something I Keep Upstairs: J.D. Barker
Mayra: Nicky Gonzalez

I have picked up a few books on sale for my Kindle so I will save them and share the during my next update.  I hope you were able to catch my new feature, Coming Attractions, which I posted Friday.  I hope everyone is staying safe and enjoying lots of good reads.

Thanks for visiting Booker T's Farm!

February Coming Attractions

 

Today, I'm starting a new feature here at Booker T's Farm.  I am not a strict TBR reader, but I do like to have an idea of what I am reading for the month.  So, I thought I would use this space to give you a brief wrap-up of the prior month's reading and then a look at what you might see in the upcoming month.  This was the best title I could come up with, so I hope you enjoy this new feature!

The month of January, I only read seven books.  This is kind of low for a month that seemed to last forever, but check in Sunday for some more news on that.  I do have three carryovers which I am more I am hoping I can finish early, and which will add to the February stats.

I have a few February review books that I really have to, as well as want to, make time for this month. Sick Houses is a non-fiction which sounds really interesting, Hollow Ground is the start to a new series (and look - a dog!) and I've heard good things about Listen to Your Sister, a new horror being blurbed as for fans of Jordon Peele. 

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I have three buddy reads with Stormi this month.  White Night will be our 9th Dresden File book, Deep Midnight is the third book in the Alliance Vampires series, and Ghost Walk is the third book in the Harrison Investigations series.

And finally, I have two "twisted romances," My Funny Demon Valentine and Butcher and Blackbird because after all, it is February and a cannibal book, The Reddening, for my online horror book club.

Have you read any of these books?  I'm sure I won't get to them all but a girl can hope right?

Cold Weather Zombies?

 

TITLE: Winter People

AUTHOR: Jennifer McMahon

PUBLISHER: Doubleday

PUBLISHING DATE: February 11, 2014

PAGES: 336   

SOURCE: Own Library

FROM GOODREADS: West Hall, Vermont, has always been a town of strange disappearances and old legends. The most mysterious is that of Sara Harrison Shea, who, in 1908, was found dead in the field behind her house just months after the tragic death of her daughter. 

Now, in present day, nineteen-year-old Ruthie lives in Sara's farmhouse with her mother, Alice, and her younger sister. Alice has always insisted that they live off the grid, a decision that has weighty consequences when Ruthie wakes up one morning to find that Alice has vanished. In her search for clues, she is startled to find a copy of Sara Harrison Shea's diary hidden beneath the floorboards of her mother's bedroom. As Ruthie gets sucked into the historical mystery, she discovers that she's not the only person looking for someone that they've lost. But she may be the only one who can stop history from repeating itself.

MY THOUGHTS: I ended up reading this as it was the January selection for an on-line horror book club I participate in. I've had it on my shelves for years and was glad for the motivation to finally pick it up.  

The book features two distinct timelines which collide at the end.  In the early 1900s, we are following Sara and her family.  When Sara was a child, her mother died and she was raised by her father, and a mysterious woman who lived in the mountains known as Auntie.  Auntie was a practitioner of alternative healing and medicine although many people considered her a witch.  This is where the reader is introduced to the "sleepers."  Deceased individuals who have been ritualistically brought back to life.  

In the current day, we meet Ruthie, her mom and sister.  Ruthie has just graduated high school and wants nothing more than to leave West Hall. She returns home from partying one night to find her mom missing and her six-year-old sister Fawn home alone.  Ruthie now has more responsibility than she ever dreamed and she and her sister start looking for their mother.  What they find and learn along the way may lead back to Sara.  Throw in a bunch of other characters, a lot of drama, some eeriness and evil child who may be more victim than actual evil and you have an atmospheric read perfect for a January read.

I have to say this book kind of started off slowly and it wasn't until about 45% in that I felt it picked up.  I really enjoyed the dual timelines and eventually became really invested in the activities in both. I also felt there were too many characters thrown in at first but at least they all played a part in the end.  I was pleased with how everything wrapped up and have to admit that this was a good choice for a book club discussion.  If you are wanting a more atmospheric horror tale, and I honestly think it's a stretch to call it horror, then this definitely an option to consider.  I felt like my rating is a strong 3.5 but for Goodreads purposes, I'm rounding down to 3 instead of up because it just doesn't hang in comparison to some of my other 4-star read.

MY RATING: 3 PAWS

Buried by Books #6

 

It's time for another wacky edition of my series where I show you books I've recently put on hold at my library or through Libby.  I've expanded to books I've added to my Kindle Unlimited wish list as I'm trying to get the most out of my monthly subscription.  This will be another KU edition. 

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies: Catherine Mack - I know this is a rather popular book and I received an email a few weeks ago it is now available on KU so I added it to the list.  I also see this is now a series, so I apparently need to get cracking on book one. 

Helloween: Duncan Ralston - Halloween, dangerous entity, teens fighting for their lives (although I believe this is an adult book). I mean, what's not to like.  The one thing holding me back is apparently this book is 696 pages.  That's one long Halloween night.

St. Lucifer's School for Girls: A.M. Caplan - All I basically needed was the title to add this to the list of books I might read one day.  The cover doesn't hurt either. 

So, there you have it.  Have you read any of these by some chance?  Where would you start if these were on your list?

Feed Your TBR - 13 Months Haunted: A Novel

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" 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.

August 12, 2025

FROM GOODREADS: Piper Lowery, a public library clerk in charge of liaising with the local middle school, can tell right away there’s something strange about the new girl in eighth grade. Avery Wallace won’t touch any kind of technology, not even the computers at the library, and her mother comes to school with her every day, refusing to leave her side—not even when Avery uses the restroom.

And then there are the rumors, the whispers Piper hears from kids in the hallway and parents around Avery’s mother is a witch. Her sister and father were killed by something supernatural. A strange virus killed them.

Seeing how isolated and lonely Avery is, Piper befriends her but quickly realizes it might just be the worst decision she’s ever made. Because there’s something dark inside Avery Wallace, and it’s spreading . . .

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  I still haven't read Dead Eleven but I do recall loving the concept so much I ran out and bought a physical copy.  I need to know what darkness is inside Avery and I love this this features a librarian.  

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

Beware the Duppy!

 

TITLE: Honeysuckle and Bone

AUTHOR: Trisha Tobias

PUBLISHER: Sweet July Books

PUBLISHING DATE: January 14,, 2025

PAGES: 320   

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: On the run from her own dark secrets, a teen girl becomes the nanny for a prestigious family on their extravagant Jamaican estate—but things aren't quite as they seem, and she quickly discovers even paradise may be haunted. 

Carina Marshall is looking to reinvent herself, and what better place to do it than Jamaica, her mother’s alluring homeland where she conveniently has access to an au pair gig for the wealthy and politically powerful Hall family. After months of being the target of vicious rumors and hate online (which she just might deserve), the luxurious Blackbead House seems to hold everything she wants, a world of mango trees, tropical breezes, and glamorous parties—and a place to disappear. 

Once there, Carina joins up with her fellow junior staff members, the self-named Young Birds, and finds herself sinking right into her busy, but comfortable, new life. Yes, the Halls run a tight ship, and yes, there is some tension amongst the family, but she’s content flying under the radar, doing her job, and hanging out with her new friends—not least, the handsome and charming Aaron. 

But when inexplicable things start happening to her in the house, only getting worse each night, Carina realizes that someone—or something—is out to get her. Is it the house itself? The Halls? Or, worse, is it her own past catching up with her? With the help of Aaron, she must figure out what is haunting her, and fast, before she is forced out of Blackbead House for good. 

Eerie, propulsive, and full of intrigue, Honeysuckle and Bone is a deliciously atmospheric, young adult novel, following an imperfect yet courageous teen as she seeks to remake herself in the homeland she always idealized, only to discover that new beginnings don’t always come easy.

MY THOUGHTS: This book caught my attention when I saw it tagged as an atmospheric, Gothic horror.  Throw in the Jamaica setting and I knew it was one I needed to read.

Unbeknownst to Carina's parents, she has headed to Jamaica for the summer to work as a temporary au-pair for the Hall family, a prominent family tied up in Jamaican politics.  Carina is running from her past and obtained the job under fraudulent circumstances, but she quickly falls into routine and makes friends with the other young individuals employed by the Halls.  However, nothing can explain the mysterious things happening at the Hall residence.  Carina is haunted by a duppy whom she believes is trying to kill her.  But is the duppy someone from the past Carina is clearly running from, or someone completely different trying to send Carina a message?

First of all, let me say I found it totally fascinating learning more about Jamaican folklore and traditions.  I had no idea what a duppy is (fyi - it's a word of African origin for a ghost or spirit and in Jamaica, often in the form of something which howls through the night). While this was a YA book, it read a bit older to me but if you pick it up, still prepare yourself for some usual teenage angst.  However, that didn't take away from the mysterious horror which we all know was what I really signed up for. I ending did provide me with a twist and even though I think it took a heck of a coincidence for it to happen, it was still quite entertaining.

If you are looking for a book featuring something different, then consider picking this one up.  I love horror of all kinds, and this was a great atmospheric read.

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

Farm News - January 19, 2025

 

Well, it's another snowy weekend here at the farm. It seems like it is all we had since the new year began.  I'm always wanting some snow during the winter, and to be honest, the past few years we haven't had much.  Now we are hunkering down for a frigid arctic air snap until at least Wednesday so even though in some ways I'm wishing my life away, please just get to Wednesday.  At least Mr. Barb and I both have holidays tomorrow and we can chill and watch movies and play video games all day.  Oh, and READ!  I can't forget reading.  After all, it's why most of us are here right?

Last Saturday we had a decent snow for once, it wasn't too cold for the pups to play outside so all went outside, played and built snowmen.  Here are a few pics of the snow pups! And I had to include a picture of Sam the Snowman, whom the boys kept knocking down.  Poor Sam!

My reading slowed down a bit this week, but I am committed to getting a lot done on my day of Monday.  Here are the three books which I need to get finished before January is over.  I'd love to squeeze in a fourth as well.  

Winter People - Jennifer McMahon: This is for a book club the last Sunday of the month.

Proven Guilty (Dresden Files #8) - Jim Butcher: I am buddy reading this with Stormi.

A Grin Reaper's Guide to Catching a Killer - Maxie Dara: I am about 75 pages into this one and loving it, but it keeps getting pushed aside for review books.

Finally, I got some real exciting review books this week.  Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers!

When the Wolf Comes Home - Nat Cassidy
Beasts of Carnaval- Rosalia Rodrigo
Whistle - Linwood Barclay

House of Monstrous Women - Daphne Fama
Direct Descendant - Tanya Huff
Deadstream - Mar Romasco-Moore

I hope everyone stays safe this coming week if you are in the path of bad weather and I hope the fires in California finally cease.  

Thanks for visiting Booker T's Farm!

2025 Reading Plans/Challenges

 

Once again similar to last year, I have taken some time to really figure out what challenges I want to do in 2025.  I pretty much do them for my own enjoyment, but I want to make sure they are something I could realistically achieve.  I scoured the web and found a few which I not only wanted to share with you but also wanted to document for my own tracking purposes.  

As always, I will still be doing several buddy read with Stormi each month and I also participate in an Facebook book club called "Scream with Mel" where we read and discuss what is usually a backlisted horror book each month.  

What an Animal 2025 - Hosted by Socrates' Book Reviews

This challenge consists of reading book where an animal is prominently featured.  The animal could also be a supernatural "animal" such as a dragon, werewolf, vampire, etc.  You get the drift. I am going for the highest level, LEVEL 4 which is 21 or more books.

LIBRARY LOVE CHALLENGE - Hosted by Books of My Heart

This challenge has three different semesters when you commit to reading 12 library books each 4-month semester.  There are lots of giveaways and stuff so if you use your library, including Libby or Hoopla, then I highly suggest you check this out.

Taylor Swift Challenge/Horror Edition

I found this in a Facebook horror group I am in, and it looked fun.  I'm not a HUGE Swifty but did really enjoy her Folklore and Dead Poet's Society albums.

2025 Books of Horror Reading Challenge

This came from the same Facebook group.  I tried to do the same one last year and hit 20 of 24 prompts. 

TBR and Beyond 2025 Reading Challenge

This is the same group I do the "Scream with Mel" book club and I didn't do this last year but saw it and thought I'd give it a go.  I can't seem to get the picture uploaded but it basically has  different prompts.

So there you have it.  I definitely allow books to double up across challenges, just not within the same challenge.  And the last three are really the only ones where I have to make books fit prompts, so I figure it's doable.  And if not, that's why they are called challenges right?

Feed Your TBR - The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" 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.

June 24, 2025

FROM GOODREADS: The body in the closet was going to be a problem. Kathryn Hu knew it. Yes, Tucker Jones was a cheating scumbag, and yes, she’d agreed to meet Olivia and Elle—Tucker’s other girlfriends—to exact revenge for all he’d put them through… But then they found him. Dead.  

Do they look guilty? Yes.

Do they feel guilty for having wished him dead just hours before? Maybe a little.

But—solid motive and a crime scene covered in their DNA aside—they’re innocent. They swear.

To clear their names, Kat, Olivia, and Elle team up to find the real killer. But as they go undercover and lie to everyone, including the hot detective working the case, they realize that every person in their ex's life had a reason to want him dead. Will they uncover the truth before they go down for a murder they didn't commit?

Filled with humor and shenanigans, The Ex-Girlfriend Murder Club is a romp of an adventure by award-winning author Gloria Chao, perfect for fans of Dial A for Aunties, Finlay Donovan Is Killing It and John Tucker Must Die.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT: I think this mystery sounds like a lot of fun and come on and I love the idea of all the exes working together.

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

    

2 Bloggers 1 Series - Woodrose Mountain

 

Stormi and I figured it was time to knock another book off in the Hope's Crossing series. There are so many of them, it's really pretty scary.  The thing I love the most about this series is it is filling the Virgin River void.  The books really are kind of similar but Stormi and I both agree the Hope's Crossing series is a bit darker.  So read on for my thoughts and then check out what Stormi thought over at Storm Reads.

 

TITLE: Woodrose Mountain (Hope's Crossing #2)

AUTHOR: RayAnne Thayne

PUBLISHER: HQN

PUBLISHING DATE: December 27, 2011

PAGES: 336   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: Hope's Crossing is still reeling from a devastating accident, but one occupational therapist may be exactly what the town needs… 

Evie Blanchard was at the top of her field. But when burnout forces her to walk away from her job as a pediatric occupational therapist, she moves from Los Angeles to Hope's Crossing seeking a quieter life. So, the last thing she needs is to get involved with the handsome, arrogant Brodie Thorne and his injured daughter, Taryn. 

A self-made man and single dad, Brodie will do anything to get Taryn the rehabilitation she needs…even if it means convincing Evie to move in with them. And despite her vow to keep an emotional distance, Evie can't help but be moved by Taryn's spirit or Brodie's determination to win Evie's support—and her heart. With laughter, courage and more than a little help from the kindhearted people of Hope's Crossing, Taryn may get the healing she deserves—and Evie and Brodie might just find a love they never knew could exist. 

MY THOUGHTS: Even though it had been a while since I read the first book in this series, it was easy to fall back into the world of Hope's Crossing.  Reading this series gives me the same kind of comfort that reading the Virgin River series do and I'm glad to say I seem to fly through them just as quickly.

Brodie's 15-year-old daughter Taryn suffered a traumatic brain injury in the accident that took the life of a classmate and put the mayor's son on trial for drinking and driving.  Taryn finally came out of her coma and has been in a rehab facility but due to her obstinance and teenage attitude, they have asked that she be moved.  Brodie asks Evie, who was physical therapist before moving to Hope's Crossing and starting a new career creating jewelry. Evie has her own reasons for not wanting to go back to that life, but she eventually agrees to help long enough for Brodie to find a permanent replacement.  But just how attached, and to whom, will she become along the way?

I love a good enemies-to-lovers trope and enjoyed seeing the tension between Evie and Brodie transform into something different.  Taryn could be a real brat at time but considering she is just a teen whose life has been completely turned upside down, I think she has a reason to act that way at times.  This installment also shows a lot of character growth from many of the characters and was really pleased with the way it ended.  I will say there is something that happens with Evie's adorable labradoodle, Jacques, which really hit me hard and it probably the reason I knocked the book out of a 5-paw rating.  Don't worry, Jacques doesn't die but Evie commits such a selfless act that I know right now I could never do.  Good for Evie, but I still hated reading about it.

If you are looking for a new series to try and like women's fiction from time to time, check out this one.  I'm looking forward to reading the next book and as an author, I think that's exactly what you are looking for from your readers when writing a series.  Also, all the books are already released so I can decide to pick it up whenever I want.

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

What the Heck Did I Just Read?

 

TITLE: Victorian Psycho

AUTHOR: Virginia Feito

PUBLISHER: Liveright

PUBLISHING DATE: February 4, 2025

PAGES: 208   

SOURCE: ARC

FROM GOODREADS: Winifred Notty arrives at Ensor House prepared to play the perfect Victorian governess—she’ll dutifully tutor her charges, Drusilla and Andrew, tell them bedtime stories, and only joke about eating children. But the longer Winifred spends within the estate’s dreary confines, and the more she learns of the perversions and pathetic preoccupations of the Pounds family, the more trouble she has sticking to her plan. Whether creeping across the moonlit lawns in her undergarments or gently tormenting the house staff, Winifred struggles at every turn to stifle the horrid compulsions of her past. When her chillingly dark imagination breaches the feeble boundary of reality on Christmas morning, Winifred is finally ready to deliver on her generous gifts. Wielding her signature sardonic wit and a penchant for the gorgeously macabre.

MY THOUGHTS: Every once in a while, I will find a book that calls to me and I'm not quite sure why.  I saw this categorized as horror and Gothic, which I am sure you know are some of my favorite buzzwords, and knew I wanted to give it a go.  And boy, am I glad I did!  I finished this book several days ago and it is STILL sticking with me. 

Ms. Winifred Notty is a governess by trade, even though it's pretty obvious she doesn't really like children.  As the book opens, the reader sees her arriving for a new position at Ensor Houss for the Pounds family.  Slowly Winifred falls into a routine carrying for the odd children, Andrew, who is weak but still the apple of his father's eyes and Druscilla, who is a bit peculiar with a hint of dangerousness mixed in.  Winifred slowly becomes closer to Mr. Pounds, but not without the notice of Mrs. Pounds and as the book progresses, Winifred's behavior becomes more and more odd. 

I don't want to say too much about this book.  It's not an extremely long one and honestly, I think it's best to go into it with little information.  As I was reading, I have to admit, I didn't like any of the characters and the children confirmed my life-long decision to not procreate.  But man was I sure fascinated by all of them.  At times the book reads like a fever dream and some of the sardonic thoughts in Winifred's mind did make me chuckle.  I couldn't wait to see what happened next and devoured this book in two sittings.  I also have to add, this book is not for the faint of heart and the ending... What an ending! 

If you love Gothic horror and unhinged plots and characters, this is the book for you.  There is a twist in Victorian Psycho I didn't see coming but once it had been revealed, it made so much sense.  I definitely plan on going back and reading Feito's debut novel, Mrs. March.  Even days after finishing it, I find my thoughts going back to this book.  I need more from this author and can't wait to see what she comes up with next.

MY RATING: 5 PAWS

 

Wait, I Was Supposed to Watch for Reindeer???

 

TITLE: I Pitty the Yule

AUTHOR: Kathryn Mykel

PUBLISHER: Independently Published

PUBLISHING DATE: December 10, 2024

PAGES: 96   

SOURCE: Kindle Unlimited

FROM GOODREADS: A small-town sleuth must sift through sweet secrets and bitter rivalries to uncover the killer hiding in plain sight. With her one-eyed pit bull, Bruizer, Rena Mulberry dives paws first into the mysterious death of diva Delia Winters, strangled by holiday lights. 

The suspects—including her festive boyfriend—are piling up fast. Rena must untangle a web of secrets, bake-off drama, and zany townsfolk to catch the killer before her holiday spirit fizzles out forever. 

Can Rena crack the case, or will the truth remain tangled up?

MY THOUGHTS: This read was a carryover from the holiday season which I finished in early January.  I guess it's no surprise why I grabbed it, and while I am glad that I met Bruizer, overall, this book was just "meh."  

Rena is doing her best to avoid most holiday activities when town diva, Delia Winters, is murdered.  Rena's boyfriend becomes the prime suspect and I'm not sure why she thinks she is capable of finding the real culprit, she jumps right in and starts investigating.  Of course, this greatly upsets the town sheriff who is onto her every move and almost ends up getting herself arrested. However, instead of arresting her, he makes her participate in the holiday bake-off even though she is a horrible baker and isn't a huge fan of the holidays.

This book was cute but a bit weak plot-wise.  I should have guessed all along the murderer because once it is revealed, it is so obvious I wanted to smack myself.  Rena's pit bull Bruizer clearly steals the show in the book and since he goes everywhere with Rena, it's not hard for him to do.  I loved all of his sneaky antics, and I think anyone who loves animal sidekicks would as well. 

Overall, an okay Christmas read with a fabulous dog which made it bearable.  Oh, and the reindeer.  At the end of the book is a note from the author asking if the reader found all of the reindeer mentioned in the book.  No Ms. Mykel, I didn't.  I didn't know I was supposed to be looking and I'm afraid if I had known, it might have made the book even less enjoyable.  

MY RATING: 3 PAWS 

Feed Your TBR - The Mean Ones

 

Can't Wait Wednesday, which I have adapted to better suit my blog as "Feed Your TBR" 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.

September 1, 2025

FROM GOODREADS: So what if Sadie hears talking dead animals and a strange, comforting male voice in her head? The therapist insists these are just symptoms of PTSD. It makes sense considering that she hid under the bed and watched as her best friends were slaughtered.

But the murders were seventeen years ago, back when her name was Sabrina. Now, she’s Sadie: a perfectly normal 29-year-old. She works as a physical therapist assistant and lifts weights with her boyfriend, Lucas, who’s the sweetest, most considerate man—as long as he’s not angry. But when Lucas spontaneously agrees to join a couple's trip to a cabin in the woods, the visions get worse, a strange figure stalks her during the night, and that male voice in Sadie’s head keeps calling, asking her to do things she’s never fathomed.

Sadie’s not sure if it’s her paranoia or something else entirely . . . But she is sure of one thing—this time, she’s not going to sit idly by as everything starts to unravel.

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  I honestly wasn't going to feature another horror this week but when I saw this cover, that notion was sunk.  I need to know what dead animals Sadie hears in her head and I need to see something bad happen to Lucas.

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

2 Bloggers 1 Series - Dead Beat (Dresden Files #7)

 

I am happy to say I am stilling marching along reading the Dresden Files series.  Sometimes I end up leaving the book until the end of the month which means they run into the next month, but it is what it is.  I need to start them earlier.  But Dresden, as much as I love him, can be exhausting so once I finish a book, I usually need a few weeks before diving back in.  So read on for my thoughts about book seven and then hop over to Stormi's to see her thoughts.  

 

TITLE: Dead Beat (Dresden Files #7)

AUTHOR: Jim Butcher

PUBLISHER: Ace

PUBLISHING DATE: May 3, 2005

PAGES: 528   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: Meet Harry Dresden, Chicago's first (and only) Wizard P.I. Turns out the 'everyday' world is full of strange and magical things - and most of them don't play well with humans. 

That's where Harry comes in. Luckily, however, he's not alone. Although most people don't believe in magic, the Chicago P.D. has a Special Investigations department, headed by his good friend Karrin Murphy. They deal with the . . . stranger cases. It's down to Karrin that Harry sneaks into Graceland Cemetery to meet a vampire named Mavra. Mavra has evidence that would destroy Karrin's career, and her demands are simple. She wants the Word of Kemmler - and all the power that comes with it. But first, Harry's keen to know what he'd be handing over. Before long he's racing against time, and six necromancers, to get the Word. And to prevent a Halloween that would truly wake the dead. 

Magic - it can get a guy killed.

MY THOUGHTS: While I am really enjoying reading this series, I have to admit, I sometimes wonder how much more Harry can take (spoiler alert - apparently a lot as there are close to 20 books in the series to date). 

In this installment, necromancers have invaded Chicago and are trying to find an old book which will enable them to assume complete power over the city and wipe out tons of people in the process. In addition, the vampires are after Harry because they also want the book, and they are threatening to ruin Harry's friend and head of the Supernatural Investigative Unit, Murphy's life and career if he doesn't deliver.  Harry ends up enlisting one of the city's medical examiners, Butters, to assist him.  That is if he doesn't get him killed first.  

I loved seeing some familiar faces working with Harry to save the city.  Butters is quickly becoming a favorite and can I just say Mouse, Harry's dog, better never die.  I will simply not survive it. I wish Murphy had been in this one but she took off on vacation with someone I predicted would play into her future after the last book.  

I plan on reading the next book in January but need to start a bit early.  This one was a whopper and ended up running into February.  The only issue is these books exhaust me with everything Harry does and all the trouble he finds so I am needing a few weeks into between them.  I do need to get back on schedule instead of running behind.  I really can't wait to see what trouble finds Harry next!

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

Farm News - January 5, 2025

 

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season.  Things were very laid back and chill at The Farm and we had a lot of fun hanging out with each other and the boys.  We were all spoiled for Christmas, but the most important thing was that we were together.  We went back to work January 2nd and kept asking ourselves why we didn't just take Thursday and Friday off as well.  As I am typing this Saturday night, we are waiting to see how much snow is going to be dumped on us Sunday night into Monday.  Thank heavens I work from home 95% of the time.

Mr. Barb did grab me a few books for the holidays.  The two Prince books were always a bit too pricey for me to justify buying myself and I have always loved Cher. 

I also landed a few Netgalley ARCs I really wanted to get my hands on.  I'm so excited to read these!

Another Fine Mess (Bless Your Heart #2)

: Lindy Ryan

Victorian Psycho: Virginia Feito

The Cut: C.J. Dotson

The Buffalo Hunter Hunter: Stephen Graham Jones

We managed to watch a few movies while we were off and I really recommend the new one called "Werewolves" as well as the newest Venom movie, "The Last Dance." We also watched "Gladiator 2" which was good, but the original is still the best in my opinion. 

Finally, I am trying to reply to comments in 2025 as I really enjoy interacting with you guys and a lot of times when you leave comments, which I really enjoy, I usually have more to say.  Hopefully you'll enjoy hearing back from me.

Stay warm and safe if you are in the path of storms this coming week and I hope you all have a happy and healthy 2025!