Tad Bit Biased - But Still an Awesome Read

TITLE: The Soul Collector
AUTHOR: Laura Daleo
PUBLISHER: Story Bound Publishing
PUBLISHING DATE: August 28, 2019

FROM GOODREADS: 
As I lay trapped inside this quiet realm,
My soul adrift, my body earthbound
A magical book guards my flight, 
Will it keep me safe till morning's light? 

It begins with darkness. Are they dead, or trapped inside a horrible dream? No one can hear them, see them. Has the world forgotten them? Are they invisible? Not to the Soul Collector. They have stepped into her Kingdom, and she is waiting for them. 

MY THOUGHTS: So first let's get the review out of the way and then I'll share the backstory.  When The Soul Collector starts, the reader is thrown smack-dab into the middle of a boxing match.  However, it quickly turns South when Bayfield is knocked unconscious and taken to a local hospital when he gets emergency surgery.  There's only one little hitch - he doesn't understand why he is outside his body and watching all that is happening.  Bayfield soon learns that his soul has left his body when he is approached by a Mad-Hatter sort of guy and asked to sign a magical book which will allow him to live in a mansion with others and encourage his loved one to keep praying for his survival and not give up on him. Along the way Bayfield runs into Arielle who is also trapped in this limbo and they work together to figure out what is really going on.

This book really does have a magical/supernatural element to it that is done fantastically.  The mansion the "souls" enter is decked out and kind of put me in mind of a modern day Wonderland.  But while the supernatural element really appealed to me, what Daleo does even better is the relationships in the book.  Bayfield lost his parents as a young child and was raised by his Godfather/boxing coach.  This man is totally devoted to his Godson and what he goes through trying to pull Bayfield through the injury is such a testament to the bond they have.  On the other hand, Arielle doesn't have the best relationship with her father and that itself plays out on how she manages to pull though the situation.

And finally we have the "big baddie."  Drara is the "evil" entity that is behind the soul collection and the magical book.  However, she is not the black and white villain readers usually encounter.  Her character is pretty much morally grey.  I could tell you more but will say you just need to read the book.  But I will tell you I hated Drara, or as Bayfield and Arielle call her - Catwoman, when I started the book and actually liked her toward the end.

At under 200 pages, this is an ideal book to pick up for a quick read.  There isn't really insta-love as much as there is a relationship connection and bond so don't let how things play out between Bayfield and Arielle put you off.  This was a unique read and I think Laura is working on a horror novel now.  Personally I can't wait!

RATING: 4 PAWS

AND NOW FOR THE PART WHERE I CRIED......

So I've read a few of Laura's books before and enjoyed them.  She's always been great about contacting me when she has a new release.  A few months back she emailed me and told me The Soul Collector was coming out and asked if I'd be interested.  She also asked about Booker T and Cass.  So I sadly informed her about how tragically we lost Booker T but that we were still blogging in his memory.  She said when the book was done she would send me a copy in memory of Booker T.

Laura has sent me signed books in the past so when it arrived and didn't have a signature, I thought nothing of it.  Heck, we all get busy and things get past us.  I was just thrilled that people were still asking me about my poor dear boy.  So imagine my surprise when I sat down to read this book, opened it up, and saw this...

"In memory of Booker T.  Always loved, never forgotten, and forever in our hearts."

Words can't express how much this meant to Mr. Mike and myself and Laura, thank you for such a cherished gift.

ALL THE PAWS IN THE WORLD!!!

Can't Wait Wednesday (235)

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.

So the public has spoken - Cass is now a full-time contributor to Can't Wait Wednesday.  That means each week you'll see two books here. Of course Cass is already lobbying for an increase in salary (at least he works for treats - and bandanas).

FROM GOODREADS:  It’s time for Sylvan Creek’s annual “Chili for Dogs” charity event—and when Daphne Templeton-Black’s father, Ben, rolls into town with his food truck and his faithful mutt, it’s sure to spice up the Memorial Day weekend. But another kind of memorial is in the cards when Jack’s business partner downs some poisoned chili.

 

As if Daphne didn’t have enough family commitments helping her pregnant sister, now she has to figure out who had a beef with the victim and clear her father of murder. And as she peppers witnesses and suspects with questions, she’s worried that if she can’t get someone to spill the beans, her efforts won’t amount to a hill of beans . . .  

Includes recipes for homemade pet treats!

WHY I CAN'T WAIT:  This is the 6th book in this series and I'm actually current on it.  I love the town of Sylvan Creek so much with all it's quirky characters and awesome pets.  I mean, I could TOTALLY live in a pet-centric town. I've had this on my wishlist for a while but just saw the cover this week.

CASSIUS'S PICK:

SYNOPSIS:  When the Dogs are Away, the Trash Pandas Play!

Things are always odd and strange in Metamora, but when the proprietor of the curiosity shop, Odd and Strange Metamora, hosts a spring carnival showing off his collection of oddities, the day goes right in the garbage—or rather, out of the garbage when a raccoon overturns a trash can in the middle of town scattering human bones around the park.

When it’s discovered that the remains date back over a century, rumors start to run as rampant as the pack of furry bandits taking over the town at night.

Cameron Cripps Hayman thought she’d have a quiet week with her canine crew away at dog training, but her relaxation is short lived when another possible murder in town needs solving. With her team, the Metamora Action Agency, on the case, they’ll piece the mystery together bone-by-bone and lead-by-lead, and maybe even find a way to get rid of the trash pandas in the process!

WHY CASSIUS CAN'T WAIT:  You may remember a few months back I was invaded by Trash Pandas, but Mom called them raccoons.  I don't like the fact that the dogs are away at training in this one but I'll let it pass.

Also, I found on the computer that mom "preordered" this one.  I asked her what that meant and she said it's when you know something is coming you go ahead and buy it so when it's comes out, you automatically have it.  

"MOM, I'm preordering a puppy!"

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

TTT - Books That Have Fall Vibes

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

This week's topic is books that give off Fall vibes.  For me, that's kind of pretty much horror, but since Halloween is passed and I did plenty of spooky stuff, I'll try to not add too many from that genre.  I did decide to break it up though into two classifications.

BOOKS I'VE READ

I read this one last week and it pretty much is ALL Fall.  

Yes, this prequel to Practical Magic is about witches, but I read it in Fall and it does have a certain Fall vibe about it without being too eerie.

A lot of cozy mysteries scream Fall but this one does a lot more than others. It takes place around Halloween and even features a Halloween Pet Parade.

I think because it feature Lizzie Borden and because I read it in mid September a few years ago, I kind of associate this one with Fall.  

I suppose this one is pretty obvious huh?

BOOKS I WANT TO READ

I keep meaning to read this one and it seems to me it MUST be read during the Fall.

I meant to read this one THIS Fall...and also checked it out from the library LAST Fall.  Oh well, maybe someday.

I'm not really sure why this reminds me of Fall, but it does.

Must be the colors on this cover that makes me think of Fall.

Do I even need to say anything - witches???

I can't wait to see what everyone else comes up with this week.

Random Things Blog Tour - The Final Reckoning

TITLE: The Final Reckoning
AUTHOR: Margaret James
PUBLISHER: Ruby Fiction
PUBLISHING DATE: January 27, 2019

SYNOPSIS: Everyone in the small English town of Hartley Cross knew that Lindsay Ellis and Simon Dyer were inseparable. But their teenage love was cut short by a horrifying crime. Lindsay stumbled across the brutally murdered body of Simon's father, Louis. Traumatized by the experience--and by Simon's arrest--Lindsay left Hartley Cross and never looked back. Until now. 

With her mother's passing, it falls to Lindsay to plan the funeral and sort her mother's affairs. That means returning to Hartley Cross, and confronting the anguish that has haunted her for years. Many of Lindsay's old friends are still there. And so is Simon, who was eventually acquitted. After all these years, Lindsay's heart still jumps when she sees him. Perhaps there's hope for their spark to be rekindled. But not everyone is happy to have Lindsay back home. Because whoever killed Louis was never caught--and may be willing to strike again in order to keep it that way. 

MY THOUGHTS: After having a slower October, my November reads are really hitting it out of the park. I've come to realize I really like foreign thrillers, which is the case with The Final Reckoning.  Lindsey and Simon had the perfect teenage romance until it was cut short by the murder of Simon's father.  Simon was arrested and Lindsey moved on.  However, family circumstances brings Lindsey back to Hartley Cross.  Simon was eventually acquitted but Lindsey's return may just turn the cold case warm again.

This is the first book I've read by James but I thoroughly enjoyed it.  The characters were very compelling and the mystery kept me on my toes.  I found Lindsey to be a very likable character andr really wanted things to work out for her in the end.  This book does have a slower build up but that was fine with me because I enjoy those types of read.  I've also always been a huge fan of books that go back in time to reveal aspects of the story as the present day progresses.

I never would have guessed this was James' first foray into the thriller genre and I think she did a great job combining her experience with romance into this new endeavor.  I will definitely be looking for future works by her and I think any thriller lover, who doesn't mind a hint of romance, should consider picking this up.

RATING: 4 PAWS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: A pseudonym used by Pamela Bennetts.

Margaret James has been a member of the RNA for 22 years. She has written thirteen published novels, many short stories, and she also teaches creative writing for the London School of Journalism. Margaret's first novel was A Touch of Earth, a family saga set in Herefordshire where she was born and grew up, and her most recent is The Penny Bangle, set in Dorset and published by Robert Hale. But her personal favourite among her novels is Elegy for a Queen, published by Solidus, a small independent which has a varied and fascinating list. Margaret now lives in Devon, which she loves.

What's Happening (11-03-19)... Better Late Than Never!

So I'm doing things a tad bit differently this year and will be combining all of my regular weekend posts.  This will enable me to add more content on Fridays and it is just starting to make more sense.  I'll still be linking up with Stacking the Shelves at Tynga's Reviews and Sunday Post at Caffeinated Reviewer.  Both blogs are awesome so make sure you check them out.  

So I'm a tad late this week but wanted to get a post up.  I told several people I'd share some Halloween decorations and to be honest, I felt weird holding off a week.  

Friday Mr. Barb had to go to the ER from work.  He was having chest pains and had been all night.  Now we didn't believe they were a major concern because they weren't really in his chest area.  However, better safe than sorry and when they didn't let up, off we went.  Luckily it was just a reaction to a medication he had been prescribed.  I thought meds were supposed to make you feel better.  On top of that, my truck was in the shop getting a new idle arm and it was barely done before the shop was closed (they had a motor go out on one of their lifts).  Glad my truck wasn't the one stuck in the air.

Halloween has come and gone but our decorations will stay up for another week.  I refuse to let it end.  Here are a few of the promised pics. 

 Mr. Barb bought me the astronaut Snoopy this year and he does a Snoopy dance and then the dog plaque which says "I'll do tricks for treats" is new this year as well.

 Mr. Barb surprised me with this creepy doll a few weeks ago.  When you push a button her eyes glw and she says a creepy saying and then her arms move ripping her dolly in half.  The day of the dead dog is one of two I bought this year.

 This is our second mantle.  The boxer on the end is a permanent fixture of any design here.  Mr. Barb's coworker gifted it to him before she moved out of state.  It's an antique.  You can see the Booker T's bar sign in the background I had made for Mr. Mike a few years back.  

 Gotta love small painted pumpkins and they are everywhere around our hose.  The oval doorknocker rings when you push a button and a moving eye appears in the white dome.

 I bought Prince the Beanie Baby Bat last year and he usually sits in the Frankenstein candy holder.  

This is just some of the things we keep adding to each year.

I did actually manage to finish two books this weekend - yay me!  I don't know what I'm going to pick up next but I suspect it's a combination of these three:

And finally, here is Cassius's instagram post this week.  We took this on our Halloween evening walk.  He loves sporting his pumpkins - even if they are upside down!

Hope everyone had a great week!

Blog Tour - Violet

One of the things I love about participating in blog tours is that it sometimes gives me a chance to try out a book I otherwise might not know about or take a chance on.  I'm thrilled today to be taking place in a massive tour for S.J.I. Holliday's Violet, published by Orenda Books.

TITLE: Violet

AUTHOR: S.J.I. Holliday

PUBLISHER: Orenda Books

PUBLISHING DATE: November 14, 2019

SYNOPSIS: When two strangers end up sharing a cabin on the Trans-Siberian Express, an intense friendship develops, one that can only have one ending … a nerve-shattering psychological thriller from bestselling author SJI Holliday

Carrie's best friend has an accident and can no longer make the round-the-world trip they'd planned together, so Carrie decides to go it alone. 

Violet is also travelling alone, after splitting up with her boyfriend in Thailand. She is also desperate for a ticket on the Trans-Siberian Express, but there is nothing available. 

When the two women meet in a Beijing Hotel, Carrie makes the impulsive decision to invite Violet to take her best friend's place. 

Thrown together in a strange country, and the cramped cabin of the train, the women soon form a bond. But as the journey continues, through Mongolia and into Russia, things start to unravel – because one of these women is not who she claims to be… 

A tense and twisted psychological thriller about obsession, manipulation and toxic friendships, Violet also reminds us that there's a reason why mother told us not to talk to strangers... 

MY THOUGHTS: "You're crazy... No, you're crazy."  That could pretty much sum up Violet but thank heaven's this ride on the crazy train was suspenseful, exciting and a joy to read.

Normally I'm not a fan of unreliable narrators.  And let me tell you, Violet is full of unreliable people.  They're everywhere!  So Violet is trekking across the world.  She is fresh off a breakup with Sam, when she meets Carrie in a train station, awaiting a tour on the Trans-Siberian Express.  Violet doesn't have a ticket and is awaiting the ticket station opening when she runs into Carrie.  Carrie was supposed to be on the trip with her best friend, Laura.  However, Laura had an accident before leaving the US so Carrie gives Violet the extra ticket and then the fun begins.

The two gals hit several locations including Mongolia and Russia.  However, Violet becomes obsessed with Carrie and Carrie becomes obsessed with illegal substances. Along the way they meet some other interesting characters and lots of questionable things happen.  Let's just say for quite a bit of time I was questioning who exactly was hiding the most secrets.

Holliday does a wonderful job of pulling the reader into the book.  At times, I really felt like I was visiting the locations along with Violet and Carrie - but thank heavens I wasn't.  Violet was extremely engaging and at times, hard to put down.  And the ending!  Let's just say that although I pegged one minute aspect of the book , I never figured out the conclusion which was so very satisfying.  And I must add that Violet is a very scary individual - and Carrie might be as well.

So if you love thrillers, this is definitely one you should pick up.  I can see a lot of my blogging pals loving it and I'm doing it a favor by not comparing it to any other unreliable narrator books and letting it stand on its own.  It's well deserving of its own independent accolades.

Also, after finishing, I quickly looked for more books by this author and learned that I've had The Lingering on my wishlist for quite some time.  I immediately snagged a copy for my Kindle after finishing this one.  Definitely an author to watch!

RATING: 5 PAWS

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Susi (S.J.I.) Holliday grew up near Edinburgh and spent many years working in her family’s newsagent and pub before studying microbiology and statistics at university. She has worked as a statistician in the pharmaceutical industry for 20 years, but it was on a 6-month round-the-world-trip that she took with her husband several years ago that she rediscovered her passion for writing.

She has written 6 novels:
BLACK WOOD (2015)
WILLOW WALK (2016)
THE DAMSELFLY (2017)
THE DEATHS OF DECEMBER (2017)
                                            THE LINGERING (2018)
                                            VIOLET (2019)

You can find out more at www.sjiholliday.com, or on Twitter and Facebook @SJIHolliday.

Flame Tree Press Blog Tour - Slash

So I'm doing double duty today.  Not only am I thrilled to FINALLY be participating in a blog tour for one of my favorite horror novelists, but I also get to do so with my Buddy Reads Partner in Crime - Stormi.  We both were able to snag this blog tour and I couldn't have been more thrilled.  So read on and then visit Stormi over @  Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My!  And by the way, make sure you visit all of the participants listed above as the days go by.

TITLE: Slash

AUTHOR: Hunter Shea

PUBLISHER: Flame Tree Press

PUBLISHING DATE: October 24, 2019

FROM GOODREADS: Five years after Ashley King survived the infamous Resort Massacre, she’s found hanging in her basement by her fiancé, Todd Matthews. She left behind clues as to what really happened that night, clues that may reveal the identity of the killer the press has called The Wraith. With the help of his friends, Todd goes back to the crumbling Hayden Resort, a death-tinged ruin in the Catskills Mountains. What they find is a haunted history that’s been lying in wait for a fresh set of victims. The Wraith is back, and he’s nothing what they expected. 

MY THOUGHTS: Oh where do I began.  I had wonderful intentions of reading so many great horror books during the month of October but I read a couple that disappointed and honestly, it put me in a reading slump.  So many fellow bloggers knew this was on my TBR and hinted that this one would pull me out of it and that I would not be disappointed.  Now I have read numerous Shea books and as mentioned, he's one of my favorite authors, so I knew there was a good chance they were right.  Well guess what?  They were right.

So Slash starts off with Ashley and her fiance Todd.  Ashley and her friends were part of a huge massacre at the Hayden Resort five years ago and Ashley is the "final girl" meaning she is the only one that survived.  She lives the next five years of her life being idolized by many but also being in fear that the Wraith will find her and finish the job.  So early on, she kills herself (so not a spoiler folks).  Todd finds her and understandably has a hard time coping.  As part of the progress, he starts looking for clues Ashley left about everything that happened and he eventually starts putting the pieces together.   Todd decides to go to the Hayden Resort, which is set for demolition to see if he can find any more clues left from Ashley.  His friends decide to follow him.  But will they find the clues or will they find more than they bargained for?

This book was such a thrilling read.  Now I will admit the first 75 pages or so were slower paced but they were providing a lot of set-up and backstory.  Once the action started, it was hold on to your seat time.  Those who have read Shea know that he is not hesitant to kill off characters, and kill off he does.  He also puts a unique twist on the Wraith that I didn't initially see coming but was oh so pleased about where it was headed.  Some of the characters were likable and some not.  Some even straddled the line very precariously.  The ending was exciting and provided the reader with a conclusion that was digestible.  I can say the outcome for one of the characters wasn't what I really wanted, but I'll let it pass.

If you like slasher horror, blood, guts and carnage, then Slash is most definitely the book for you.  And it was the book for me because it actually "slashed" my reading slump (I know, I know).

RATING: 4.5 PAWS (but it may reflect as 4 on Goodreads because Goodreads sucks).

ANIMAL ABUSE TRIGGER WARNING:  NONE!  The is a cute rescue cat - who lives.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Hunter Shea is the product of a misspent childhood watching scary movies, reading forbidden books and wishing Bigfoot would walk past his house. He doesn’t just write about the paranormal – he actively seeks out the things
that scare the hell out of people and experiences them for
himself. He’s the author of over 25 books, including The Jersey Devil (Pinnacle) and We Are Always Watching (Sinister Grin). Hunter’s novels can even be found on display at the International Cryptozoology Museum. The Montauk Monster was named one of the best reads of the summer by Publishers Weekly. He was selected to be part of the launch of Samhain Publishing’s new horror line in 2011 alongside legendary author Ramsey Campbell. He’s an avid podcaster and can be heard and seen on Monster Men and Final Guys every week. Living with his crazy and supportive family and two cats, he’s happy to be close enough to New York City to see the
skyline without having to pay New York rent. You can follow his travails at www.huntershea.com.