“The Fact of a Body” by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich

“The Fact of a Body” by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich

Alexandria takes a job as a summer intern at a Louisiana law firm that defends murderers. When she sees a videotape of Ricky Langley’s confession she does not expect the maelstrom of personal memories and emotions that bombards her, or the journey that she will embark on as a result. In this book the author tells us the story of Ricky Langley side-by-side with her own story. Both of these stories are moving and compelling, addressing the complexity of family relationships and how they shape who we are.

I found this book really easy and enjoyable to read even though the subject matter is at times very dark. The author spent years researching the Ricky Langley case and has put together a very thorough presentation of his story. At the same time, she has opened herself up in a heart-wrenching way in order to relate her own story. The story is well-written and moves seamlessly between the two narratives. This is a great biography/memoir/true crime story.

Alinefromabook’s rating: 4-star-rating  4 stars!!

Happy Reading!

On Amazon   |   On Goodreads

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Weekly Round-Up 8/20/2017

Well, this week didn’t go as planned. The process of getting ready to go back to school just seemed to take over my week and I didn’t get nearly as much reading done as I had hoped, nor did I do as many narrations as I wanted to. So, I start work again tomorrow and it will probably take me a couple of weeks to figure out what I can realistically accomplish each week. I apologize if you all have been missing me this week. Let’s check my status.

TBR – I did not add any books this week. But in the interests of full disclosure, I have at least 3 requests in at NetGalley. I finished 2 books this week and the current total is 274.

NetGalley Score – Currently sitting at 82% but if those requests come thru, I’m doomed.

Goodreads – I am still on track but barely…

Coming Up – So this is what’s coming but I’m making no guarantees as to when at this point. Review of “The Fact of a Body” by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich, hopefully up tomorrow. The Fact of a Body I am currently reading “A Perfect Obsession” by Heather Graham. A Perfect Obsession So that’s it for today guys. Assuming I survive my first week back I check back in with you next week.

Happy Reading!

 

The Snow Queen Second Story – Journeys Through Bookland

The Snow Queen Second Story – Journeys Through Bookland

Today we have the Second Story from The Snow Queen collection. In this one we meet Kay and Gerda, and the Snow Queen is introduced for the first time. Runtime is about 11:30.

Happy Listening!

“The Spring Cleaning Murders” by Dorothy Cannell

“The Spring Cleaning Murders” by Dorothy Cannell

Who would have thought that the time honored tradition of Spring Cleaning could end up in murder? Well, that’s exactly what’s happening in the quiet little community of Chitterton Fells. Ellie Haskell finds herself right in the middle of the mystery when she finds her new cleaner, Mrs. Large, dead in the study at the home of the Miller sisters. At the same time, her long time cleaner Mrs. Malloy has left town to care for her new grandchild, leaving Ellie at loose ends just as she is starting her spring cleaning. Then protestors show up at her husband’s restaurant and Jonas’s health seems to be declining. Adding to the confusion are her 3-year old twins, Tam and Abbey, who are very busy indeed. Will Ellie and the members of the C.F.C.W.A. be able to figure out who is killing off the cleaning women?

This is such a fun cozy mystery. The author has created a charming community, full of all kinds of characters. Ellie and Ben are a delightful married couple and the twins are adorable, if a little nerve-wracking at times. The story line had a lot of twists and turns and really kept me guessing. I really enjoyed how the author didn’t just tell the story of the mystery but also told the story of the daily lives of Ellie and Ben. I found that the book overall had a bit of a literary fiction feel because of this. This is the 7th book in the Ellie Haskell mysteries and I will definitely be keeping my eyes out for future installments. Pure delight is to be had here!

Alinefromabook’s rating: 5-star-rating  5 stars!!

Happy Reading!

On Amazon   |   On Goodreads

“If the Creek Don’t Rise” by Leah Weiss

“If the Creek Don’t Rise” by Leah Weiss

Genre: General Fiction

A moving story of poverty and desperation! Sadie Blue lives in Baines Creek, NC, a small town deep in the Appalachian Mountains. Baines Creek is full of secrets. Sadie is married to Roy Tupkin who takes pleasure in beating her up, but violence has always been a part of Sadie’s life. This story is told by several members of the community who each gradually reveal the town’s secrets. In a place where people depend so much on each other for survival, betrayal runs deep.

I was completely captivated by this story. The characters are carefully crafted and they develop in the reader’s mind as the story grows. I thought that the author’s choice to tell the story through the eyes of different members of the community, each revealing their part, was very clever and engaging. This story is dark at times but it captures well the life of the residents. This is a beautiful debut novel and I highly recommend it.

Alinefromabook’s rating:  5-star-rating  5 stars!!

Happy Reading!

On Amazon   |   On Goodreads

Weekly Round-Up 8/13/2017

Happy Sunday everyone! It’s a rainy one at my house so I should have lots of time for reading today. I’ve got 8 days left of my summer vacation and I’ll be squeezing in as many books as I can. Let’s check the numbers:

TBR – I added 3 books this week and I finished reading 2, which leaves the TBR at 276 again.

NetGalley – My score got a bump up to 81%.

Goodreads – As of this morning, I am 1 book behind schedule but I anticipate finishing a book today so am I really behind?

Coming Up – I’m still working my way through the audiobook version of “The Muse” by Jessie Burton. (Amazon link) The Muse

Today I’m reading “The Spring Cleaning Murders” by Dorothy Cannell and hope to get my review up tomorrow – fingers crossed. (Amazon Link) The Spring Cleaning Murders

On Friday, I hope to post my review of “The Fact of a Body” by Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich. (Amazon Link) The Fact of a Body

That’s all I’ve got for these week, guys. I hope you have a great week!

Happy Reading!

The Snow Queen, First Story – Journeys Through Bookland

The Snow Queen, First Story – Journeys Through Bookland

The Snow Queen is written by Hans Christian Andersen and is a collection of seven short vignettes. This recording is subtitled The First Story and is only about 3 minutes long. I will posting each vignette separately over the next couple of weeks.

Happy Listening!

“The Silent Corner” by Dean Koontz

“The Silent Corner” by Dean Koontz

Jane is on a quest but it’s getting her in big trouble. After her husband’s apparent suicide, Jane is convinced that he was murdered and she begins to research suicides throughout the country. What she learns is that the suicide rate is on the rise and many were people who had no risk of being suicidal. Jane suspects there is a mind-control conspiracy behind all this and when someone enters her home and threatens her 5 year-old son she is convinced that someone with massive resources is trying to silence her. Her search for answers will take her across the country and force her to do things she would never have thought possible. Her FBI career and her life are under threat but Jane is determined to find answers and justice.

This book is thrilling and creepy and scary and just a delicious read. I immediately connected with Jane and was completely swept up in her mission. I really liked how the author was able to add so much depth to her character. She is not just one thing. In this story she is and FBI agent, but she is also a mother, and a concerned citizen. Her ability is balance all the aspects of her life, while at the same time being chased by assassins is remarkable. Of course, I would expect nothing less than a complex character from this author. Along the journey, Jane gets help from a whole cast of other characters, among whom the good guys are as good as the bad guys are bad. This is also one of those books that will make you pause for a moment and consider how close we are to having the type of technology described and whether or not we really want it. This is a big book but it’s worth every minute. There is never a dull moment.

Alinefromabook’s rating: 5-star-rating  5 stars!!

Happy Reading!

On Amazon   |   On Goodreads