Ash Dark as Night

Ash Dark as Night is a novel featuring photographer and PI Harry Ingram, written by Gary Phillips. Released 2nd April 2024 by Soho Press on their Soho Crime imprint, it's 241 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback due out late 2nd quarter 2025 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links throughout. 

This is a very well written gritty PI mystery set in LA in 1965. Harry captures undeniable proof of routine police brutality against the backdrop of the LA race riots which puts a target on his, Harry's back. Trying to get the proof published in the papers is a daunting nail-biting effort, aided by Harry's gutsy and brave girlfriend.

The book's prose is redolent of the time period and the dialogue is smart and whip-sharp. The cynicism from the main characters is palpable (and expected, given the overt deadly casual racism and economic injustice of the time). 

The mystery is well written and leads to a satisfying (if bitter) denouement and resolution. The author has woven his story around a framework of real life history so skillfully that it's not always clear where history shades into fiction. It's not at all derivative, but the style and story will suit fans of Walter Mosley, Robert Crais, and James Ellroy.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 20 minutes and is capably read by Leon Nixon. He has a well modulated, warm, rumbly baritone and handles the rapid dialogue without fumbles. He delineates the varied characters of both sexes and a range of socioeconomic classes and ethnicities clearly and without confusing the listener.

Four stars. It should be on the acquisitions lists for most public libraries, and would make a good choice for fans of historical PI noir.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying - Dark Lord Davi #1

How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying is the first book in a new fantasy series by Django Wexler. Released 21st May 2024 by Hachette on their Orbit imprint, it's 432 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. 

This is a funny fantasy full of completely bonkers over the top tropes and silliness. There's a "groundhog day" element where MC Davi keeps getting resurrected to save the universe, only to fail spectacularly (fatally), over and over and over for 1000+ years. She decides to turn the tables and -become- the dark lord instead of trying to fight him. So far so good. 

It's funny, and cleverly written, with whiplash prose and it's full of wry and sarcastic humor. However... it really reads like a female MC *clearly* written by a guy who honestly doesn't have much of a clue what women think, how women think, and doesn't give a crap about trying to find out. She's oversexed, and the book is *full* of sexual sadomasochistic torture, graphic death and violence. For some readers, this will be a feature, not a bug, and honestly, it's written for them.

It's deeply misogynistic (unintentionally?), easily the most violent read of 2024, and unevenly paced. The language and humor are roughly Deadpool-level (not the plot, just the humor and language), and this one is juvenile, raunchy, and intentionally vulgar. 

Three and a half stars. It will find its audience, and will either delight or disgust (or both). It will certainly be picked up for most public library collections, but probably won't be a good fit for school library acquisitions. It would potentially make a good choice for a buddy read (with the right reading buddy). 

There are flashes of homage to John Norman's hysterically awful Gor books scattered throughout, and for those who remember them fondly, this is a worthy torch bearer. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

 

The Phoenix Bride

The Phoenix Bride is a beautifully written standalone historical novel by Natasha Siegel. Released 12th March 2024 by Penguin Random House on their Dell imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

By turns haunting and poignant, it's less of a romance (though there are elements of forbidden romance, with a slow progression), than a deep examination of healing and grief, set against the great London fire and in the wake of the plague. 

The prose is beautifully wrought and is definitely the best part of the book. There's a poetic, dreamlike quality, which comes through even in the most distressing parts (and there are dark and distressing elements - violence, death of a spouse, racism, rigid class systems, and lots of general death). 

The overall story arc is positive and full of redemption, but there's a -lot- of melancholy and sadness along the way. Not a very "up" book.

Four stars, gorgeously written with lush and melodic prose, but darned depressing in places. It would likely make a good choice for book club study, public library acquisition, and home reading. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

The Mask of Merryvale Manor

The Mask of Merryvale Manor is an atmospheric, often creepy, psychological historical murder mystery by Pete Sherlock. Released 25th June 2024 by Fairlight Books, it's 320 pages and is available in paperback and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

A coming of age story set in the early 1960s, MC Ben comes to his aunt and uncle after the death of his mother. Having grown up in modest means, he's entirely unprepared for the indolence and opulence of the family, and is by turns fascinated and horrified by his cousins' attitudes of privilege and lack of compassion.

There are elements of gothic horror (a macabre mask positively *looming* throughout the story), bits of psychological thriller, standard English country house murder mystery, cold case disappearance, as well as being impressively redolent of the early 60s. Despite being a real mish-mash of genres, it manages to straddle them quite well and develops into a shocking denouement. There's not much resolution included here and it stops on a dime (quite effectively). 

It's not at all derivative, but there are flashes of Shirley Jackson and Susan Hill. 

For sensitive readers, there are mentions of casual sexual harassment, animal abuse (not graphic, just mentioned in context), political corruption, and war/PTSD. 

Four stars. Well worth a look.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

 

The City of Stardust

The City of Stardust is a very well written atmospheric fantasy adventure and the first book in a series by Georgia Summers. Released 30th Jan 2024 by Hachette on their Redhook imprint, it's 352 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.Paperback format due out in 1st quarter 2025 from the same publisher.

Told in alternate 3rd person PoV, the prose is the high point of the read. The main female protagonist is by turns extremely (annoyingly) naive and perpetually innocent which wears on the reader after a while. The book is light on world building as well, and it's not always clear when scenes/characters have shifted, yanking readers out of the story. There is also surprisingly little character depth or development, honestly. 

It -reads- like a book of twice the page length, surprisingly, and the pacing is uneven, but the prose is elegantly wrought throughout. It's also bleak, bloody, and violent in places. Not a cozy read. 

It's not derivative (at all), but fans of Laini Taylor and Leigh Bardugo will likely enjoy this one as well.

Three and a half stars (mostly for the odd/draggy pacing and superficial world building). 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Burgers & Bacon Cookbook: Over 250 World's Best Burger, Sauces, Relishes, & Bun Recipes

Burgers & Bacon Cookbook is a nice "everyday fancy" compilation of burger recipes, sauces, condiments, and tips collected and curated by the World Food Championships team. Released 4th June 2024 by Fox Chapel, it's 189 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, and ebook formats. 

It's a niche cookbook but includes a number of -really- versatile high quality sauces and condiments. Surprisingly, for a burger and bacon cookbook, there are a fair number of meatless vegetarian/vegan friendly recipes included. It's not one -aimed- at the meatfree crowd, but neither will they feel excluded.

The standout really is the versatility. These are specific presentations from competition and cook-off winning chefs, but they can easily be mixed and matched in infinite variety.

Recipes are written with an introduction and background info, ingredients in a bullet list, and step by step prep directions. Ingredient measures are given in imperial (American) units, no metric equivalents. Most items will be easily sourced at any large grocery store in North America, some will require a more specialist/international store, or ordering online.

The high point of the book is the photography. The food is well styled and professionally plated, and the book is *full* of competition photos which are fun and fascinating to look at.

Four and a half stars. It would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, or gift giving to a bacon/burger loving friend. There are some recipes included which would also make excellent gifts (Bacon Peppermint Jam for example which is incredibly tasty and versatile). 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Murder Most Owl - Magical Menagerie Mystery #1

Murder Most Owl is the first book in a new light paranormal cozy mystery series by Sarah Fox. Released 2nd April 2024 by Severn House, it's 224 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in Dec 2024 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This is a very light easy to read cozy romance mystery with significant paranormal elements. There are tie-ins to a long ago unsolved cold case, a current poisoning murder, and lots of animals on MC Georgie's aunt's animal sanctuary (which naturally comes equipped with a handsome mysterious ranch hand as a love interest). 

It's written in first person PoV which is challenging, and there's quite a lot of "telling" instead of "showing" in the writing, but altogether, it's diverting, very light, easy to read, and fun. The language is squeaky clean with one tiny exception) and the violence mostly occurs off the page. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours 54 minutes and is capably read by Hallie Bee Bard. She has a well modulated, slightly breathy alto, and for this read, a sort of generic midwest American accent. There are some points where the more rapid dialogue exchanges get a bit confused as far as character delineation goes, but it's not egregious, and it is easy enough to tell them apart that it never becomes confusing. 

Three and a half stars. It's a promising start to a new paranormal/magical realism mystery series. There is a strong element of insta-love between the MC and another character, but as long as that's not a deal-breaker, it's a fun read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Heart of the Hive: Inside the Mind of the Honey Bee and the Incredible Life Force of the Colony

Heart of the Hive is an interesting and well written monograph on honeybee anatomy, social structure, and by apiarist Hilary Kearney. Due out 3rd Sept 2024 from Hachette on their Storey imprint, it's 200 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. 

This is an all-ages, accessible, thorough and up-to-date look at everything bee related. It is slanted heavily towards honeybees (Apis mellifera) but other bee species do get mentions here and there. The bulk of the book is however dedicated to the phenomenally cool honeybee and how they impact our world and how humans interact with them.

The author's an experienced beekeeper and educator who conducts workshops and educational resources, training other beekeepers and new beekeepers how to succeed with their own colonies, and it shines through in the text. Her voice is encouraging, casual, and so enthusiastic and upbeat. It's clear she really loves bees and wants everyone else to love them too.

The book's information is logically arranged: basic introduction including a little nomenclature (not much of that), how bee societies are arranged and what the working parts include, lifecycle, necessary environmental resources (what bees like/need to succeed), anatomy, bee senses, communication, queens and their life cycles, what they *don't* like (and as far as we know *why*), and a general catch all chapter with bee factoids and characteristics.

It's not an academically rigorous book, there are no annotations, and the language is easily accessible. The author/publisher have included an abbreviated bibliography with chapter links, and those resources will provide readers with many more hours of reading.

The book is beautifully photographed in color throughout. Eric Tourneret's macro photography is incredibly detailed and clear, and is a definite highlight of the book. 

This is not a how-to manual. It won't teach readers how to successfully keep bees. It is however a good starting point for general learning.

Five stars. It would make an excellent choice for public or school library, home use, smallholder, gardening / allotment /community garden groups, 4-H, extension agency, etc.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Day Tripper

 

The Day Tripper is an inventive time-slip novel by James Goodhand. Released 19th March 2024 by HarperCollins on their Harlequin Trade/Mira imprint, it's 368 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out from the same publisher in late 1st quarter 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

This is a well written time travel magical realism story with flashes of science fiction, which has accessible prose and a poignant plot. A traumatic injury sees MC Alex, whose life had been in an upward trajectory, slipping in and out of his life with the days completely out of order with no knowledge of what happened, or how he got there. It's an intriguing idea, but gets in its own way fairly often throughout. The pacing is deliberate, sometimes a bit ponderous, and the first few chapters will require a significant good faith effort on the reader's part. It does pay off, eventually.

It's not precisely derivative (not actionably anyhow), but fans of Montimore's Oona Out of Order will find parallels to that one here, as well. There are also some vibes from Haig's The Midnight Library. 

The unabridged audio format has a run time of 11 hours 14 minutes and is capably narrated by James Meunier. He has a classically trained, smooth, well modulated voice and handles the disparate voices of a range of ages and both sexes very well. Sound and production quality is high throughout the read.

Three and a half stars. Well written, undeniably competently so. Some pacing and setup issues in the first 20% of the book, and there's surprisingly little actual effort expended on world building, but the bones of a very good story, well told. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

The Garlic Companion: Recipes, Crafts, Preservation Techniques, and Simple Ways to Grow Your Own

The Garlic Companion is a well written and curated monograph on humble but wonderful garlic written by 5th generation farmer Kristin Graves. Due out 17th Sept 2024 from Storey, it's 224 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats. 

This is an all-in-one collection about garlic, from culture and properties, to using/showcasing the bulbs in food and crafts. The author is knowledgeable and writes well. The information is organized logically and is accessible and understandable. The introductory chapter contains botanical, historical, and pharmacological info (it's one of the most ancient agricultural products known to mankind and has been used as an ingredient in food and medicines since Neolithic times). 

The following chapters are arranged logically: recipes for food, crafts, culturing garlic for the home gardener/DIY, and finally pickling & preserving. 

Recipes contain an introduction and description, ingredients in a bullet list, followed by step-by-step cooking and prep. Ingredient measures are given in imperial (American) units with metric measurements in parentheses (yay!). Recipe ingredients are mostly easily sourced and will be available in any well stocked grocer or farmers' market in North America. 

The crafts range the gamut from utterly practical (how to make a garlic braid) to a bit frou-frou but still on the good side of fun and quirky (a garlic harvest crown with wheat, flowers, and whole garlic bulbs). 

Each of the recipes and tutorials is accompanied by one or more color photos. The photos are clear and professionally styled. Serving suggestions are appealing and appropriate. 

Five stars. This would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, gardening groups/allotment garden groups, smallholders, and home use. Really the definitive up-to-date volume on garlic.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Come Shell or High Water - A Haunted Shell Shop Mystery #1

Come Shell or High Water is the first book in a new light paranormal cozy shopfront mystery series by Molly MacRae. Released 25th June 2024 by Kensingon on their cozy imprint, it's 304 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. 

The author is prolific and experienced especially with the genre. This is a nicely written, entertaining, and engaging series starter with a light paranormal twist set in the Outer Banks. The MC is a widowed folklorist and former malacologist (invertebrate snail/shell expert), hence the seashells. Arriving during hurricane season, she's trips over a body, almost gets drowned, and meets the ghost of a pirate. 

Being firmly cozy, there are eccentric and quirky characters aplenty. The book starts with a chaotic and crisis filled opening (MC Maureen is very nearly drowned), and an abundance of characters to start with, but for readers who bear with the chaos, it soon resolves into a fun and readable story. 

The unabridged audiobook format has a run time of 10 hours 26 minutes and is capably read by Callie Beaulieu. She has a well modulated alto voice and delineates the characters clearly, and manages to make the often rapid fire dialogue understandable in context. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

Four stars. It's a promising start to a new paranormal cozy series. It would be a good choice for public library acquisition, home use, or a buddy read. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Secrets Ever Green - The Everlight Series #1

Secrets Ever Green is a charming and well written coming of age YA romantasy and the first book in the Everlight series by Sara Knightly. Released 1st Feb 2024, it's 269 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. 

The characters are well defined, with an appealingly honest and stubborn orphan MC, the daughter of a renowned arborist (working with plants, trees specifically, and the magical systems of the world in which they live). Her focus has been to just qualify to continue her late father's work, but there are hidden forces drawing her along another more adventurous path. She has a loyal best friend (maybe more?), and classmates who are in awe of her father and by turns intimidated and/or jealous of her, though she's got an intractable case of imposter syndrome. 

Add in a catty antagonistic "mean-girl", some weirdly mysterious unexplained occurrences, a darkly shadowy plot, and stir well. The world building is superlative and the magic system well wrought and intriguing. 

Four stars. There's a second book in the series which released in June 2024. It would make a good binge/buddy read. 

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

NetGalley Reading Journal User Guide

The NetGalley Reading Journal User Guide contains a number of step-by-step tutorials for downloading and utilizing the Reading Journal and a general guide with tips to getting started with electronic journaling.

The folks at We Are Bookish have put together a journal, customizable pages, stickers, and more. This guide contains instructions for getting the most out of the journal and resources.

Graphically, it coordinates with the Reading Journal, and is a restful neutral palette of greens and beiges.

It is fairly simple, but readers should be comfortable with basic computer tasks, downloading apps, setting them up, importing files, and copying/customizing pages.

Additionally, depending on how much time readers wish to spend on journaling, it could come at a cost of valuable reading time (finding covers, copying them, tracking reading time, filling in charts, etc). All in all, however, it's a great resource for -using- the journal and getting the most out of figuring out how to set the journal up and how to use it for maximum effect.

Five stars. Kind of the We Are Bookish folks to provide support and tutorials to make book advocacy easier and more fun.

Mummy & Me: A Monster’s Tale

Mummy & Me: A Monster’s Tale is an adorable and funny children's book written and illustrated by Danesh Mohiuddin. Due out 27th Aug 2024 from Owlkids Books, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

Such a funny, quirky, well illustrated kids' book with themes of unconditional love, cooperation, and family (no matter whether we look like our parent(s) or not). There are good takeaways for all ages, though it's aimed at 3-6 year olds (Lexile AD470L). 

The illustrations are funny and dynamic with lots of little details that invite readers to spend a little extra time looking at the pictures.

It's a lovely book and is appropriate for all ages. The characters are monsters, but it's not scary at all. It would make a nice gift for any youngster, a good library or classroom book, and a superlative read-to-me book.

Five stars. Funny and positive. Some parts might be wishful thinking on the part of the adults in the room: "So on nights when Mummy is feeling a little undone... I will always be there, too.", but overall it's just a sweetly funny book full of warm feelings. There are some cute plays on words, for example the main character, a werewolf, is called Wee Wolf.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

The Full Moon Coffee Shop - 満月珈琲店の星詠み #1

 

The Full Moon Coffee Shop is the first book in a cozy fantasy series by Mai Mochizuki. Originally published in Japanese in 2020, this English language translation is due out 20th Aug 2024 from Penguin Random House on their Ballantine imprint It's 240 pages and will be available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

There's a vibrant sub-genre in Japanese food related cozy fantasy (Kamogawa Food Detectives, Tales from the Cafe, Days at the Morisaki Bookshop, Dallergut Department Store (which was Korean, but same basic genre), etc), and this one fits right in with the others. There's definitely a dreamlike, slightly trippy, aspect (the cafe is ephemeral and changes location depending on circumstances dictated by the patrons' needs, always on the full moon, oh, and it's staffed by giant anthropomorphic talking cats).  

The book has a dreamlike quality, and the cats wax poetic to their patrons about Japanese astrology (quite a lot) and philosophy, and music. It contains a fair bit of "woo-woo" pop psychology, but overall it's entertaining, full of whimsy, and fun with a serious bent. 

The prose is beautifully wrought and although slightly discursive and meandering, manages to make some good points about the meaning and trajectory of life, growing up, acceptance, and being truthful (and kind) to ourselves. The translation work, done by Jesse Kirkwood, is seamless and invisible. The text flows very well, and it doesn't read as though it's been translated (which has to be the goal).  

Four stars. Well written, professionally translated, and full of whimsy, it would make an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, and a challenging and enjoyable book club selection/buddy read.  

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes. 

Squirrel-ish

 

Squirrel-ish is a fun illustrated children's book in free verse written and illustrated by Bambi Edlund. Due out 17th Sept 2024 from Owlkids Books, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardcover format.

This is a wonderfully illustrated sweet story about accepting ourselves for who we are and not comparing ourselves to others (whose lives might seem easier and better but who have their own challenges we might not see). There are good takeaways for all ages, though it's aimed at 4-7 year olds (Lexile AD420L).

The illustrations are funny and quirky with lots of little details that add to the read.
It's a lovely book and is appropriate for all ages. It would make a nice gift for any youngster, a good library or classroom book, and a superlative read-to-me book.

Five stars. Funny and positive.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes

The Woman in the Garden - Professor Eustacia Rose Mystery #1

The Woman in the Garden is the first book in an intriguing mystery series by Jill Johnson. Released 16th July 2024 by Sourcebooks on their Poisoned Pen Press imprint, it's 336 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. The book's alternate title is Devil's Breath, with a similar date of release.  It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is a beautifully written book with often breathtaking prose. The author is wonderfully adept with description and setting, and the characters are at turns odd, toxic, quirky, and strange. The main character, a neurodivergent botanical toxicologist and former university lecturer, has a collection of rare poisonous plants and a quiet but regimented life. She's unwillingly drawn into investigation when her rooftop poison garden is vandalized and poisons from her plants are used to commit a murder. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 8 hours 18 minutes and is capably narrated by Rachel Capell. She has a warm, well rounded alto voice and does an amazing job with the disparate accents (Brazillian, RP English, London, regional), of a range of ages and both sexes. Much of the dialogue is rapid fire, and she changes character easily and well. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

There is a great deal of botanical information as a tie-in here, so horticulturalists will be especially engaged. The botanical info is precise and correct as written.

Four stars. The book would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, and gift-giving purposes, especially to gardening enthusiasts. It's not at all derivative, but there's a slight Alan Bradley vibe (MC Eustacia is so anachronistic that hearing her talk about cell phones is a shock), with a whiff of classic Christie poison; the prose is so precise, it's a thing of beauty.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Hearty: On Cooking, Eating, and Growing Food for Pleasure and Subsistence

Hearty is a well curated essay collection about food, food culture, and growing and eating food by andrea bennett. Due out 3rd Sept 2024 from ECW Press, it's 256 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. 

The author has a vital, restful, interesting voice and the ruminations from the book are well written and pleasant, occasionally profound, and engaging. From making lilac syrup to real conversations about what and how we prepare food, how we take care of our community, what interpersonal relations mean in a context of food and nourishment, and even the politics/philosophy of dietary restrictions and vegetarianism.

This is not in any meaningful way a recipe/cooking book. It's worth reading, but not for the recipes. It's not an academic treatise either, but it is well annotated, and the chapter notes are likely worth the price of the book just for the links for further reading. A few of the essays included in this collection were previously published in other forms in other publications. 

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 9 hours 21 minutes and is beautifully read by Panta Mosleh. She has a rich alto voice, very well modulated, and there's a contemplative, gentle cadence to the read which her voice suits very well. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

andrea bennett was not previously on the radar, but is certainly now one to for whom to keep an eye out. They write well and perceptively.

Four and a half stars. The book would be an excellent choice for public library acquisition, home use, smallholders, gardening groups, and gifting.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Nightmare in the Backyard - Eek! 2

Nightmare in the Backyard is a creepily atmospheric middle grade thriller by Jeff Strand. Released 6th Aug 2024 by Sourcebooks on their Young Readers imprint, it's 256 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout.

This is surprisingly creepy/scary. A backyard sleepover takes a terrifying turn when 3 girls are trapped with a bunch of scary tentacles surrounding their tent. It's action driven and moves along at a fast pace. There's nothing *too* graphic or scary, but it is definitely creepy. About the same level as R.L. Stine and Katherine Arden, this one is scary without being terrifying.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 3 hours 59 minutes and is well read by Stacy Gonzales. She has a bright, well modulated, neutral American accent, and does a good job with the characters and settings. Sound and production quality are high throughout the read.

Four stars. Definitely one for fans of middle grade fiction. It would be a great choice for public library acquisition, but might be too scary for school library collections.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series: Volume I: 1988-1993

Red Dwarf: Discovering the TV Series is an unauthorised but respectfully curated monograph on the hysterically funny classic Grant/Naylor SF series from the 80s and 90s put together by Tom Salinsky. Due out in the UK 30th Aug 2024 from Pen & Sword on their White Owl imprint, it's 192 pages and will be available in hardcover format. Book is due out outside the UK 30th Oct 2024. 

Red Dwarf (aka RD), is an absolutely iconic comedy show from the fevered imaginations of Doug Naylor and Rob Grant via the auspices of the BBC. Scratch virtually -any- SF nerd and you'll find memorised dialogue, often recited verbatim usually with accompanying tears of mirth. Even "hard" SF/classic fans are often huge RD fans. Additionally, the show was a vehicle for many (many!)  BBC stars including Frances Barber, Mark Williams, and Clare Grogan in addition to the central cast. 

This book does a good job of bringing back those memories. The author has assembled insider stories, reminiscences, continuity, influences, and a host of interesting trivia. There is an episode guide with a host of facts and data for each of them (and best gag/worst visual effect, in the author's opinion). For readers who have not seen absolutely all the episodes 500 times, there *are* spoilers, so fair warning.

Four and a half stars. This is the first volume of two volumes (the second grew out of the sheer overwhelming volume of *stuff* / resources, and stories and will be published in future). It's undeniably a niche choice, but would be great for public library acquisition, home use, or gifting (especially to trivia nerds and fans of the series). There was a huge amount of info here which was new (to me).

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.