Selected Stories: Science Fiction, volume 2

Selected Stories: Science Fiction, volume 2 is a new collection of short fiction from prolific SF author Kevin J. Anderson. I was mostly familiar with Anderson's work through tie-in franchise novels in the X-Files, Star Wars, and the Dune universes (the last of these co-authored with Brian Herbert).  Released 29th Jan 2019 from Wordfire, it's 344 pages and available in hardback, paperback, and ebook formats.

There are a broad range of stories here in short to medium lengths. All 16 of the included stories are introduced by the author. (I love these introductions!). I really enjoy the glimpses into the background of the varied processes which go into writing, and these are enticing.

All of the included stories save one (“Show Me Some Skin”) have previous publication history over the last 3 decades. They're all very well written and enjoyable. I especially loved Prevenge, a time travel murder mystery. 

Four stars trending toward 5 stars. Especially for lovers of short fiction collections, there are real gems here.

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

The Stranger Diaries

The Stranger Diaries is a mystery thriller with Gothic horror overtones by Elly Griffiths. Released 5th March 2019 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, it's 338 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audio formats.

The author is quite astonishingly adept. It's not at all -easy- to get a jump-scare in a book and this one literally raised goosebumps several times for me.  I have adored the gentle humor and intelligence of her Ruth Galloway series for years, but this standalone captivated me completely.  I love the book-within-a-book device and this one is crammed full of delightful references for further reading. The alternating narrative PoVs were handled very well and weren't confusing or disorienting.

The plot is super twisty and the narrative tension is ratcheted up masterfully. I had several picks throughout the book for 'whodunnit' (my picks kept getting bumped off, as in the best murder mysteries). The denouement was satisfying and the bonus mystery of Mariana was wonderful.

This is one of my best and most enjoyable reads this year. (And I've read and reviewed almost 300 books in the first 6 months of 2019, so it's a pretty broad field).

Five stars. Wonderful author, wonderful book, very well written.

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

The Cost of Living

The Cost of Living is an urban fantasy/horror novella by Emilie Lucadamo and the second book in the In The Darkness series. Released 25th Feb 2019 by Ninestar, it's 171 pages and available in ebook and paperback formats.

This was a difficult book to review since it seems to be full of contradictions. The characterizations are flat and mostly two dimensional. The dialogue is often clunky and the character motivations are illogical and contradictory. The writing itself is extremely variable with flashes of real brilliance side by side with rough narrative which feels unpolished and would likely be improved by ruthless editing.  The romance is tacked on (lots of smoldering looks and sub-vocal lust going on but not much else) along with dialogue driven drama which left me wanting to smack the characters involved with a big stick.  However... however.... 

This is a heck of a premise. The world building is -good- with magic, necromancy, shadow corporations and evil guys, demon possession, white magic wielders, and cookies. The author is quite young and shows an amazing amount of promise. I am impressed that this is her second book (and being 100% honest here, there are -super- well known urban fantasists who have fabulously successful careers at this point whose journeyman efforts weren't as good as this book). Definitely an up and coming author to watch for.

Even though this is ostensibly the second book in this world, it works perfectly well as a standalone. It will likely appeal more to the YA/NA crowd. The language is about par for the paranormal urban fantasy genre (that is to say, lots of snark and 'f'-bombs') . There is a graphic scene of domestic violence between a BF/GF (but he was possessed at the time, if that makes it better(?)).

Three and a half stars, rounded up for the undeniably good world building and creativity.

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

Argyle Fox

Argyle Fox is a beautifully illustrated, gently told children's story by Marie Letourneau. Released March 2017 by Tanglewood, it's 32 pages and available in ebook and hardback formats.

Aimed at younger readers (3-7 years old) this would be a wonderful read-along or read-to-me selection. There's a great range of potential for character voices and sound effects if you're reading this to your young ones.

Argyle Fox is a youngster whose outdoor playtime keeps getting interrupted by the wind. It blows down his card tower, messes up his yarn spider web, blows his pirate hat away, and wrecks his castle. When Argyle's mother encourages him to think creatively, he finds a solution that he can be happy with. 

This book does a wonderful job of showing that challenges can be opportunities for learning and advancement and it does so without being strident or preachy.  It's a lovely message of perseverance and innovation.

I really enjoyed this little book.  The illustrations are beautifully done and are full of small subtle details that would enhance a co-op read through with a youngster.

Five stars.  Adorable!

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

Drawing: Trees with William F. Powell

Drawing: Trees with William F. Powell is a tutorial art guide aimed at advanced beginners or intermediate artists for drawing trees alone and in landscape. Released 7th May 2019 by Quarto on their Walter Foster imprint, it's 40 pages and available in ebook and paperback formats.

A short general introduction (10%) covers tools and materials including pencils, paper, blending tools, etc. The intro is followed by a group of non-specific tutorials on graphite techniques, shading, light, shapes, tonal values, texture, and perspective. The following tutorial chapters are specific for different parts of trees, such as general shapes, foliage, root and growth patterns, etc. The tutorials move on with full species specific studies.

It's worth noting that the ebook version of the eARC includes a very handy interactive table of contents. I really liked that. Each of the tutorials include 4-6 steps start to finish.

I like these tutorial booklets, they're inexpensive and full of useful info for artists looking for improvement in their own work. Whilst not a beginner specific book, there are lessons to be had here for artists of all levels.

Five stars - for what it covers and for a very short tutorial guide, it does the job admirably well.

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

Life's Journeys According to Mister Rogers

Life's Journeys According to Mister Rogers is a new book of quotes by Mister Rogers.  Originally published in 2005, this reformat and re-release from Hatchette is due out 3rd Sept 2019. It's 176 pages and will be available in hardback or ebook formats.

This is a nicely curated book of affirmational quotes from Fred Rogers. They are loosely gathered into broad categories: who we are, about being loved, life-directions, etc. It's a short book with a quote or poetry or observation on each page. Mr. Rogers was (and is) such an icon and ideal. He made the world a better place. I really enjoyed reading these quotes. They are certainly inspirational, but some of them are truly profound.

Five stars, beautifully presented and uplifting.

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

His Hand In the Storm

His Hand In the Storm is the first book in the Inspector Gray thriller/mystery series by Ritu Sethi. Released 22nd Dec 2018, it's 208 pages and available in ebook and paperback formats.

This is a mystery thriller set in Montreal. The main character is flawed (but handsome and irresistible to women) and working with a team in a major crimes unit. The plot is twisty and unpredictable.
There's a fair bit of rough language and graphic violence (the book starts with the discovery of a hanged corpse whose face has been eaten away by acid and the body count keeps rising from there). There's also off-scene sexual content (but nothing racy, rather the opposite). The author is quite adept with descriptive narration and dialogue. It's a very readable book, but I found it melancholy and never really developed a rapport with the main characters.

Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. This title is available in the KU subscription along with the second book in the series.

Three and a half stars, rounded up because of the quality of the writing. I would definitely recommend this book for readers who enjoy modern thriller/procedural mysteries.

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

Farm DIY

Farm DIY is a tutorial and inspiration guide for 20 DIY projects aimed at the homestead or farm. Due out 9th July 2019 from Fox Chapel, it's 192 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats.

Part of being a homesteader is self reliance. A big part of self reliance is being able to fix equipment and streamline production. There's a real sense of satisfaction in being able to identify a problem and find a workable solution. This book provides tutorials for 20 different useful projects with the additional bonus of being fun to make.

The introductory sections include how to use the book, a short sidebar with metric conversions, tools and safety consideration. The tutorials cover a range of projects, 4 for apiarists (bee-people), a couple for goats, 11 general around-the-farm projects, a couple for rabbits or other small animals, and a basic cheesemaking tutorial.

Each of the tutorials includes a materials and tools list. The step by step instructions are well supported by lots of good construction photographs and the instructions are clear and understandable. There are a range of projects from very simple (making cottage cheese and a rabbit nest box) to quite complex (building a frame built beehouse/shed). The projects have the complexity levels listed along with time requirements which seem to be realistic.

The beekeeping and goat related projects appealed to me especially, but there's something here for pretty much everyone, including suburban folks who would like to increase their self reliance.

Four stars. Useful and fun.

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

Many Ways to Say I Love You: Wisdom for Parents and Children from Mister Rogers

Many Ways to Say I Love You is a devotional book with quotes and sayings from Mister Rogers. Originally published in 2006, this reformatting and re-release from Hatchette is due out 3rd Sept 2019. It's 192 pages and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.

Every page of this simple book brings another gentle observational quote from Mister Rogers. With so much divisiveness and hatred in the world currently, it's wonderful to be able to read a few of these quotes from Mister Rogers and just breathe. He was a wonderful accepting forgiving genuinely good man and this book reflects those values.

I really enjoyed re-reading this wonderful book and I'm glad to see it back in print for a new audience. His voice is sorely missed.

There are no extra illustrations with the simple texts. The book does include a short biography of Mister Rogers at the end as well as a short foreword from his wife, Joanne, at the beginning.

Five stars.

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

Think Smart, Be Fearless

Think Smart, Be Fearless is a biography of Bill Gates aimed at younger readers. Written by Sharon Mentyka and illustrated by Vivien Mildenberger, it's 48 pages. Due out 15th Oct 2019 from Sasquatch on their Little Bigfoot imprint, it'll be available in hardcover format.

I enjoyed the whimsical illustrations. So much of Bill Gates' public persona and recognition is tied up in his adult life with Microsoft and I'd always seen him as a very intense and intimidating person. These illustrations of his youth and early adulthood are sweetly naive and accessible. For such a short book, there is a surprising amount of detail.

20% of the content is used on Bill & Melinda Gates' foundation and charitable works and their admirable work with disadvantaged people (especially children) around the world. It's refreshing to see people in positions of great wealth and power giving back to make the world a better place for everyone. There's also a glossary and illustrated timeline included at the back of the book.

Well written and beautifully illustrated. This would make a superlative library book selection or gift for a young reader.

Four stars.

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

You Are Home with Me

You Are Home with Me is a beautifully illustrated read-to-me children's book aimed at the youngest children up through 7(ish) years. Due out 12th Nov 2019 from Sasquatch on their Little Bigfoot imprint, it's 32 pages and will be available in hardback format. Written by Sarah Asper-Smith and illustrated by her husband Mitchell Watley, it's a sweet exploration of 15 different wild animal families and where they live with their babies.

The illustrations show the animal families with a short easy to read description of their homes and how they live. Each of the pictures also includes a short sentence with an interesting fact about their behavior or anatomy. The pictures support the message beautifully.

This would make a superlative library/reading circle, classroom, or bedtime read. It should be noted that the text is specifically written more toward a caretaker talking to their children, but it would still make a lovely group read for classroom or library use.

Beautifully executed work. I received an early eARC of this book for review purposes and fully intend to buy several gift copies of my own for friends' children.

Five stars.

The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens

The Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens is a tutorial guide for new/potential flock owners by Anne Kuo. Released 21st May 2019 by Rockridge Press, it's 236 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats.

This is a really appealing book aimed at the newbie.  The author is clearly experienced and fond of her chickens. I've read a lot of beginner books which carefully avoid the negative aspects of keeping a home flock. I was impressed to see the author did not sugar coat those potentially frustrating and discouraging occurrences. It's better to be aware and prepared to protect your garden plants from your chickens (and your chickens from potential harm as well).

The book is laid out sensibly and divided into two main parts: Before and After one acquires chickens. The preparatory(before chickens) sections include why and how-to tutorials, including a pretty spiffy DIY coop plan. The husbandry (after delivery) sections cover aspects of keeping such as raising chicks, feeding, eggs, behavior, and health.

The ebook version has a handy interactive table of contents and hyperlinked extensive references at the end sorted by chapter. There's also a short alphabetical glossary.

Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. This title is available in the KU subscription.

I adore the humor and lighthearted tone of the author's writing. The science and husbandry aspects are sound, but she has such an accessible and whimsical tone that it elevates the whole book for me. (She calls eggs 'butt nuggets' which still slays me). 

No single book is the absolute undisputed chicken bible. This one covers all the main aspects and I couldn't find any particular deficiencies except for possibly the lack of photographs (there aren't any). The tutorial diagrams for coop construction are well drawn and perfectly understandable. It would be a good, upbeat general primer for people considering adding chickens to their home setups, as well as a good guide to get new chicken wranglers through their first fraught months as owners. 

Five stars.

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

The Nani Iro Sewing Studio

The Nani Iro Sewing Studio is a tutorial sewing guide with 18 included patterns with variations included. Due out 15th June 2019 from World Book Media, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback format.

Japanese clothing design has a different aesthetic when compared to most western clothing design. It's minimalist, with strong emphasis on clean lines, natural fibres, classic (not trendy) style and pieces which work together and usually have multiple uses. It's diametrically opposed to fast/disposable fashion. These pieces fit the Japanese ethos.

The included pieces are simple and minimalist (see cover). There are 18 mix and match pieces. Western sewists will want to be aware that the size ranges are much smaller than those we're used to and the max size is roughly equivalent to a US medium. For the sizes, for example, the max waist (XL) is 33.5". Many of the shirts and dresses have a -very- loose silhouette and could work without scaling up, but the fitted pieces will likely need adjustment for most users. Also worth noting, the patterns are provided -without- included seam allowances which need to be added.

The fabrics pictured are gorgeous. Pure cotton, linen, and blends, most of them proprietary to the designer. There is a pictorial swatch gallery that is drool worthy and had my fingers itching to touch. There's also a picture gallery with heights and sizes of the design team showing them wearing some of the models in the book which helps to visualize the drape and silhouette of the finished garments.

I did not finish any of the garments, but a close read-through of the construction notes didn't turn up any glaring mistakes in translation. The included tutorial diagrams are good, and on a par with those included with commercial western patterns. The pattern sheets for the included pieces are similar to the ones included with Burda or Ottobre magazine or other multi-style sewing magazines. 

I really liked a lot of the designs here and there are numerous subtle details which are not immediately apparent. The style is absolutely not fussy or fitted (some will say 'shapeless'). For me it's four stars. I can understand others being unhappy with the minimalist aesthetic (hence the 1 star reviews).

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

The Beauty Geek's Guide to Skin Care

The Beauty Geek's Guide to Skin Care is a new encyclopedia and guide to common ingredients included in commercial beauty product formulations. Author Deborah Burnes is a model, lifestyle and beauty blogger who became a natural beauty advocate after searching for healthy alternatives to commercially available products for her own use. 

Due out 4th June 2019 from Rockridge Press, it's 190 pages and will be available in paperback and ebook formats. The ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references in the index.

The book is split into four sections. The first segment (5% of the content) includes a pretty good layman accessible discussion of the physiological properties of skin; how skin works, what it's comprised of, and what it needs to function optimally. Throughout the book, highlighted information is provided in sidebars and bullet lists.

The second chapter (also about 5%) includes a short section about how to care for your skin, developing and maintaining an effective skincare regimen, and contains a good sidebar with a bullet list of helpful and harmful environmental and dietary factors.

The bulk of the book's content (86%) is used on an alphabetical listing of ingredients with a short definition of the uses and some of their properties.

The final section includes an abbreviated list of DIY beauty product recipes. Each of the recipes includes the ingredients, and properties/uses as well as yield and storage information.

Worth noting for Kindle Unlimited subscribers. This title is available in the KU subscription.


This is an interesting and appealing guide to taking control of the beauty products we use on and in our bodies. The language is completely layman accessible and it's not necessary to have a degree in advanced chemistry to understand the information provided.


Five stars. Lots of useful info here. There are online search engines available but this is one of the few layman accessible books with info on the subject with which I'm familiar.

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

Little People Big Dreams: Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton is a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail.

Due out 4th June 2019 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover, and ebook formats.

Written by Isabel Sánchez Vegara it's well written in clear accessible language.  The gentle and sweetly humorous illustrations were well done. The art by Daria Solak is appealing and colorful and supports the text very well. The illustrations are rich in small subtle details which bear a closer look (like the little butterflies which appear throughout the book). Dolly herself has this to say about her butterflies: “Butterflies are my symbol. As a child, I used to get lost chasing them and got my butt whipped for wandering too far off. So we have butterflies everywhere.”

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition.

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Dolly is an intelligent and accomplished woman and this book is a nice tribute to an iconic entertainer.

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

Murder by Matchlight

Murder by Matchlight is a reformat and re-release of a golden age British murder mystery by E.C.R. Lorac. First released in 1945, this edition from Poisoned Pen Press was released 5th March 2019. It's 264 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. This book is one of the books in the British Library Crime Classics series and it's really nice to see these gems being brought back into print and presented to new readers.

As the others in the series, there is an introduction by mystery history maven Martin Edwards. As engaging as these classic mysteries have been, I have also looked forward in equal measure to Mr. Edwards' insightful commentary.

This mystery may well be my favorite by this author. It's cleverly constructed and written in a classic format. The murder victim is a widely despised "ne'er-do-well". The clues (and red herrings) are presented by the rules and the plotting, dialogue, and denouement are satisfying. The murder takes place during a London blackout during WW2 and the sense of place and atmosphere are palpable. The author makes some interesting points about the murder of one despicable man against the backdrop of WW2 and the blitz.

This is a relatively short novel and this edition also includes a short story from 1953, "Permanent Policeman" which is well plotted and also enjoyable.

Nicely diverting worthy mysteries. Five stars.

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

The Teahouse Detective: The Old Man in the Corner

The Teahouse Detective: The Old Man in the Corner  is the first of two anthologies of short stories featuring the Teahouse Detective by Baroness Orczy, the author of the Scarlet Pimpernel. Originally published in 1908, this reformatting and re-release from Pushkin is due out 11th June 2019, and is 288 pages. There are 36 short vignettes included in this collection. They're presented as intellectual exercises, pas de deux between the eccentric old man and reporter Polly Burton, the denouements are not presented to the police.

These are cleverly constructed mysteries. Some of them are somewhat transparent, but I really think that's because so many of the literary devices she employed have been copied and reused since then that modern readers are familiar with the twists.

This would make a superlative commute read. The vignettes are all under 15 pages in length and could be read during free moments here and there. They're all well written and a lot of fun to read.

Four stars. I'm very happy that Pushkin is preserving and presenting these gems to new generations of readers.

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

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle is a stunning debut novel from Stuart Turton. Released 18th Sept 2018 by Sourcebooks Landmark, it's 448 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, ebook, and audio formats.

I read a -lot- (roughly 300-400 books per year). I read carefully, but very very rarely re-read modern popular literature. This book has taken me months to review because I have re-read it twice since my first reading. That is unique in my experience.

My two favorite genres are murder mysteries (especially golden age country house murder mysteries) and science fiction.  This book got right under my skin and blew me away. On a first read, I was struck by the intricacy of the plotting and the deftness of the dialogue and writing. The tone of the dialogue is simply pitch perfect. It really feels as if it could've been written by Christie, Armstrong, Brand, et. al. 

The rules of engagement aren't really spelled out for the reader. I was dropped headlong into the plot and it took a while to get my bearings. There is no hand-holding or spoon fed plot elements.  During my first re-reading I figured out what had subconsciously appealed to me the first time around. In some ways, it reminded me of Quantum Leap, one of my favorite TV series. As other reviewers have remarked, there's also an element of Groundhog Day.  This book is not derivative of either, but enhanced by some similarities to both.

During my rereads I've noticed subtleties which had escaped me on my first read. I really love the meticulous detail and I'm sure I would notice more things which slipped by me the first time around. The really stunning part of the book is the craftsmanship. This is a very well written book and definitely the best book I read in 2018.  I wonder how well it might translate to film, and I hope it's being considered.

Five stars. Beautifully written. I eagerly await the author's future work.

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

They Found Him Dead

They Found Him Dead is a golden age British murder mystery by Georgette Heyer featuring Inspectors Hannasyde and Hemingway. Originally published in 1937, this reformat and re-release 5th March 2019 from Sourcebooks Landmark is 384 pages and available in paperback and ebook formats. This book includes the first appearance of Timothy Harte who also appears in a later book in this series.

There is something so appealing and urbane about golden age country house mysteries and this is a good example of the genre. There are a number of suspects with an array of motives. There's a romantic subplot which resolves satisfyingly. There are clues and red herrings. The actual culprit wasn't as much of a surprise as in some of Heyer's other books, but it was a good denouement with a good outcome.  The dialogue is witty and well written and the book plot moves along at a good clip which doesn't drag or become dull.

There is a surprising amount of humor to be found here and the addition of young Timothy (who also appears grown up in Duplicate Death) provides a number of genuinely funny scenes in the book. The language is relatively clean with just a bit of cursing, and murder.

It's wonderful that these old mysteries are being kept in print to be discovered and enjoyed by new generations of readers.

Four stars

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

Middlegame

Middlegame is a new fantasy / SF novel with some horror elements by Seanan McGuire. Released 7th May 2019 by Tor, it's a whopping 528 pages and available in hardcover, ebook, and audio formats. Paperback format presumably to be released at a later date.

I have read and enjoyed the author's Wayward Children series, so I was quite looking forward to this one as well. It's a standalone novel with a lot of interwoven plot-lines which orbit around the central theme of alchemical immortality. The science based magic system is creative and well designed. I was frustrated that the reader is basically just dropped in the middle of the plot and left to puzzle out and interpret the underlying mechanics themselves. There are quite a number of plot elements which are never fully explained and are left to the readers' interpretation.

There are some horrifying and potentially triggering elements. The experiments (matching pairs of psychically linked babies) are manipulated and planted like cuckoos into adoptive homes. They grow up unaware of what they are. The main plot elements revolve around one such pair Roger and Dodger.

The language is fairly rough, but generally speaking no more so than a lot of modern fiction. There are some discussions of suicide and self-harmwhich could be triggering for some readers.

The author is undeniably a gifted writer. The dialogue and plotting are well done. Whilst reading the book, I felt at the time that the book was a few hundred pages too long, but now after I've finished it, I can't see many places where it could have been trimmed down without significantly impacting the plot development and eventual denouement. It's a 'meaty' book.

Three and a half stars. It's a worthwhile read, but a significant investment in reading time.

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