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Talk soon!
Jennifer

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:

“When Emilia Fletcher finds herself trapped inside a Washington, DC Metro elevator, getting out is the least of her problems.

Sharing the confined space with her are Em, a troubled teenager plagued by suicidal thoughts, and Millie, an elderly woman yearning to mend ties with her estranged daughter.

As the hours drag on, hunger, exhaustion, and panic set in, revealing an almost incomprehensible truth: they are the same person.

Locked in an uncompromising match of memories, the three women excavate and attempt to reckon with the shared shame and suffering stemming from an unresolved trauma that has cast a profound shadow over their lives.”

💬 THE VIBE:

Told with the claustrophobic confines of a stalled elevator, the reader is taken on an introspective journey into the self that explored trauma as it ripples through time.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:

• A fascinating premise involving the meeting of different iterations of oneself at different ages.
• The effective capture of the three stages of Emilia’s life with each having a distinct voice.
• Prompts self-reflection about how our past and future selves would judge our current choices.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:

After finishing this book, I needed to take some time to let it all marinate and process. This premise was so fascinating to me….what if you met three versions of yourself, albeit while trapped in an elevator, and worked through some really heavy topics across your lifespan? How and would you change what you are doing today?

I enjoyed the differences yet base-level similarities between all iterations of Emlia. It really makes you sit and wonder if you had the opportunity to meet your younger and/or older self, would you? What would you tell them? What would you ask them? Is there anything you would try to change? It’s an incredibly thought-provoking read that will stay with you.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:

My only issue is that I wish the synopsis hadn’t revealed that the three people in the elevator were the same person. I think that would have been such a wonderful realization for the reader to make along with the characters. Having it spoiled in the synopsis took away some of that discovery, though I’m sure there is a good reason for that disclosure.

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:

• High-concept “what if” scenarios.
• Deep dives into healing from generational or personal trauma.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:

• Stories set in a single, enclosed space (like an elevator).
• Heavy themes including suicidal ideation and unresolved trauma.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:

A reflective and original story that forces you to look inward. While I wish the marketing had kept the central twist a secret, the journey through Emilia’s life is still one worth taking.

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:

“In modern tech parlance, a centaur is a person who is able to use technology to be a better, more productive version of themself. A reverse centaur is a person who is forced by technology to work at an inhuman pace—a driver made to deliver all day long, nonstop; a warehouse worker made to work without food or bathroom breaks; a programmer made to crank out impossible amounts of code.

The Reverse Centaur’s Guide to Life After AI is not another anti-AI screed. Cory Doctorow uses AI in his work every day. As a creative person, he has no moral or dogmatic issue with AI—he thinks the technology is useful, even exciting, and full of potential. And yet.

AI has arrived surrounded by unprecedented hype driven by a tech industry desperate to maintain its unprecedented valuation based on its own promises of endless financial growth. Despite the fact that almost all of AI’s real-world implementations have proved underwhelming, AI is projected to be worth more than $16 trillion—a number that only makes sense if AI replaces vast swathes of the wage-earning human workforce. To justify that level of “value,” every story about AI must be presented as inevitable, world-changing disruption. Even the tales of the robot apocalypse are a calculated attempt to bolster the fearsome power of AI.”

💬 THE VIBE:

An accessible look at the reality of AI beyond the doomsday headlines.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:

• It broke down complex technological concepts into a language that is easy for everyone to digest.
• Offered a balanced perspective from someone who actually uses the technology.
• Focused on the human cost and the economic motives behind the boom of AI.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:

This audiobook was perfect for someone who understands a little or a lot about AI. I consider myself about middle of the road regarding my understanding of the current capacity of AI, but after listening to this, it all made so much more sense. It didn’t speak over my head at all. It confirmed some suspicions I had regarding its uses, like gig worker pay, but it also taught me so much more.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was how all of our data is fed to the benefit of companies, and it never defaults to benefiting the consumers…ever. I also learned the crucial different between generative AI and AI that is truly helpful without requiring the human to be the one “helping” the tech. It was eye-opening and a great listen/read for anyone living in this digital age.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:

While I appreciated that it it a consumable length, the nerd in me would have loved more examples of its proper use and misuse.

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:

• Social commentary on technology and how it impacts the every day human.
• Books that give you a behind the scenes view of corporate hype.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:

• Technical nonfiction.
• Knowing how technology can be used against you. Some would rather not know.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:

An essential guide for anyone trying to navigate the confusion and noise of the current AI landscape. Is AI good? Is AI bad? Can’t it be both? It manages to be educational without sounding like a textbook and will leave you with a much clearer picture of where we are headed. And yes, you will understand the title of this book after reading it.

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:

“”It has been a day ordained by the fates, for how else could one explain the wholly cursed chain of events?”

The year is 1883, and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighborhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s.

Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.”

💬 THE VIBE:

The continuation of life at Lapis Lazuli House where in this volume there is a town-wide scavenger hunt and more delicate social maneuvering.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:

• The scavenger hunt for Julius Caesar tickets is a creative and entertaining plot device.
• The deepening chemistry between Emma and the tenant, Mr. Pierce.
• Hilarious social dynamics, including Emma’s reluctant role as a social foil this season to boost the standing and appeal of her cousin Arrabella.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:

I had to go straight from the first two books right into this third one, and honestly, I think I’m just going to keep going until I get to book eight. The story flows so seamlessly from book to book that I feel like if I stop now I might lose (ahem…forget) some of the pertinent details.

In Volume 3, we get the chaos of Emma and her annoying cousin Archibald having to team up to get tickets for the annual performance of Julius Caesar. The process, however, is anything but straightforward. Clues are hidden throughout the town, and you have to find them all to get a ticket. As you can imagine, pairing these two up leads to some hilarious “issues”.

I’m also loving the blooming friendship…or maybe more?…between Emma and Mr. Pierce. Now add in the acquaintanceship of Emma and Lord Islington and it makes for a good time. There’s never a dull moment in St. Crispian’s.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:

Cousin Archibald is as grating as ever and while joining them together in a scavenger hunt is funny, his overall personality make me want to reach through the book and give him a knuckle sandwich.

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:

• Slow burn romantic tension and witty banter.
• Victorian era social conventions and quirky community traditions.
• Episodic story telling that feels like I could easily be watching this on Britbox or Acorn.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:

• Stories that leave unresolved subplots that continue in the next book.
• Building will they, won’t they tension.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:

A fantastic third volume that keeps the series momentum going perfectly. Time to dive into Volume 4.

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:

“The year is 1883 and Emma M. Lion has returned to her London neighborhood of St. Crispian’s. But Emma’s plans for a charmed and studious life are sabotaged by her eccentric Cousin Archibald, her formidable Aunt Eugenia, and the slightly odd denizens of St. Crispian’s.

Emma M. Lion offers up her Unselected Journals, however self-incriminating they may be, which comprise a series of volumes. Armed with wit and a sideways amusement, Emma documents the curious realities of her life at Lapis Lazuli House.”

💬 THE VIBE:

A charming, witty, and quintessential Victorian “slice of life” that feels like (as it is intended) I am reading through someone’s personal journal.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:

• The journal-style format provides a cozy, one-sided perspective on London society according to Emma M. Lion.
• An eccentric cast of characters, ranging from the conniving to the mysterious.
• The narration captures Emma’s wit and the atmosphere of Lapis Lazuli House perfectly.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:

I was quickly hooked by the cozy cast of characters. Some are sweet, some are conniving, and some are just play mysterious, but they all make for a fascinating group. I really felt like I was dropped right into Lapis Lazuli House. These stories perfectly encapsulate my vision of the Victorian era, and the journal format lets you right into the inner goings on of Emma’s world.

From the lazy and money-sucking cousin to the mysterious new tenant…and there’s even a ghost…I loved reading about the daily drama and the quirks of these people. The first two volumes are short and the stories run together so well that I’m glad I listened to them back-to-back.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:

This is less of a “complaint” and more of a heads up to future readers…each volume has a “to be continued” feeling to the end which some could find frustrating.

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:

• Stories told through diaries or journals.
• The whimsical Victorian or the “British Cottage Cozy” aesthetic.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:

• Serialized books that require reading multiple volumes for the full arc.
• Lower-stakes plots focused more on daily life than heavy action.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:

A witty and wonderful start to the Emma M. Lion series. You can’t help but root for Emma and dive head first into the world of St. Crispian’s…you’ll want to move there immediately.

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Lately, through NetGalley I have been devouring a lot of speculative fiction and I finally had to say ok…let me take a little break. So you’ll see a lot of those books read these past 2 weeks but then some palate cleansers immediately after. It was necessary…LOL

What have you been reading?

Here’s what I read and listened to:

Ignore All Previous Instructions by Ada Hoffmann
⭐ Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
👉 Full review: LINK

Mom Brain by Nicole Hackett
⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
👉 Full review: LINK

The Family Man: Blood and Betrayal in the House of Murdaugh by James Lashun
⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
👉 Full review: LINK

Precious Children by Mary G. Thompson
⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
👉 Full review: LINK

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman
⭐ Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
👉 Full review: LINK

The Little Monk and the Significance of Silence by Zacharias Heyes
⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
👉 Full review: LINK

Murder with a Side of Shrimp and Grits by Skylar Warren
⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
👉 Full review: LINK

Handsome by Ezra Palmer
⭐ Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
👉 Full review: LINK

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See you next week!
Jennifer

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:

“Evvie Kurtz remembers everything. Evvie Kurtz has Alzheimer’s disease.

Handsome is Evvie’s story, told in her own voice: How she grew up on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, a scholarship girl at one of the city’s fanciest day schools. How she made a name for herself as a journalist. How she met and married her husband. How she loved him for all his faults. And how she came to the decision to leave him.

Evvie will forget her story. You will not.”

💬 THE VIBE:

A beautifully constructed portrait of a life being remembered even as it begins to fade. Emotionally staggering and gorgeous.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:

• The structural delivery and perfect narration.
• Evvie’s voice is so vivid it felt like she was telling this story directly to me.
• A rare 5-star experience that will stay with me for a long time.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:

Very rarely do books devastate me, in a good way, but this book took my heart our and stomped on it. The way in which this story is structured was a master class in storytelling. It felt as if I was in the same room as the characters watching this whole story play out and there was nothing I could do to help. I know it is only May, but this has easily been my favorite book of the year so far.

It is beautiful, heartbreaking, and touching all at the same time. I’m serious, books don’t usually bring me to tears or even near tears, but this one did. I’m going to need some serious time to process this one. A major trigger warning for the topic of Alzheimer’s here, as it will hit incredibly deep, but it was worth every emotion to experience this book.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:

Absolutely nothing. This was a flawless listening experience. Though I do recommend you being in the right headspace for the emotional weight of it.

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:

• Heavy themes handled with grace.
• Stories told through a personal, one-sided lens.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:

• Emotionally taxing narratives.
• Stories centered around memory loss or Alzheimer’s.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:

A gorgeous and heart-wrenching masterpiece. And I don’t just sling those terms around all willy-nilly. This is a story about love, memory, and the choices we make. It is an absolute must read. Just make sure you have tissues handy.

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:

“Welcome to Honeybee’s diner, where the scent of butter and garlic wraps itself around you, thick and comforting. Jessie Haynes’ homestyle cooking feeds the hearts and souls of the good people of Willow Bluff. Until someone puts murder on the menu!

Y’all are invited to dig into a steamin’ plate of meatloaf. The diner’s well-worn red chairs have cradled folks from every corner of Willow Bluff—Jessie’s podcasting bestie, Tee, Old Mr Higgins, two mighty mischievous kittens, Biscuits and Gravy, and every tattling townsperson in between—so when the mayor turns blue after a bite of Jessie’s famous shrimp and grits, she finds herself in seriously hot water...

Suddenly, all eyes are swivelled toward Jessie. For fifty years her family has fed Willow Bluff, and Jessie won’t let one mouthful shatter the legacy of her grandmother’s secret recipes. The mayor’s peanut allergy was talk of the town, so when traces are found in his food, Jessie must fight to clear her name. An empty peanut packet in the diner’s pantry has Jessie and Tee hot on the heels of the murderer when another case of food tampering occurs at a nearby bakery. Someone is dishing out delicious death sentences. How many locals will get served before Jessie can crack the case? Her investigation must be a recipe for success or Honeybee’s will be toast...”

💬 THE VIBE:

A quintessential Southern cozy mystery filled with charm, comfort food and of course, small town gossip.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:

• The setting of a small town in Georgia is incredibly adorable and lovable.
• Classic cozy mystery with plenty of red herrings and twists.
• The narrator capture the Southern tone perfectly.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:

Take me to the fictional town of Willow Bluff, Georgia NOW. It is such a quaint and cozy little town, though, as you’d expect, everyone is in everyone’s business. When a potential murder happens, that small town nosiness really ramps up the tension in the best possible way.

The mystery itself was exactly what I look for in a cozy mystery read. It had twists, turns, and a surprising ending that I didn’t see coming. The characters are so endearing and the description of Jessie’s good Southern cooking left me craving some shrimp and grits myself. I’m so pleased to see that Warren will be making Honeybee Diner Mysteries a series.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:

Again, some of the forensics and investigative tactics were exaggerated or fudged a little but it’s fiction…I’ll let it slide…LOL

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:

• Southern settings.
• Culinary-themed mysteries.
• Wholesome mysteries with a surprising payoff.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:

• Plots that rely heavily on local gossip.
• Stories that are centered around food allergies, tampering, etc.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:

A sweet and savory mystery that was as comforting as a home cooked meal. If you’re looking to start a new cozy series, Willow Bluff is a destination you’re not going to want to miss.

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:

“Meet the charming, humorous, insightful little monk who will change your life.

In this delightful book that’s part of a series, the personal experiences of a Benedictine monk are blended with a story of a little monk and his introduction to the monastic tradition.

“’What do you know about silence?’ the abbot asked. ‘Well . . . that it’s silent,’ replied the little monk, although he really would have preferred to say ‘sad’ or ‘boring.’ The little monk went back to the kitchen, sat down at the table, and began to think. The abbot had said that silence was precious. ‘But how can something be precious that only consists of the absence of other things?’ he wondered.”

Through inquiry and contemplation, the little monk learns that silence has much to offer, including freedom, strength of character, and self-knowledge. As you follow the little monk’s journey, you’ll explore the invitation to welcome the peace of silence into your own spiritual practice. You’ll encounter quotes from the Rule of St. Benedict along with sets of thoughtful questions and exercises that encourage you to slow down, listen deeply, and discover the value of the stillness within.”

💬 THE VIBE:

A gentle, and peaceful guide to the intentional practice of silence and stillness.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:
• The way it blend of fiction and non-fiction to get the point across.
• Provides practical exercises and questions to help you slow down and listen deeply.
• Focuses on silence as an active gain rather than just a lack of noise/sound.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:

This book truly served as a perfect refresher on the significance of silence in our busy lives and explored how we can actually reach it. Not by force, but by invitation. No being a monk required.

Reading this was such a calming experience. It broke down what people can gain from stillness. I was in such a peaceful mood by the time I finished. I’d recommend it to anyone.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:

Nothing. I really enjoyed it.

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:

• Books that encourage mindfulness and slowing down.
• Stories that are about personal growth.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:

• Short, exercise-based (mental) books.
• Religious or monastic-themed content.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:

A delightful read. It was a good reminder of how precious stillness and silence can be. A beautiful little book that left me feeling lighter and more centered than when I started it.

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:
“The apocalypse will be televised!

A man. His ex-girlfriend’s cat. A sadistic game show unlike anything in the universe: a dungeon crawl where survival depends on killing your prey in the most entertaining way possible.

In a flash, every human-erected construction on Earth - from Buckingham Palace to the tiniest of sheds - collapses in a heap, sinking into the ground.

The buildings and all the people inside have all been atomized and transformed into the dungeon: an 18-level labyrinth filled with traps, monsters, and loot. A dungeon so enormous, it circles the entire globe.

Only a few dare venture inside. But once you’re in, you can’t get out. And what’s worse, each level has a time limit. You have but days to find a staircase to the next level down, or it’s game over. In this game, it’s not about your strength or your dexterity. It’s about your followers, your views. Your clout. It’s about building an audience and killing those goblins with style.

You can’t just survive here. You gotta survive big.

You gotta fight with vigor, with excitement. You gotta make them stand up and cheer. And if you do have that “it” factor, you may just find yourself with a following. That’s the only way to truly survive in this game - with the help of the loot boxes dropped upon you by the generous benefactors watching from across the galaxy.

They call it Dungeon Crawler World. But for Carl, it’s anything but a game.”

💬 THE VIBE:
A chaotic, hilarious, and wild intergalactic games show that occurs just as Earth collapses into itself.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:
• The premise of the world collapsing into a game show for aliens is incredibly unique.
• Loved the audiobook production with distinct and personality filled voices for the characters.
• This story would translate perfectly to a live-action movie or tv series.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:
I kept seeing these books and wanted to like them, even though I’m not typically a “series” or LitRPG person. I decided to use an Audible credit for Book #1 as it is only available this way, and my first through was “Wait, is this Puddy from Seinfeld narrating?” It wasn’t, but the narrator’s voice had me convinced until I searched online for myself.

I loved the premise and found the audiobook version really elevated the experience. While it was enjoyable enough to finish, I don’t think I enjoyed it enough to keep going with the rest of the series. That isn’t any shade to the author at all. It’s just my own preferences and the fact that I had a hard time visually envisioning this type of world.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:
Because it was a different type of world-building than I am accustomed to, I struggled to wrap my head around the visuals. It felt like I was missing some of the immersion because the LitRPG style isn’t my usual go-to.

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:
• Fast-paced, action-heavy sci-fi.
• Stories featuring animal sidekicks with a lot of personality and sass.
• Creative world-building that it set up like a video game within the story.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:
• Long book series or the LitPRG genre.
• Stories that require a lot of heavy lifting with visual imagination for abstract settings.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:
A fun and wildly creative ride that’s unique concept really stands out. While it might not have turned me into a series-long fan, it’s a great pick for anyone looking for something totally different.

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:
“A wealthy family trying to cheat death is overmatched―by a stubborn teenager hiding in a body that looks just like their son. In this taut tale of genetics and entitlement, nature vs. nurture goes horrifically wrong.

Dina Blake’s fourteen-year-old son, Geoff, has just died for the second time. But everything will be okay. The Blake family’s wealth has bought them thousands of clones of each of their children. These children are farmed out to loving families, but with the caveat that the bodies are always available to the Blakes.

After Geoff dies, the Blakes upload their son’s memories into Nathan, who is an unwilling host, desperate to stay with the family who loved him. Dina’s younger daughter, Di, is terrified because she knows something her parents don’t―the memory transfer doesn’t always go as planned. The Geoff who’s been living with them since his first death isn’t the person her mother thinks he is, and the families of the bodies the Blakes steal aren’t all innocent.

When Geoff returns to life in Nathan’s body, he has to contend with Nathan’s frustrating desire to live and his unexpected ability to fight for his life. For some children to live, others must die. Dina must decide how far she’ll go to protect her children, and Geoff must find out if, and who, he’s willing to kill.”

💬 THE VIBE:
A deeply disturbing, high-stakes moral nightmare that forces you to question the lengths of parental love and entitlement.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:
• Explored a terrifying “what if” scenario regarding grief and technology.
• The pacing kept the tension high as the horrific reality of the memory transfers unfold.
• Challenges the reader’s morality.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:
This book is equal parts fascinating and disturbing, that left me asking “What in the hell did I just read?”. As a mom, the dilemma of doing “anything” to get a lost child back is relatable, but seeing this hypothetical play out made me realize how far is too far. Such a parental dilemma.

The concept of “farming out” clones to other families only to reclaim them later is a haunting look at how wealth and privilege can dehumanize others. It really makes you sit with the “nature vs. nurture” debate in a way that feels fresh and genuinely freaky. If this kind of story doesn’t freak you out, give it a try.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:
At times, the subject matter is so dark that it was a little difficult to read. So if you are particularly sensitive to themes involving harm to children, it will be hard to get through.

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:
• Dark speculative fiction.
• Moral dilemmas that make you question your own values.
• Stories about the intersection of technology and ethics.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:
• Body horror or disturbing psychological concepts.
• Stories involving the death and/or exploitation of children.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:
A gripping, unsettling story that pushes the boundaries of the parental protective instinct. If you have the stomach for a story that will truly freak you out, this is a must-read.

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:
“In March 2023, Alex Murdaugh was found guilty of murdering his wife and younger son at Moselle, their home in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. By then, the story had become headline news across the country with its revelations of corruption in high places, massive fraud, opioid abuse, fake suicides, suspicious accidents, and the generational recklessness of the wealthy legal dynasty at its center. Having covered the case for The New Yorker, where his article became the magazine’s most read story of the year, the acclaimed novelist James Lasdun brings his long-standing interest in the darker drives of the human psyche to an investigation into the serial embezzlements, fatal boat crash, and other events leading up to the slaughter at Moselle.

Having traveled extensively in the Lowcountry, Lasdun draws on original interviews (including with Murdaugh’s notorious “Cousin Eddie”), transcripts of phone calls Murdaugh made from prison, the literature of criminal psychology, and the murder trial itself.”

💬 THE VIBE:
Deep-dive true crime with a focus on psychology, power, and how everything and I mean EVERYTHING spiraled.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:
• Covers the case start to finish, including post-trial context.
• Tons of detail that goes beyond surface-level reporting.
• Balanced approach that avoids jumping straight to conclusions.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:
I didn’t follow this case in real time, so once I got interested, I wanted something that covered everything from beginning to end. A lot of books came out pre-trial and I had zero interest in stopping halfway through the story. This one delivers the full picture, up to date.

And what a story…family, loyalty, betrayal, privilege, drugs, murder, the good ol’ boy system…just layers upon layers of dysfunction. It’s one of those cases where every time you think you’ve reached the bottom, there’s more.

What stood out most to me was the level of detail. There were think in here I hadn’t heard about, which says a lot given how widely covered this case was.

I also appreciated the author’s approach. Instead of coming in with a fixed narrative, he takes the time to examine the facts without casing confirmation bias. That made it feel more thoughtful and less like a rehash of headlines.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:
At times, the level of detail felt heavy if you’re not full invested in the case.

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:
• In-depth true crime.
• Cases involving power, privilege, and corruption.
• Psychological angles over pure sensationalism.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:
• Stories with a lot of moving parts and players.
• True crime that goes beyond the headlines.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:
A thorough, well-researched look at one of the most talked about cases in recent years. Whether you’re new to it or already familiar, this book gives you a fuller, more nuanced picture of what really happened in the House or Murdaugh.

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:
“Welcome to The Program, an immersive week-long experience set to the backdrop of the breathtaking island of O’ahu, where mothers in all stages of crisis can come to take control of their lives. It’s not exactly the type of thing Georgia Evans--a busy working mother of two--would usually consider. However, still spiraling from a debacle that crowned her “internet’s worst mom,” she is desperate enough to try anything.

Once on the island, Georgia is quickly won over by the elegant (and somewhat enigmatic) founder of The Program, Cecilia Clements. Cecilia shows The Program’s attendees how the biology of motherhood has imprisoned them. More importantly, she promises them freedom from that prison. Captivated by this possibility and the compelling science behind it, Georgia grows deeply involved with Cecilia’s mission, ignoring any doubt that starts to creep in. That’s the whole point of The Program, after all: you can’t really trust a mom brain.”

💬 THE VIBE:
Wellness retreat meets mom burnout meets “oh hell no.”

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:
• Smart premise built around modern motherhood pressure.
• Creeping dread that builds steadily.
• Plays on the fantasy of escape and the danger hidden inside it.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:
What a creepy and interesting premise.

Honestly, what sounds better than escaping to an island right when your mom life is imploding, with promises of healing, clarity, and finally getting “fixed”? The setup is so believable because it taps directly into exhaustion and desperation.

You can absolutely see why someone would go and that’s what makes this work. Even though I personally would not choose this route, I could understand how others might grab onto this offer of relief.

What starts as a healing journey quickly shifts into something unsettling. Hackett does a good job of taking a dream scenario and slowly making it eerie.

There’s also some sharp commentary here about motherhood, identity, public shaming, and how vulnerable people can become when you’re overwhelmed.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:
The pacing could have been sped up JUST a little at the end.

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:
• Creepy wellness-cult stories.
• Thrillers rooted in emotional pressure.
• Slow-building unease.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:
• Stories involving parental anxiety.
• Retreat/cult manipulation themes.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:
A smart and eerie story that takes a very relatable fantasy and turns it into something disturbing. If the premise grabs you, it’s worth the ride.

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:
“Kelli Reynolds loves creating stories more than anything in the world. But on Callisto, a generative AI company called Inspiration owns everything, including all the media, and only Inspiration determines which stories can be told.

Kelli has a rare and coveted job where her autism is to her advantage: She precisely edits AI output into “appropriate” stories for Inspiration’s massive TV audience. Her proudest creation is the pirate Orlando―a dashing do-gooder based on stories she used to tell friends.

Reenter Kelli’s ex-boyfriend Rowan, the person Kelli based Orlando on. Back when they were teenagers, their relationship was a secret. Kelli had thought that Rowan, a trans man, was her schoolmate Am, a girl.

Rowan is tangled up in the black market after he needed to get money for gender affirming surgery. He needs Kelli’s help with something . . . illegal. So, now Kelli has to decide: Will she risk the safe, tidy story of her life now for the world she once wished for? What would Orlando do?”

💬 THE VIBE:
A thoughtful speculative fiction/sci-fi story with heart, sharp ideas, and a battle between good and evil.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:
• Big current topics handled with nuance instead of cliches.
• Strong mix of social commentary and personal story.
• A future that feels uncomfortably believable.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:
This story takes on a lot…generative AI, neurodiversity, gender identity, censorship, and control over art and storytelling. That’s a heavy lift, but Hoffmann pulled it off.

I appreciated that these topics were seamlessly interwoven and weren’t handled in the usual shallow or stereotypical ways. There was more care, complexity, and humanity than I expected.

The world itself felt imaginative but unfortunately close enough to reality to be unsettling. There’s a steady sense of impending doom around what unchecked generative AI could become, especially when tied to power and ownership.

I also liked the characters and the tenderness throughout the story. Under all the bigger ideas, there’s still a human story about connection, identity, and choices.

This year I decided no to do half-stars, but if I were, this would be a 3.5 for me. Not because it wasn’t good, but because I didn’t feel that I was the ideal audience for it. Even so, I’m glad I read it.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:
At times, I found myself admiring the book more than fully connecting with it.

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:
• Speculative fiction with timely themes.
• Sci-fi stories.
• Stories about art, identity, and systems of control.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:
• Slower, thoughtful pacing.
• Stories that ask more questions than they answer.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:
An imaginative and timely novel with real heart behind it. Even when it didn’t feel written specifically for my demographic, it was still interesting, thoughtful and worth the read.

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What are you reading?

Here’s what I read and listened to this week.

Seek Immediate Shelter by Vincent Yu
⭐ Rating: 3 out of 5 stars
👉 Full review: LINK

Matchmaking for Psychopaths by Tasha Coryell
⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
👉 Full review: LINK

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
👉 Full review: LINK

Murder in the Drawing Room by C.J. Archer
⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
👉 Full review: LINK

The Infinite Sadness of Small Appliances by Glenn Dixon
⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
👉 Full review: LINK

Meeting New People by Daniel M. Lavery
⭐ Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
👉 Full review: LINK

If you’re enjoying these reviews, a paid subscription to this Substack is only $5 a month of $55 a year. It truly helps keep this going and gives me the space to keep reading, thinking, and sharing here every week.

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See you next week!
Jennifer

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:
“Sixtysomething, twice-divorced Barbara is at a crossroads. In the midst of her emotional uncertainty, she looks back on the dissolution of the nine best friendships of her life, in hopes of figuring out how to optimize finding her tenth, and hopefully last, best friend. Barbara is acerbic, opinionated, and wrong about many things, but she also doesn’t shy away when she’s at fault. The turning point of her predicament comes from Barbara’s choice, in friends, between (too-young) Caitlyn and the (unsuitable) Other Barbara. Will she repeat the exciting mistakes of the past, or will she try a new kind of mistake for a change? She feels like an out-of-season Scrooge who is unexpectedly, and all at once, surprised and entirely transformed by the possibility of joy.”

💬 THE VIBE:
Sharp, introspective, and a little uncomfortable in a very human way. It feels as if you are listening to a friend tell a story where you can clearly see that they are the problem…and they have absolutely no idea.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:
• A main character you don’t fully like…but you don’t fully hate. You kinda feel bad for her.
• An honest look at friendship/relationship patterns and self-sabotage.
• Narration that adds a ton of personality.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:
I enjoyed this, but Barbara is not an easy character to sit with. I kept going back and forth between liking her and being frustrated with her.

The idea of her “losing” best friends and going back to analyze what went wrong is really compelling. And she does have some self-awareness, which helps…until it doesn’t.

She can see the patterns and she can name the issues. But she still makes excuses that keep her stuck in the same cycle. It’s that half-awareness that feels very real.

Also…Marcia Gay Harden as the narrator was fantastic. She gave Barbara a voice that made the character more tolerable and nuanced.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:
Nothing really to report here. Other than being frustrated at times with the main character…lol

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:
• Messy, realistic friendship stories.
• Stories driven by strong characters.
• Fantastic audiobook narration.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:
• Frustrating main characters…but you also want to hug them.
• Stories without clean resolutions.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:
A thoughtful, character-focused story about friendship and self-awareness. Worth the listen on audiobook for sure.

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:
“In a self-running, smart house, a young and sentient Roomba listens as her owner, Harold, reads aloud to his dying wife, Edie. Mesmerized by To Kill a Mockingbird and craving the human connection she witnesses in Harold’s stories, the little vacuum renames herself Scout and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

But when Edie passes away, Scout and her fellow sentient appliances discover that there are sinister forces in their midst. The omnipresent Grid, which monitors every household in the City, seeks to remove Harold from his home, a place he’s lived in for fifty years.

With the help of Adrian, a neighborhood boy who grows close to Scout and Harold, as well as Kate, Harold and Edie’s formerly estranged daughter, the humans and the appliances must come together to outwit the all-controlling Grid lest they risk losing everything they hold dear.”

💬 THE VIBE:
The Brave Little Toaster grew up, got existential, and now has feelings about mortality and surveillance.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:
• Surprisingly emotional for a book about sentient appliances.
• Smart balance of cute and quietly devastating.
• Big ideas (death, grief, rebellion, government and technological overreach) wrapped into a small, approachable story.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:
The second I saw the title, I was in. I love good speculative fiction, and this one absolutely delivered.

This felt like a grown-up version of The Brave Little Toaster…except now it’s The Brave Little Roomba having an identity crisis and asking big life questions.

It’s compelling, thought-provoking, sad, cute, and weirdly life-affirming all at the same time. And honestly, the fact that Dixon pulls all of that off in a story about sentient appliances? Super impressive.

There’s this constant balance between “this is adorable” and “oh…this is actually kind of terrifying if you think about it too long.” Add in the emotional layer with Harold and Edie, and it hits harder than you expect.

Equal parts adorable, unsettling, and genuinely sad. A recipe for success.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:
Nothing. This was right up my alley.

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:
• Thoughtful, slightly weird speculative fiction.
• Stories that mix heart with big ideas.
• That nostalgic but grown-up The Brave Little Toaster vibe.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:
• Anthropomorphized objects as main characters.
• A little existential dread mixed into your reading.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:
A surprisingly emotional and thoughtful read wrapped in a very unconventional premise. Cute, sad, and a little scary for the future…and definitely worth picking up if that combo sounds like your thing.

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:
“ Scandal, secrets, and bawdy photographs are uncovered when the wife of a politician is murdered. Untangle the lies with Cleo and her friends, and find the killer.

When Harry Armitage passes an investigation to Cleo involving adultery, they both think it will end in divorce. But when the client’s wife is found stabbed in her drawing room, it becomes clear that marital problems are only part of the story. Reluctantly joining forces, Cleo and Harry realize the wrong person was targeted, but the police think they have their killer and refuse to look elsewhere.

Taking on the investigation themselves, they peel back the lies and expose the sordid details of a marriage in tatters, and see firsthand how gossip and politics fuel the machinations of high society.

Meanwhile, at the Mayfair Hotel, expansion plans are on the menu, causing tensions to heat up in the kitchen between the chef and Cleo’s uncle. To make matters worse, Cleo’s family notices her spending less time at the hotel and more time investigating – and some members don’t like it.”

💬 THE VIBE:
Cozy mystery with just enough drama to keep things interesting. And the will they, won’t they between Cleo and Harry keeps you invested.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:
• Strong, recurring cast that sticks with you.
• Classic “you think you know…but you absolutely do not” mystery structure.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:
Book #3 in the Cleopatra Fox mystery series and I just love these books.

The characters are so solid and memorable, and I love getting to spend time with the same group across the series. It makes everything more fun.

Also…Cleo is living my dream. Living in a hotel, supported by a rich uncle, London setting, casually investigating crimes…SIGN ME UP!

These are the kinds of mysteries where there are so many red herrings that you feel super confident you’ve cracked it…only to get hit with a very humbling “nope.” Every time.

And honestly, if this hasn’t been picked up for a TV or movie series, someone is asleep at the wheel. This would translate so well onscreen.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:
Nothing major here.

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:
• Cozy mysteries with a recurring cast.
• Glamorous settings with a bit of escapism.
• Trying (and failing) to outsmart the plot.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:
• Lighter, less gritty mysteries.
• Series reading commitments. Though I could argue that you can technically read these as standalones.
• Red herrings.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:
This series is just consistently fun, easy to get lost in, and exactly what you want when you pick up a cozy mystery.

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:
“Sarah Morgan is one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Washington, DC. With a perfect case record and having made named partner before the age of thirty-five, her life is going exactly as she planned.

However, the same cannot be said for her husband, Adam, a failed author, who’s grown to resent his wife’s meteoric success as he feels it’s come at the expense of their relationship.

For almost two years, Adam has kept his affair with Kelly Summers a secret, but everything changes when her body is discovered at the couple’s lake house and Adam is arrested on suspicion of murder.

Sarah now finds herself facing her most challenging case yet when she vows to defend her husband—a man accused of murdering his mistress.

While Adam is certainly guilty of sleeping with Kelly, the question remains: Is he guilty of killing her too?”

💬 THE VIBE:
Messy marriage and murder meets courtroom drama.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:
• Twisty plot that just keeps twisting.
• Dual narration worked really well for tension and pacing.
• That setting bonus if you know the DC area.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:
Again, always fun to read a book set somewhere you’ve lived. There’s just something about knowing it was set in streets you’ve been on.

This book had so many twists and turns I’m honestly surprised I didn’t get whiplash. Every time you think you’ve got it figured out…nope.

I flew through this basically in two sittings. I didn’t want to stop but apparently sleep is still a requirement.

The characters? Not exactly the “I’m rooting for you” group of people, but that’s kind of the point. Everyone’s a little messy, a little sus (as the youth say), and it keeps things interesting.

And the ending…you’re not going to see it coming.

I do have some forensic questions…but sometimes I need to take my forensic hat off and let the story be a story.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:
If you’re super detail-oriented with forensics or legal accuracy…you have have some questions. I did but I chose peace instead..LOL

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:
• Fast-pasted mysteries.
• Morally messy characters.
• Light courtroom drama mixed with domestic chaos.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:
• Characters you can’t fully root for.
• “Wait…what?” energy every few chapters.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:
Grab this one if you like your mysteries messy. It’s addictive, dramatic, and just a really fun ride.

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🧳 SYNOPSIS:
“When Lexie’s fiancé runs off with her so-called best friend on her birthday, her carefully crafted fairy-tale life shatters. Having survived horrors in her past, she was determined to finally get her happily-ever-after—and she’s not giving up yet.

To distract herself, Lexie throws herself into her unusual job: matchmaking psychopaths (a specialty her clients are blissfully unaware of). But the loneliness is crushing. So when a gorgeous, overprotective new client named Aidan insists they’re soulmates, and another intriguing client, Rebecca, seems perfect to fill the best-friend-shaped hole in her life, Lexie can’t help but find the attention comforting—despite her own professional boundaries.

Then a human heart appears on Lexie’s doorstep. As more threatening packages arrive and her fiancé mysteriously disappears, she must confront a terrifying question: did she inadvertently match herself with a killer? Between Aidan’s claims that her fiancé will never return, Rebecca’s growing presence in her life, and her own dark past resurfacing, Lexie’s matchmaker instincts are being tested like never before.

Because someone is determined to ensure her story ends with a funeral.”

💬 THE VIBE:
Unhinged concept, surprisingly light. Like a rom-com and a thriller had a baby.

💡 STANDOUT ELEMENTS:
• You somehow end up rooting for the psychopaths…which feels illegal but works.
• Way lighter tone than you’d expect from the premise.
• Relationships and dynamics carry more of the plot weight than the thriller aspect.

🧠 WHAT STUCK:
What a ride. It is as light as the title suggests. Yes, there are psychopaths, but the story isn’t deep and dark like a true crime story.

Coryell pulls off something genuinely weird here…you’re rooting for psychopaths. What??? And not in a “this is disturbing” way.

It’s so light and funny that I almost wanted to label it as chick lit. There’s love, betrayal, friendships, and new beginnings…all the usual romance ingredients and it just so happens to have some death and psychopaths in it.

And honestly? It works. It shouldn’t, but it does.

👎 WHAT DIDN’T WORK FOR ME:
It’s not that it didn’t work for me, it just an observation…if you’re expecting a gritty, high-stakes thriller, this isn’t it. It keeps things pretty surface-level by design.

🤔 IF YOU LIKE:
• Dark humor that doesn’t take itself too seriously.
• Messy relationships and questionable (and some missing) morals.
• Fast, entertaining read/listen with a weird but funny premise.

🙅 IF YOU DON’T LIKE:
• Thrillers that are more “fun” than dark and intense.
• Characters your probably shouldn’t be rooting for.

📝 FINAL VERDICT:
Thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook. Weird premise, easy to read/listen, and genuinely a fun time.

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