by Patricia Smiley (Author) A new series, a new protagonist, a new setting; what’s not to love about Patty Smiley’s new Justice Bay Mystery? It’s dark, but not too much. It’s mysterious (psychic), but not too much. It has suspense, creepy scenes that make you shiver, danger, and action. But the story is also about good…
by Steve Watkins (Author) WOW! This kid’s action and history book by Steve Watkins is fascinating, exciting, AND well-researched. I lived through the Vietnam War years, but even I learned things in this middle-grade book I’d only heard hinted at before. The three friends, Anderson, Greg, and Julie, have a musical band and practice in Anderson’s uncle’s basement.…
by Victoria Tait (Author) What fun! Dotty and Keya are back in Victoria Tait‘s new cozy mystery, AN AUCTION OF SECRETS, and they both have new jobs! It looks like Dotty is moving into management at the antique house, and Keya now peers minutely at crime scene evidence instead of chasing the bad guys. (Okay, she fudges…
by Stacey Lee (Author), Emily Woo Zeller (Narrator), Tantor Audio (Publisher) An Audiobook THE DOWNSTAIRS GIRL, by Stacey Lee, is a heartfelt story about a 17-year-old Asian orphan girl overcoming odds stacked high against her. Jo Kuan lives in Atlanta, Georgia in a time of prejudice and hate for anyone “different.” She is not black, in fact, her skin…
by James Bowen (Author), Kristopher Milnes (Narrator), Recorded Books (Publisher) An Audiobook I so enjoyed “A Street Can Named Bob” by James Bowen. It’s the lovely story of two strays on the streets of London coming together in mutual need, love, and care. James lives as a penniless drug addict, having run from home at an early age. When we…
by James Ponti (Author), Lisa Flanagan (Narrator), Simon & Schuster Audio (Publisher) James Ponti delivers another great City Spies mystery, set in Cairo this time. The team gets a 6th member, but is he good… or evil? Only time (and the next book) will tell. (The reader is pulled either way as the story progresses.) Meanwhile, the youngest team member,…
by James Ponti (Author), Brian Holden (Narrator), Tantor Audio (Publisher) James Ponti is hands down one of the most terrific kids’ books writers out there. Framed! and Vanished! are the first two in this series, and then this one. I’m glad he tied up all the loose ends of the first two stories in this stupendous finale. Very satisfying! …
by Victoria Tait (Author) Although this cozy mystery is listed as a Dotty Sayers Antique mystery, author Victoria Tait has combined two of her series’ characters in this book. Dotty, returning from antique work in other parts of the country, has only recently settled down again in the Cotswolds to open her own shop. Sergeant Keya Varma…
by Dusti Bowling (Author) Dusti Bowling’s “Life of a Cactus” book series is so well written and immersive that truly, you can’t put the books down once you’ve begun them. I read one afternoon, evening, and into the night to finish MOMENTOUS EVENTS. It was so worth it. Her characters are very believable, and although I have…
by James Ponti (Author), Lisa Flanagan (Narrator), Simon & Schuster Audio (Publisher) An Audiobook Review “This mission is hot! It’s a go!” GOLDEN GATE is the second of the City Spies books I’ve read, and I love them! Smart kids (I mean VERY smart kids), super-special skills (but natural, no hocus-pocus), wild adventure, world travel, secrets, villains, danger, complex…
Words and Reviews 