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Beautiful Monsters

by

Julian Christian

 

"…it took just 4.7 seconds for everything to change…"

 

Beautiful Monsters by Julian Christian is frightening and tragically realistic in some instances, yet it offers a plausible look into a future manipulated by AI. Vance Mercer was at the top of his profession: a wildly successful cover model, a face women dreamed of, and a guarantee of romance becoming a bestseller should he grace its cover. It took just 4.7 seconds for his marketability and future to evaporate when the autonomous vehicle he was in experienced a software glitch and crashed. Now, Vance was out to regain his life, maybe not the one he'd always envisioned, and revenge was on his new bucket list. 

Vance's life was one in a billion, and though we don't know him before the accident, he's an engaging and sympathetic character afterwards. He's a tragic figure, especially as he dissects his past while recuperating from surgery after surgery. His introspection is brutal, laying open every insecurity he has. 

That is, until he gets the HoloMask 9000, with dermal interface sensors surgically embedded, that project a perfect recreation of his face from before the accident. Now able to leave his apartment with renewed confidence, he gets to work on a project he'd dreamed of while in the hospital. The result, Romscape, was unlike any other entertainment system ever developed. Its NeuraSynth technology used direct neural connections to its users to immerse them in the imaginary world of a romance novel, one in which they felt physically there. As profits soared, Vance began to ignore his chief scientist's concerns about the effects of their product on users' brains. 

"Just as he used technology to create an artificial version of himself that was more appealing than reality, Romscape created artificial experiences that were more satisfying than authentic life." Consequently, many users spent more time living their artificial lives than being present in their real ones. This sad state is all too real for some individuals. While this situation is often the fodder for jokes, we all probably know someone who spends their life online, chatting, going on quests or missions, with their closest friends being individuals they've never met in real life. 

The story makes for absorbing reading, especially Vance's early juxtaposition from vulnerable introspection to cold businessman and beyond. After he acquired his HoloMask 9000, which successfully camouflaged the damage to his face, he began to resent the people who treated him with the deference he previously had enjoyed at the height of his celebrity, remembering the looks, the pity, and the eventual abandonment he'd experienced when he was still recuperating and undergoing surgical interventions. He goes from fearing that, all along, he was just a pretty face, and yet after spending eight long years developing the amazing technological marvel that was Romscape, he still centered his worth on his looks, "feeling his scars were the most authentic thing about him." 

Christian's writing style is immersive, easy to read, and easy to 'fangirl' over; his use of language is stunning. While there were some repetitions and the discussion of some things, such as Dr. Chen's research into the effects of long-term Romscape usage on their clients, went a little long for my tastes, I noted so many wonderful turns of phrase while reading that I finally had to stop highlighting them and just enjoy the great story. By the way, the dialogue, descriptions, and behavior of the AI romantic leading man toward the female client in Romscape was dead on. 

I recommend BEAUTIFUL MONSTERS to readers of science fiction, romance, and thrillers. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

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Pueblos Mágicos: A Traveler's Guide to Mexico's Hidden Treasures

by

Chuck Burton

 

Fascinating mix of travelogue and memoir of the author's exploration of Mexico's hidden gems for off-the-beaten-path tourists.

 

Pueblos Mágicos by Chuck Burton is a fascinating mix of travel guide, travelogue, and memoir of the author's free-spirited exploration of the hidden jewels of Mexico's genius tourist industry promotion – the Pueblos Mágicos program. With an easy-to-read style and a wealth of useful information, Burton's work is not only a valuable travel "Idea Book" but also a genuine inspiration to live your best life. 

The book begins with an overview of why potential travelers should consider Mexico's interior as a destination and how to have an amazing trip while avoiding the crowds at well-known, overhyped tourist traps and eschewing the same-old, same-old. Having run across the mention of the Mexican government's program, Burton, a part-time expat snowbird living in Mazatlán, has done the research for readers and lays out the history of the promotion, launched in 2001, which includes a growing list of 177-plus small-town destinations. He understands the reticence many foreign travelers have toward vacationing in the country, with its current reputation for corruption and the rampant crime of drug cartels, attributing the hype to the blatant repetition of misinformation and sensationalism on the part of the mainstream media. 

From there, Burton highlights his favorite small-town destinations designated as Pueblos Mágicos, discussing why he enjoyed his visit, transportation options, the accommodations he personally used, and the not-to-be-overlooked experiences in the area. Frankly, the variety he presents is astounding, and the many, mostly unknown, sights, experiences, and travel opportunities sound like treasures just waiting to delight. 

Burton, a shoestring traveler from the 70s, still journeys in much the same way as he did in his post-university youth, slowly, purposefully, and with an eye to sampling all the local flavors of each new location. He does so by engaging with locals, walking a lot, and achieving fluency in Spanish that few casual visitors will be prepared to attain. However, while encouraging potential foreign travelers to at least try to learn some Spanish courtesies and useful phrases, he assures readers that English has seeped into even the most remote towns and is confident that, with a little effort, you can get by well enough. My only complaint about the book is that there are too few photographs of the wonders described. 

I recommend PUEBLOS MÁGICOS: A TRAVELER'S GUIDE TO MEXICO'S HIDDEN TREASURES to readers of travel books, especially those interested in learning more about our southern neighbor. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.

 

For this and other book reviews, visit my blogs, Boys' Mom Reads! and Guatemala Paula Loves to Read.

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Maddie – A Little Ghost with a Secret

by

Cindy J. Vanous

illustrated by Steven Stewart

 

A sweet ghost with a sweet secret.

 

Maddie – A Little Ghost with a Secret is a cute children's Halloween-themed picture book by Cindy J. Vanous, perfect for even the youngest among us. Maddie is the ghost of a little girl who, along with her mother, father, and many others of her kind, inhabits the small, abandoned community of Terlingua, Texas. With its cheerfully optimistic, engaging main character and positive messaging, the story is simple, fun, and entertaining: one that will be requested on repeat for bedtime reading. 

I enjoyed how Maddie introduces her town, offering a simple explanation for why its former residents had moved away. While Maddie cavorts with her ghostly playmates, delighting in Halloween activities, readers are left to guess about her past and the era in which she may have lived. However, the look of the clothing worn by the main characters, especially Maddie's mother with her stylish pillbox hat and short skirt, seems to indicate the 1960s, perhaps. On the other hand, both Maddie and her father's attire harken back to an earlier time, at least pre-WWII, when the Terlingua mines were still in operation. There are many details in Steven Stewart's colorful illustrations to examine and ponder. However, because of the artwork's style, it was sometimes difficult to discern what some of the illustrations depicted on my tablet, so maybe a physical copy would offer more clarity. 

While Maddie's vibe is joyful, she is concerned about how she fits in with the rest of the ghosts in her community; all seem to have a special gift or talent, while she has yet to discover hers, or if she even has one. But it doesn't take long before she realizes that she does something that no other ghost does; she bakes and decorates tasty and adorable cupcakes that she secretly leaves around town for the people living there to enjoy. Her skill may not be like anyone else's, but it is uniquely hers, and with it she makes others happy. Younger listeners will easily relate to Maddie's worries and, with prompting, can begin to consider their own special skills or talents as they are read this sweet story. 

I recommend MADDIE – A LITTLE GHOST WITH A SECRET to young readers and for reading aloud at home, school, or in after-school programs. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Literary Life Book Campaigns.

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Sacred Treasures

Circle of Nine, #3

by

Valerie Biel

 

Wow! A definite page-turner from the start!

When a diary from 1969 is discovered in a secret hiding place during their home's remodeling, Brigit Quinn and her parents, Rowan and Celeste, are alarmed by its contents in more ways than one. Written and concealed in a hidden drawer behind the stones on the back wall of their house by her grandmother Phoebe, it precipitates a renewed search for the missing Adele McGrath, and for her father to seek out his mysterious and elusive father, Malachi, for some solid answers about the identity of Rowan's mother. Furthermore, when Brigit and Celeste scry for answers, the resulting vision warns of a coming attack on the Tuatha, which, left unanswered, leads to the breach of The Otherworld, the theft of the Sacred Treasures safeguarded there, and the destruction of their ancient line. Worst of all, it hints that Adele's missing son will be at the center of it all – but on which side is yet unknown. 

Sacred Treasures is the third book in author Valerie Biel's riveting Circle of Nine series and returns to focus on the present-day situation in the Quinn household. So much happened in book one, BELTANY, and this story gives a wrap-up of those events without spoiling the story for those who haven't read it yet. (So, readers new to the series can jump in on the story with this novel and have an entertaining experience. However, for best enjoyment, the books should really be read in order.) Brigit has matured so much since her introduction, and her joy over the changes her small family has experienced and awaits is infectious. However, the happiness is overshadowed by the warnings of the unknown danger to the Tuatha and the gasp-inducing possibility that her newly returned father may be involved. Not only that, but information in the diary hints at ramifications that could affect Brigit's relationship with Tyler McGrath in a very big way. 

The story is fast-paced and a definite page-turner. I was delighted with Brigit's growth as a character and how far she's come since her 15th birthday, when she learned about her matriarchal lineage, and how she's embraced her emerging powers and learned the ways of the women in her family from her mother. They were close before, and their shared experiences and heritage have brought them even closer. With the confidence of youth, Brigit is ready and willing to test her abilities. I was shocked by her leyline traveling and by her mother's willingness to even let her attempt it! I loved the rhyming spells, messages, and the details of their ancient ways, and there's so much excitement and drama throughout the story. I read long and late and was reluctant (and annoyed) to put the book down for the evening.

I recommend SACRED TREASURES to readers of contemporary fantasy and magical realism, as well as to fans of the previous books in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

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Father Lost Child Found

Chic Charlie, #3

by

Jane Ellyson

 

Genre-blending action and adventure!

 

Father Lost Child Found is the third book in author Jane Ellyson’s genre-blending Chic Charlie series and features globe-trotting adventurers, spies, missing persons, and not-from-this-world aliens. Set both in remote locations and major cosmopolitan cities, engaging characters work together to aid a stranded visitor from another planet find their way home. 

Galina Ivanof, who has recuperated from her adventures in the previous book, is off to spend time with her boyfriend, Seb, and learn to sail in the gorgeous waters of the Mediterranean. However, she must suddenly postpone her vacation when her estranged mother calls her home to Tallinn, Estonia, where they learn her father’s death 24 years earlier may not have been the accident they’d been led to believe. 

In the meantime, Charlotte Harmon travels to Thailand, where she and her friend, Channing, plan to sightsee from the saddles of bikes, cycling from Hua Hin to Phuket, where they’ll meet up with Charlie’s husband, Scott. But when Channing changes her plans, opting halfway through their vacation to join mutual friends aboard their yacht, Charlie continues alone, until someone leaves a baby in the basket on her bike’s handlebars. 

Journalist Mason Murray, another member of their friend group and married to Scott Harmon’s sister, is hot on the story of new crop circles appearing in various remote locations around the globe, the latest in Myanmar, very near where Charlie found the abandoned baby. 

The author deftly juggles three disparate storylines which cleverly converge for non-stop action, intrigue, and some heart-wrenching revelations for Galina. The plot twists had me on the edge of my seat, wondering what was going to happen next! 

I recommend FATHER LOST CHILD FOUND to readers of mysteries, political thrillers, and science fiction, especially those who enjoy alien first contact stories. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.

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The Scheme

Carson Crime Files, #1

by

Amethyst Drake

 

An intriguing missing person’s investigation launches this new mystery series.

 

The Scheme is the debut novel in author Amethyst Drake’s new mystery series, the Carson Crime Files, and kicks off with the puzzling disappearance of a young bio-medical graduate student at Johns Hopkins. The story uses a team approach to solve the case, and I was quickly drawn in, easily completing it in one sitting. 

Katherine Carson is the primary lead of the partners who make up Carson Investigations, and she takes on the case of the missing Olivia Ames at the behest of the girl’s wealthy and distraught father. The police have already looked into the case and decided he is overreacting. At 24 years of age, Olivia is clearly old enough to have left under her own steam; still, her father is insistent that she wouldn’t have left without letting him know where she was going. 

Sammi, the youngest employee at Carson Investigations, is tasked with checking out Olivia’s laptop for clues to what she might have been planning, but she disagrees with snooping into the woman’s affairs. Checking her social media for clues proves fruitless and serves as a reminder that online practices have changed significantly since the 2008 setting of this story. In her eagerness to prove she knows more than the investigators, Sammi reveals private information to a potential suspect, then gets upset when Katherine calls her out. 

The story is chock-full of interesting secondary characters whom the investigators encounter while searching for the missing girl. While some are good and helpful, others are pathetic and slimy, and one is more interested in the detective than the case itself. I really felt character development was one of the author’s strengths. 

As there are few clues to build on, Katherine and her team must start from scratch. Aspects of the case remind Katherine of trauma from her past, and it was hard to watch her as she struggled to get past her memories. The investigation resolves and, surprisingly, flows right into a new mystery with a cliffhanger ending. 

I recommend THE SCHEME to mystery readers who like private detective stories with strong female main characters. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

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The Secret Truth

Jake Scott Mystery, #3

by

Barry Finlay

 

A normal day turns deadly for retired reporter Jake Scott!

 

The Secret Truth is the third book in author Barry Finlay’s exciting Jake Scott Mysteries, but readers new to the series will easily be able to pick up the storyline without having read the previous ones. With an older, more mature protagonist and a puzzling and compelling plot, I was glued to this story. 

In this third outing for retired newspaper reporter Jake Scott, he is staying at a B&B near his home as he waits for his newly installed custom hardwood floors to cure when he narrowly escapes death twice in one evening. While the official police ruling is an accidental explosion at the B&B, he and lead homicide detective (and Jake’s girlfriend) Dani Perez question if that is true. She encourages Jake to look into the backgrounds of the five people, the owners and other guests, who were killed. What follows is his intriguing search for the answers to who was responsible for their deaths and why they had to die. As Jake works his way through the victims’ pasts, he uncovers secrets that, if made public, would have made their own explosions. 

Jake is an engaging main character who is a relatable and regular guy caught up in extraordinary circumstances. He’s older, with a lot of life behind him, but is starting over after the death of a much-loved spouse, starting with his burgeoning romance with Dani. His relationship with his adult daughter is warm, and she has a secret of her own for her father. As an investigator, he is methodical and determined and still remembers the tips and tricks he honed during his days as a reporter. The truth behind what happened slowly comes out, but much like peeling an onion, there are layers upon juicy layers in the story. 

The author’s writing is smooth and engaging, and he quickly had me invested in Jake’s latest adventure with a fabulous opening chapter. I enjoyed Ottawa’s hometown feeling and the descriptions of local places. All of this really made me want to seek out and read the first two books in the series. 

I recommend THE SECRET TRUTH to mystery readers and fans of the previous books in the series.

 

For this and other book reviews, visit my blog, Guatemala Paula Loves to Read!

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Terrabyte Security

Mountain Town Mysteries, #2

by

Tena Stetler

 

Suspense and passion done right!

 

Terrabyte Security is the second book in Tena Stetler’s suspenseful and passion-filled Mountain Town Mysteries series, and cases involving returning characters and new ones combine for an intriguing return to the small town of Aspen Ridge. With business booming and romance blossoming, I was hooked by the latest cases and enjoyed the story from start to finish. 

While Candle Bearclaw and her new husband, Miacoh, are the main protagonists of the series, this new adventure focuses on their friend, employee, and confirmed bachelor, Cayson Eriksson. However, Molly Malone Reacher, a new client and the apparent victim of identity theft and a stalker, might just be the woman to change Cayson’s personal status. Although they experience an immediate attraction to each other, both resist following through initially, but they realize quickly that there’s something special between them. The resulting passion is a scorcher. 

I was absorbed by the intricate plot, which presents multiple mysteries to unravel. One of these mysteries involves Ben Alrich, the husband of Candle’s best friend, Gabby. The tension surrounding his disappearance was particularly intense, and Gabby’s distress was truly heart-wrenching. New client Molly’s situation is complex, with a couple of theories to pursue as to who is behind her troubles. One such theory involves the thesis she was working on for her degree, and, if the statistics about missing Indigenous women cited in the story are correct, they are absolutely shocking. This complexity and suspense will keep readers on the edge of their seats. 

Between the compelling plot and slow-burn romance, I couldn’t put this book down. I recommend TERRABYTE SECURITY to readers of adult romantic suspense. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Goddess Fish Promotions Book Tours.

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Murder by Milkshake

Sweet Dreams Mystery, #1

by

Elizabeth Maria Naranjo

 

A fine debut for this young adult cozy mystery series!

 

Murder by Milkshake is the great debut novel in author Elizabeth Maria Naranjo's young adult cozy mystery series, Sweet Dreams Mysteries, and with its likable main characters and multiple mysteries, it proved to be a highlight of my reading week. Not only did I really like the young protagonist, who gave me young Nancy Drew vibes, but the cute shop and the talk about the ice cream concoctions really painted a vivid picture for me. I was glad I was reading in the evening when it was too late for me to go out and satisfy the immediate need for an ice cream fix! 

When a popular teacher at her school goes missing, Genevieve has reason to believe a crabby substitute knows more about the disappearance than she’s telling. But when she can’t get those in charge to look into her suspicions, she takes matters into her own hands. 

Genevieve is a clever and compassionate girl with a nice group of friends. She and Brandon made a fun pair, and I enjoyed their back-and-forth whenever they were together. I also liked how Brandon's mother had welcomed Genevieve into their family after her mother had left for Las Vegas. Jill Summers was definitely attuned to her feelings, and I liked how she texted her son early in the book to find out what had Genevieve feeling down that morning! 

As the first book in a new series, the author must establish the world in which the stories will take place, and Naranjo does a splendid job crafting the small Arizona mountain community of Pinewood, especially the high school, without bogging down the action or interrupting the main character's development. I enjoyed the introductions to the people, places, and, of course, to Butterscotch, a sweet homeless dog. 

While the plot involves a murder, a secondary storyline explores Genevieve's future. Should she stay home to eventually take over her father's ice cream business (her childhood dream) or step out of her comfort zone, spread her wings, and open herself up to new experiences and ideas at a university farther away from home? Her worries about the unknown ahead added such a relatable aspect to the young protagonist and the plot. 

With its engaging main character and well-plotted mystery, I recommend MURDER BY MILKSHAKE to young adult mystery readers looking for a clever and fresh new heroine. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy through WOW! Women On Writing Book Tours.

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Halloween Parade Peril

Dotty Sayers Antique Mystery, #10

by

Victoria Tait

 

Plot twists and viable suspects will keep readers guessing!

 

Halloween Parade Peril is the tenth book in author Victoria Tait's excellent British cozy mystery series featuring Dotty Sayers, a young widow building a fledgling antiques business. However, the story stands well on its own, and new readers will easily be able to slip into the action and have a great reading experience. 

Dotty returns to her home in the Cotswolds and soon receives a commission to help furnish a small historic castle being converted into a boutique hotel with some unique and hard-to-find antiques. When she discovers an upcoming Dublin auction scheduled for early November and advertising some promising pieces on her list, she decides to attend. Coincidentally, her good friend, Sergeant Keya Varma, is also planning a trip to Dublin to watch her boyfriend Sujin's band perform at the annual Bram Stoker Festival, held on the days leading up to Halloween, so they decide to travel together. Still trying to figure out where she stands in her relationship with her friend Zach, Dottie lets him know about her plans and is encouraged when he suggests meeting up in Dublin for a long-overdue catch-up. But despite the wonderful sightseeing and Zach's apparent interest, their promising reunion is tragically interrupted by murder. 

Dotty Sayers, the main character in this excellent series, returns home after completing several successful commissions and solving murders on the road, advanced antiques training, and with a confidence that has grown exponentially throughout the previous novels, ready to set up her own antiques business. Naturally, she has concerns about her relationship with Zach, who has his own fish to fry and has often given mixed signals in the past. It was great to have Dotty and Keya back together again, working together to solve the murder alongside the local Guarda. These two make a fun and effective team. 

The story features many of the sights, sounds, folklore, and history of the country, its people, and the city of Dublin in particular, with vivid descriptions of the surroundings and the activities the characters take part in. Almost a quarter of the book covers Dotty's visit and establishes the group's dynamics and the events leading up to the murder. From there, the investigation takes over and takes off! Several good suspects and some surprising plot twists distract or direct armchair detectives toward or away from the clues in the story until the final resolution reveals the tale. 

I recommend HALLOWEEN PARADE PERIL to cozy mystery readers, especially those who enjoy a Halloween seasonal story, a Dublin setting, or are fans of the previous books in the series. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.