I requested to review The Light of the Ruins by Chris Bohjalian for three reasons. I have loved every book Chris has ever written, it’s set in Italy and takes place during and after WWII a period in history I find fascinating. Once again Bohjalian delivered and I found myself swept up in the murder mystery, the history of the Rosatis family and Germany’s impact on Italy and its people. Three word review: captivating, dark and breathtaking.
Maid of Secrets by Jennifer McGowan
Today I am excited to be a stop on the Maid of Secrets tour hosted by Sel @ Bookcase to Heaven. Enjoy my review and author spotlight and be sure and enter to win a copy for yourself!
The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
Last year I read a few articles about the most anticipated books for 2013 and debut authors to keep an eye on. The cover and title of The Golem and the Jinni immediately caught my eye. Once I read the synopsis and references to fans of Harkness’s Discovery of Witches and Morgenstern’s Night Circus I knew this book and I were destine to meet.
The Ashford Affair by Lauren Willig
It has been quite some time since I have read a book that spans generations uncovering family secrets. The Ashford Affair touted by critics to be reminiscent of “Out of Africa with the feel of a Downtown Abbey cast” was highly accurate and despite wanting more time in Kenya I was pleased. While at times it was morose, I quickly became caught up in the different characters from past to present. Willig beautifully transported me from present day Manhattan to war-torn Britain and the open plains of Kenya, Africa. I slowly slipped within the pages and felt at home with the characters. It is the story of love, loss, adventure, passion and hope.
The Bughouse Affair by Marcia Muller and Bill Pronzini
The Bughouse Affair the first book in a new historical mystery series set in San Francisco during the 1890’s offered up interesting characters and two cases that become intertwined. The tale features former Pinkerton operative Sabina Carpenter and John Quincannon, a former secret service agent who together have opened their own detective agency. I quickly became caught up in the mysteries and the character claiming to be none other than Sherlock Holmes himself.