Category: Book Reviews
The Last Devil to Die
The Last Devil to Die: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery by Richard Osman, 3/5
This story contained some touching character development and I enjoyed how the author incorporated characters and references from previous books. I felt that the criminal-with-a-heart-of-gold archetype is getting a bit worn at this point in the series, but perhaps that is my fault for reading three Thursday Murder Club books in less than a week.
Why I read it: the fourth book in the series.
The Bullet that Missed
The Bullet that Missed: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery by Richard Osman, 4/5
This third installment in the series brings back some of the charm and wit that was missing from the second book, in my opinion.
Why I read it: the third book in the series.
The Man Who Died Twice
The Man Who Died Twice: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery by Richard Osman, 3/5
Enjoyable, though a bit less witty and charming than the first book in the series and featuring a more conventional, spy thriller plot.
Why I read it: the second in a series that started out very strong.
The Thursday Murder Club
The Thursday Murder Club: a novel by Richard Osman, 5/5
The only mystery left unsolved at the end of this charming, witty, and absolutely delightful novel is how something so polished and sparkling could be the author’s first. I read it in one day and didn’t handle distractions too gracefully, I’m afraid. It made me laugh, it made me cry, and I especially appreciated how the author took his time at the end instead of wrapping up too hastily.
Why I read it: Frustratingly, I can’t remember how I heard of this series.
Know Your Cows
Know Your Cows by Jack Byard, 2/5
Repetitive text and limited photos, which range in quality from “acceptable” to “2000s cell phone camera,” make this small spotter’s guide a disappointing read and a reference of doubtful usefulness.
Why I read it: There are so many cows around that I thought it would be fun to learn more about them.
All the Light We Cannot See
All the Light We Cannot See: A Novel by Anthony Doerr, 4/5
I could complain that this story lost me a bit near the end, but that could very well be a symptom of the pure exhaustion I was feeling at 1am, after reading the entire book in one day. While I can’t claim to be as emotionally traumatized (in a good way) as other reviewers seem to be, I did find this to be a well-crafted and beautifully-written work of historical fiction. I especially appreciated how the author was able to keep my interest equally in both the main character’s story arcs, despite switching between them for the bulk of the book in a way that would be annoying if not so thoughtfully done. A prominent MacGuffin and too little time spent weaving the two character’s stories together after they finally met, is all that keeps this from being a classic, in my opinion.
Why I read it: an oft-mentioned entry in the comments on an Instagram post about favorite (or most meaningful–I can’t remember which) books.
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel
Save the Cat! Writes a Novel: The Last Book on Novel Writing You’ll Ever Need by Jessica Brody, 4/5
Inspired by Blake Snyder’s “Save the Cat!” formula for screenwriting, author Jessica Brody breaks down the 15 basic plot points necessary for each of the 10 genres into which all stories can be categorized. Numerous examples and detailed breakdowns of famous novels are provided, making this a convincing, if somewhat tedious read.
Do I think it is necessary to follow a formula while writing a novel? Of course not. Does it steal the magic a bit to identify the unexpectedly unvaried elements that so many stories have in common? Yes, it does. But I can imagine that this handbook could be a lifesaver for a new or struggling author, or anyone looking to troubleshoot plot/pacing issues.
Why I read it: it was on a list of recommended resources for writers on my Instagram feed.
Great Tales from English History
Great Tales from English History: A Treasury of True Stories About the Extraordinary People–Knights and Knaves, Rebels and Heroes, Queens and Commoners–Who Made Britain Great by Robert Lacey, 5/5
This collection of historical stories is deftly woven together, seamlessly transporting the reader through over 9000 years of British history (from the Mesolithic period to postwar times). Famous incidents are presented with a fresh perspective and there is a satisfying variety of fascinatingly obscure events and details included as well. I wish there was a book like this written about every country in the world!
Why I read it: one of the few “required reading” entries from my college days that earned a permanent home on my shelves.
Before and After the Book Deal
Before and After the Book Deal: A Writer’s Guide to Finishing, Publishing, Promoting, and Surviving Your First Book by Courtney Maum, 3/5
Despite Maum’s humorous approach, I found this insider perspective on the book publishing process to be quite off-putting. Seeing the business side of books is truly like visiting the proverbial sausage factory and I am not a happier reader for coming to the realization that “author” hovers near the very bottom of any list of viable career choices, below even those perennial classics–“actor” and “musician.” This state of things is not Maum’s fault, but it is not Donald Trump’s fault either, which is a fact she seems to struggle with at several points in this exceedingly woke book.
Why I read it: it was on a list of recommended resources for writers on my Instagram feed.
The Midnight Library
The Midnight Library: A Novel by Matt Haig, 4/5
It feels petty to complain that this deeply meaningful novel about existential crisis and regret boils down to a few cliches and wraps up a little too tidily–the fact remains that I read it greedily in one sitting, shedding a few tears in the process. I couldn’t shake an intense feeling that it was written just for me, which I’m sure is exactly how many other readers feel and is a testament to the author’s writing skill and insight into the mental struggles of modern existence.
Why I read it: an oft-mentioned entry in the comments on an Instagram post about favorite (or most meaningful–I can’t remember which) books.
OmniRambles 