Review: The Intrigue by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
3 August 2026
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Reviews, Books, Noir, Review, reviews, Silvia Moreno-Garcia, The Intrigue
My Five Word TL:DR: Noir isn’t Even My Thing
…and yet this author seems to make everything she touches entertaining, easy to read and quite compelling.
I will also point out that this story has no fantasy elements, it isn’t gothic or horror in nature and there isn’t so much as a drop of magical realism. Set in the 1940s this is a tale of a con man, hoping to score one last job that will set him up for life, taking a big chance by moving to a sleepy village where he hopes to marry a wealthy woman
Ulises Linares has been operating small time scams on lonely women since his father passed away. The two always worked together but Ulises, although he came up trumps in the looks department, doesn’t quite have the same instincts and since his father’s demise his situation has gone from bad to worse. He’s been running ads in the lonely hearts rags, forming acquaintances with gullible women and then emptying their bank accounts, but he was almost caught and is keen to disappear from the city for a little while, he has little money left, a few odds and sods that give him the appearance of being ‘well heeled’ and a lead in the form of a spinster called Perla who has invited him to come to stay at her family home turned guest house.
Of course, when Ulises arrives the guest house is rather dilapidated, clearly the family have fallen on hard times and so Perla may not in fact me the wealthy mark he expected, on top of which she has a niece living with her who isn’t shy and enjoys prying into Ulises affairs.
Okay, I’m not going to go into the plot for this one as you simply need to read it for yourself. Instead lets look at what I liked.
To be honest the real joy of this book comes down to the writing and the three main characters, and, well, some of the absolutely batpoop crazy decisions they make.
I will confess that when I first picked this up I found everything a little slow and, as I mentioned in my ‘short’ review noir is not something that I read a lot of. However, this book is one of those slow creepers that gets under your skin and makes you itch to return to it whenever you put it down. As the story started I thought I had a grip of what to expect but the tables really turn in a most unexpected way and the characters back stories all start to squirm out of the woodwork adding these extra layers of depth. I really didn’t expect to have any sympathy with either Ulises or Perla’s niece, Inés. In fact, although Perla comes across as very controlling and quite harsh at times, I expected to have sympathy for the lonely spinster who both her niece and would-be husband are plotting against, but ultimately I didn’t have any sympathy for her at all.
The characters are really easy to picture. Ulises is good looking, confident, charismatic. His smile wins people over quite easily, usually. Perla is not, however, going to be a pushover. She has some very clear ideas about proper behaviour and respecting her family name and legacy. For Ulises time and money are running out fast and he’s out of ideas in terms of Perla.
Inés is a very intriguing character. I mean, I don’t want to tell you too much about her because the real beauty of this story is the reveals about the three main characters. She is living with her aunt under duress – on both parts. Her aunt sees Inés as her carer in her old age, for which she will eventually inherit the dusty family home. There is nothing if not a lot of resentment.
Meanwhile Perla runs the household with an iron rod. She knows every penny, and in fact there’s a good deal of penny pinching. she enjoys having the attentions of a young attractive man, particularly in terms of the gossip round the village and the jealousy it incites in a would-be suitor who has been hoping to marry Perla and combine their assets.
The sleepy village of Puerco Ahogado in Veracruz is so easy to fall into. There aren’t plenty of descriptions but the place comes alive. There are just these little shout outs to all the local traditions, the restraints on behaviour and the gossiping that ensures people are scared to step a foot out of line. There’s plenty going on here. People being lovestruck, petty jealousies, so much bickering and talking behind closed doors. It’s positively deliciously claustrophobic.
And, finally, did I mention some crazy decision making? Wow, just wow. These people. What the actual fudge cake is going on. There was no working things through, giving things time to develop. Actual planning? Nah. What ifs? Not a chance. I love it. This was so wrong it was right. I was like ‘WHAT’, my mouth gaping open like a fish, for a good deal of the time.
In conclusion, this might not be my favourite book by the author. But, given that it had it’s work cut out by falling into a genre that I don’t usually plump for and that my usual comfort zone of fantasy was missing it did a fine job of pulling me in and keeping me eager to return. Seriously, this has this pulpy, noir, historic, crazy scheming no-idea-where-it’s-going-to-go feel that kept me turning the pages.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4 of 5 scheming stars
Review: A Drop of Corruption by Robert Jackson Bennett (No.2 Shadow of the Leviathan)
20 July 2026
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: #Shadow of the Leviathan, A Drop of Corruption, Review, Robert Jackson Bennett, The Tainted Cup
My Five Word TL:DR Review: in a nutshell, simply superb
I loved A Drop of Corruption by RJB, which didn’t come as a surprise as I’ve read and enjoyed so many of his previous books. What I’m particularly enjoying about this series, apart from the fabulous world and two amazing central characters, is the combination of fantasy and mystery. For sure The Tainted Cup was one of my favourite reads and Ana and Din made a great first impression but without doubt A Drop of Corruption was even better (although that feels almost impossible to believe given how strongly I felt about the first).
In this second instalment Ana and Din have been sent to the furthest reaches of the empire, a canton known as Yarrowdale to investigate the disappearance of a treasury official. It pretty soon becomes clear that the official has been murdered and as Ana begins to make her enquiries and dwell upon the strange circumstances, it soon begins to feel like, on this occasion, she may actually be out of her depth as the perpetrator of the crime is always one step ahead.
First things first, if you haven’t read the first in series this review may contain spoilers so be aware of that.
So, what did I love about this.
I thoroughly enjoyed being faced with an almost impossible to solve mystery. This is such an intriguing plot that hooks you quickly and pulls you deeper and deeper into its cunning web. I admit that I have such a lot of respect for an author who can come up with such a deeply perplexing crime whilst at the same time keeping so many things in the air and working smoothly together.
He builds on this fascinating world uncovering a remote outpost where canals take you deep into jungle type vegetation or travel to the sea brings you to the protective walls and the Shroud. I’m not going to say anything about the Shroud but leave you to discover it for yourself. It’s yet another small piece in this complex world where Leviathans could destroy everything. Speaking of complexity Bennett continues to build on the tricky politics at play and and breadth and span, not to mention ambition, of the Empire.
On top of this the relationship between Ana and Din continues to develop. We learn more about them both, Din is experiencing something of a crisis concerning his role and the way Ana quietly runs interference was really good to read. I think I mentioned previously that this strange duo have great potential to go on and appear in so many mysteries yet to come and I seriously hope that this turns out to be the case. We still have such a lot to learn about them and this world.
The writing is superb, the pacing is perfect, I frankly have no criticisms whatsoever and I simply cannot wait to read the next instalment. A perfect fantasy version of Holmes and Watson, this time with the added bonus of an almost Moriarty type foe in terms of his intelligence and ability to outfox Ana.
In conclusion. Thoroughly enjoyable and gripping.
I purchased a copy through Audible and really enjoyed this version.
My rating 5 out of 5 stars
Review: The Tinder Box by MR Carey
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Demons and Witches, Oh My
The original Tinder Box is a story that I have only a very vague recollection of. I seem to have a dim recall of a retired and exhausted soldier, doing a witch’s bidding, with very firm instructions of what not to do! Strangely I recall the dogs – each one more menacing than the last with eyes as large as saucers – or some such dramatic description. But, other than that my memory is sketchy, maybe it was one of those stories that never quite gained the momentum of some of the others. Anyway, I do like this author and at the moment he seems to be writing in a style that feels very unique. His last book, Once Was Willem (I could be wrong, it might not be the last book) I very much enjoyed, it felt so original and I feel like The Tinder Box also fits that description perfectly.
This story once again is mediaeval in nature. We have a soldier who has been removed from duty due to injury. Far from returning home a hero it seems that the country is bitter about the war, which is still ongoing, and our soldier, Mag, struggles from place to place, barely earning enough food to eat until he finds work at the home of a widow known as Jannae Mirchella. From here things take a very strange turn indeed. Basically, and just bear with me now, but in a nutshell, a dead demon falls from the sky, our soldier retrieves a tinder box from his body following which he finds himself on the run, with the widow Jannae hot on his tail. Jannae is in fact a witch and recognises that the tinder box contains a source of great power. Now, on top of this, there is another who is aware of the tinder box and is also searching for it. Eventually the three shall meet with quite unexpected and dramatic results.
So, I don’t want to go much further into the story. This is a loose retelling but its easy to recognise the bones of the original but instead of dogs we have demons.
What appealed to me about this story.
First and foremost the writing. This may be a bone of contention for some readers but for me this worked well. I wouldn’t say that the writer has gone so far as to write this in true ‘olde worlde’ fashion, but he certainly doesn’t have any modernisms lurking – or at least none that pulled me out of the story. And, frantkly, I appreciate that. I don’t want to read a mediaeval story where people are saying ‘whatever’ and rolling their eyes. This was a different era and everything about it comes across in the writing. It let me lean into the story really well. I will also say that this story takes its time setting up, again, this isn’t something I have a problem with at all. I want the backstory and I’m a patient reader. I don’t want a bunch of bunkum that brings nothing to the story and that isn’t what you will find here. You need the context. You need to understand the characters and their motivations and more than that you really can’t appreciate their growth without it. So, the writing. Frankly, if I appreciate the writing that goes a long way for me to really liking the book, even if the pacing is slow or the story isn’t quite as gripping as I’d like.
Secondly, the two main characters share povs buy they’re so completely different, their voices unique and their stories quite fascinating. The pair of them undergo this terrific character arc in terms of, well Mag is almost a bit washed out but he reforms into a character that wants to do the right thing. Jannae is incredibly angry. She has lived her life planning revenge and has been so consumed by this that she hasn’t really lived her life at all. She is intent on this tinder box. All her focus is upon it. And yet, things change. But, of course I’m not going to say why.
On top of this the three demons were very entertaining. Of course there’s a play here on good vs evil. These are demons so presumably they’re going to be absolutely terrible. And yet, maybe not. I like the contradictions and suggestions that leave you to make your own decision. Strangely enough it’s man’s own greed and ambition that plays a part in sending all these men to war and keeping them there with all the resultant deaths.
The story itself. Well, it meanders a little. The start takes its time – but when did we all become so impatient that we just wanted to read a book in five minutes – Tolkien would never have succeeded with this mindset! Lets just take our time to appreciate the actual story. It doesn’t have to be all guns blazing, racing out of the stalls with its tail on fire – although the last quarter of the book does resemble that a little to be fair. Yes, there is set up. Yes, there is backstory. It’s all relevant and I enjoyed it. The story was quite bewitching. I also enjoyed the play on how both our protagonists, although they could make whatever demands they pleased, eventually found themselves instead making polite requests.
In conclusion, this might not quite pack the punch of some of Carey’s earlier stories but it is a really good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it, I loved the writing and I can’t wait to see what he comes up with next – because frankly, he’s nothing if not unpredictable.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4 of 5 stars
Review: Nine Goblins by T Kingfisher
14 July 2026
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Reviews, Fantasy, Nine Goblins, reading, Review, T Kingfisher
My Five Word TL:DR Review: Easy to Read Cosy Fantasy
At 160 pages Nine Goblins was a book that I picked up and completed in virtually one sitting. It was fun, entertaining, had moments of darkness and death, an impressive body count and plenty of Kingfisher’s trademark humour. I wouldn’t say this is my favourite book by Kingfisher but being one of her earliest books (if not the first?) you can already see her style shining through, the humour mixed with dark moments, the characters that are easy to like (and the ones that are not) and always bundled into a fairytale-esque story.
If you imagine a strange mash up of Tolkien’s LotRs and Pratchett’s Wee Free Men, then added in a touch of James Herriot’s beleaguered vet – you wouldn’t be far off the mark for Nine Goblins and to me that kind of description would always work very well and have me hooked.
So, goblin sergeant Nessilka finds herself in a spot of bother when, having rushed at a wizard during the throes of battle, followed by 8 of her party, the nine of them fall through a magical escape route (conjured by said wizard while he’s trying to escape said goblins) that transports them deep into enemy territory. It’s now up to Nessilka to get everyone out of there in one piece. A challenge that is made much worse when the nearest village they discover is completely empty of any life at all – everyone knows how despicable goblins are after all so if any of the enemy come across them at this point – well, the inevitable conclusions would be drawn quicker than you can blink an eye. Even if they are wrong and the goblins are totally innocent.
Now, enter the scene an elf called Sings to Trees – he’s basically a vet. He lives a reclusive lifestyle deep within the forest treating all kinds of critters in need, even some very strange and unlikely specimens. This character put me in mind a little of Tom Bomadil in that he’s so caring of every living thing. He and Nessilka are about to cross paths – fortunately – because he could very well help to save their lives.
This is going to be a short and sweet review. This is a quick read, as I mentioned already I completed it in one cosy sitting. The writing is what I would expect from this author. The story is infused with fantasy elements and characters. There are all sorts of the weird and wonderful, not least, skeleton like deers, telepathic teddy bears and trolls that are a lot more friendly than they are given credit for.
I’m definitely on a Kingfisher trip at the moment, I’ve already read and reviewed four of her books this year (including this one) and still have two more forthcoming on my shelf. Happy days indeed.
In conclusion. A lovely cosy fantasy with cute characters and a little bit of danger thrown in for good measure.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 3.5 of 5 stars (rounded to 4)
Review: The Winter Folk by Jen Julian
13 July 2026
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Reviews, Fae, Fantasy, Gothic horror, Jen Julian, Review, The Others, The Winter Folk
My Five Word TL:DR Review: I Really Enjoyed This Story
The Winter Folk is a book that I liked even more than I anticipated. Don’t get me wrong, when I requested this I was immediately drawn in by the description ‘haunting Appalachian gothic horror ‘ – that was the absolute hook for me, I didn’t really know what to expect from the story though and I picked it up with very little knowledge other than it is a story involving the Winter Folk and a lodge known as Deerhaven.
This is basically the story of ‘Moth’. We have two timelines, in one we meet Vera, who will later be named Moth for her time working at Deerhaven and then a jump forward when Vera is now married with a daughter of her own and her husband knows her as ‘Stoker’.
Now, firstly, I will say that I’m an absolute pushover for anything gothic, add in the Appalacian setting and the fae and top it off with some wonderfully easy to read prose and you can pretty much call me a pig in mud. This book is, to all intents and purposes, hypnotic. I was totally in its thrall and enjoyed every minute I spent walking in Moth’s footsteps.
Let me elaborate on everything that worked so well for me.
The writing really is lovely. I could wallow around and soak in this writing all day long. It’s not overly verbose but sets the scene with almost casual indifference. Everything springs to life off the page and the creativity on display is simply spot on. Jen Julian manages to pull you into a world where everything is different, and strange, and a bit intimidating. She creates a fantastically tense atmosphere and, probably because you’re jumping back and forth, there is obviously some forewarning of things to come and the fact that Moth is going to get into trouble of one sort or another leaves you with this uneasy taste in your mouth as you wait for everything to go wrong. It’s compellingly unsettling.
Now, in her backstory, Moth soon makes it fairly clear that she didn’t have the best childhood or the most doting of parents. Quite the opposite in fact. Her mother’s only nod to care or affection for her daughter is the stories she tells about the forest. Kind of like tales of warning. Other than that she’s practically indifferent to her daughter and her father is absent – having taken himself off to live alone in the forest. So, Moth grows up in a home environment that is far from loving and nurturing. And this all feels linked to her coming to the notice of ‘the winter folk’. Like they zone in on unhappiness and neglect. The people they choose to work at the lodge all have stories that paint quite unhappy pictures of their home lives. Alongside this is, for me, what felt like a focus on mental health issues. The fae deliberately choose people who are at a low point, then these chosen people become almost enamoured by having been chosen, and it’s all incredibly addictive. They say they won’t return to the lodge because its dangerous, life threatening to be honest, and yet they always find excuses to return.
In terms of characters. I liked Moth, although she can be quite difficult to like at times. I liked that she comes across as quite pragmatic when dealing with the Others. She is rather besotted by the antlered man who runs the lodge and in fact this becomes a source of jealousy and a real bone of contention with two of the other workers at the lodge that have become good friends. What starts as a real feeling of camaraderie eventually turns sour as the three begin to backstab and bicker only to find out at the last minute how very sorry they are for letting their friendship take such a wrong turn.
The fae here are scary. They are meddlesome and tricksy. They’re not the disney version of fae but more your basic horror story. They wear facades to cover their true identities and drop hints of things to come, enticing the staff and making them believe in possibilities that are little more than smoke and mirrors.
I can say that I preferred the backstory elements to the more contemporary timeline although I do think it was well written and intriguing by way of the difficult relationship that Moth (Stoker) now experiences with her own daughter. In this timeline she feels like a shadow of herself almost. Like she isn’t really present. This element was kind of bittersweet because although her life has moved on she still hankers after this time from her past, she thinks of herself as Moth and she even contrives a holiday to return to the woods to try and secretly find a way back into the lodge even though she was explicitly banned. It made me feel sad for her because she never really moved on and the relationship she has with her husband feels empty somehow. That being said, she is fiercely protective of her daughter as becomes apparent when things take a drastic turn.
I did have one stumbling block with this and that’s the ending. It feels rushed, comparatively speaking. I found myself having to go back over it and even now I feel like I’m missing something fundamental. Which isn’t to say that its a bad ending, I don’t really know how to vocalise what I’m feeling to be honest and I have felt myself going over the events in my head since I finished. I would like more from this world and so on one hand the ending makes me hope that a return to the Winter Folk could very well be a possibility. But, on the other hand, the ending also makes me think that the author is pushing you to form your own conclusions, she’s given you a few breadcrumbs and now you can take yourself off and contemplate.
In conclusion, I shall be watching this author with keen interest. I really enjoyed this and can’t wait to see what she comes up with next.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 4.5 of 5 stars
Books and travelling with Lynn 