Review : A Poisoner’s Tale by Cathryn Kemp
12 August 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: A Poisoner's Tale, Book Review, Books, Cathryn Kemp, fiction, historical-fiction, Review
My Five Word TL:DR Review : A Small Circle of Poisoners
A Poisoner’s Tale is a story set predominantly in 17th Century Rome. As the story begins we meet Giulia Tofana, a young girl living in Palermo. She soon comes to learn that her mother’s love of herbology and her night time visits abroad have a secret and deadly purpose. Giulia’s mother has concocted a poison, lethal and untraceable that she supplies to women whose circumstances are dire due to abuse and torment. To cut to the chase Giulia’s mother suffers the consequences and her daughter is forced to flee Sicily. We then jump forward a good twenty years. Giulia is living in Rome, now a mother herself she has taught her secrets not only to her daughter but also a small number of women who similarly now help the women of Rome – that is until the net finally closes in around them.
I’m not going to say anything further about the plot, the outcome is already a foregone conclusion given that this is based on the life of a real woman and her small group of friends, plus the opening chapters make it clear that Giulia is being tried as a witch and I think we probably all know how that will end – torture and execution. It is believed that Giulia may have been responsible for the deaths of at least 600 men, maybe as many as 1,000, these deaths often going unnoticed due to other factors such as the black death, high mortality rate, etc. However, eventually, the church begins to take notice and one man in particular makes it his mission to seek out these women and thus a witch hunt begins.
What I liked about this.
The writing is beautiful and evocative. The descriptions really bring the story to life without being cumbersome and things move forward at a good clip. I loved the way the tension creeps up on you, and you feel this dread as you move forward – which is a testament to the writing when you consider you already pretty much know how things are going to pan out. Clearly the author has also done her research and this really comes across.
I loved the small group of friends that Giulia has gathered around herself. They don’t always agree about every course of action but they are a tight knit circle who stand firmly together. Giulia is a fantastic character to read about. The author does an amazing job in making her likable whilst being morally grey. You could argue that Giulia isn’t responsible for murdering anybody, she doesn’t administer the poison after all, but, at the same time she knows what the poison is being used for, is a gun seller responsible for the actions of others? These are brutal times and women have few options available to them. In that respect I would mention that this can be a very difficult read, the women in these pages suffer all sorts of abuse which in turn led them to take such desperate measures so please bear that in mind before reading this.
In terms of criticisms. Not really criticisms as such – but I couldn’t help feeling frustrated at Giulia and her friends, they became careless and they took risks which inevitably lead to their downfall. And, the book! Why on earth keep such a thing, even as a young girl Giulia was aware of the risks of keeping such a ledger and yet as a woman she continued in her mother’s footsteps. We also have another pov which I had mixed feelings about. This was a male character, a man of great standing who you could say had become obsessed with Giulia. I didn’t really enjoy these chapters but having considered it I think that they did help to really demonstrate the strength of feeling at that time towards women, particularly in their inferior status and lack of voice.
In conclusion this is a very thought provoking, at some times difficult but mostly compelling read. Well written with plenty of feeling where this small group of women are concerned.
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 brutally evocative stars
Review : Love Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Cornell
8 August 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Love Letters to a Serial Killer, Review, Tasha Coryell
My Five Word TL:DR Review: What Did I Just Read
Well, I can safely say this is one unusual story. I don’t know what I was expecting when I requested a review copy of this one. I think though that I was expecting something twisted and genuinely messed up and although this wasn’t quite the twisted, messed up horror that I thought it might be it was still both of those things in abundance. And I was hooked. Line and sinker hooked.
To be honest, I struggled with the main character, I couldn’t decide if she needed a hug, a slap or a therapist (probably all three – although, for the record, I don’t go around slapping people). I guess I felt sorry for her at certain points. She was definitely floundering and she lacked any sort of self respect. Anyway, I’m getting ahead of myself.
Things are not going well for Hannah. After being a standout student, and the world presumably being her oyster, she’s been coasting in a job that she doesn’t enjoy for some time, she desperately wants to find that certain ‘someone’ yet her eagerness to please and over needy behaviour usually lead to rejection and she has a constant struggle with food and exercise. Things go from bad to worse when Hannah becomes obsessed with a spate of murders that have now been linked together indicating that a serial killer is at large. She finds herself addicted to a true crime forum which seems to give her the validation she seeks. Unfortunately this latest craze leads to the loss of her job thereby giving her more time to obsess about the murders. When a handsome lawyer is detained her sights immediately hone in on him and she writes to him in prison venting her frustration and anger. Imagine the surprise when he replies and is sympathetic. Hannah immediately becomes fixated on William, eagerly awaiting his next letter and writing back to him with all kinds of random thoughts and feelings about her daily life. It’s like Hannah finally has the validation she seeks. Even if it is being notice from a man suspected of killing multiple women. To a certain extent she believes he will be convicted and remain in prison and this gives her a certain confidence regarding her safety. Imagine then when he is eventually released and seeks her out.
This certainly kept me glued to the page. I’m not totally convinced about the final outcome, it felt a little rushed somehow. But, regardless this was a riveting read. Reading about Hannah was like watching a trainwreck, you go from cringing to despair. She turned me into a one woman pantomime audience because I wanted to shout at her. I couldn’t help turning the pages to see what predicament she’d walk into next. And believe me when I say she does walk into some predicaments.
In conclusion, this is entertaining and engrossing. It didn’t give me a MC that I could really connect with but it was a fast and compulsive read.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the author, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 3.5 of 5 very unique stars rounded up to 4.
The Cautious Traveller’s Guide to the Wastelands by Sarah Brooks Review
27 June 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Reviews, historical-fiction, Review, reviews, Sarah Brooks, The Cautious Traveller's Guide to The Wastelands
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Liked not Loved This One
TCTGttW is undoubtedly a well written and interesting story that offers readers a historic, gothic style setting with a fascinating mystery. It’s a good read, if a little slow, but, I think my expectations had misled me a little – which is totally on me because the description isn’t misleading at all.
As the story begins we meet a number of passengers as they ready themselves before embarking on what is undoubtedly a dangerous journey. The Trans-Siberian Express travels from Beijing to Moscow.
I loved the setup to be honest. The introduction to a number of passengers, some of them with very personal reasons for making the journey, who are keeping secrets. We particularly follow a grieving young woman travelling under a false name and a young girl who was born on the train and has been adopted into the hearts of the train and crew. On top of this we have a couple of characters known as The Crows who seem to stalk the train and passengers keeping everything under tight control.
As the journey begins you become immediately aware of the dangers faced. The wastelands are an ever changing and adapting unknown entity that seem to drive people crazy.
I don’t really want to say too much more about the plot because of spoilers.
My feelings whilst reading went from loving the writing, the characters and set up with all the anticipation that was initially created to one of feeling that very little was really happening and eventually becoming a bit frustrated.
I think I wanted more from the wastelands really. This is an element of the story that felt under explored for me. I was expecting goosebumps and a few chills. Instead this feels a little like a gentle warning about the price of progress and the effects such progress can have on the natural environment. Don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t feel like a story that is trying to preach, but, at the same time it felt a little tentative, like it was on the precipice of throwing caution to the wind and bringing to us something quite fantastical or remaining a bit more calm. I think I was hoping for a bit of chaos and some dark psychological goings on as the passengers started to lose control. Also there was a certain passenger who for me was just a huge ‘spoiler alert’. I can’t say more though without being a big spoiler alert myself.
Anyway. This probably sounds a bit more critical than I intended so to back up a little. The story is really well written, there’s a great sense of intrigue and a creeping dread of what might actually happen. And, who doesn’t love a story set on a train?
Just, if you’re planning on picking this up be aware that it is a slow burn and don’t make my mistake and start hoping for all sorts of creepy critters in the dark.
I received a copy through Netgalley, courtesy of the publisher, for which my thanks. The above is my own opinion.
My rating 3.5 beautifully written stars.
Two Sides to Every Murder by Danielle Valentine Review
25 June 2024
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: Book Reviews, Danielle Valentine, Horror, Review, slasher, Two Sides To Every Murder
My Five Word TL:DR Review : Slasher Alert at Band Camp
I thoroughly enjoyed Delicate Condition and so couldn’t wait to see what this author came up with next. I guess I wasn’t really expecting a teen slasher at a lakeside camp but this one worked for me and kept me reading into the wee hours.
Camp Lost Lake closed down years ago following a number of murders. The suspected murderer managed to slip through the police’s fingers although at the time a local myth grew about the witch in the woods and this urban myth is one that still refuses to go away, kept alive by the mysterious disappearance of a number of hikers through the woods over the years .
Now, a generation later, the camp is reopening and the locals are rallying round to get the place ready. A group of teenagers have descended on the place to help. What could possibly go wrong?
I really had a good time reading this. It’s a bit cheesy, there are two sweet little unconnected romances which seem to have been thrown in simply to keep your mind otherwise occupied (and away from clues) and there are plenty of secrets and lies.
Okay, if you’re a horror aficionado this might have some plot holes, to be fair, I found myself stumbling over one or two (maybe not plot holes so much as puzzlers) myself but I’d already decided to simply run with this and enjoy it for what it is. Which for me was one of those stories where young people keep doing eye rollingly ill-advised things like running off into the forest alone, at night, during a storm. Because of course you would. Or finding time to gaze at each other longingly whilst a complete psychopath is creeping around with a bow and arrow. I think I was in the mood for some popcorn munching thrills and this story was a case of the right book at the right time.
I realise I’ve not mentioned much about the plot. I’m wary of giving away spoilers. I mentioned secrets above. Basically, one young girl has unwittingly discovered something about her family that has turned everything on its head and is determined to have some answers at camp. Another young girl is heading to camp with a friend, also in search of answers, her aim, to prove someone’s innocence.
What you can expect.
Fast pacing.
Never a dull moment.
Some dreadful decisions that make you want to turn into a pantomime audience shouting “he’s behind you!”
Sideline romances.
Young people rushing headlong towards disaster without a care in the world.
A storyline that I didn’t manage to unpick (although you might manage to do so).
A totally OTT ending in the style of all good slasher stories.
I would say that this isn’t too horror soaked so if you’re in search of a dramatic body count type slasher you won’t find it here. Which is perhaps why it was more my cup of tea.
In conclusion this kept me engaged and entertained.
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 popcorn munching stars
#SPFBO 9 Semi Finalist Review : Under the Lesser Moon by Shelly Campbell
26 October 2023
Filed under Book Reviews
Tags: #SPFBO, Review, Semi Finalist Announcement, Shelly Campbell, Under the Lesser Moon
What is SPFBO 9? This is a competition where authors of self-published fantasy can enter their work. The objective to find a winner out of the 300 entries submitted. Ten judges (or judging teams) each receive 30 entrants. Each judge/team will eventually submit one finalist to the second round where a winner will eventually be decided upon. Check out Mark Lawrence’s post here to look at this year’s entrants, judges and allocations list.
Our batch of 30 books was split equally between myself and the Critiquing Chemist’s team. I have now completed my batch and announced my semi finalists and the CC have also now chosen their three semi finalists.
My three semi finalists can be found here.
So, My review today is for Under the Lesser Moon by Shelly Campbell, a Semi Finalist chosen by my partners.
Well, I can certainly understand why this book was chosen as a SF. The storytelling voice is simply superb. I was totally absorbed with Akrist’s tale and read with ever increasing curiosity and dread. However, I will make totally clear from the outset that this is not a book for everyone (IMO). Make no mistake, this is brutal, shockingly brutal in fact and the author doesn’t pull the punches. This is heart wrenching, frustrating, annoying and absolutely jaw dropping in equal measure – and that ending. Bring on No.2. But, although I’m saying this might not be for everyone, I thought it was impressive.
So, Under the Lesser Moon follows a nomadic tribe as they search the wastelands for the best hunting grounds. We meet Akrist as a young boy and immediately discover that he leads a rather strange existence, barren of love, affection and even human contact (for the most part). Akrist is the first born son and as such is cursed. Known as daeson (which I couldn’t help reading as ‘demon’ and perhaps there’s an element of that in the tribe’s superstitious beliefs) he is raised separately from his family, his mother hates him, his father looks relentlessly guilt stricken and basically, Akrist doesn’t fully understand the implications of his curse. The tribes have strong beliefs and customs and unfortunately, ritual sacrifice is included amongst these. Yes, Akrist, as the first born son, will be sacrificed to appease the Gods. The sacrifices occur every twelve years and so on finally realising what awaits him Akrist’s only option is to run. Which is easier said than done.
What really worked for me was the character Akrist. His voice is compelling and his life is intriguing. The life of this nomadic tribe comes across very easily on the page and is made really interesting by the inclusion of the tribe’s strange talking birds, vaiyas. These are great creatures and because Akrist spends much of his time caring for them they share a special bond, particularly the pack male, Vax. This really does lend a few much needed lighter moments to the story – although, again, there is a rather shockingly violent scene involving Vax which makes for difficult reading. Now, I will hold my hands up. I’m painting probably a grim picture here about the violence and cruelty, but I will say that although this made for difficult reading in parts it didn’t feel gratuitous or out of place given the way of life portrayed.
The religious beliefs of the tribe play into everything they do. This is a world with dragons and wurms, one of these mythical beasts revered the other reviled. Dragons not only guide the tribes but also choose their leaders, marking them with a unique scar. The dragons are unfortunately in decline and sightings are rare. Wurms are killed whenever they’re seen. They have voracious appetites and are believed to be evil. The world building is really good. The tribes people live difficult lives, the search for food is constant but occasionally other tribes people join their number and this adds a new element, particularly when Akrist finds himself a temporary reprieve and a possible love interest.
I won’t elaborate further on the plot. This goes in a direction I really didn’t foresee. The author makes some hard choices but ultimately the twist in the end is really breathtaking. I loved it. I felt sad at the same time so it is definitely bittersweet but, I will, without any doubt, pick up the next instalment.
My thanks to the author for a review copy. The above is my own opinion.
Now head on over to the Critiquing Chemist to read their thoughts.
Two more reviews to go and then a difficult decision ahead.
Books and travelling with Lynn 