The Other Typist: 1920's Single, White Female

The Other Typist
Author Suzanne Rindell

Rose Baker seals men’s fates. With a few strokes of the keys that sit before her, she can send a person away for life in prison. A typist in a New York City Police Department precinct, Rose is like a high priestess. Confessions are her job. It is 1923, and while she may hear every detail about shootings, knifings, and murders, as soon as she leaves the interrogation room she is once again the weaker sex, best suited for filing and making coffee.This is a new era for women, and New York is a confusing place for Rose. Gone are the Victorian standards of what is acceptable. All around her women bob their hair, they smoke, they go to speakeasies. Yet prudish Rose is stuck in the fading light of yesteryear, searching for the nurturing companionship that eluded her childhood. When glamorous Odalie, a new girl, joins the typing pool, despite her best intentions Rose falls under Odalie’s spell. As the two women navigate between the sparkling underworld of speakeasies by night and their work at the station by day, Rose is drawn fully into Odalie’s high-stakes world. And soon her fascination with Odalie turns into an obsession from which she may never recover.

Review: There's no debating that The Other Typist is smartly written. Every part is meticulously executed from the era, dress, character development and attention to detail. The point of view is personally delivered in a recantation of events from the main characters perspective, which lends to the credibility and trustworthiness of our story-teller. Without falling into the trappings of 'flashback' narrative, Rindell uses Rose's therapy purging as means to deliver the story. I rather like the approach, but it does place a certain constraint on what can be revealed.  For example, we can only know or learn about the other characters from Rose - if she isn't privy, neither are we -- so we are left with her speculation, which is hardly reliable. In the end, I was hoping for more of a twist and truly expected it - but it never came, which left me disappointed.  The build up was there and clues revealed, but too many holes made this story a bit dry and dissatisfying. Mostly, because important answers were never given. We get a vague idea of what happens in the end simply because of the point of view and references to a doctor, but places throughout remain too much of mystery for me. Not sure I'd compare this one to The Great Gatsby, perhaps, all it has in common is the time period. I'd lean more towards a 1920's version of Single, White Female if pressed to provide a comparison. 

*ARC provided by Putnam courtesy of Amazon Vine

Want Summer Chills? Read The Darkling by R.B. Chesterton

The Darkling
Author R.B. Chesterton

In the 1940s, Coden, Alabama was a hideaway for movie stars - an isolated playground tucked among live oaks and placid bay waters where pleasure and vice could be indulged. By the summer of 1974 Coden''s glamour has faded, but it doesn't bother Mimi Bosarge, who is just happy to have a job as a live-in tutor with the wealthiest family in town, the Hendersons. When the Hendersons generously open their arms to Annie, a troubled teenager with no recollection of her past, Mimi's greatest concern is creating a curriculum for the family's new ward.But it soon becomes obvious that something is wrong. Annie seems suspiciously savvy for her young age, and Mimi can't quell the unnerving sense that there is something malicious about the waiflike beauty.

Review: Whew-eee! It takes a lot to make me shudder, but this book did just that! I guarantee The Darkling will give you goosebumps on the warmest of summer days. Probably not the best bedtime read, unless you want some seriously creepy dreams. The southern setting coupled with a mystery and predatory evil makes it beautifully macabre. The story preys on universal fears and makes use of horror culture, such as the woods, monster under the bed and the timely arrival of an innocent stranger. It might sound cliche, but what makes this novel special is how the events are delivered, through the girth of character. Writing a good horror is harder than one might think (hence, why some end up almost humorous). The author must be aware of what scares people and why. Tension and timing is fundamental and withholding just enough to let the imagination provide the special effects is essential. Lack in these areas and the horror fizzles. Chesterton proves to be an expert and delivers a chilling tale that makes the reader think twice about going for a nice walk in the woods after dinner. 

The woods? Really? Everyone knows that something is going to happen, right? You may think you know what is coming, but a few twists might prove any skeptic wrong. Suddenly, every place and every person night or day, is fair game. How does Chesterton manage this? By understanding what ultimately  frightens people. In this case, fear of being loved, control, helplessness, powerlessness and insecurity. Here, the thematic horror runs deeper than any ghastly gore splattered on the wall. It's the threat of undoing that is terrifying and I believe most readers will relate. If you were gleefully disturbed by or got the 'willies' from the horror movies The Omen or Orphan (Eeesssttteeerrr), then The Darkling is right up your dark alley.


* ARC provided by Pegasus courtesy of NetGalley

Manic English Weirdos: Unhallowed Ground

Unhallowed Ground
Author Gillian White

Georgie is a London social worker in flight from unwanted tabloid celebrity when a child who is part of her caseload is killed. The little girl's father has been under suspicion of abusing the child, and Georgie is accused by the press of having ignored all the warning signs and abandoned the little girl to her father's cruel, and finally fatal, beating. When Georgie inherits her estranged brother's cottage, she leaves the city for the isolated countryside.  With some help from her friends, Georgie settles in and takes stock of her new neighbors. For a while, Georgie is distracted by restoring the cottage to something approaching livability and cleaning up the garden shed, where something strange has clearly been going on. One day, Georgie sees a mysterious and threatening stranger on the hill, and everything changes. Step by step, the horror increases as a snowstorm approaches, cutting Georgie off from safety.

Review: If you read the synopsis for this book over at Goodreads, you'll notice it is a lot longer and pretty much reveals a great deal of the story. I decided to clip and snip it. I'm hoping the final released copy will be shaped up into something more eye-catching. I'm not a fan of the long-winded, detailed back cover. I suppose some readers enjoy this, but in my opinion, it gives too much away. Honestly, after reading the cliff notes, why bother to read the book? So, I did a little editing to give you a taste.

Putting that aside, Unhallowed Ground by Gillian White is a tale that creeps along climaxing in horror. The chills are slow-growing and the eeriness builds over the pages. The cast is packed full of weird English people that all seem like probable suspects. However, this is a predictable misdirect and any experienced mystery/horror reader will pick up on it immediately. Likely, you won't figure out the culprit until the end simply because you're never introduced or given the opportunity to put them on the list. The person is unknown not only to the main character, but also the reader. Withholding is a tactic, and it isn't too bad in this case, but the reveal and sudden ending happens so quickly that it might be a bit hard to digest. Considering the tension and attentive detailing throughout the entire book, I was somewhat flustered when the final curtain dropped. 

Thematically, there is a lot going on including: abuse, loyalty, love, lifestyle, friendship etc. The psychological character development is outstanding. Setting detail and tension building are excellently crafted. My only gripe is the whodunnit twist and final outcome. To make this story truly great, Unhallowed Ground needed to drop a line and tie in the hook better for a more powerful and thematically relevant ending. Otherwise, why do all the work during the set up if it's just going to turn into a plot driven action at the end? 

The cast of oddballs are all provided with background for their traits and behaviors, which are readily revealed throughout the story. Well, all except for two, and they just happen to be the trigger and suspect. Their weirdness and relationship with the surroundings and people involved crave a more defined reasoning for cause and effect if understanding and/or sympathy is to be achieved. 



*ARC provided by Open Road Integrated Media courtesy of Netgalley

May is Clean Sweep ARC Challenge Month!

May is Clean Sweep ARC Challenge Month!  Hosted by Caffeinated Book Reviewers & The Windy Pages. 

Sign UP

What is an ARC (Advance reading copy)? In the traditional sense, ARCs are produced in small print runs and used by publicists, agents, marketing departments, and authors as a marketing tool to generate buzz and get out early reviewers prior to the official release date. Recipients of ARCs tend to include radio and TV hosts, print magazines, celebrities, book bloggers/reviewers, other authors, librarians, journalists and book-sellers. 

ARCs can not be bought or sold since they typically lack a final dust jacket, formatting, cover or binding of the finished product. Most are distributed 3-5 months prior to release date. Now, the term ARC is expanding with the digital age. Publishers also produce what is referred to as "uncorrected proofs,' or galleys.  

I read advance reading copies, uncorrected proofs and galleys.  To avoid confusion, I refer to all of them as ARCs and will post which distribution and publisher requested and provided the copy in my review. For example: ARC was provided by Amazon Vine courtesy of Random House. I would say 95% of the books I read for review are ARCs and therefore, you'll rarely see quotes or mention of formatting, typos, text, cover art etc. in any of my book reviews. This is because it is understood (by me) that what I received is not a final copy and may change. Even if my review comes out after the official release date, it is highly probable that the particular copy I read, was an ARC, uncorrected proof or galley. 

Here are the ARCs on the top of my pile to complete in May

If you're participating, I'd love to hear what ARC(s) you are most looking forward to reading.  Or, what new release you've just got to get your hands on! 

Wrapping Up A Week Read-A-Thon

That's a wrap! Well, I don't think I did that bad. I only completed one entire book, but I'm 66% of the way through my second. However, I did get several reviews written and lots of pages read. 

#SpringHorrorRAT 

Below are the books I read during the wonderful RAT's! Formal reviews are coming soon.... 

Georgie settles in and takes stock of her neighbors. Chad Cramer, a small-time thief and poacher, has appropriated most of her brother's belongings and lives with Donna, a witless but somehow disturbing waif, who is clearly in terror of Chad; the Buckpits, dairy farmers, a ferocious, brooding gorgon of a mother and two hulking, brutish sons; and Nancy and George Horsefield, a well-to-do married couple whose brightly expensive lifestyle seems to conceal some hidden tragedy, for Mrs. H. is clearly crazy, and Mr. H., though he cares for her, is strangely on edge. Georgie sees a mysterious and threatening stranger, who runs away when Georgie approaches; Chad Cramer turns nasty; Donna begins to cling to Georgie; Mrs. Buckpit is openly hostile; and Georgie continues to be haunted by the child who was under her care and died, and by the thought of the child's father in prison now. As the summer ends, the countryside begins to turn savage and threatening, and now real terror creeps in. Georgie's beloved dog is stolen, her attempt at painting is livened up with splashes of blood, an intruder stares into her cottage at night with a baleful eye.

My brief opinion of Unhallowed Ground (formal review to come) Unhallowed Ground's horror builds through the strangeness of the situation and over approx. 300 pages. It is the type of read that will give you chills, but not overtly horrify for the majority of the book. However, something a bit gory occurs towards the climax at the end. This books combines mental haunting with strange, eery behavior. Yep, if you want weird English people, this book has got them.

In the 1940s, Coden, Alabama was a hideaway for movie stars - an isolated playground tucked among live oaks and placid bay waters where pleasure and vice could be indulged. By the summer of 1974 Coden''s glamour has faded, but it doesn''t bother Mimi Bosarge, who is just happy to have a job as a live-in tutor with the wealthiest family in town, the Hendersons. When the Hendersons generously open their arms to Annie, a troubled teenager with no recollection of her past, Mimi''s greatest concern is creating a curriculum for the family''s new ward.But it soon becomes obvious that something is wrong. Annie seems suspiciously savvy for her young age, and Mimi can't quell the unnerving sense that there is something malicious about the waiflike beauty.

My brief opinion of The Darkling (formal review to come) Whew-eee! This is a good one if you like horror. This book will give you some goosebumps and perhaps invade your dreams. The southern setting coupled with a mystery and some evil spirits makes it beautifully macabre. If you like or got the 'willies' from the horror movie The Omen or The Orphan (Eeesssttteeerrr), you will want to read this gem. Definitely, a great pick for a horror RAT and challenge!

Monday

Book - Unhallowed Ground by Gillian White

Pages Read - 70
Notes: I began this book prior to the start of the read-a-thon, but I am only counting the pages I read from the official kick off time. 145 pages minus 75 = where I begin. So far not very horror-esque. Hum...here's to hoping!

Tuesday

Books - Unhallowed Ground by Gillian White

Pages Read - 158

Notes: Not bad!  I'm 57% finished.  It's a big book - 400 pages. 

Wednesday 
Books - Unhallowed Ground by Gillian White

Pages Read - (starting on 228) 20
Notes: Did not do a stellar job today.  Oops.

Thursday
Books - Unhallowed Ground by Gillian White
Pages Read - 70

Notes: Finally, I think I can classify this as horror!  It's similar to a Stephen King creepy kind of novel.

Friday
Books - Unhallowed Ground by Gillian White Finished!
Pages Read - 152
Book Complete - 1

Notes: In addition to this readathon -- I'm also applying my reading to the Dewey 24 hr. readathon happening right now! 

Saturday - The Darkling by R.B. Chesterton
Pages Read - 122
Book Complete - 1 
Notes: This one is definately horror.  Think A Sound Among the Trees meets The Orphan. Creepy factor in effect!

Sunday - The Darkling by R.B. Chesterton
Pages Read - 107
Books Complete - 1 
Notes:  This is a scary one!  I'm loving it! Southern setting, mystery, ghosts, creepy kids...what's not to adore! Right up my reading alley :)

Sketchy by Olivia Samms Is A Winner!

Sketchy
Author Olivia Samms

Bea’s life has been a mess ever since she got kicked out of private school and sent to rehab. Now clean, Bea is starting over at Packard High School, in a city shaken from two assaults on young women. The latest victim, Willa Pressman—the one who survived—doesn’t remember a thing. But Bea has a disturbing new “skill”: she can see—and then draw—images from other people’s minds. And when she looks at Willa, Bea is shocked by what she sketches. Bea might be the only one who knows Willa’s secrets—and who can take down the killer before he strikes again.

Review: Sketchy by Olivia Samms is a winner! Finally, in a sea of awkward teen heroines, Bea stands out! Samms got it right when she imagined lead character, Bea, creating a truly unique girl. Bea is not your typical cookie cutter misfit. She is unapologetic but not glorified, flawed and saddled with a distinct voice, which maintains a consistent dialogue. Her reaction and actions clearly fit with the set up situations and behaviors.  She's smart, chaotic, and a mess of sorts, but nothing is so over the top to make it unbelievable and by doing so, I believe a wide audience will be able to easily connect with the character. The support characters are also individually depicted and provide just enough for the mind to create a sharp image. 

Sketchy is a prefect example of how character development enriches plot.  It simply adds a dimension that elevates a good story to a great story.  This one stuck with me because of the care obviously taken to maintain the honest tone, stay true to character development and the attention to detail. If a writer was to ask my advice on how to construct a misfit teen character that doesn't fall into the cliche culture we are being buried beneath, I would refer them to this particular book. The delineations are not huge, but just enough to separate it from the masses and own the originality.  

Thematically and relevancy, the plot is multi-layered and takes on several topics/concerns without being overwhelming. Issues of drug abuse, recovery, and even rape are important elements, but they are delivered in a way that is neither too graphic or shocking. Using this approach does not diminish the seriousness, but rather approaches the subjects through a different form. I felt the heart of the issues, while at the same time being able to digest without shredding my sensitivities to abuse and rape. 

Sketchy gets my big stamp of approval!

*ARC provided by Amazon Children Publishing courtesy of Amazon Vine

Spring Into Horror RAT

#SpringHorrorRAT

Yeah, yeah, I'm late to the party once again. Honestly, I've been reading, but I'm now just getting around to typing up my blog post. I'm playing catch up! Currently, I'm reading Unhallowed Ground by Gillian White. I thought it would fit into the horror genre, but so far it really doesn't qualify. Bumming. We have creepy people, but nothing much has happened yet. I'm hoping something horrific is afoot.

Monday

Book - Unhallowed Ground by Gillian White

Pages Read - 70

Notes: I began this book prior to the start of the read-a-thon, but I am only counting the pages I read from the official kick off time. 145 pages minus 75 = where I begin. So far not very horror-esque. Hum...here's to hoping!

Tuesday

Books - Unhallowed Ground by Gillian White

Pages Read - 158

Notes: Not bad!  I'm 57% finished.  It's a big book - 400 pages. 

Wednesday 
Books - Unhallowed Ground by Gillian White

Pages Read - (starting on 228) 20
Notes: Did not do a stellar job today.  Oops.

Thursday
Books - Unhallowed Ground by Gillian White
Pages Read - 70

Notes: Finally, I think I can classify this as horror!  It's similar to a Stephen King creepy kind of novel.

Friday
Books - Unhallowed Ground by Gillian White Finished!
Pages Read - 152
Book Complete - 1

Notes: In addition to this readathon -- I'm also applying my reading to the Dewey 24 hr. readathon happening right now! 

Saturday - The Darkling by R.B. Chesterton
Pages Read - 122
Book Complete - 1 
Notes: This one is definately horror.  Think A Sound Among the Trees meets The Orphan. Creepy factor in effect!

Sunday - The Darkling by R.B. Chesterton
Pages Read - 107
Books Complete - 1 
Notes:  This is a scary one!  I'm loving it! Southern setting, mystery, ghosts, creepy kids...what's not to adore! Right up my reading alley :)