The Monstrous edited by Ellen Datlow

Book Review, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,
Overview
Image result for the monstrous ellen datlow book cover

Title: The Monstrous
Author: Ellen Datlow, Jeffrey Ford, Peter Straub, Dale Bailey, Caitlin R. Kiernan, Gemma Files, Livia Llewellyn, Adam-Troy Castro, Kim Newman, Jack Dann, Gardner Dozois, Carole Johnstone, Brian Hodge, Stephen Graham Jones, Adam L. G. Nevill, Sofia Samatar, Terry Dowling, Glen Hirshberg, A.C. Wise, Steve Rasnic Tem, Christopher Fowler & John Langan
In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Dark fantasy, Horror, Short story collections
Dates read: 8th January – 3rd June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Anthology
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: “I supppose I do,” I reply.

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Synopsis

Horror’s most acclaimed editor reveals twenty riveting tales of the Other gone wrong. Monsters who suffer from heartbreak, betrayal, ungrateful kids, and unpaid overtime. Creatures of darkness that struggle to adapt to modern living. Ordinary folks who find themselves inexplicably transformed. 88 But if you dare, come a bit closer and discover the most terrifying of beings – those who are living under your own skin and peering out from behind your eyes.

Thoughts

This collection is brilliant. It is dark, creepy and intense. It is fun. It gave me goose bumps. And it is filled with monsters who come in ALL shapes and sizes. And I mean ALL. A wonderful, fantastic and seriously enjoyable collection filled with the things that go bump in the night. The things that you really hope aren’t hiding under your bed.

Although this anthology sits in my horror shelf, it isn’t really all that scary. Sure, there are multiple moments of discomfort throughout. But they’re that, you have to think a little too much, or consider the many moments of confusion throughout this story that you really don’t necessarily want to think too much about. And, honestly, it’s not the things that jump out and yell BOO that make me love horror. It’s that underlying discomfort that makes you look at your own life that I am quickly becoming obsessed with.

I absolutely adored this collection. It was filled with some familiar names and new ones. Each and every story made me stop and really think about what the storyline was saying. And even now, when I have still finished the whole collection… I am still thinking about some of the stories that I read.

<- Run, Rabbit, RunA Natural History of Autumn ->

Image source: Amazon

The Perfect Holiday by Sherryl Woods

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for that holiday feeling book cover

Title: The Perfect Holiday
Author: Sherryl Woods
In: That Holiday Feeling (Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods & Robyn Carr)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary, Contemporary romance
Dates read: 3rd June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Mira
Year: 2009
5th sentence, 74th page: Trace grinned at her.

Synopsis

Will bachelor Trace Franklin become a groom-to-be by Christmastime? He sure will … if Savannah Holiday’s aunt Mae as anything to do with it.

Thoughts

This is a beautiful, gorgeous and sweet novella. It is fun and light. And one that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. It’s all about finding family and love in the middle of the Christmas time. It’s an incredibly light and generous story. One that transported me to a beautiful, snow-covered fantasy world and all of the things that you imagine a White Christmas to be.

I’m not all that knowledgeable on children or being a single mother. But, honestly, Hannah is one of my favourite child-characters in the recent stories I’ve been reading. She’s such a little fire cracker and is constantly adding in a needed dose of humour and entertainment to this storyline that would otherwise be a little more serious, and very romantic and lovey. It was nice to have this humorous little girl running around lightening everything.

Unlike a lot of the romances I read, there are no dark spots throughout this novella. It is all light and cheery. There are no arguments, and really no moments of doubt. Just one or two of confusion (because otherwise it would be TOO perfect). I had actually expected quite a few hangups from past relationships in both Trace and Savannah. And they do have this a little, at least, it’s mentioned, but it’s not informing their current relationship. If only we could all be this healthy.

Lastly, I love that this whole story is orchestrated by a dead great-aunt. Her personality and drives sing through the pages of the story, even if you never once meet the character. It’s kind of beautiful. And really, really fun.

<- Silver BellsUnder the Christmas Tree ->

Image source: Goodreads

Laura Nyro at the Wedding by Christos Tsiolkas

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for kindred 12 queer book cover

Title: Laura Nyro at the Wedding
Author: Christos Tsiolkas
In: Kindred (Michael Earp)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Contemporary, Contemporary romance, Family, LGBTQI
Dates read: 3rd June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Short story
Publisher: Walker Books
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: We’re thinking somehwere in Mordialloc, maybe summer so we can get married on the beach.

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Synopsis

Pat and Jack want to get married. But it’s brining up all sorts of history for Jack… history concerning his Dad and the horrible things he did…

Thoughts

I found this short story really sweet. It starts with two men. Happy, in love and comfortable in each other’s presence. And then it begins to make you think. Think about things such as “what constitutes a marriage?” “what shows true love?” “when is forgiveness necessary, or even okay?”. All questions that I frequently ask myself, and were very well answered in this small literary journey.

Although this is a nice little romance, it is also very much about family and forgiveness. The horrors of the past can linger in our present, and this story focuses on the ways in which you can move on from that. The ways in which you can find a way to forgive the past, and move on towards a better future.

The ending really wasn’t what I expected. It was one in which the outcome was not anticipated, but definitely very much appreciated. I actually really enjoyed the way in which this ended – it was unexpected, but somehow made much more sense than the ending I was expecting.

<- WaitingEach City ->

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Wine on the Desert by Max Brand

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of westerns book cover

Title: Wine on the Desert
Author: Max Brand
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 3rd June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: In the middle of the rainless season the well ran dry but, long before that, Tony had every drop of the water pumped up into a score of tanks made of cheap corrugated iron.

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Synopsis

What happens when your flask is filled with wine instead of water? And you’re in the middle of the desert.

Thoughts

I’m a little vague on the storyline of this short story. But I seem to be finding that the case with all the westerns I’m reading in the Mammoth Book of Westerns collection. There is just something about it that doesn’t stick in my swiss cheese brain after I’ve turned the last page.

Yet, I still found enjoyment while reading this. Although, after sitting down to write this review, I’ve realised I should jot down notes for the remainder of the short stories in this collection… I’m enjoying the act of reading them. But then have not much to say when it comes down to it.

The aspect of this short story that I did love was the idea of accidentally having wine in the desert. Instead of water. I like the stories in which people are kind of moronic and do moronic things. Things which could lead to death, but when they don’t are funny…

<- The RangerAt the Sign of the Last Chance ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Corpsemouth by John Langan

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the monstrous ellen datlow book cover

Title: Corpsemouth
Author: John Langan
In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Horror
Dates read: 3rd June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: I didn’t know what to say.

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Synopsis

Take a journey into the not-so-pleasant world of Corpsemouth.

Thoughts

Writing this review, I struggle a little to remember exactly what this short story is about. I remember that I enjoyed this while I read it. That I thought it was fun, dark and enjoyable. But what it was actually about – that I can’t really remember. It’s a bit of a blur there.

One thing that I also remember about this story is that it was a brilliant style of writing. Disjointed and hard to follow. Which is probably why I don’t hugely remember what I actually read. But, it’s also why I still gave this a four out of five stars… it might be disjointed and difficult to remember the storyline. But it was also something that I remember really enjoying at the time.

This is one of those stories that, although I can’t write much about it in a review… I will definitely read it again. Not just because I enjoyed it the first time, so figure I’ll enjoy it the second time. But also because I think that this is one of those stories that I will gain more out of the more and more times I read it.

<- Piano ManNaked City ->

Image source: Amazon

Waiting by Jen Wilde

Book Review, , , ,
Overview
Image result for kindred 12 queer book cover

Title: Waiting
Author: Jen Wilde
In: Kindred (Michael Earp)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Australian authors, Contemporary, LGBTQI
Dates read: 2nd June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Walker Books
Year: 2019
5th sentence, 74th page: I feel myself sinking into my shell, like I always do around him.

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Synopsis

Waiting in line at a comi-con with her best friend, a young, bisexual girl starts to discover the true meaning of friendship and who she wants to be.

Thoughts

This was a bit of a first in the Kindred collection – it wasn’t a romance. The lead character was Neurodiverse and LGBTQI. But there was no romance. It wasn’t about finding a romantic connection at all for that matter. Rather, it was all about finding a friendship that works for you. And honestly, it seriously made me think about the friendships we find ourselves in. And what makes them healthy and good. And what makes them toxic.

Although this is an LGBTQI story, there isn’t a focus on that. Or, really, a Neurodiverse identity. Rather, it is about that moment when you find a new friend. A person that you can get along with and has similar interests. I love that there is a Brooklyn Nine-Nine reference and this whole story takes place in the line for comi-con.

All throughout this story, I absolutely hated the “best friend”. So I was super glad when the girl FINALLY decided to stand up for herself. It made me realise that maybe sometimes I should do the same…

<- Light BulbLaura Nyro at the Wedding ->

Image source: Bookdepository

Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Devil Bones by Kathy Reichs - Penguin Books Australia

Title: Devil Bones
Author: Kathy Reichs
Series: Temperance Brennan #11
Rating Out of 5: 4.5 (Amazing, but not quite perfect)
My Bookshelves: Anthropology, Crime, Science, Strong women
Dates read: 26th May – 2nd June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novel
Publisher: Arrow
Year: 2008
5th sentence, 74th page: “She is one proud young lady.”

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Synopsis

An underground chamber is exposed in a seedy, dilapidated house. In the dark cellar, a ritualistic display is revealed: a human skull rests on a cauldron, surrounded by slain chickens and bizarre figurines.

Called to the scene is forensic anthropologist Dr Temperance Brennan. She determines that the skull is that of a young, black female. But how and when did she die? Just as Tempe is closing in on answers, another body is discovered: a headless corpse carved with Satanic symbols.

As local vigilantes begin a witch-hunt, Tempe struggles to contain her emotions. But the eventual truth proves more shocking than even she could have imagined.

Thoughts

This is probably the least spine-tingling Temperance Brennan book that I’ve read in a while. Which isn’t a bad thing. It’s nice to have a change of pace and not finish one of these novels with goose bumps up my arms and the need to check in every nook and cranny for a predator… it’s refreshing and definitely something I somewhat appreciate. It was nice to finish a crime novel in which you had to find out who the culprit was, and had a few moments of heart-racing action, but not as much as the other stories.

One of the aspects of Reichs’ writing that I always enjoy is the way in which she is able to take an honest and open approach to a number of different belief systems and lifestyles. In the case of this story, it was one near and dear to my heart – that of Wicca and some other beliefs which aren’t really considered main stream. It was nice to read such an open view, one that neither encouraged nor discouraged the belief. It was informative and open, a great way to explain some belief systems which are often demonised.

My one big issue with this novel – there were SO many questions left unanswered. Not about the crime… that was all tied up neatly as they so often are. But there were so many unanswered questions about some of the personal aspects of Tempe’s life throughout the story. Mysteries that I’m pretty sure I didn’t get the answers too. Although, it maybe just be the fact that I didn’t notice the hints and such…. I’m going to just have to read the next book to see if I missed something, or the questions are answered then. And, annoyingly, since I don’t like giving away spoilers in reviews, I can’t bitch and moan anymore than that (my partner DID get an earful though).

Tempe’s alcoholic history really comes to life in this story too. Which I think may be a bit of the cause of this not being such a spine-tingling story – it is intense and great. But, most of the really heart-pumping action (for me) came from dealing with those emotional issues that are rife throughout. Not the criminal.

Normally I can see the villain coming in a crime novel like this. But I really didn’t pick up on who it was AT ALL. I love when I’m surprised. And I’d be interested to see if years down the track on a reread I can pick up the hints that I’m sure are peppered throughout or not…

<- Bones to Ashes206 Bones ->

Image source: Penguin Books Australia

Silver Bells by Debbie Macomber

Book Review, , , , ,
Overview
Image result for that holiday feeling book cover

Title: Silver Bells
Author: Debbie Macomber
Series: Those Manning Men #5
In: That Holiday Feeling (Debbie Macomber, Sherryl Woods & Robyn Carr)
Rating Out of 5: 5 (I will read this again and again and again)
My Bookshelves: Christmas, Contemporary romance, Romance
Dates read: 2nd June 2020
Pace: Medium
Format: Novella
Publisher: Mira
Year: 1996
5th sentence, 74th page: “What are you doing tomorrow?” Philip asked unexpectedly.

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Synopsis

In this classic story, Debbie brings those Manning men and Manning sisters home for a mistletoe marriage when a single dad finally says “I do.”

Thoughts

So I desperately want to read this series now. There is just something about this gorgeous short story that makes me smile and feel the need to sink into yet another new contemporary adult series. especially if the lead in this novella is younger and cheekier than she is as an adult.

MacKenzie is a great adolescent character. She’s full of gumption and cheekiness (which I think would also be in other stories). She is funny and quirky. And she’s damn well driven by her belief that what she is doing is right. I remember being a teenager and being convinced that I was smarter than everyone else. That I knew everything. So any character that reflects that smart-arsery as a teenager in such a pure way… they’re good with me.

The cast of this apartment and this story is brilliant. They are crazy and zany. Incredibly different, but all completely loving. And accepting. Which created a great, sweet and cute novella. One that left me with a huge smile plastered across my face.

<- That Holiday FeelingThe Perfect Holiday ->

Image source: Goodreads

The Ranger by Zane Grey

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the mammoth book of westerns book cover

Title: The Ranger
Author: Zane Grey
In: The Mammoth Book of Westerns (Jon E. Lewis)
Rating Out of 5: 3 (On the fence about this one)
My Bookshelves: Westerns
Dates read: 2nd June 2020
Pace: Slow
Format: Short story
Publisher: Robinson
Year: 2013
5th sentence, 74th page: It was fight.

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Synopsis

The Ranger is beginning to think about settling down and finding his own happily ever after. But that might just not be possible.

Thoughts

I’ve always imagined a ranger / cowboys life as being something dangerous and risky. Particularly when you think of the old-style westerns. And I always imagine it as something that you would want to escape… which this story kind of backs up. It’s a short story that is all about getting out of the life and finding your own happily ever after.

I did really like this whole vibe about gaining your own happily ever after. About finding your own ending that you an live with and treasure. One that is kind, tame and involves a long, well lived life. That’s not to say that he does or does not get that in this story. But I like that it is the desire.

All in all, I enjoyed this short story. It was easy, accessible and kind of hopeful. There was a fight, a love interest and a journey. Just what you need in a little departure from the pressures of reality.

<- Under the Lion’s PawWine on the Desert ->

Image source: Hachette Australia

Piano Man by Christopher Fowler

Book Review, ,
Overview
Image result for the monstrous ellen datlow book cover

Title: Piano Man
Author: Christopher Fowler
In: The Monstrous (Ellen Datlow)
Rating Out of 5: 4 (Really good read!)
My Bookshelves: Horror
Dates read: 2nd June 2020
Pace: Fast
Format: Short story
Publisher: Tachyon
Year: 2015
5th sentence, 74th page: Then I heard it again, closer this time, a sound like a harpsichord being dropped on its side, discordant high notes and bass echoes that underscored the movement of something shifting hesitantly outside the walls.

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Synopsis

A renovation involving an antique piano takes a sinister turn. One that will shock and surprise you.

Thoughts

This is a really disjointed short story. It wasn’t even remotely what I expected. But it was also really good. However, the disjointed nature did mean that it took me a little while to catch up with what was going on… maybe what the author had in mind when he wrote this?

There was / is something about Piano Man that I can’t quite seem to get out of my head. Something powerful that lingers and haunts. And just in general captivates. There’s the setting and the characters and the mystery. There’s the supernatural and the mundane. It all works together to create this great, kind of unforgettable story that left me with, well, not a smile, because it was a dark story, but left me happy that I had read this story.

I don’t fully understand the supernatural element in this story. I think that I would have to reread it to find the hints about this element that I had kind of missed. But, overall, I did really enjoy reading this tale. And experiencing such a great, intense, impossible to forget tale. Seriously enjoyable.

<- The Monster MakersCorpsemouth ->

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