Reclaim Your Mind – Seven Strategies to Enjoy Tech Mindfully by Jay Vidyarthi

April 16, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Reclaim Your Mind – Seven Strategies to Enjoy Tech Mindfully by Jay Vidyarthi
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Non-Fiction, Contemporary
Rating: 3 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

You know the feeling. You put your phone down after who-knows-how-long and you feel worse than when you picked it up. You need boundaries, but that doesn’t mean you should feel guilty every time you scroll.

Reclaim Your Mind offers a middle way to “anyone who’s feeling guilty and helpless about their screen time” (Catherine Price, author of How to Break Up with Your Phone). It isn’t just another book telling you that your phone is ruining your brain. It’s a mindful, balanced approach that helps you enjoy tech on your terms.

Most people who write a book like this want you to use less of it. Jay Vidyarthi is one of the world’s leading designers of mindful technology. A lifelong meditator and tech lover, he weaves together “a tapestry of wisdom” (Dr. Richard J. Davidson, NYT bestselling author of The Emotional Life of Your Brain) based not only on mindfulness, but also a deep understanding of how tech is designed. You shouldn’t have to choose between inner peace and screen time, and neither should those you care about.

With relatable stories, short exercises in every chapter, and strategies backed by scientific research, Reclaim Your Mind is “a playful, wise, and practical guide” (Dr. Daniel J. Siegel, MD, NYT bestselling author of The Whole-Brain Child) to rekindling a positive relationship with TV, social media, games, news, email, and AI. You’ll learn to stand up for your freedom of attention and actually enjoy the convenience, connection, and joy that technology can offer — all without getting stuck on apps designed to exploit you.

Technology can be a double-edged sword.

Mindfulness is an incredibly useful habit to develop in many areas of life, and I liked the way it was described and explored here. I’d recommend having basic understanding of meditation and mindfulness before starting the first chapter for readers who know nothing about them. This did seem to be something that was written for an audience who was already aware of a few fundamental things about them such as drawing one’s attention back to the present moment after being distracted or how breathing patterns can affect these things. Other aspects of these topics were better described in later chapters and included some helpful tips and tricks along the way.

There were times when I thought this book wandered a little too far away from it’s original themes. For example, the author talked about technology as another form of nature which I found confusing. The section at the end on AI also felt out of character for the points that had been made earlier given the recent research that has come out on the negative mental health affects of using those sorts of chatbots for companionship or advice. Stronger development of these ideas would have made it easier for me to understand where Mr. Vidyarthi was coming from.

I appreciated the balanced approach the author otherwise took to the topic of how smartphones and apps should be used. There is nuance in these conversations, and not everyone will come to same conclusions about which apps to use and how to use them. His advice on taking note on how they make one feel and the inclusion of multiple exercises to explore one’s reactions to technology was helpful.

Reclaim Your Mind – Seven Strategies to Enjoy Tech Mindfully was thought provoking.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Murder Of A Lover by Faith Martin

April 15, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Murder Of A Lover by Faith Martin
Publisher: Joffe Books
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Fern

Ten years ago, Rowan Thompson was found stabbed to death with a pair of scissors in his student house. It turns out that Rowan was quite a lover, with many disgruntled partners left in his wake.

But did any of them have a strong enough motive to murder him?

Meanwhile. Hillary’s stalker is getting more aggressive with his messages and flowers. And it looks like he may be much, much worse than she thought.

Has Hillary finally bitten off more than she can chew?

Hillary Greene has returned to Thames Valley Police HQ, acting as a cold-case consultant for the Crime Review Team, looking into murders which the police have never been able to solve.

She wasn’t sure she wanted to go back. But solving crimes is irresistible for Hillary Greene. And it doesn’t hurt that her new boss is devastatingly handsome.

This is a crime mystery full of well-observed characters, which will have you gripped from start to the absolutely thrilling conclusion.

Hillary Greene has settled into being a civilian officer quite well. With the successful closing of her first cold case she’s eager to begin her second. But with her personal and professional lives crossing over can she keep her streak going?

I’ve been thoroughly enjoying this series and am quite happy with the slightly new trajectory the author has taken these books. Hillary and her case solving skills remain top notch, but she’s having to learn to trust her team more than ever. I’m curious as to where the blossoming new romance might lead, and I find the sub-plot of the stalker is also coming along very well.

With some longer running story arcs as well as an interesting and well contained cold case mystery I thought this was a very well written book and an excellent addition to the series. Recommended.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Snob by Megan Slayer

April 14, 2026 By Leave a Comment


The Snob by Megan Slayer
Publisher: Changeling Press
Genre: Contemporary, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Dacre will risk everything to keep Carley safe, but he expects a high price — her heart.

Carley Mathers isn’t just the “party girl” daughter of a congressman. She’s more. But these days, in a world of fake friends, she’s determined to keep only true ones close. Because she puts them at arm’s length, her classmates at college refer to her as “The Snob.” But she comes from wealth and means — she shouldn’t be able to mix with her bodyguard, right?

Dacre Jennings has been given the job of protecting Carley while she’s off at college. The same classmates who make light of her silence also make fun of him, too. He doesn’t care that they think she lives with the old man. He’d rather she lived with him than alone. He sees the real woman, and he’s been in love with her for as long as he’s worked for the family.

With threats on her life, Dacre refuses to let Carley be used or abused. He’ll put his life on the line for her, as long as he knows he’s got her heart as well.

With social media and fake friends nowadays, Carley is determined to only keep her true friends close. When her classmates call her “The Snob” she mostly shrugs it off. Dacre is her bodyguard, keeping Carley safe while she’s off at college. He couldn’t care less that those same classmates make fun of him – finding humor in Carley living with an old man – but he’s the one who sees Carley for who she truly is, and loves her deeply. Can Carley and Dacre find their way together?

While the trope of bodyguard falls in love with his client is not new, this is a refreshing, modern and interesting story. Carley’s father is a super rich businessman and influencer who begins to orbit the president’s social and government circle. When Carley finds herself being used as her father’s pawn she and Dacre decide to rock the boat and help Carley assert her independence. This was fresh enough it not only kept me interested but felt like a different take on a well worn plotline.

At first it was hard to connect with the blossoming romance between Carley and Dacre – mainly because they were shifting and changing their roles and relationship to each other. It’s not a bad thing that took some time, and the author definitely wrote this aspect well. I was definitely pleased that Carley and Dacre’s relationship was firmly established before the secondary plot of a stalker/killer really moved into action.

Normally I really enjoy a book that has a solid plot along with a good spicy relationship, but in a way it seemed like this book changed mid way through. It was somewhat jarring for the plotline to shift from “my father is trying to use me and set me up” and into “I have a killer stalker”. Perhaps the story would have felt stronger and more stable had it just been one plotline or the other and not a shift from one to the next.

Despite this, I really did enjoy this story – particularly the slow burn and steamy chemistry between Carley and Dacre. Readers who enjoy a seriously spicy, bodyguard style of story should absolutely find this one hits the right spot. I did enjoy the thorough plotting and will happily read more by this author. Enjoyable.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Life is Lifey by Sarah Shahi

April 10, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Life is Lifey by Sarah Shahi
Publisher: Regalo Press
Genre: Non-Fiction, Memoir, Contemporary, Self-Help
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Lavender

Equal parts pep talk, reality check, and cocktail party confessional, Life is Lifey is a humorous and inspirational guide to unapologetically and authentically figuring out life’s messy middle.

Join Sarah Shahi as she cannonballs into the magical chaos of life—marriage, divorce, kids, career pivots, and everything in between. Like your brutally honest big sister (with a glass of wine in hand, wearing yesterday’s eye liner), Life is Lifey is an encyclopedia on “how to adult,” filled with personal stories that will have you lol-ing and advice that’s like a warm hug followed by a swift kick in the pants.

This isn’t about living your “best life” (so 2015). This is about shutting out the noise—self-doubt, partners, or that one mom from the PTA—and tapping into the voice within that’s 100 percent, unapologetically you.

Whether you’re limping out of a messy breakup or just trying to survive Mondays, Life is Lifey is the permission slip you didn’t know you needed to start making choices that scream your truth.

Many know Sarah as the lead in the global sensation Sex/Life, where she became the poster child for unhappy women everywhere. As her personal life started imitating art, her inbox lit up with questions from women around the world: How did you have the strength to get a divorce? What do you do when you’re questioning everything? How do you pick up the pieces of a broken heart and start over with kids clinging to your legs and peanut butter in your hair?

This book is her answer. Part memoir, part guide, it’s the story of endings and beginnings, of finding yourself when the script you’ve been following no longer fits. Life is Lifey invites you to tap into your authentic self and start living a life that’s bigger, bolder, and unapologetically yours. A cocktail of hard truths, big laughs, and unfiltered honesty, Life is Lifey will help you live a life that’s unapologetically you.

Equal parts pep talk, reality check, and cocktail party confessional, Life is Lifey is a humorous and inspirational guide to unapologetically and authentically figuring out life’s messy middle.

Join Sarah Shahi as she shoots into the chaos of life—marriage, divorce, kids, career pivots, and everything in between. Like your brutally honest big sister (with a glass of wine in hand, wearing yesterday’s eye liner), Life is Lifey is an encyclopedia on “how to adult,” filled with personal stories that will have you laughing (or cringing) and advice that’s like a warm hug followed by a swift kick in the pants.

This isn’t about living your “best life” (so 2015). This is about shutting out the noise—self-doubt, partners, or that one mom from the PTA—and tapping into the voice within that’s 100 percent, unapologetically you.

Whether you’re coming out of a messy breakup or just trying to survive Mondays, Life is Lifey is the permission you didn’t know you needed to start making choices that scream your truth.

Many know Sarah as the lead in the global sensation Sex/Life, where she became the poster child for unhappy women everywhere. As her personal life started imitating art, her inbox lit up with questions from women around the world: How did you have the strength to get a divorce? What do you do when you’re questioning everything? How do you pick up the pieces of a broken heart and start over with kids clinging to your legs and peanut butter in your hair?

This book is her answer. Part memoir, part guide, it’s the story of endings and beginnings, of finding yourself when the script you’ve been following no longer fits. Life is Lifey invites you to tap into your authentic self and start living a life that’s bigger, bolder, and unapologetically yours. A cocktail of hard truths, big laughs, and unfiltered honesty, Life is Lifey will help you live a life that’s unapologetically you. It is filled with truth and profanity. There is a lot to consider here.

Filed Under: Non-Fiction, Other, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Devil’s Gambit by Jade Rowe

April 9, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Devil’s Gambit by Jade Rowe
Publisher: Self-published
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Fern

My abusive husband lost me in a poker game.
Now I belong to the most dangerous man in New York.
And he only has one condition:

Give him two weeks.

Two weeks under the constant watch of his whisky-colored eyes.
Two weeks next to his perfect, tattoo-covered body. In his billion-dollar bed.

Two weeks to be treated like a queen. And dominated like his toy.

Two weeks. That’s all Dante Caruso demands. Then I can make my decision.
Leave this dark life behind and never look back. Or become his forever.

But there’s one secret he doesn’t mention. Something I could never have predicted.

He’d burn the world down to make me stay.
And I’ll yearn to melt in the fire.

Bella’s life is a series of being constantly on edge. When her abusive husband – whom her father sold her to in order to settle his debts – then puts her up as a last stake in a poker game, she finds herself sold on to another unknown, tattoo-covered mafia man. Dante demands very little, and insists at the end of the two week period Bella can make her own decision. Leave this dark life behind, or become his forever.

I have to admit this is my first foray into the dark mafia romance genre and I was surprised by how much I enjoyed it. While there are certainly dark themes in this book, and some of the action, fighting and bloodshed in certain key scenes is descriptive – I have to say this story wasn’t as dark as I was expecting. Yes, there is shooting and fights, mafia style scenes and posturing. There is also some violence against Bella in a few scenes – but there is nothing titillating or over-indulged to my mind. The violence is there and not shied away from, but it’s also not drawn out or dwelled on. So I feel this was a good balance between what I was expecting and not hiding it away, either.

This is also a fairly spicy book. I don’t feel this is as explicit (or as sex-heavy) as many erotica stories I have read. That said, it’s not a mafia story with a little romance. I definitely feel it rates a spicy level and not “mainstream romance” sort of heat level, but neither would I slot it in with the erotica genre or more sex-based-plot sort of books either.

I was particularly pleased that the plotline – the mafia fighting and posturing – was absolutely front and center though much of this story. Dante and Bella’s romance is equally prominent, but I feel the plot had about equal amounts of time and this gave the book a better foundation to my mind that had the author primarily focused on the romance between the two main characters. There was also a good number of strong secondary characters and I absolutely felt the next book was set up towards the end of this one – likely featuring Marco, Dante’s older brother and Grace. I’d absolutely be keen to follow on with that book.

Readers should also be aware that while I did find Dante’s character to be fairly straightforward, Bella’s character is quite complicated and might not be to everyone’s tastes. I found she really grew on me but Bella was not what I would think of as a traditional heroine. She is complicated and layered – and what I found brilliant (and slightly difficult) is that in many ways she’s just as morally grey as Dante. Bella is a survivor. She is intelligent and strong. These are brilliant things, but in the difficult mafia world she finds herself embedded in – that means making difficult decisions and not necessarily walking a pure and white path. I’m not sure this will appeal to more traditional romance readers and is likely why it comes more under the dark mafia genre heading – even though I, personally, didn’t find it as dark as I was expecting it to be. Readers who enjoy complicated plotlines and character journeys and growth should likely find this as engrossing as I did.

With a good balance between plot and spice, I found this to be an interesting story and a good “first try” of the dark mafia genre that seems to be everywhere lately. I enjoyed this book and will absolutely be looking at others this author has written. Recommended.

Filed Under: Other, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,

Close To Home by LT Ryan

April 8, 2026 By Leave a Comment


Close To Home by LT Ryan
Publisher: Liquid Mind Media
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

For years, Bear Logan served alongside Jack Noble. A top hitman. A top operator. When his chance at a simpler life came, he took it. But freedom is meant for the free, and that’s a luxury Bear might never have.

Bear Logan escaped a life of espionage, severing ties with all but his adopted teen daughter, Mandy. But Mandy isn’t a regular teen. Her family dead or estranged, raised with Bear and Jack Noble. She knows how to survive.

Relocated to a sleepy town in upstate New York, Bear and Mandy try to blend in. But when Bear unearths human remains in their backyard, unwanted attention is soon thrust upon him.

Working with the local sheriff, Josephine McKinnon, they discover there’s more going on in the town than anyone realized. A long history of families falling sick and dying plagues the area. As the mystery unfolds, Bear, Mandy, and McKinnon find themselves in the middle of a decades old conspiracy and cover up. And Bear is their number one target.

Now, facing a corporate giant trying to correct the sins of its past, Bear must step out of the shadows to deliver justice for the town, even if it means his life.

Riley Logan and his teenage daughter Mandy have just moved into a small town in New York. Their only goal is to lead a quiet, private life and set down some roots. When digging in their yard to begin a vegetable patch, Riley (Bear) uncovers the old septic system, and inside is the remains of a long-dead teenage girl. Bear and Mandy are soon drawn in to the dark underbelly of this seemingly idyllic small town and their peace is forever shattered.

This is the first book in the Bear and Mandy father/daughter series and I found it an interesting and well plotted book. I found the plot moved at a good pace – not hectic or breakneck but a lot faster than many mystery books tend to be. The mysteries surrounding Bear and Mandy’s past as well as the nefarious villains led this book to have a bit of a thriller style of edge to me.

I found it quite clear that some big conspiracy was deeply rooted in this small town, but the book was written in such a way that it wasn’t clear for quite some time exactly who (or what conglomerate) was at the tip of the apex. I enjoyed that quite a bit of the menacing in this book came from the nebulous manner of the conspiracy and it added a lot of tension to my mind. Readers who like small town mysteries – or conspiracy tales – should find this an excellent book.

Readers should be aware there is a strong tie to the teenagers in this book. Mandy is not a shrinking violet nor will she sit back and let the grown ups handle things. I found her character a little bit unrealistic in this book but have to admit the teasers and hints of her unusual childhood and upbringing helped me understand a little of why Mandy’s character didn’t act like any fourteen year old that I know of. I did also greatly enjoy how snippets of Mandy’s high school life made a stark contrast to all the other – far more grown up – mess surrounding her in the story. It was a good contrast and helped make the book feel a little more realistic.

I enjoyed this new-to-me series and am interested enough to pick up the next in the series. Readers who like mysteries set in small towns with a good plot and pacing should find this highly enjoyable.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

A Body in the Brewery by Victoria Chatham

April 6, 2026 By Leave a Comment


A Body in the Brewery by Victoria Chatham
Publisher: BWL Publishing, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Cholla

The village of Sixpenny Cross hosts a weekend-long Medieval Fayre, but Winnie Hatherall is relieved when the knights, their companies, vendors, and visitors pack up and head home.

All notions of chivalry are shattered when Langston Oldrieve, owner of the Black Knight Brewing Company and winner of the Fayre’s jousting tournament, is found dead in his brewery. A frantic phone call from his wife when she is accused of his murder has amateur sleuth Winnie racing to Virginia’s aid. Who else might have wanted Langston dead? Local rumours suggest the brewery is struggling financially. Was that the reason for the growing resentment between Langston and his brewmaster and rival jouster, Peter Eversleigh?

Winnie and her sister, Amy, ask questions of people who are unwilling to answer, but then Wizard Lothar Goodwynne reads the Runes for Winnie. What they reveal leads her and Amy along an unexpected path.

All is quiet in Sixpenny Cross now that the Medieval Fayre has ended. Or is it? Winnie Hatherall thinks she’s going to get some time to relax and recover from the Fayre, right up until she gets a panicked phone call. Now, all bets are off.

Winnie is a fun character. As a former schoolteacher, she doesn’t take much guff from anybody, not even the local police. She’s smart and compassionate and refuses to let anything get between her and the truth. At times, she is a bit overbearing, but never to the point where you start to dislike here. She’s definitely the kind of person you want to have your back if you’re being accused of murder.

I also really enjoy her interactions with Detective Inspector Anthony Wallace. He had been one of her former students, one that she helped guide and move in a better direction than he’d been headed. Their relationship is fun and is a switch from the usual cozy mystery trope of the sleuth dating the local law enforcement. Anthony also deserves a medal for putting up with all her meddling and never giving her more than an eye roll.

The mystery had me guessing, never quite sure who was guilty. With the addition of the Fayre and the jousting, I was invested. I haven’t run into many cozies that involve this kind of setting, which only made me more interested in reading it. While at times, the dialogue was stilted, overall, the writing was good and the characters engaging. I can see myself going back to Sixpenny Cross again in the future. Without a doubt, whatever happens next, Winnie is going to be front and center, giving her all to get to the truth.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

The Snowdonia Killings by Simon McCleave

April 3, 2026 By Leave a Comment


The Snowdonia Killings by Simon McCleave
Publisher: Stamford Publishing
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery/Suspense/Thriller
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

Starting a new life in Snowdonia was always DI Ruth Hunter’s dream. Until a twisted killer turned it into her worst nightmare.

Detective Inspector Ruth Hunter lives with the pain of her partner’s mysterious and unsolved disappearance. About to hit fifty, the veteran police officer trades in the crime-ridden streets of London for a more peaceful life in rural North Wales. But Ruth has barely settled into her new position in North Wales Police, when the body of a brutally murdered woman is discovered…with strange symbols carved into her skin. Teaming up with an obstinate deputy, Ruth struggles to eliminate anyone from a long line of suspects. When another slain victim is discovered with the same cryptic markings, she’s forced to re-think the investigation.

Has Ruth got what it takes to solve the case before the murderer attacks again?

DI Ruth Hunter is struggling with the pain of her partner’s mysterious disappearance. Burned out from the Met and unable to face the stalled, unsolved disappearance, she decides it’s time for a change and moves to rural North Wales hoping to begin her fifties with a clean start. Instead of the quiet life, however, a local school teacher is brutally murdered on Ruth’s first day, and the quiet idyl is shattered.

I was eager to try another Welsh police procedural style of novel. I’ve found Welsh writing to be a little more gritty and harder-hitting than regular British style and this book did not disappoint. Readers should be aware that the main characters have deep-seated, real kinds of issues and problems and this isn’t a fluffy or gentle story or read. I found myself impressed that the author didn’t shy away from making the characters and situation realistic but didn’t push the envelope so far as to try and be shocking just for the sake of it. I found both Ruth and Nick’s characters to be highly relatable and believable. I thought the tight balance between gritty and real, without being shocking or overly sensational just to get views or push the envelope was exceptionally written in this novel.

Readers looking for a strongly plotted mystery with slightly harder and more life-like characters should absolutely give this book a try. I also loved the setting of the Welsh countryside and found it highly atmospheric and virtually a character by itself.

A gripping murder mystery and different style of police procedural book – this was a great find. Recommended.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews Tagged With: , , , ,

Jake by Olivia Sinclair

April 2, 2026 By Leave a Comment



Jake by Olivia Sinclair
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Contemporary, Holiday, Erotic Romance
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Fern

A military secret crush / fake fiancé holiday romance

Jake

Nobody but me gets to be her fiancé, fake or otherwise. I’ve been waiting for years to finally show her how I feel, tell her that I know how her eyes always find me in the background. Looks like it’s finally time to claim my spot by her side.

Valentina

I need a fake fiancé for Thanksgiving to finally escape the kids’ table in the garage. So I hired one. Not the silver-eyed hunk I’ve been crushing on for the last ten years. That guy is standing in front of me saying he plans to make my deception all very real. Very, very real. I seem to be having trouble remembering why I should say no…

For years Jake has quietly sat back and waited while his army buddy, Scott’s, younger sister finished her education. Now in her mid-twenties and finished with school, Valentina is determined to fake a fiancé for her Nonna’s Thanksgiving dinner table and move up from the kids table to the grown-ups. When Jake hears about this, he’s determined Valentina has no one except him in her sights – even if it might be fake.

I stumbled on this fun and sexy short story totally by accident. Curiously hooked by the blurb I eagerly dove in and found the story sassy and fun, with just a nice amount of spicy romance. I thought the chemistry between Valentina and Jake was both believable and a steady build and Jake’s determination was a lovely thing to read.

Readers looking for a twisty or convoluted plot should be aware that this is a quite short story, so everything is fairly straightforward. While Jake and Valentina didn’t jump immediately into bed, again with the short length there wasn’t a huge build up and the spice was delightful once we reached it.

I’ve never read anything previously by this author – but was already purchasing some of her other works before I got halfway through this book. I was really pleased with this new-to-me author, and I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read. Sexy and fun, lighthearted and festive I enjoyed it a lot. Recommended.

Filed Under: Erotic Romance, Reviews Tagged With: , , , , ,

The Abnormal Gumshoe by Tamar Anolic

April 1, 2026 By Leave a Comment


The Abnormal Gumshoe by Tamar Anolic
The Fayetteville Series, Book 2
Publisher: Self-Published
Genre: Mystery/Suspense/Thriller, Romance, Contemporary
Rating: 4 Stars
Reviewed by Astilbe

Chloe Weaver is the oldest daughter in a conservative Christian family of Fayetteville, Arkansas who lives biblically: long skirts for the women, home-schooling for the children, weekly church attendance and old-fashioned courting rules that lead to marriage.

As she turns thirty and remains unmarried, however, Chloe begins to wonder if she’ll ever have the happy marriage and many kids that she has been led to believe constitutes the perfect life. When her parents allow her to court Barnabas Anderson, Chloe knows she should be ecstatic. Instead, she is uncomfortable with the twelve-year age gap between her and Barnabas. Besides, Barnabas has always been a little… weird.

When Barnabas’ brother visits the Weavers, bringing tales of Barnabas’ previous wife and her untimely death, Chloe realizes how little she knows about Barnabas. As she prepares for a prayer assembly in San Francisco, where Barnabas used to live, Chloe decides to investigate his past and his wife’s death. With the help of Detective Logan Cartwright of the San Francisco Police Department, Chloe steps out of her comfort zone to find the truth- and find hope for her future.

What’s done in the dark will always be brought into the light eventually.

Chloe’s character development seemed weak at first, but after thinking about it I have come to the conclusion that this could very well have been done intentionally in order to show how emotionally and socially stunted she was as the result of growing up as the eldest child in a large family, being homeschooled, and otherwise being sheltered from the outside world. Having known a few kind but also quite naive people who grew up in similar Quiverfull households, so many of her mannerisms and habits reminded me of them from the parental role she took on for her fourteen siblings to the joy she felt when doing perfectly ordinary things like going out to dinner or ordering a coffee from a cafe. Kudos to the author for not only portraying this subculture pretty accurately but also for trusting the audience to pick up on the clues and understand why Chloe felt kind of flat in the beginning.

Another round of editing would have helped to clean up the typos in this novel. While all of them were mild errors that did not interfere with my understanding of the storyline, they happened often enough that I felt compelled to mention it in my review and refrain from giving this the higher rating I would have otherwise happily chosen for it.

The mystery was straightforward and, to be honest, felt rather realistic when it came to the authorities not always paying attention to the clues before them or knowing the right questions to ask when interviewing someone who lives a very different lifestyle than their own. Being a police officer does not automatically mean someone understands the nuances of every subculture or can easily pick up on small signs that something has gone terribly wrong in a case even if they are genuinely trying to understand, after all!

The Abnormal Gumshoe has piqued my interest and made me want to read the rest of this series.

Filed Under: Mystery/Suspense, Reviews, Romance Tagged With: , , , , ,
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