Book Review: A History of Fear

A History of Fear, by Luke Dumas

Publisher’s description for A History of Fear, by Luke Dumas:

“The Devil is in Scotland.

Grayson Hale, the most infamous murderer in Scotland, is better known by a different name: the Devil’s Advocate. The twenty-five-year-old American grad student rose to instant notoriety when he confessed to the slaughter of his classmate Liam Stewart, claiming the Devil made him do it.

When Hale is found hanged in his prison cell, officers uncover a handwritten manuscript that promises to answer the question that’s haunted the nation for years: was Hale a lunatic, or had he been telling the truth all along?”

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Five stars. A History of Fear is atmospheric, creepy, and unlike anything I’ve read before. A slow burning, uneasy read that keeps you off-kilter throughout. Masterfully done, Dumas lays the groundwork thread by agonizing thread to keep you on your toes, never knowing what to expect or who to trust. With the protagonist’s somewhat odd and arm’s-length writing style, you’re somehow both sucked in and unnerved, not sure what’s happening or what is coming. I was hooked and especially could not read the second half fast enough. All the way through to the very end you’re sure there is still more coming—and you’re not wrong.

This is a perfect spooky season read. I only wish it were going to be available before December!

Book Review: Thank You for Listening

Publisher’s Description for Thank You For Listening, by Julia Whelan.

“From the author of My Oxford Year, Julia Whelan’s uplifting novel tells the story of a former actress turned successful audiobook narrator—who has lost sight of her dreams after a tragic accident—and her journey of self-discovery, love, and acceptance when she agrees to narrate one last romance novel.”

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For me, this description doesn’t do this book justice at all.

When I requested Thank You For Listening on NetGalley, I never expected to be approved for an advance review copy. I was DELIGHTED when it went through. I was also nervous. I really enjoyed Julia Whelan’s first novel, My Oxford Year, until I didn’t. I thought it would be a Royal We (one of my favorite books, as you know if you’ve been around here at all), and it was to start but turned out to be in what I think of as the JoJo Moyes genre. And that’s fine, but it’s not for me.

Well, I needn’t have worried. Because man, I just enjoyed this so much! It was so fun, well done, and interesting to see inside the audiobook industry, particularly as I am a rabid audiobook fan. And, I think it can be really tricky to pull off writing a fictionalized version of your own industry. Or maybe perhaps more accurately stated: I usually find nods-within-the-book at writing and/or the genre to be annoying—but she does SUCH a nice job with it here.

If you’re a book lover, audiobook lover, fan of Julia Whelan, or just really enjoy a good book, I think you’ll really enjoy this insider look at the industry, wrapped up in a great story.

I will definitely buy it and read it again on audio when it comes out. Julia Whelan narrating her own book about narrating books—what’s more fun than that?!

My one quibble: the injury/accident is the same as something that happened to a real person and was in the news ten years ago. Not sure if that was intentional. I’m also not super comfortable with someone writing about a disability they don’t have. Both those things did at times take me out of the book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Avon Books, and Harper Voyager for the opportunity to read and review!

Book Review: Last Summer at the Golden Hotel

Publisher’s Description for Last Summer at the Golden Hotel by Alissa Friedland

A family reunion for the ages when two clans convene for the summer at their beloved getaway in the Catskills.

In its heyday, The Golden Hotel was the crown jewel of the hotter-than-hot Catskills vacation scene. For more than sixty years, the Goldman and Weingold families – best friends and business partners – have presided over this glamorous resort which served as a second home for well-heeled guests and celebrities. But the Catskills are not what they used to be – and neither is the relationship between the Goldmans and the Weingolds. As the facilities and management begin to fall apart, a tempting offer to sell forces the two families together again to make a heart-wrenching decision. Can they save their beloved Golden or is it too late?

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You know how some books just grab you? I loved this one so much and couldn’t put it down. A perfect distracting summer read. Multi-generational families and lifelong friendships coalesce around a hotel-resort in upstate New York. Intrigue! Secrets! A looming decision! Long intertwined histories! Nostalgia! This is a perfect summer read.

It took me a little bit to figure out who all the characters are (there are a TON of characters) but once I did I was IN. I couldn’t read this book fast enough.