Book ~ "Next of Kin" (2021) Kia Abdullah

From Goodreads ~ ON AN ORDINARY WORKING DAY …

Leila Syed receives a call that cleaves her life in two. Her brother-in-law’s voice is filled with panic. He’s at his son’s nursery to pick up Max. But he isn’t there.

YOUR WORST NIGHTMARE …

Leila was supposed to drop Max off that morning. But she forgot.

Racing to the carpark, she grasps the horror of what she has done. Max has been locked in her car for three hours on the hottest day of the year.

IS ABOUT TO COME TRUE …

But she’s too late.

What follows is an explosive, high-profile trial, that will tear the family apart. But as the case progresses, it becomes clear there’s more to this incident than meets the eye.

Leila is a successful architect whose life falls apart after a tragic accident involving her three-year-old nephew, Max. When Andrew, her brother-in-law, asks her to take Max to nursery, she agrees. But with work demanding her attention, Leila forgets that Max is in the back seat of her car. By the time she realizes what has happened, it’s too late and Max has died. 

The tragedy has devastating consequences for the entire family, particularly Leila’s relationship with Yasmin, her younger sister and Max’s mother. There's grief, guilt and anger and everyone struggles to come to terms with what happened. 

Leila is charged in connection with Max’s death and the case goes to trial. As the prosecution examines the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, questions arise about whether the death was just a terrible accident. The courtroom proceedings reveal tensions within the family, along with secrets and details that complicate the story. As the trial continues, we learn more about the sisters’ relationship, their family dynamics and the events leading up to Max’s death. 

This was an interesting story and I liked it. There were lots of twists and turns as it went along ... some were kind of farfetched but I just went with it. It's written in third person perspective. I didn't find any of the characters likeable so didn't really care if Leila was found guilty or not. As a head's up, there is swearing. 

It's the first book I've read by this author and I liked it enough to check out another of hers.

Book ~ "The Day the World Came to Town: 9/11 in Gander, Newfoundland" (2021) Jim DeFede

From Goodreads ~ When 38 jetliners bound for the United States were forced to land at Gander International Airport in Canada by the closing of U.S. airspace on September 11, the population of this small town on Newfoundland Island swelled from 10,300 to nearly 17, 000. 

The citizens of Gander met the stranded passengers with an overwhelming display of friendship and goodwill. As the passengers stepped from the airplanes, exhausted, hungry and distraught after being held on board for nearly 24 hours while security checked all of the baggage, they were greeted with a feast prepared by the townspeople. 

Local bus drivers who had been on strike came off the picket lines to transport the passengers to the various shelters set up in local schools and churches. Linens and toiletries were bought and donated. A middle school provided showers, as well as access to computers, email and televisions, allowing the passengers to stay in touch with family and follow the news. 

Over the course of those four days, many of the passengers developed friendships with Gander residents that they expect to last a lifetime. As a show of thanks, scholarship funds for the children of Gander have been formed and donations have been made to provide new computers for the schools. This book recounts the inspiring story of the residents of Gander, Canada, whose acts of kindness have touched the lives of thousands of people and been an example of humanity and goodwill.

This book tells the story of what happened in Gander, Newfoundland, after the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the United States. When U.S. airspace was closed, 38 international flights were diverted to Gander, bringing nearly 7,000 passengers to a community of only a few thousand people. 

The book follows the passengers and the people of Gander during the five days the travellers were stranded. Local residents, schools, churches, businesses and community organizations provided food, clothing, shelter, transportation, medical assistance and places for people to communicate with their families. 

The passengers came from many different countries and backgrounds and many were dealing with uncertainty about their families, their safety and when they would be able to continue their journeys. During their stay, they formed connections with local residents and with other passengers. Once flights were able to resume, the passengers continued their journeys, with many remaining in contact with the people they had met in Gander. 

I liked the writing style. It's told through the experiences of individual passengers, airline employees and Gander residents. The book also describes the practical challenges of accommodating thousands of unexpected visitors, including finding places for everyone to sleep, preparing meals, arranging transportation and meeting medical and communication needs. It's an updated version of the original book that was written about 20 years earlier so there's an update chapter. It was especially interesting to read as Gord and I recently saw Come From Away in Charlottetown.

Book ~ "The Beatle Bandit" (2021) Nate Hendley

From Goodreads ~ On July 24, 1964, twenty-four-year-old Matthew Kerry Smith disguised himself with a mask and a Beatle wig, hoisted a semi-automatic rifle, then held up a bank in North York, Ontario.

The intelligent but troubled son of a businessman and mentally ill mother, Smith was a navy veteran with a young Indigenous wife and a hazy plan for violent revolution.

Outside the bank, Smith was confronted by Jack Blanc, a former member of the Canadian and Israeli armies, who brandished a revolver. During a wild shootout, Blanc was killed, and Smith escaped - only to become the object of the largest manhunt in the history of the Metropolitan Toronto Police Force.

Dubbed “The Beatle Bandit,” Smith was eventually captured, tried and sentenced to hang. His murderous rampage had tragic consequences for multiple families and fuelled a national debate about the death penalty, gun control, and the insanity defense.

I like reading true stories, especially Canadian, and this one is about the life and crimes of Matthew Kerry Smith, a Canadian bank robber whose actions became the focus of national attention in the 1960s. 

The book centres on Smith's July 24, 1964, robbery of a bank in North York, Ontario, where he disguised himself with a mask and a Beatle-style wig. The robbery ended in a street gunfight with Jack Blanc, a military veteran who confronted Smith after obtaining a firearm from the bank. Blanc was killed and Smith escaped, prompting what became one of the largest manhunts in the history of the Metropolitan Toronto Police Force. 

Hendley traces Smith's background, including his family life, military service, personal relationships and earlier criminal activity, drawing on court transcripts, police records, newspaper accounts, interviews and other historical documents. It follows Smith's capture, trial and conviction, with attention to the arguments surrounding his mental health and criminal responsibility. The book also explores the broader impact of the case, describing how it contributed to public and political discussions in Canada about gun control, the insanity defence, capital punishment and the use of firearms in banks. At the end of the book, the author tells what happened to everyone, including Smith's family. 

I thought this was an interesting story, especially since it happened here in Toronto.  It was obvious the author did a lot of research.  I liked the writing style ... there was just enough information provided without being too detailed. 

Book ~ "Diddly Squat: A Year on the Farm" (2021) Jeremy Clarkson

From Goodreads ~ Welcome to Jeremy's farm. It's an idyllic spot, offering picturesque views across the Cotswolds, bustling hedgerows, woodlands and natural springs. Jeremy always liked the idea being a farmer. But, while he was barrelling around the world having more fun with cars than was entirely reasonable, it seemed obvious that the actual, you know, farming was much better left to someone else.

Then one day he decided he would do the farming himself.

After all, how hard could it be?

Well ...

Faced with suffocating red tape, biblical weather, local objections, a global pandemic and his own frankly staggering ignorance of how to 'do farming', Jeremy soon realises that turning the farm around is going to take more than splashing out on a massive tractor.

Fortunately, there's help at hand from a large and (mostly) willing team, including girlfriend Lisa, Kaleb the Tractor Driver, Cheerful Charlie, Ellen the Shepherd and Gerald, his Head of Security and Dry Stone Waller. Between them they enthusiastically cultivate crops, rear livestock and hens, keep bees, bottle spring water and open a farm shop. But profits remain elusive.

And yet while the farm may be called Diddly Squat for good reason, Jeremy soon begins to understand that it's worth a whole lot more to him than pounds, shillings and pence.

Jeremy Clarkson is an English television presenter, journalist, columnist and author, best known for his work on motoring and, more recently, farming. 

This book follows Clarkson as he takes over the day-to-day management of his 1,000-acre farm in the Cotswolds during COVID after the previous farm manager retires. With little agricultural experience, Clarkson documents his first full year of farming, describing the challenges of learning an unfamiliar profession while dealing with changing weather, crop management, livestock, machinery, regulations and fluctuating market conditions. The book follows the seasonal cycle of the farm, from preparing fields and planting crops to harvesting and caring for sheep. He describes the financial realities of running a farm, including equipment costs, government policies and the impact of unpredictable events such as heavy rain, drought and market changes. 

I hadn't heard of Clarkson. This book caught my eye because of the content and I thought it would be fun and interesting ... and it was. This book apparently draws from his weekly newspaper columns written at that time. Though there were many English references I wasn't familiar with (people, places and events), I liked it and the writing style. It is the first in a series (there are currently 5) and I'll continue to read the others.

Book ~ "Scared Off" (2021) Barbara Ross

From Goodreads ~ Three teenage girls having a sleepover on Halloween night get spooked when high schoolers crash the house for a party. But no one expected to find a crasher like Mrs. Zelisko, the elderly third floor tenant, dead in the backyard dressed in a sheet like a ghost. 

With her niece traumatized, Julia Snowden must uncover who among the uninvited guests was responsible for devising such a murderous trick.

Page, Julia's 13-year-old niece, is having a sleepover with her friend, Vanessa, at their friend, Talia's house. Things gets out of hand after some uninvited classmates and older kids show up. The night quickly takes a scary turn when the elderly woman who rents an apartment upstairs, dressed up like a ghost, floats down from upstairs and is found dead in the shed in the backyard. With nothing else to do since her family's business hasn't started up for the season and she's not running a restaurant in the off-season anymore, Julia starts to work on figuring out what happened that night.

This quick read (it's a novella) was written in first person perspective in Julia's voice. It's a cozy mystery so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity. The whodunnit came out of nowhere at the end. At the end, there is a recipe that was mentioned during the story for gluten-free pumpkin cookies.

This novella is 9.5 (of 12) in the Maine Clambake Mystery series. It works as a stand alone so you don't have the read the previous ones to know what's going on. I've been reading the series recently and will keep moving through the series.

Book ~ "Shucked Apart" (2021) Barbara Ross

From Goodreads ~ The Snowden Family Clambake Company has a beloved reputation in Busman’s Harbor, Maine. Almost as famous is the sleuthing ability of proprietor Julia Snowden, which is why an oyster farmer seeks her out when she’s in trouble. 

When Andie Greatorex is robbed of two buckets of oyster seed worth $35,000, she wonders if somebody’s trying to mussel her out of business. Could it be a rival oyster farmer, a steamed former employee, or a snooty summer resident who objects to her unsightly oyster cages floating on the beautiful Damariscotta River? There’s also a lobsterman who’s worried the farm’s expanding lease will encroach on his territory and Andie’s ex-partner, who may come to regret their split. 

Before Julia can make much headway in the investigation, Andie turns up dead, stabbed by a shucking knife. Now it’s up to Julia to set a trap for a cold and clammy killer.

As Julia is getting ready to open the Snowden Family Clambake Company for the season, Chris, her boyfriend, introduces her to his friend, Andie, an oyster farmer. Someone stole $35,000 worth of oyster seed from her business and she’s desperate to find out who did it and get the seed back. Julia agrees to help but before she can dig too deep, Andie is found dead. Now Julia’s not just helping with a theft, she’s investigating Andie's murder. Between rival oyster farmers, cranky neighbors and troublemaking lobster fishermen, there’s no shortage of suspects. 

This story was written in first person perspective in Julia's voice. It's a quick read and a cozy mystery so there is no violence, swearing or adult activity. The author obviously did a lot of research about oyster farming. The whodunnit was a bit of a stretch. At the end of the book, there are recipes that were mentioned during the story including banana bread, baked oysters and lobster mashed potatoes.

This is the ninth (of 12) in the Maine Clambake Mystery series. It works as a stand alone so you don't have the read the previous ones to know what's going on. I read the first eight recently and will keep moving through the series.

Book ~ "Murder on the Inside: The True Story of the Deadly Riot at Kingston Penitentiary" (2021) Catherine Fogarty

From Goodreads ~ On April 14, 1971, a handful of prisoners attacked the guards at Kingston Penitentiary and seized control, making headlines around the world. For four intense days, the prisoners held the guards hostage while their leaders negotiated with a citizens' committee of journalists and lawyers, drawing attention to the dehumanizing realities of their incarceration, including overcrowding, harsh punishment and extreme isolation. But when another group of convicts turned their pent-up rage towards some of the weakest prisoners, tensions inside the old stone walls erupted, with tragic consequences. As heavily armed soldiers prepared to regain control of the prison through a full military assault, the inmates were finally forced to surrender.

"Murder on the Inside" tells the harrowing story of a prison in crisis against the backdrop of a pivotal moment in the history of human rights. Occurring just months before the uprising at Attica Prison, the Kingston riot has remained largely undocumented, and few have known the details--yet the tense drama chronicled here is more relevant today than ever. A gripping account of the standoff and the efforts for justice and reform it inspired, Murder on the Inside is essential reading for our times.

I like reading true stories and Canadian stories so this book caught my eye. It's about the riot that happened at the Kingston Penitentiary in April 1971. I was young and don't remember it happening.

Kingston Penitentiary was a federal prison that opened in June 1835 and was the oldest prison in Canada before it closed in 2013 (now it's a museum). It was widely considered to be the harshest prison in Canada and in 1971 was overcrowded with 641 prisoners. Prisoners were not permitted to speak outside of their cells and solitary confinement was frequently used as a punishment for inmates. 

When the federal government started construction of a new prison at Millhaven to replace Kingston Penitentiary, there were rumors that Millhaven would be more harsh than Kingston Penitentiary. Billy Knight planned an uprising to protest conditions at Kingston penitentiary and it happened on April 14, 1971. Six guards were taken hostage but protected by a few inmates. Knight presented their demands which included better living conditions. Some prisoners eventually lost patience and, figuring they had nothing to lose, tortured the "undesirables" (child molesters, rapists, child killers and police informers). Eventually the prisoners, led by Barrie MacKenzie, surrendered. Many had to accept the consequences and were beaten by guards and/or faced their day in court for their actions.

If you're looking for a detailed account of the 1971 Kingston Penitentiary riot, you should read this book. In addition to information, there is also 24 pages of photographs.

Book ~ "We Rise Again: More Stories of Hope and Resilience from Nova Scotia during the COVID-19 Pandemic" (2021) Len Wagg and Angela Mombourquette

From Goodreads ~ It's been more than a year since COVID-19 arrived in Nova Scotia. In the spring of 2020, then-premier of Nova Scotia Stephen McNeil implored citizens to "stay the blazes home" - and they did. 

But the full-scale lockdown is now a thing of the past. As wide-scale testing and vaccines begin to have an impact, many people have returned, in limited ways, to their businesses, their pastimes, and even their social lives. And although we are still in the thick of the pandemic, 

Nova Scotians, by necessity and by nature, have continued to step up to help one another through the ongoing crisis. Who are these heroes who, on a daily basis, have continued to risk their lives, their livelihoods, and their own well-being to help us get through this pandemic? How have Nova Scotia's front-line workers, business owners, support workers, healthcare workers - people from all walks of life - adapted to find ways not just to survive and help others survive but to thrive through it all? 

In the follow-up to his national bestseller Stay the Blazes Home, award-winning photographer and author Len Wagg, now with co-author Angela Mombourquette, brings dozens of compelling stories and powerful images of hope and resilience to light, illuminating the many ways Nova Scotians continue to serve as beacons of hope for all Canadians.

This book was published in the fall of 2021, a year after the world closed down because of COVID-19 and things were starting to open up again. Everyone was trying to figure out what they had to do to keep themselves and everyone else safe. Vaccines were now available (I had gotten mine as soon as I could and continue to do so) and social distancing rules were in place.

There are many pictures and stories of how Nova Scotians reacted and supported each other, with a focus on front line health workers. Because it was written during the second summer as we were all experiencing COVID-19, these aren't memories or recollections ... these are the experiences of people at the time as they were living through it.

The author did a good job in capturing the essence of the time and it's a good reminder of what we all had been through.

Book ~ "Why Cats are Assholes" (2021) Liz Miele

From Goodreads ~ Most people love cats. They’re fluffy, playful and can be a joy to have as a companion. However, they can also be huge assholes. So what can you do? How do you deal with a roommate who always seems to be plotting to kill you?

While we all love sharing adorable photos of kittens, these frisky felines are known more for marching to the beat of their own drum than abiding by the rules. From running around your home at two in the morning, knocking everything off your shelves, or taking up most of your bed, these furry critters can be immensely selfish and disrespectful to those who give them endless love and affection.

"Why Cats Are Assholes" is up for such a challenge. From studying their history all the way back to ancient Egypt, comedian Liz Miele  - the daughter of veterinarians - digests the cat psyche to try and understand why they do the things they do, and how we, as their loyal servants, can handle domestic bliss with them around.

With the help of her cat Pasta, Miele breaks down the common behaviors of cats in an attempt to try and better understand their plan of attack (if there is one), as well as what we can do to better prepare ourselves.

Whether you have one, two, or twelve fur babies, "Why Cats Are Assholes" is the ultimate guide to better understanding your pet’s behavior while taking back your home from these domesticated terrorists.

I love reading books about animals and have two cats (who are not assholes ... ha!).

Liz Miele is a stand-up comedian and cat lover whose parents are veterinarians. I hadn't heard of her and came across this book because my cat loving sister had borrowed the ebook on my library card so I found it on my account. It looked like and was for the most part a fun read. It's both humourous and informative ... I'm assuming (and hoping) she fact-checked with her mom who has a cat clinic. At the end of the book there are random questions and answers. 

The author often encouraged readers to post pictures on Instagram with the hashtag #whycatsareassholes. When I checked the hashtag, I noticed she hadn't "liked" the posts, which I don't think is very appreciative considering they are spreading her word for her.

The editing could have been better as there were a number of typos. As a head's up, there is swearing and a liberal use of the F-bomb.

Book ~ "Life's too Short" (2021) Abby Jimenez

From Goodreads ~ When Vanessa Price quit her job to pursue her dream of traveling the globe, she wasn't expecting to gain millions of YouTube followers who shared her joy of seizing every moment. For her, living each day to its fullest isn't just a motto. Her mother and sister never saw the age of 30 and Vanessa doesn't want to take anything for granted.

But after her half-sister suddenly leaves Vanessa in custody of her infant daughter, life goes from "daily adventure" to "next-level bad" (now with bonus baby vomit in hair). The last person Vanessa expects to show up offering help is the hot lawyer next door, Adrian Copeland. After all, she barely knows him. No one warned her that he was the Secret Baby Tamer or that she'd be spending a whole lot of time with him and his geriatric Chihuahua.

Now she's feeling things she's vowed not to feel. Because the only thing worse than falling for Adrian is finding a little hope for a future she may never see.

Vanessa is a famous travel vlogger with millions of YouTube followers. Her mother and sister had had ALS and had passed away before they were 30 and there's a 50/50 chance that Vanessa has it too so she assumes she'll pass away at 30 also. She saw the misery her sister had gone through with treatments and decided to instead spend possibly her last couple of years having fun and seeing the world rather than treatment before ALS takes her too. Then her drug-addicted half sister gets pregnant and abandons Grace, her infant daughter, with Vanessa. Needless to say, this changes Vanessa's life and puts her travel and lifestyle on pause.

Adrian is a lawyer who is Vanessa's next door neighbour and owns their building. Until the night he helps her out with Grace, they have never had any contact. They start hanging out together and become good friends with Vanessa loosening up the always needing to be control Adrian. Adrian would like more but Vanessa has made it clear she's not interesting in dating anyone (he is unaware of her possible death sentence) and he doesn't want to ruin their friendship. Vanessa realizes she would like more but Adrian isn't making any advances so she assumes he just wants to be friends.

This is the second book I've read by this author and for the most part I liked it. The interaction between Vanessa and Adrian was cute. It's written in first person perspective in Vanessa and Adrian's voices (the chapters are labeled). As a head's up, there is swearing and adult activity

It does get heavy at times because Vanessa is supporting her family and is concerned about what will happen to them once she's gone ... her father is an unemployed hoarder, her half-sister is a drug addict, her well-educated half-brother doesn't want a normal 9 to 5 job and she needs to find an adoptive family for Grace because she assumes she's going to pass away soon. Plus Adrian has family issues of his own. Vanessa may or may not be dealing with a life threatening disease but she does nothing to see if she is. So it got a bit annoying as she keeps dwelling on dying and not getting confirmation if she may have ALS. Find out either way and then deal with it rather than assuming.

Book ~ "The Bright Side of Disaster" (2021) Katherine Center

From Goodreads ~ Very pregnant and not quite married Jenny Harris doesn't mind that she and her live-in fiancé, Dean, accidentally started their family a little earlier than planned. But Dean is acting distant and the night he runs out for cigarettes and doesn't come back, he demotes himself from future husband to sperm donor. And the very next day, Jenny goes into labor. 

In the months that follow, Jenny plunges into a life she never single motherhood. At least with the sleep deprivation, sore boobs, and fits of crying (both hers and the baby's), there's not much time to dwell on her broken heart. And things are looking Jenny learns how to do everything one-handed, makes friends in a mommy group and even gets to know a handsome, helpful neighbor. But Dean is never far from Jenny's thoughts or, it turns out, her doorstep, and in the end she must choose between the old life she thought she wanted and the new life she's been lucky to find.

Jenny and Dean have been together for a couple years. They are living together and engaged and their wedding is scheduled in a month's time. Jenny is also pregnant and ready to give birth at any time. Dean has started acting cold and one night heads out for cigarettes and doesn't come back. He's left a note saying he's not feeling it anymore and is outta there for good. Jenny goes into labour the next day and so begins her life as a single parent.

Luckily Jenny has the support of her parents and a mommy group and she gets to know Gardner, her handy man next door neighbour. When her baby is eight months old, Dean reappears in their lives wanting her to take him back.

I've read a few books by this author and I wasn't crazy about this story. There was far too much detail about giving birth, breastfeeding and the hour by hour routine of having a baby who is hungry and cries all the time. The story really went downhill for me when Dean came back and she let him move in with her. He was a loser when they met, he was a loser when they were together and he continued to be a loser when he came back ... and she allowed it. It's written in third person perspective in Jenny's voice. As a head's up, there is swearing.

Book ~ "Punch, Pastries, and Poison" (2021) Harper Lin

From Goodreads ~ Fran throws Matt a birthday party at the cafe and invites all of Cape Bay to attend. Halfway into the party, many of the guests become sick, and some end up in the ER. Fran fears the cause was food poisoning but Detective Mike Stanton informs her that it was actual poison - someone at the party intentionally poisoned the pastries or punch. 

Did the perp mean to target one person or to hurt as many people as possible? Did they want to shut down the cafe and destroy her business? Was it someone she knew or a sick stranger? 

Whoever it was, Fran had likely met the culprit at her party. And that makes her shudder. When another partygoer ends up dead days later, Fran is on high alert. She must find the murderer before anyone else gets hurt.

Francesca is in her mid-thirties and worked in New York for many years in PR.  She moved back home to run the family Italian café in a small town in Massachusetts when her mother passed away almost a year ago.

Fran plans a joint birthday party for Matt, her boyfriend, and her birthdays and has it at her café. Everyone in their small town is invited and Fran and her staff do all the preparation of the food and punch. During the party, though, everyone gets sick and food poisoning is suspected. When the police investigate, though, it's discovered that someone intentionally poisoned what Fran has prepared and she wonders why?

This is the tenth in the Cape Bay Cafe Mystery Series (I've read them all) by this author ... it works as a stand alone (you don't have to read the others to know what's going on). This book is written in first person perspective in Fran's voice. The "whodunnit" and ending came together quickly. It was a quick light read and is a "cozy mystery" so there is no swearing, violence or adult activity. There are recipes at the end.

Book ~ "Local Woman Missing" (2021) Mary Kubica

From Goodreads ~ People don’t just disappear without a trace ...

Shelby Tebow is the first to go missing. Not long after, Meredith Dickey and her six-year-old daughter, Delilah, vanish just blocks away from where Shelby was last seen, striking fear into their once-peaceful community. Are these incidents connected? After an elusive search that yields more questions than answers, the case eventually goes cold.

Now, 11 years later, Delilah shockingly returns. Everyone wants to know what happened to her, but no one is prepared for what they’ll find ...

Eleven years ago, Shelby was out jogging late at night and disappeared. When Meredith and her young daughter, Delilah, disappear not long after, the community wonders if the disappearances are connected, especially since Meredith had recently been Shelby's doula, and search parties are organized. We eventually find out what happened with Shelby and Meredith but no one knows what happened to Delilah. Josh, her father, and Leo, her younger brother, carry on but their lives are never the same ... Josh is forever hopeful that Delilah will come home some day.

Fast forward to today and Delilah, now a teenager, is found bloody and emaciated. After DNA tests confirm she is in indeed Delilah, she is returned home to live with Josh, and Leo. Needless to say, she has difficulty fitting in with her family and Leo has a hard time accepting her because he doesn't remember her.

I thought this story was okay. It's written in first person perspective in Delilah's, Kate's (Josh and Meredith's neighbour), Meredith's and Leo's voices and it jumps back and forth to 11 years ago to today (the chapters are labeled). There were a few side stories that I could have done without like the visit to the obstetrician (!!) and the dramas with the best friend (that was silly) and the daycare provider but I guess they were there to add tension. I found it amazing that they would return a girl who has been missing for 11 years and has obviously been abused back to her family pretty well on the day after she was found. And I can't believe the police were that dumb. I wasn't buying the ending (the "whodunnit"). As a head's up, there is violence and swearing.

Book ~ "Sparky" (2021) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Lizzie's got some competition! At Caring Paws Animal Shelter to volunteer, she meets newcomer Harper. Like Lizzie, Harper loves and knows lots about dogs! 

But when Sparky, a tiny Chihuahua mix, arrives with an injured leg to the shelter, the two girls will have to team up to find this sweet and strong puppy a perfect home.

Lizzie and Charles are in elementary school. Their family, the Petersons, have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Lizzie is a volunteer at the local animal shelter and when Harper, a new girl, starts volunteering, she is a bit jealous. But that is forgotten when a young Chihuahua dog is brought to the shelter that was found hurt by the side of the road.  Lizzie and Harper, along with Ms. Dobbins who runs the shelter, take the dog to the vet right away. Though the dog is hurt, he is still spunky so the vet names him Sparky. The big concern about Sparky is his leg and whether the vet can save it. Unfortunately she can't and the Petersons foster this tripawd until he can find the perfect home.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Sparky's point of view. It is the 62nd in the Puppy Place series.

Book ~ "Hell and Gone" (2021) Sam Wiebe

From Goodreads ~ In one moment of public violence, everything changes for Dave Wakeland. When masked men and women storm an office building in Chinatown, leaving a trail of carnage, the Vancouver PI and his partner, Jeff Chen, find themselves caught up in a mystery that won't let them go. 

The police have a vested interest in finding the shooters and so does the leader of the Exiles motorcycle gang. Both want Wakeland's help. The deeper he investigates, the more connections he uncovers: a reclusive millionaire with ties to organized crime, an international security company with a sinister reputation and a high-ranking police officer who seems to have a personal connection to the case. When the shooters themselves start turning up dead, Wakeland realizes the only way to guarantee his own safety, and that of the people he loves, is by finding out who hired the shooters and why. 

What Wakeland uncovers are secrets no one wants known - a botched undercover operation, an ambitious gangster and a double-crossing killer who used the shooting to cover up another crime. With a setup like this, anything can go wrong, and does. Skill and luck are needed for Wakeland and Chen to emerge with the killers, the money, and their own lives.

Dave Wakeland is a former cop and now a private detective in Vancouver, BC. He is in partnership with Jeff Chen, who is the opposite of him. They are based in Jeff's more professional space but Dave hasn't let go of his rundown office space in another building. It's at his rundown office early one morning that Dave witnesses people masked, running out of a building and jumping into a van but not before innocent bystanders are shot and killed. He races down to help those he can. Once the police and paramedics arrive, not wanting to get involved, Dave says he didn't see what happened and only went down to help. But the police and a local gang leader don't believe him and when his life is put in danger, that spurs him into finding out what happened and why.

This is the third book in the Wakeland series (I'd read the first two a couple years ago) ... you don't need to have read the previous ones as it works as a stand alone (I didn't remember anything from the first two). It is written mostly in first person perspective from Dave's point of view but also in third person perspective when a couple characters are telling their stories. As a head's up, there is swearing and violence. I found there was a lot going on and it was hard to keep up with all the characters and it was a bit convoluted.

Book ~ "Donut" (2021) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ Lizzie's so excited to head up into the country for her Aunt Amanda's sleepaway doggy camp to learn new ways to train dogs. But they're both surprised by the arrival of Donut, a Lab-Shepherd mix puppy who might not join her family on their move. 

Lizzie will have to use her new skills to show that Donut is sweet and well-trained for her family's new home.

Lizzie is in elementary school. Her family, the Petersons, have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Lizzie is spending the weekend with her Aunt Amanda, who runs a doggy daycare, at her camp in the country to learn how to click-train dogs with her aunt's dog, Bowser. One of her aunt's clients, though, is moving to California. The family is sad their new landlord won't let their Lab/Shepherd puppy, Donut, live with them in their rented house. Lizzie and Aunt Amanda offer to take Donut with them for the weekend while the family packs and it's up to Lizzie to find Donut a new home.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Donut's point of view. It is the 63rd in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 66 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Book ~ "Lily" (2021) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ The Petersons are headed to the beach! 

On their vacation at the Fair Harbor Inn, Charles meets Lily, an untrained English cream golden retriever puppy. Charles will need all the help he can get with this rambunctious pup. Will he be able to find her a perfect permanent new home?

Charles is in elementary school. His family, the Petersons, have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Charles and his family are headed to at B 'n B at the beach for a vacation. There they meet Lily, a golden retriever puppy, and her family. Lily is a rambunctious puppy and when her family goes home, they leave Lily behind in her crate in their room! The family that runs their B 'n B are too busy to keep the dog so Charles is determined to find her a home since his mom and dad say they can't keep her because they already have a puppy at home.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Lily's point of view. It is the 61st in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 66 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Book ~ "Biggie" (2021) Ellen Miles

From Goodreads ~ After getting home from school, Lizzie is surprised to hear that her parents are fostering another yorkie puppy. After all, their last yorkie foster, Princess, was a little spoiled. But Biggie is Princess's total opposite. He's energetic and tenacious! 

Can Lizzie find this teeny puppy with a big heart a perfect home?

Lizzie is in elementary school. His family, the Petersons, have a puppy named Buddy plus they foster dogs and help them find homes.

Lizzie and her family agree to foster a yorkie puppy named Biggie. He belongs to some friends who are just starting their adult lives and don't have enough time to devote to him. They are sad to give him up but they know it's the best thing for him. The Petersons had fostered a yorkie in the past who was a spoiled princess but happily Biggie has a different personality. 

Lizzie and her friends have a dog walking company and she takes Biggie with her as she's walking her dogs. Biggie takes a liking to a Jack Russell dog named Domino and helps to find him when he gets lost in the woods.

Though this book is a quick read and directed at elementary-aged children, I found it entertaining. There is a learning experience and a puppy tip at the end. It is written in third person perspective and first person from Biggie's point of view. It is the 60th in the Puppy Place series, which currently has 66 books in the series, and works as a stand alone.

Book ~ "The Guncle" (2021) Steven Rowley

From Goodreads ~ Patrick, or Gay Uncle Patrick (GUP, for short), has always loved his niece, Maisie, and nephew, Grant. That is, he loves spending time with them when they come out to Palm Springs for weeklong visits or when he heads home to Connecticut for the holidays. But in terms of caretaking and relating to two children, no matter how adorable, Patrick is honestly a bit out of his league.

So when tragedy strikes and Maisie and Grant lose their mother and Patrick’s brother has a health crisis of his own, Patrick finds himself suddenly taking on the role of primary guardian. Despite having a set of “Guncle Rules” ready to go, Patrick has no idea what to expect, having spent years barely holding on after the loss of his great love, a somewhat-stalled career, and a lifestyle not-so-suited to a six- and a nine-year-old. Quickly realizing that parenting - even if temporary - isn’t solved with treats and jokes, Patrick’s eyes are opened to a new sense of responsibility, and the realization that, sometimes, even being larger than life means you’re unfailingly human.

Patrick and Sara were best friends in university and she ended up marrying his brother, Greg, and they had two children. Patrick's partner, Joe, had been killed in an accident years ago and he is still grieving ... he gave up his life as an actor in L.A. and moved to Palm Springs living in almost seclusion. When Sara got sick and was dying, Greg became addicted to drugs to cope. When she died, he knew he had to get better so checked himself into rehab for 90 days. He asked Patrick to take care of his young children while he was gone.

Patrick just wants to be left alone but knows he has to do this for Sara and Greg. Maisie and Grant move to California for the summer and it is an adjustment for the three of them. Patrick isn't used to having children around (or really anyone) and the children are grieving for their mother. They adapt to Patrick's ways like having lupper (a mid afternoon meal ... lunch + supper) rather than a later supper and not really having a schedule. Patrick knows he has to help Maisie and Grant heal and realizes that he too needs healing so he can get on with his life.

This was the first book I've read by this author and it was cute. I liked Patrick's manner and his interactions with the Maisie and Grant. It is written in third person perspective with the focus Patrick. As a head's up, there is swearing (which Maisie and Grant initially call him on but eventually get used to).

Book ~ "Ready or Not" (2021) Alex Lake

From Goodreads ~ A happy family ... Alice and Tom Sark seem to have it all - a wonderful marriage, a gorgeous baby, a beautiful home. And now Alice, a journalist, starts investigating a story which could make her career - a serial killer in their town.

A murderer lurking in the shadows ... Very quickly though, the murder case takes its toll. Alice and Tom begin fighting all the time. Their baby daughter just won’t stop crying. And sometimes it feels almost as if they’re being followed.

Not everyone will live to tell the tale ... The killer has found a new family to target. And the clock is ticking for Alice and Tom to stop their worlds being destroyed forever.

Alice and Tom have been married for a few years and have a baby named Joanna. Their lives are stressful because they are still getting used to being new parents and Joanna doesn't like to sleep at night so neither parent is getting much sleep. During a routine check-up, the doctor notices bruises on Joanna which makes Alice and Tom wonder how they got there and question anyone they have contact with.

In the meantime, there is a serial killer loose in their town. As a reporter, this becomes Alice's story with helpful hints from her friend, a police officer. When taunting letters from the killer start arriving at Alice's house, rather than run and hide, Alice ramps up her coverage of the killer, which doesn't make Tom, who is a very protective dad, happy.

Up until this point, though I had figured out who the killer was and what was going on, it was an interesting story with great build-up. Then it got ridiculous and far fetched very quickly, which is too bad.

This book is written in third person perspective in various voices (Alice, Tom, the killer, the police, etc.) depending on where the action was. The story jumps back and forth in time from so we get to know Alice and how she and Tom met (the chapters are labeled). I thought having the details of how the abuser was hurting Joanna was disturbing ... all I needed to know was that Joanna was suddenly getting mysterious bruises. As a head's up, there is swearing and violence.