Mystery/Thriller Reading Friends discussion

9) We Shall See the Sky Sparkling by Susana Akin (historical fiction) 375 pages. Source: Goodreads Giveaway Started: 10/19 Finished: 10/20

Why Read: I'm interested in the protagonist's acting ambitions and pre-revolutionary Russia.

Comments: I really didn't like all the victimization that the female protagonist was subjected to in both England and Russia. I gave it a C.

10) Rachel Maddow: A Biography by Lisa Rogak (biography) 271 pages. Source: Library Started: 10/21
Finished: 10/23

Why Read; I love Rachel and I don't have cable now. So I really miss her and her insights on the news. So a bio brings Rachel back into my life while I'm reading it. The last time I reviewed the bio of a journalist it was Martha Gellhorn in 2017.

Comments: I didn't know anything about Rachel's life. So everything was new and interesting to me. I didn't even know that she started on radio. I gave this bio an A.

11) The Labyrinth's Archivist by Day Al-Mohammed (science fiction/mystery novella) Source: Don't recall Started: 10/23 Finished: 10/23

Why Read: I have two days before I need to read a review copy. So I figured I'd have time to squeeze in this novella which sounds really good. The protagonist is a blind archivist who remembers all the stories she was told. There are also murders of archivists that need to be solved.

Comments: There was a happy ending and the protagonist stopped the killer. I gave it a B+

12)Bringer of Death by K. Bird Lincoln (fantasy novelette) 30 pages. Source: free from the author Started: 10/24 Finished: 10/24

Why Read: There are paranormal beings and Japanese culture. This sounds interesting.

Comments: It takes place in Japan. The protagonist Fujiwara Ken is an assassin. He's also a kitsune which is a fox shape shifter. The historical woman warrior, Tomoe Gozen, is a character in this novelette. I had some research opportunities which I always love, but I wasn't impressed with the story line and gave it a C+.

To Be Continued...

Nice month Shomeret, I look forward to your 4th update. The Rachel Maddow biography sounds interesting!

I had started to write the fourth part. Then I realized that one of the books was reviewed on a blog post that's scheduled for November 3rd because that's it's release date. So it's a book of the future for two more days. The publisher doesn't want me to review it in advance. So that means part four needs to wait as well.

... something else to look forward to then on Nov 3rd!

I didn't know there was a Rachel Maddow bio, I'll have to request it. Thanks for the tip. I watch her practically every night. She's written some nonfiction as well -- incredibly talented!