All That’s Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien

The insight into Vietnamese refugee life in the Sydney suburb of Cabramatta was interesting and compelling but sadly the story line did not keep me engaged.

Ky Tran, a young Vietnamese-Australian journalist returns home following the death of her brother, Denny, in a local restaurant. Everyone present at the scene claim to have seen nothing.

Ky feels the police are not doing enough to discover what happened to her brother and beings interviewing the patrons that were present.

Her investigation leads to Ky examining her own memories, background and relationships.

It is more than a mystery story. In fact, the mystery of Ky’s brother’s death often falls into the background and secondary to the struggles of family relationships, fitting into a new world and the setting making it slow reading. 

It is reasonably well written but needs to be tighter and the characters need to be more relatable

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of the book in return for an honest review

My rating 2* 

Dewey Decimated by Allison Brook

Having worked in a haunted library (unfortunately I didn’t get to talk to the ghost) and for my local council I found a lot to relate to in this book.

This is the first book in the series I have read so I wasn’t familiar with the main characters Carrie and Dylan (an engaged couple), Evelyn (the library’s friendly ghost and Smokey Joe (the library cat). 

I think it works OK as a standalone story. Topics and character information from previous stories were smoothly incorporated so the reader doesn’t feel lost, but I still wish I had read the previous stories. (This is the 6th book in the series). 

The story is set in a charming small town, Clover Ridge where everyone knows each other but there are still hidden secrets. We meet Carrie, one of the local librarians responsible for events and newly appointed member of the local council. The council has purchased the building next door to the library which is being converted to extend the facilities. 

The library is haunted by a friendly ghost, Evelyn, who has helped Carried solve murders in the past. Carrie and her niece are the only ones who can see Evelyn who is friendly and charming. 

Carrie is well known as the local amateur sleuth. It is evident she has assisted the local police on previous occasions.

During the demolition of the building a body is discovered and obvious he was killed many years earlier.

Carrie has resolved not to take on anymor amateur sleuthing but when the ghost of the murdered man turns up in the library with amnesia and refuses to leave until he finds out who he is and what happened, she is forced to get involved. He is disruptive as he rushes through the library disturbing both papers and patrons. She calls on Evelyn for help to control him and help solve his murder. They call him Charlie. Later they discover he is Alex Dunmore, Dylan’s uncle. 

An irritating and determined local reporter, Julie Theron, wants to join with Carrie to solve the murders. 

Meanwhile, a secondary story involves her position on council. It is the role of the council to decide on the future of a parcel of land known as Seabrook Preserve. There are three options put to council – a high class park, development of condos or leave it as a protected reserve. A member of the council who is also involved in the library renovation is later killed. But how are the two stories connected? 

The characters were likeable when they should have been, and the unlikeable ones were well portrayed.

My rating 4*

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Here for the Right Reasons by Jodi McAlister

I don’t watch reality TV, but I have seen enough to be familiar with the format. It has also been years since I have read a romance novel. I accepted this book for review, hoping it would be a light read and an interesting insight into how reality shows are presented.

Here for the Right Reasons is a contemporary romance about a dating show set during the Covid pandemic.

The main character, Cece, shares a home with her two best friends. They are all huge fans of the reality show Marry Me, Juliet. One evening, a little drunk on vodka pineapples, they decide to submit entries for the show. She is the only one of the three selected to be one of the Juliets hoping to win the heart of Romeo.

 

Like most of the Juliets selected she is not there for the right reasons, that is to find love.

 

In Cece’s case, she has lost her job due to Covid and is unable to pay her share of the rent. She is now 26, a maters student and, not having family, only has herself to rely on. Merry Me, Juliet, and the pay given to the competitor as well as social media fame after the show is her only hope. 

Romeo for the show is Dylan. He’s good-looking, intelligent and sensitive. He is also the first coloured Romeo. 

Cece is eliminated in the first episode but because of the pandemic, all the eliminated girls must stay in lock-down together. The producers agree to introduce a new aspect to the show where Cece and Dylan are to demonstrate men and women can be friends without romantic notions. As the segments are filmed they discover there is an attraction more than just friendship. 

Meanwhile, we get the action behind the scenes with the other girls and the production crew. 

I felt most of the characters lacked depth and Dylan a little too perfect. Cece was a strong character and the character I did like was Lily, the usual nasty girl of reality shows. She turned out to be nice but with her own agenda for the future. 

Themes of racism, mental health, and social media influences were well handled. 

Some twists keep you turning the pages but overall, it is predictable. The dialogue was uninspiring and repetitive. 

Overall, this book wasn’t for me, but I am sure fans of romance will love it. 

Thank you, NetGalley, Simon & Schuster (Australia), and Jodi McAlister for the ARC. All thoughts are my own. 

My rating 3* but this is a personal viewpoint and I am sure fictional romance lovers will enjoy it.

 

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Out of Breath by Anna Snoekstra

Jo keeps running away. In a small town in England she runs from her family then from art college in London. Arriving in Australia she must work on farm to meet the requirements of her visa. She finds herself in a remote area near coastal Broome in north west Australia picking mangoes but finds herself running again. She thought she had found paradise in an isolated off the grid community. But was there something sinister underneath the happy smiles and idyllic life?

 

Jo is a complicated character haunted by her past. She is both likeable and frustrating as times. It is interesting how, with each escape, her name gets shortened– Josephine, Josie, Jo, J All the other characters are realistic and clearly depicted.

 

I enjoyed reading this thriller although even with its mystery and intrigue, it took me a while to get into the story. I kept pushing through waiting for something more dramatic to happen. When it did (about a third of the way through) it became more exciting and the final chapters were particularly hard to put down.

 

I commend Anna Snoekstra on her descriptive writing making it easy to get to know, and understand the characters and to see, hear and feel the Australian outback – the heat, colours and dangers.

 

Overall, it was an enjoyable read. The plot and storyline were unique and I loved the ending.

 

Thanks to Anna Snoekstra, NetGalley, and HarperCollins for providing an ARC.

 

My rating 4*

 

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The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill

The Woman in the Library is a story in a story making it difficult to describe but I’ll give it a go.

Hannah is an Australian writer. She is writing a mystery story based in Boston. We learn very little about Hannah herself.

We read the story as Hannah writes it. 

The main character in Hannah’s story is an Australian writer Winifred Kincaid (Freddie). She is in Boston after receiving a Marriott Scholarship. While visiting the library for inspiration three people share her table. She begins to write a story about them in her mind. They are:

 

Marigold, a psychology student with tattoos who Freddie nicknames Freud Girl.

Cain McLeod who is also an author with a secretive past. She refers to him as Handsome Man

Whit Metters a law student and handsome sone of a powerful lawyer who she calls Heroic Chin.

 A scream pierces the silence in the room. The security people quickly lock down the library pending an investigation. While unable to leave the four of them begin to chat to each other and discuss what has just happened. When no body is found they move onto a coffee shop and begin to get to know each other, forming a friendship that leads into their own investigation.

Each has their own story gradually revealed as the story progresses. Freddie falls in love with the mysterious Cain. As their stories are revealed another murder occurs. There is another murder, a mysterious disappearance and strange phone messages. It becomes apparent one of the four is a stalker and one is a murderer.

As the main story unfolds Hannah sends each chapter to a fan, Leo, in Boston. This is the second story within the main story. We get to read Leo’s emails with his comments on the storyline and correction of Australian idioms not used in the US. Gradually his emails become stranger as he suggests major changes to the manuscript including sending photos of actual crimes. The author becomes concerned and contacts the authorities.

It is complicated but very clever, well plotted, and easily followed.

Thank you to Netgalley, Sourcebooks, Poisoned Pen Press, and Sulari Gentill for the opportunity to read this book.

The Murder Rule by Dervla McTiernan

Questions in the reader's mind start in the first chapter – why is Hannah creeping out of home in the early hours of the morning?

Hannah is a university student studying law. The story starts with her sneaking out of the house she shares with her alcoholic mother for unclear reasons. She transfers to another university and, by deceitful means, manages to get herself onto the Innocence Program run by Professor Rob Parekh and supported by a team of students. The program is dedicated to revisiting cases involving convicted prisoners.

 

Hannah particularly wants to be on the team of a specific case, that of Michael Danridge. Michael has been in prison for 11 years for the rape and murder of a young mother. He swears he is innocent and was only found guilty on flimsy evidence. Hannah uses devious ways to secure her place. 

Unlike the rest of the team, she intends to work to keep Michael in gaol. Her reason gradually comes to light through her mother’s diaries from 1994, in alternating chapters of the book.

 

Time is short for both the team to prove his innocence and for Hannah to succeed in her goal.

 

But doubt starts to enter Hannah’s thinking. It began when she went to the prison with Sean to interview Michael. Her investigations bring to light a crooked cop and cover ups. She begins to realise everything is not as it seems or as it has been portrayed but who is lying and who is telling the truth?

 

The characters are well developed. Hannah is not particularly likeable but interesting. She is smart, and conniving and will do whatever she needs to achieve her aim. The other two students are great characters although we see more of Sean who is very likeable.

 

I have purposely not said too much about the story, so I don’t spoil the mystery and suspense.

 

The story is slow at the beginning but still interesting. Stick with it. The gradual build-up with its many twists and turns makes for a gripping story filled with tension, corruption, and secrets.

 

As the mystery unravels, we read of intrigue, violence, and deception all making for a suspenseful and exciting read.

 

Warning: story contains sexual assault and violence but does not dominate the story.

 

Thank you to Netgalley, Harper Collins Australia, and the author McTiernan for an ARC in return for an honest review. Due publication date May 2022

My rating 4*

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Where the Irises Bloom by Will Lowrey

I have read and loved several books by Will Lowrey so Where the Irises Bloom was a must read for me.

As with his other books, it is beautifully written with clear and often emotive descriptions putting you right there with little Fern.

 

Fern is an orphaned kitten living in a rough part of a busy city. Struggling to survive she makes friends with a homeless veteran, John, when others ignore her. The other main character is Matthew who helps homeless people and shows compassion for both John and Fern.

 

Fern has some frightening encounters with hoodlums, trains, a feral cat, and busy streets but John shows her compassion and caring.

 

Will Lowrey’s descriptions put the reader at ground level with little Fern. We feel, see, smell, and hear everything she does. It was so real I wanted to reach out, pick her up and take her home.

 

The story's heart-warming ending is emotional, both sad and happy.

 

This book is a must read for animal lovers.

 

My rating 5*

 

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All the Lights Above Us: Inspired by the women of D-Day by M. B. Henry

I love historical fiction and appreciate an author who does their homework. In All the Lights Above Us M.B. Henry has done exactly that to bring us an engaging story of D-Day from the viewpoint of five ordinary women with extraordinary experiences.

It covers a short time – the day before D-Day, D-Day and the following day. Incredibly Henry describes not only the women’s D-Day experiences but through short chapters, manages to provide the reader with their background stories giving us a full understanding of emotions, purpose, and reasons for their actions.  Each story for the most part is separate to the others. Each has their faults, but they are strong and persist in their beliefs and aims. The reader may not agree with their actions, but they represent many women during war and should not be judged. 

 

Characters include real people and fictionalised people based on the author’s research. The characters are well developed and as their stories unfold you understand the hardships of war on ordinary people.

 

The five women represent women in different countries and different situations. They are in non combative roles but enormously impacted by the war around them.

 

Adelaide is in her sixties. Her home in France has been taken over by German soldiers and she is compelled to care for their needs. She cares for them like a mother but it’s not until her town is affected by fighting that she sees the cold-heartedness within them. Her only wish is to be with her daughter who lives in another town. Bravely she leaves her home and heads off to find her. In doing so she experiences more of the horrors of war.

 

Emilia is a young German woman brought up to believe the Nazi way was the right way. She is a classic Aryan woman with golden hair and perfect blue eyes. She works as secretary to a Gestapo intelligence officer in Caen, France. After observing the constant cruelty of her boss’s interrogations, she begins to question everything and plans to escape.

 

Flora is a young member of the French Resistance passing on messages. She is frustrated at not being permitted to do more but there is more than just discrimination behind the reasoning.

 

Mildred is an American expatriate who makes her living as a radio broadcaster in Berlin. She is based on a real person, Axis Sally, who spread Nazi propaganda over the air waves. She has foolishly convinced herself she is only an actress, it’s not propaganda, its’s just her job. When the DA-Day landing is over she realises she will most likely go to prison or worse for her actions.

 

Theda is member of the Voluntary Aid detachment (VAD)- a medical volunteer caring for wounded soldiers in Portsmouth England. She shares a dormitory with her friends but unlike them who see their future as wives and mothers, she wants to follow a nursing career.

 

The struggle and frustration of caring for the wounded is brought home on D-Day when hundreds of soldiers are brought in needing attention. It depicts not only the suffering of those soldiers but those that cared for them often working around the clock.

 

The women’s stories were so real I felt their pain and fears and hope for the future.  Anyone who thinks that the atrocities of WWII did not happen needs to read this. I know it is "fiction”, but the author nailed the reality. It was like looking at the war from above as the women move through their troubled lives.

 

It is an absorbing read with vivid descriptions and emotional stories. Some scenes are graphic but needed to emphasise the horrors of war and the impact on everyday people – to put history in perspective.

 

If you read this book don’t ignore the author’s notes at the back where she explains how real people influenced the characters in the story. They also demonstrate how much research she undertook to get the realities of D-Day right.

 

I admire Henry’s writing style and dedication to researching the facts. I will be keeping an eye out for her future books.

 

Thank you NetGalley, Alcove Press and MB Henry for a pre-publication copy of this book. It is due for release on 10^th May.

 

My rating 5*

 

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Nenek Tata and the Mangrove Menace by Judith Vun Price and Jacqui Vun

Nenek Tata and the Mangrove Menace is a delightful story for 6-10 year olds. There is just enough scariness that children love but all works out in the end with an amusing twist.

 

The story is set in the Malaysian tropical forests and begins with Naknek Tata preparing breakfast for her husband Nenek Jantan (Nenek means grandparent). After farewelling him as he goes off on his bicycle to buy sugar, she sets about doing her daily chores feeding the animals, collecting water, and collecting the crabs from the pots in the mangrove swamp.

 

While she is at the swamp a monsoonal storm with heavy rain, thunder and lightning suddenly begin. Then a huge frightening monster emerges from the swamp dripping mud and begins following her. She rushes home and prepares to defend her home from the beast.

 

As the rain pours down on the monster the mud is washed away revealing it is just her husband who has fallen in the swamp when he crashed his bicycle.

 

The language used is an understandable level for the age group. Malaysian words used in the story are explained in the glossary at the end of the book.

 

It is told in the style of traditional hantu stories (ghost stories) told to children by grandparents. They are designed to both entertain and keep the children safe from the dangers of the swamps and jungles.

 

This delightful story is illustrated perfectly with large vivid pictures. They clearly depict the home and surroundings. The animal pictures are so much fun even if not directly part of the story. Don’t miss checking the expressions on their faces.

 

I hope this book will be part of a series introducing children to many cultures

 

At the back there is a glossary of Malayan words used in the story. I think these should be at the front for people like me who just jump in and start reading.

 

Overall, it is a great story with wonderful illustrations and many openings for discussion with children.

 

My thanks to NetGalley. Judith Vun Price, Jacqui Vun [Illustrator], and Logorythm/Crotchet Quaver for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

My rating 5*

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Lily Harford's Last Request is a beautifully written story dealing with the controversial question of assisted dying.

Lily is in her 80s. She has been a successful businesswoman and single mother. She was once full of vitality and loving life. She had a beautiful home surrounded by memories. As her dementia progresses, we see snippets of her past life as a young and vibrant young woman.

Now her body is racked with arthritis and her memory and faculties are diminishing.

Reluctantly, her daughter Pauline feels it is time for Lily to move to assisted care at Blue Vista.

As her dementia gets worse Lily wants to die on her own terms before

She asks Donna to help her end her life before dementia gets worse and she no longer recognises her loved ones or at least partly care for herself. Donna feels for Lily and understands the reasons for the request but explains, apart from it being illegal, she couldn’t bring herself to do it. Lily then makes the same request from Pauline who also explains she couldn’t help.

We know from the beginning of the book someone does assist Lily but who was it?

Throughout the story, Lily reflects on her past life, her short time with a loving husband and gives us insight into the younger and very capable Lily.

There are four other key characters in the story – Pauline (Lily’s daughter), Sam (Pauline’s husband), Donna (one of Lily’s carers), and Frank who also lives at Blue Vista.

Pauline adores and admires her mother but while she thinks she is doing the right thing for her mother; feels she is abandoning her. Pauline has a responsible job as headmistress. Add this to being a wife, mother and grandmother she is feeling the stress and pressure.

Sam loves his wife, is a supportive husband, and adores his mother-in-law. He is a wonderful character and does everything he can for Lily.

Donna is one of the caregivers at Blue Vista who has a close bond with Lily. She loves her job and is a very caring person but because of her broken marriage and childhood experiences lacks confidence in her personal life. Her character is well developed and likable.

Frank is a resident of Blue Vista who is also fond of Lily. He doesn’t feature a great deal in the book but plays a key part in the twist at the end.

Joanna Buckley has written her story with great sensitivity from the viewpoints of Lily Pauline and Donna. All the characters seem real and easy to relate to.

At 72 I can relate to all three women – Lily with my advancing years and wondering what the future holds; Pauline as a daughter having to deal with my mother’s dementia as well as a mother and grandmother; and Donna’s lack of confidence in my working life. All characters are real, believable, and likable.

Lily Harford's Last Request is Joanna Buckley’s first book and I look forward to reading her future stories. It is a book I would not hesitate to recommend.

It would make an excellent one for reading groups and has suggestions for discussion points at the end of the book.

My thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Australia for providing me with a copy of this book for review purposes. 

My rating 5*

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Wild Place by Christian White

Wild Place is set at the end of 1989 in a typical Australian suburb with a green space popular with adventurous kids exploring the bush, dog walkers, and lovers. It’s typified by nice homes, green well-kept lawns, neighbours who know each other, and an active Neighbourhood Watch Committee. The green space in this story is Wild Place.

 

When 17-year-old Tracie Reed goes missing police believe she is just another runaway. Her parents, Donna and Owen, although in the midst of a divorce, agree. Tracie would not do that. Her former schoolteacher, Tom Witter also believes something more sinister has happened especially as Tracie had changed her appearance and felt she was being watched and followed.

 

Tom is on school holidays. He is supposed to be dealing with a list of jobs his wife has left for him but when Tracie’s disappearance is raised at a Neighbourhood Watch meeting Tom is asked to post photos of Tracie around town.

 

While the whole affair is another fascinating topic for town gossip, Tom’s involvement turns into an obsession to find out what really happened.

 

Believing some a satanic ritual has occurred in Wild Place he searches the reserve for clues. Tom tries to convince the police it is more than a missing person case, but they ignore his theory, so Owen and Tom take matters into their own hands. Her body is finally found in Wild Place.

 

Tom’s investigation puts several people on his suspect list but most pointedly, Sean, a former best friend of his eldest son. Sean has turned goth with a passion for heavy metal music. He has a pentagram tattoo with a similar design to the necklace Tracie wore. He also keeps a snake in his darkened bedroom. Tom and Owen take matters into their own hands.

 

It started slowly as a relaxed read, lulling the reader into a false sense of relaxation. About halfway through things got more intense as Tom and Owen’s investigation becomes the main storyline. There are many twists and turns, with secrets and lies slowly being revealed.

 

Although it is a murder mystery the focus is on Tom’s actions, not the police investigation.

 

It is an entertaining enough read but not one I call brilliant and after a while in the second half Tom started to annoy me. The ending certainly came as a shock but felt a bit rushed.

 

The characters are believable; some I am sure I have met while I lived in suburbia.

 

I must commend the author on his setting – middle class Australian suburbia. It brought back memories of 80s music (like it or hate it you can’t forget it), cars, cassettes, food (Vienetta!), fashion, and more.

My rating 3*

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The Animals v Samuel Willis by Will Lowrey

Simply brilliant story and writing style.

 

I loved reading this book and found it hard to put down, not just because of the clever story line but because it is incredibly well written. I have read, and thoroughly enjoyed, some of Will Lowrey’s books before but his writing of The Animals v Samuel Willis has surpassed his others. (Having said that Chasing the Blue Sky is still my favourite)

 

The story is set at a time when all animals have been liberated and are equal to humans. Samuel Willis is brought before the court for the cruelty and murder of an ill-treated dairy cow. If found guilty the penalty could be death by hanging.

His descriptions of the animals’ characters, movements, and dialogue are amusing and show Lowrey’s keen observation of animals.

 

In fact, the whole book is so well depicted you are right there in the courtroom and on the farm with the characters.

 

The ending is a perfect result and inspiring.

 

If you are an animal lover, you will love this story.

My rating 5*

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