Kid Konnection: We Were Liars

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you a young adult book with a shocking twist!

Summary: A beautiful and distinguished family.
A private island.
A brilliant, damaged girl; a passionate, political boy.
A group of four friends—the Liars—whose friendship turns destructive.
A revolution. An accident. A secret.
Lies upon lies.
True love.
The truth.

We Were Liars is a modern, sophisticated suspense novel from New York Times bestselling author, National Book Award finalist, and Printz Award honoree E. Lockhart.

Read it.

And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE. -- Delacorte Press

I don't read many YA books; however, the new novel WE WERE LIARS by E. Lockhart really appealed to me. It didn't hurt that Ms. Lockhart is an award-winning author; however, it was the note in the front of my ARC that made me have to read it. Vice President and Publisher of Delacorte Press Beverly Horowitz raved about this novel... so much so that she knew I'd want to discuss it with someone! And then she ended the note with these words, "And if anyone asks you how it ends, just LIE." Seriously? How could I not read this novel.

WE WERE LIARS is about Cadence Sinclair Eastman, a member of the very beautiful and very wealthy Sinclair family and also an heiress to her grandfather's fortune. The story begins when Cadence is fifteen and spending the summer on her family's private island off the coast of Cape Cod. She loves spending time with her two cousins, Mirren and Johnny, as well as her love interest Gil; and together, these four have termed themselves "the liars."

Cadence has some sort of accident that summer which leaves her with migraines and memory loss,  and she has virtually no idea what happened to her. It's not until two years later, when she's seventeen, that she returns to the island and tries to piece things her memories and discover the truth behind that summer.

I adored WE WERE LIARS, and I definitely see what all of the fuss is about! (Honestly, if all YA books were like this one, I'd read this genre a lot more!) I couldn't put this book down and finished it in just a few hours... despite not having the time to read it. I loved the mystery surrounding Cadence and I couldn't stop reading until I got to the surprise ending. And then I wanted to start over and read it again to see what I missed!

I hesitate to say too much about the story or the ending because it is best experienced first-hand. Trust me when I say that this book is a worthwhile read, and I intend to hand it right over to my daughter as soon as she walks in the door.

While there is no doubt that I loved the ending as well as the way Cadence was portrayed (Note: I'm keeping thing vague on purpose!), I also thought the story was very well-written -- most definitely classified as literary. I appreciated Cadence's voice and I enjoyed how well the author described the setting and the dynamics of this special family. I also liked that there was a little romance mixed in with the suspense and intrigue. Furthermore, I loved how the author mixed some of Cadence's fairy tales into the story -- I found these to be especially insightful into Cadence, the Liars, and the family unit as a whole.

WE WERE LIARS would make an excellent discussion book for ages 12 and up. It has a little bit of everything, and there is no doubt that the characters are fascinating. Some of the themes you might want to explore include families, first love, truth, memory, grief, resentment, jealousy, and forgiveness.

Overall, I was blown away by WE WERE LIARS. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Book Club Exchange: Sally Koslow

I'd like to welcome author Sally Koslow to Book Club Exchange. Ms. Koslow is the author of three novels, and I can say that I've read all of them. Last year around this time, I reviewed THE WIDOW WALTZ (out in paperback today); and I enjoyed it a great deal. She always manages to infuse both humor and touching moments into her stories, and they are ideal for book clubs.

Check out this fantastic guest post about one of my very favorite subjects -- the importance of book clubs.

Why Book Clubs Make Reading Better

Last week I went to the initial meeting of a book club formed by female writers who live in my borough of New York City: Manhattan. (All those hip Brooklyn writers can start their own book club.) My other book club—now I’m in two—reads only books that have stood the test of time (tonight were talking about Moon Tiger, a 1987 novel by the great English writer Penelope Lively)—but the new group’s commitment is to recent novels. I loved discussing the award-winning novel du jour with other writers, who swooned over insights and metaphors (“The promise of her body was buried under layers of no and not yet.”) Then we did what all book clubs do, fell into a spirited discussion of whether our heroine had been stood up in the Alps or if the new man in her life failed to show because he’d been murdered.

The latter hadn’t occurred to me. This is what I especially love about being in a book club. Considering a book through other readers’ eyes enlarges the experience far more than the Brie and Chardonnay. Not that cheese and wine don’t add to the occasion. To that point, you might want to read this article about book clubs in The New York Times where I was quoted and must offer a mea culpa, because I was talking about a past book club, not either of the current two to which I belong. (http://www.nytimes.com/2014/03/23/opinion/sunday/really-youre-not-in-a-book-club.html.)

When a group discusses one of my books, I am ecstatic. Quite a few clubs have read my first three novels, and now that The Widow Waltz it’s out in paperback, I’m hoping it will get on book clubs’ schedule. Quite a few topics lend themselves to conversation, even heated debate.

• When the husband of the main character, Georgia Waltz, suddenly dies, she learns that he’s left her nothing. If this happened to you, how would you respond?
• Georgia husband has lee a secret life. What blocked Georgia from seeing the truth? Do you think this happens to many wives? 


• Georgia’s daughters are as unlike as honey and sardines. How does the novel comment on nature vs. nurture in addressing having an adopted child as well as a biological one?
• Georgia must rebuild her life. If faced with this challenge, how would you imagine you’d move forward? Could you have made the same decision that Georgia did at the end of the book? What allows people to move on from betrayals?

A complete discussion guide for The Widow Waltz is here: http://www.sallykoslow.com/content/book_widow_waltz_guide.asp

If your book club that wants to discuss The Widow Waltz, I’d love to join in the conversation through FaceTime if you write to me on my website and ask: www.sallykoslow.com!

*****

Koslow is the author of three previous novels, The Late, Lamented Molly Marx, a Target Book Pick; With Friends Like These; and Little Pink Slips, inspired by her time as the editor-in-chief of McCall’s. She is also the author of Slouching Toward Adulthood, an amusing and insightful report from the parenting trenches. It is currently in development as a sitcom for NBC-TV. www.SallyKoslow.com

If you are interested in participating in a future Book Club Exchange, please contact me at bookingmama(at)gmail(dot)com.   

Kid Konnection: Books Always Everywhere

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you a picture book about books!

Summary: Babies and toddlers join in an exuberant celebration of books of all shapes and sizes in this charming picture book. For little kids, books can be anything from a chair, to a tower, to a hat. But once little ones discover the magical world that can be found inside a book, the best thing a book can be—is a book! This joy of discovery is evident on the faces of these little kids as they open up a book and find a favorite story. In short, this book about books is so adorable and tempting, it will have toddlers and parents running to libraries and bookstores everywhere. -- Random House

When I saw the title for the picture book BOOKS ALWAYS EVERYWHERE by Jane Blatt and illustrated by Sarah Massini, I knew I had to feature it this week. I am leaving for Book Expo America in New York in just a few days, and needless to say, I have books on the brain!

BOOKS ALWAYS EVERYWHERE is truly a celebration of books. This hardcover book is perfect for toddlers with its gorgeous illustrations and very simple text. Books can in all shapes and sizes, but as all parents know, books can be used for anything... even a tower or a hat!

It's probably no surprise that I loved this book because it shows just how special books can be especially to the youngest of readers. I have a feeling that toddlers will love the many ways that books are portrayed in this story. In addition, the beautiful pictures are sure to entertain readers of all ages.

BOOKS ALWAYS EVERYWHERE is available next week in hardcover. As a mom who remembers how rough toddlers can be on books, I'd love to see this one released in the future as a board book! It would be perfect for little hands; and because the text is only a few words per page spread, I think young ones would enjoy reading it to themselves!

BOOKS ALWAYS EVERYWHERE is highly recommended to book lovers -- young and old alike!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Review: Monday Monday

Summary: In this gripping, emotionally charged novel, a tragedy in Texas changes the course of three lives 

On an oppressively hot Monday in August of 1966, a student and former marine named Charles Whitman hauled a footlocker of guns to the top of the University of Texas tower and began firing on pedestrians below. Before it was over, sixteen people had been killed and thirty-two wounded. It was the first mass shooting of civilians on a campus in American history. 

Monday, Monday follows three students caught up in the massacre: Shelly, who leaves her math class and walks directly into the path of the bullets, and two cousins, Wyatt and Jack, who heroically rush from their classrooms to help the victims. On this searing day, a relationship begins that will eventually entangle these three young people in a forbidden love affair, an illicit pregnancy, and a vow of secrecy that will span forty years. Reunited decades after the tragedy, they will be forced to confront the event that changed their lives and that has silently and persistently ruled the lives of their children. 

With electrifying storytelling and the powerful sense of destiny found in Ann Patchett’s Bel Canto, and with the epic sweep of Jess Walter’s Beautiful Ruins, Elizabeth Crook’s Monday, Monday explores the ways in which we sustain ourselves and one another when the unthinkable happens. At its core, it is the story of a woman determined to make peace with herself, with the people she loves, and with a history that will not let her go. A humane treatment of a national tragedy, it marks a generous and thrilling new direction for a gifted American writer. -- Sarah Crichton Books

MONDAY MONDAY by Elizabeth Crook begins on a hot Monday afternoon at the University of Texas in 1966. Shelly is leaving her math class when a gunman in the UT tower begins shooting at the people below. He ends up killing 16 people and wounding another 32 in the first college campus shooting in American history.

As soon as the shots were fired, two cousins Wyatt and Jack rush out to help the victims; and Shelly ends up getting shot. Wyatt holds her and comforts her until the emergency vehicles arrive. Naturally, the Jack, Wyatt, and Shelly's lives are forever changed, and even linked, as a result of this tragedy.

Even though Wyatt is married and has a child, he finds himself drawn to Shelly. In what begins as a friendship, these two embark on an illicit affair; and Shelly finds herself pregnant with his baby. Shelly's pregnancy sets into motion some tough choices and a major secret, and these three characters once again find themselves entwined in each other's lives.

After reading the description of MONDAY MONDAY, I had a feeling that I was in for a treat. Given that I love books that follow characters through their lives, I suspected that I might appreciate seeing how a tragedy brought them together for the next 40 or so years. I also like novels that deal with the themes of family, love, friendship, and secrets so that was another plus. I admit, though, that I was worried that the book might be a little melodramatic and over-the-top.

That thought should have never entered my mind. MONDAY MONDAY was a beautifully written novel that touched my heart. I loved the characters that Ms. Crook created, and it was fascinating to see how one horrible event forever linked their lives. In addition, I loved that these characters, especially Shelly, were so real; and while they all changed over the course of the novel, their actions and motivations seemed genuine.

I could rave about many things in MONDAY MONDAY, but for purposes of this "brief" review, I'm going to focus on the writing. This is the first thing that I've read by Ms. Crook, and I was blown away by her storytelling skills. I loved her writing style and how easy this book was to read. I found the harrowing description of the shooting to be utterly gripping, and the novel continued to keep me intrigued. I honestly couldn't put this book down.

I think what really stood out to me about this novel was how much I cared about these characters. I loved their relationships with each other and their other loved ones, and I found them to be so believable. I think that's a testament to the author and how well she created memorable characters. However, it was also the way Ms. Crook delved into the universal themes of love, loss, and how one event can forever change an individual's life that really stuck with me. I don't know if I'm expressing this in the best way, but MONDAY MONDAY made me feel -- and for that reason, I loved it!

MONDAY MONDAY would make a wonderful book club pick. I could delve into the actions of these characters for hours. In addition, the book touches upon so many interesting themes about human nature including love, loss, grief, parent/child relationships, forgiveness, secrets, acceptance, trust, healing, fear, and self-awareness. Because I became so involved in these characters' lives and really cared about them, I know I would appreciation discussing them with my friends.

I thought MONDAY MONDAY was a gem of a book and I highly recommend it fans of literary fiction.

Thanks to FSB Associates for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: The Hollow Ground

Summary: We walk on fire or air, so Daddy liked to say. Basement floors too hot to touch. Steaming green lawns in the dead of winter. Sinkholes, quick and sudden, plunging open at your feet.

The underground mine fires ravaging Pennsylvania coal country have forced eleven-year-old Brigid Howley and her family to seek refuge with her estranged grandparents, the formidable Gram and the black lung‒stricken Gramp. Tragedy is no stranger to the Howleys, a proud Irish-American clan who takes strange pleasure in the “curse” laid upon them generations earlier by a priest who ran afoul of the Molly Maguires. The weight of this legacy rests heavily on a new generation, when Brigid, already struggling to keep her family together, makes a grisly discovery in a long-abandoned bootleg mine shaft. In the aftermath, decades-old secrets threaten to prove just as dangerous to the Howleys as the burning, hollow ground beneath their feet.

Inspired by real-life events in Centralia and Carbondale, where devastating coal mine fires irrevocably changed the lives of residents, The Hollow Ground is an extraordinary debut with an atmospheric, voice-driven narrative and an indelible sense of place. Lovers of literary fiction will find in Harnett’s young, determined protagonist a character as heartbreakingly captivating as Scout Finch in To Kill a Mockingbird. -- Thomas Dunne Books

I debated whether I should even review THE HOLLOW GROUND by Natalie S. Harnett as part of my Mystery Mondays feature. While there is a mystery surrounding some bones that are found in a mine shaft, I would probably classify this book as literary fiction rather than a mystery. However, I decided that it definitely fits the bill for my purposes!

THE HOLLOW GROUND is eleven-year-old Brigid Howley's story about what happens to her family when they are forced to leave their home and move in with her grandparents after their town is evacuated because of a sink hole that resulted from an underground mine fire. Brigid's family faces some tough times living with Gram, a no nonsense woman who doesn't exactly appreciate Brigid's mother, and her grandfather who is suffering from Black Lung. Her father can't hold down a job and her mother resents having to live with her in-laws. To make matters worse, Brigid's family was "cursed" years ago by a priest and is constantly trying to escape from the curse's clutches.

Brigid does her best to adjust to her new surroundings; however, when she discovers some human remains in a deserted mine shaft, family secrets are revealed. Specifics about Brigid's father's injury and the death of her uncle come to light and make it even more difficult for this troubled family to stay together.

What first drew me to this story is that it took place in a small mining town in Pennsylvania. My grandfather who recently passed away was a coal miner, and I'm always fascinated with any stories having to do with mining. It also didn't hurt that Brigid was being compared to Scout Finch in TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD -- one of my all time favorite characters and my favorite book. Needless to say, I had very high expectations for this novel -- probably unreasonably high!

I enjoyed THE HOLLOW GROUND quite a bit, but I think the comparisons to TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD were unfair. Brigid was a fantastic character, and I do think this novel was well-written and compelling. I love coming-of-age stories and this novel had so many things that were stellar; however, I can't say that it's the next TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD. Honestly, I doubt I will discover that book in my lifetime!

THE HOLLOW GROUND was a beautifully written book; and I especially loved how well the author brought not only this time period, but the small coal mining town to life. Furthermore, I really loved Brigid's character and how much she evolved throughout the course of the novel. I thought the author did a great job of capturing the essence of an eleven-year-old girl, and I loved that this was "her" story.

The mystery aspect was also interesting and well-done although I mentioned earlier that this book doesn't stand out to me as a traditional mystery. Rather, I think THE HOLLOW GROUND really struck me as a novel about a complex family and their troubled past. I loved how the family relationship was portrayed and their interactions were incredibly interesting to me. In addition, I appreciated how strong some of the characters were and how they dealt with so many hardships and so much tragedy.

THE HOLLOW GROUND would make an excellent discussion book for your next book club meeting. There is a reading guide with ten interesting questions that will help stimulate your discussion. Some of the themes you might want to explore include secrets, marriage, family dynamics, second chances, memories, survival, environmental issues, and redemption. You might also want to discuss some of the symbols in this novel including looking the meaning of exploring what's beneath the surface.

I enjoyed THE HOLLOW GROUND and found it to be an entertaining, and thought-provoking, novel. Highly recommended to fans of literary fiction and even mysteries.

Thanks to Get Red PR for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read. Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Kid Konnection: Big Nate: Great Minds Think Alike

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you a fun book featuring a famous cartoon character!

Summary: Nate Wright is a wisecracking 11-year-old who knows he's destined for greatness. Nate is the star of Big Nate, the daily and Sunday comic strip that made its debut in 1991. Nate's a sixth-grade chess prodigy, a self-described genius, and the all-time record holder for detentions in school history. He's often in hot water with his teachers and classmates, but Nate's winning personality and can-do attitude always make him a big hit with readers. -- Andrews McMeel

BIG NATE: GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE by Lincoln Peirce is the latest collection of Big Nate comic strips, and it's so entertaining. Eleven year old Nate is a piece of work. He's constantly finding himself in trouble, mainly with his teachers, but somehow he always manages to smooth things over!

Big Nate is quite the popular guy! The Big Nate comic strip has been around since 1991, and Big Nate books have been on the New York Times best-seller list for over two years. I think that pretty much says it all -- people love to read about Nate and his antics. Despite not being about to stay out of trouble for very long, Nate is rather likable and certainly funny! I found myself laughing out loud quite a few times as I read through this comic collection.

I am a big fan of graphic novels and cartoons for kids who aren't big readers. My thought is that if a child is willing to read anything, it's a good thing. Plus, you never know when they will decide to make the transition to larger, chapter books. I especially appreciate that a kid can read a few of the comic strips and not be overwhelmed with so many words. And honestly, the humor in this book doesn't hurt either!

As fun as this Big Nate collection is, you might be surprised to learn that this book can also teach kids a thing two.  There is a handy-dandy teacher's guide with activities that align with the Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts for grades 3 -5. There are discussion questions, group activities, and creative writing exercises.

In addition to having over 200 color pages of comic strips, this book also has a pull-out poster. I think BIG NATE: GREAT MINDS THINK ALIKE would make a fantastic gift for any middle grade reader. Highly recommended... especially for reluctant readers.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Review: Cavendon Hall

Summary: From the #1 New York Times bestselling author comes an epic saga of intrigue and mystique set in Edwardian England. Cavendon Hall is home to two families, the aristocratic Inghams and the Swanns who serve them. Charles Ingham, the sixth Earl of Mowbray, lives there with his wife Felicity and their six children. Walter Swann, the premier male of the Swann family, is valet to the earl. His wife Alice, a clever seamstress who is in charge of the countess's wardrobe, also makes clothes for the four daughters. For centuries, these two families have lived side-by-side, beneath the backdrop of the imposing Yorkshire manor. Lady Daphne, the most beautiful of the Earl’s daughters, is about to be presented at court when a devastating event changes her life and threatens the Ingham name. With World War I looming, both families will find themselves tested in ways they never thought possible. Loyalties will be challenged and betrayals will be set into motion. In this time of uncertainty, one thing is sure: these two families will never be the same again.

Cavendon Hall is Barbara Taylor Bradford at her very best, and its sweeping story of secrets, love, honor, and betrayal will have readers riveted up to the very last page. - -St. Martin's Press

I have to admit that CAVENDON HALL by Barbara Taylor Bradford is probably not a book that I'd normally pick up; however, I decided to take a chance on it based on a friend's recommendation. Plus, I'm a big Downton Abbey fan and this book's description did remind me a bit of the television show because it features the lives of both the aristocrats and their help.

CAVENDON HALL is the first book in a new series by best-selling author Barbara Taylor Bradford. It tells the story of tow families, the Inghams and the Swanns. Charles Ingham lives with his wife and six children in Cavendon Hall where the Swanns have served for many generations. The two families have depended on each other for hundreds of years and even developed some special relationships.

Lady Daphne is the most beautiful of the Ingham daughters and is getting ready to be presented at court. However, a devastating incident occurs one afternoon that will forever change her life and possibly even the reputation of the entire Ingham family. Major changes are taking place in England as well as Cavendon Hall, and both the Inghams and the Swanns struggle to protect their families.

Overall, I did find CAVENDON HALL entertaining and I was glad I read this novel. There is no doubt that it is different from my usual reading fare; however, it still had some elements that I appreciate including secrets, intrigue, and betrayal. In many ways, this book did remind me of Downton Abbey, and because the show is between seasons, it was a fun way to experience Edwardian England.

I understand why Ms. Bradford is a best-selling author based on my appreciation of  CAVENDON HALL. She certainly knows how to create memorable characters and tell an interesting story. I liked so many of the characters in this story (and hated a few too!), and I especially enjoyed the relationship she created between the Inghams and the Swanns. There was also some romance in this book, but I didn't feel as if it was over-the-top -- just very sweet.

Maybe it's because I'm not the biggest fan of these types of stories, but I did find CAVENDON HALL to be a little predictable. Maybe it's because I have watched so many soap operas in my time, but this book did seem to have a few of the traditional plot lines that occur in almost every daytime or evening drama. There weren't any real surprises to me, but I suspect that's pretty typical for books in this genre.

Having said that, I ultimately did like the book because of the characters. I loved the Swanns and how loyal they were to the Inghams -- even though you could argue that the extent of their loyalty was a little hard to believe in some cases. In addition, I really liked Lady Daphne and how she handled all of her adversity.

Another fun aspect of this novel was the author's descriptions of the setting. I could picture Cavendon Hall and its grounds as well as all of the gorgeous dresses. (Thanks Mrs. Bradford for making a few of the Swanns be very talented seamstresses and designers!) It was easy to be swept away in 1910's England, and I also appreciated how she incorporated some of the World War I history into the story.

I enjoyed CAVENDON HALL and recommend it to fans of historical fiction as well as viewers who enjoy Downton Abbey.

Thanks to Get Red PR for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: Syndrome E

Summary: What You Don’t See Could Kill You

In this international bestseller, which is soon to be a major motion picture penned by the screenwriter of Black Swan, the classic procedural meets cutting-edge science

Lucie Henebelle, single mother and beleaguered detective, has just about enough on her plate when she receives a panicked phone call from an ex-lover who has developed a rare disorder after watching an obscure film from the 1950s. With help from the brooding Inspector Franck Sharko, who is exploring the movie’s connection to five unearthed corpses at a construction site, Lucie begins to strip away the layers of what may be the most disturbing film ever made. With more lives on the line, Sharko and Lucie struggle to solve this terrifying mystery before it’s too late. In a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled hunt that jumps from France to Canada, Egypt to Rwanda, and beyond, this astonishing page-turner, with cinematic echoes from The Manchurian Candidate and the Bourne series, will keep you guessing until the very end. -- Penguin

From the very first time I read the description for SYNDROME E by Franck Thilliez, I was intrigued! I had no idea how corpses at a construction site could be linked to an old film, but I sure wanted to find out.

SYNDROME E features Lucie Henebelle, a single mom of two girls and a detective, and Franck Sharko, an inspector who has some pretty serious "issues." Lucie is trying to juggle her responsibilities as a mom and a detective when an ex-boyfriend calls her with a very strange problem. He lost his eyesight while watching a film from the 1950s.

In the meantime, Franck is working on a case of five corpses were found at a construction site. Most of the corpses are badly decomposed, but they all are missing the top halves of their heads. Franck's investigation takes him from France to Egypt to Canada, and he and Lucie discover that this obscure film is somehow related to these deaths. In a thrilling chase, Lucie and Franck find themselves at risk as they attempt to understand the meaning of this film as well as the person who is responsible for these crimes.

SYNDROME E really is a page turner! There are so many things about this novel that impressed me that I'm having a difficult time trying to arrange my thoughts. Suffice it to say that the premise is extremely original and the author does a fantastic job of executing it. I can hardly even comprehend how Thilliez came up with this storyline, and I ended up loving how the entire book came together.

First of all, the mystery in SYNDROME E was outstanding. This book was twisted in more than one way! I had no idea what direction this novel was going to take, and I loved being along for a thrilling ride with lots of surprises. However, I also thought this book was a little twisted because of the entire theory behind the film and the murders. I can't go into too much or I'd spoil it, but this book is utterly unique and maybe even a bit insane!

I also found Thilliez's writing to be very good. The book was translated from French and I think the translator did a great job too. I liked his descriptions of the characters and how he incorporated some humor into a pretty serious story. However, it was his action and suspense scenes that really made this book stand out. He did a marvelous job of building tension and and suspense, and I could visualize almost every scene.

In addition to the storyline and the writing, the characters in SYNDROME E were fascinating. Lucie is a single mom torn between being a good mother and a cop. I loved the complexity of her character and how determined she was to figure out the many mysteries in this case. It was almost like she couldn't help herself! And then there was Franck! Oh how I adored this character. When the novel begins, the reader quickly sees that he has some emotional baggage which is wreaking havoc on his sanity. Again, I'm afraid to give too much away about Franck's character, but I will say that I loved so much about him and I found him fascinating!

And while these two characters were both damaged in their own way, I thought they made a great team -- both professionally and personally. I liked the chemistry between them although I admit I'm not quite sure what to think about the ending of the novel. One thing's for sure... I was left wanting more after I finished this book.

As a result, I was so excited to learn that SYNDROME E is the first book is a series! Since I loved the complexities of the characters, as well as the author's ability to weave a story, I can't wait to see what's in store for Lucie and Franck as they take on another case. The description for the next novel is included in the back of this one, and once again, I'm intrigued!

I thoroughly enjoyed SYNDROME E and I highly recommend it for fans of thrillers!

Make sure you check out my giveaway for a copy of SYNDROME E.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read. Mystery Mondays is a regular feature where I review all types of mystery books -- traditional mysteries, suspense/thrillers, and even cozies! Please feel free to share your thoughts on any recent mystery books that you've read.

Kid Konnection: The Very Fairy Princess Graduation Girl! & Giveaway

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you an adorable picture book that's perfect for this time of year!

Summary: The end of the school year is here, and Very Fairy Princess Gerry is getting ready to graduate! She always loves a celebration, but can't help but feel a little sad as she empties her cubby, takes down her art projects, and says goodbye to her class pet, Houdini the hamster. She's also a little nervous about leaving Miss Pym... what if her new teacher doesn't let Gerry wear her wings and crown? Change can be hard, even for a fairy princess! Thankfully, she realizes that new things can bring their own sparkle. 

From the mother-daughter team of Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton comes another delightful story in the #1 New York Times best-selling Very Fairy Princess series. -- Little Brown Books for Young Readers

The latest installment in the #1 New York Times best-selling Very Fairy Princess series by Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton is now available. It's called THE VERY FAIRY PRINCESS GRADUATION GIRL!, and it's certain to delight fans of Princess Gerry.

In THE VERY FAIRY PRINCESS GRADUATION GIRL!, Princess Gerry is approaching the end of the school year; and while she's always excited to celebrate, she's finding that graduation is a little bittersweet. As her teacher takes down their art projects and cleans out the classroom, Gerry isn't so sure she wants to leave behind Miss Pym for a new teacher. The new teacher might not understand Gerry and be a fan of her princess gear!

Gerry learns that change can be new and interesting, and that the next school year has the potential to be even more fun that the current one!

I loved THE VERY FAIRY PRINCESS GRADUATION GIRL! Of course, it didn't hurt that it was written by the mother/daughter team Julie Andrews and Emma Walton Hamilton since I adore all things Julie Andrews.

Both of my children are well past the age for picture books, so I wasn't familiar with this series, but I have to say that I quickly became a fan of Princess Gerry. She is just precious! In addition, the illustrations by Christine Davenier are the perfect complement to the story. Little girls will especially love the cover which has iridescent glitter on it!

I still am attracted to princess stories and sparkles, so THE VERY FAIRY PRINCESS GRADUATION GIRL! was right up my alley. However, it was the messages in the story that really made it special. I love how young readers will see Gerry's fear of change, and also how Gerry eventually realizes that change can be exciting. I think many youngsters will be able to relate to Gerry and learn from her story!

For more information about the book, you can visit The Very Fairy Princess website or follow Little, Brown Kids on Twitter and Facebook.

THE VERY FAIRY PRINCESS is so darn cute and perfect to help kids transition from the end of the school year to the new one. Highly recommended!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

Giveaway alert: Two (2) winners each receive a copy of The Very Fairy Princess: Graduation Girl! To enter, just fill out the form below before May 23rd at 11:59 pm. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winners the following day. This giveaway open to US addresses only. Prizing & samples courtesy of Little, Brown. Good luck!
If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Guest Blogger: Beth Hoffman & Looking for Me Giveaway

Summary: Beth Hoffman’s bestselling debut, Saving CeeCee Honeycutt, won admirers and acclaim with its heartwarming story and cast of unforgettably quirky characters. Now her flair for evocative settings and richly drawn Southern personalities shines again in her compelling second novel, Looking for Me.

Teddi Overman found her life’s passion in turning other people’s castoffs into beautifully restored antiques. Leaving her hardscrabble Kentucky childhood behind, Teddi opens her own store in Charleston. She builds a life as unexpected and quirky as her many customers, but nothing alleviates the haunting uncertainty she’s felt since her brother Josh mysteriously disappeared. When signs emerge that Josh might still be alive, Teddi returns to Kentucky, embarking on a journey that could help her come to terms with her shattered family—and find herself. -- Penguin

I can't believe it's been a year since I first read LOOKING FOR ME by Beth Hoffman -- you can read my review here. I am a HUGE fan of Beth's, and she is not only a very talented writer, but she's also an amazing person. (But I swear I don't let my friendship with her get in the way of my assessment of her novels!)

I am so excited that Beth agreed to write a guest post for my blog. It truly is an honor for me! I love her idea of coming up with a bucket list so much that I just might have to put my "informal" one into writing. I have to admit that Beth's list is much sweeter and more compassionate than mine, and I found so many of her ideas to be inspirational.

My Bucket List

by bestselling author Beth Hoffman

While on a plane returning home from Charleston, the people sitting in front of me were discussing their “Bucket Lists” and it got me thinking. What are the top ten things I would put on my list? I was surprised by what I wrote down:

1. Say no without explaining why.
2. Wear hats more often.
3. Suffer fools less often.
4. Take the long way home.
5. Read to the blind.
6. Take food and toys to the dogs and cats in shelters.
7. Hide loving notes for my husband in unusual places.
8. Organize old photos and place them in albums.
9. Send cards to my friends for no reason.
10. Write a list of my three greatest life-lessons, seal it in a jar, and bury it in my garden. Maybe one day a new gardener will discover it. Maybe it will mean something … or nothing at all.

Since that day I’ve tackled a few of the items on my list: I’ve pretty much mastered the art of saying no. Sometimes, when it’s particularly difficult, I put on a hat first. I don’t know why, but it helps. The wider the brim, the better. Hiding love notes for my husband has turned out to be one of the sweetest tender-extras of our marriage. Local animal shelters now receive bags of goodies, toys, and fleece bed-liners. Most times this leaves me in tears because I wish I could adopt every single animal, but I can’t.

As for that jar of life lessons, well, I’m working on it. Turns out those lessons have morphed into a novella. I guess I’ve been a slow learner. I’ll need to find a bigger jar.

******

Beth Hoffman is the internationally bestselling author of Looking for Me and Saving CeeCee Honeycutt. Before beginning her writing career, she was president and co-owner of an interior design studio. Beth lives, along with her husband and their four-legged fur-kids, in a historic Queen Anne home in Kentucky. Her interests include the rescue of abandoned and abused animals, nature conservancy, birding, historic preservation, and antiquing.

You can visit Beth’s website, Facebook, or Twitter @wordrunner

To celebrate the paperback release of LOOKING FOR ME, I have a copy of this wonderful novel to share with one lucky reader courtesy of Penguin Books and Tandem Literary. To enter, just fill out the form below before May 21st at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!

Review: The Promise

Summary: From the author of The Personal History of Rachel Dupree, shortlisted for the Orange Award for New Writers and longlisted for the Orange Prize.

1900. Young pianist Catherine Wainwright flees the fashionable town of Dayton, Ohio in the wake of a terrible scandal. Heartbroken and facing destitution, she finds herself striking up correspondence with a childhood admirer, the recently widowed Oscar Williams. In desperation she agrees to marry him, but when Catherine travels to Oscar's farm on Galveston Island, Texas—a thousand miles from home—she finds she is little prepared for the life that awaits her. The island is remote, the weather sweltering, and Oscar's little boy Andre is grieving hard for his lost mother. And though Oscar tries to please his new wife, the secrets of the past sit uncomfortably between them. Meanwhile for Nan Ogden, Oscar’s housekeeper, Catherine’s sudden arrival has come as a great shock. For not only did she promise Oscar’s first wife that she would be the one to take care of little Andre, but she has feelings for Oscar which she is struggling to suppress. And when the worst storm in a generation descends, the women will find themselves tested as never before. -- Skyhorse Publishing

I wasn't quite sure what to expect when I picked up THE PROMISE by Ann Weisgarber. I knew the author's last novel had been long listed for the Orange Prize and even shortlisted for the Orange Award for New Writers, so I knew the writing would be strong, but I wasn't sure the premise actually grabbed me. Shame on me! This book was both beautifully written and it captured my attention from the get-go.

THE PROMISE takes place in the early 1900s in Galveston, Texas. Catherine Wainwright is a successful pianist living in Ohio but she is being scorned because she was caught in a scandal. She feels as if she has no where to turn so she begins writing letters to Oscar Williams, a man who admired her when they were younger. Oscar is a recent widow with a young son, and although he has a full-time housekeeper, he is looking for a wife. When Oscar proposes to Catherine, she decides to move to Galveston and begin a new life.

Catherine is shocked by what she finds when she arrives in Texas. Galveston is very different from Dayton, Ohio; and she has to adjust to not only the humidity and high temperatures, but the remoteness of the island and the simplicity of her new home. She also has to deal with Nan, Oscar's housekeeper who has feelings for Oscar, and Andre, Oscar's six year old son who is still reeling from the loss of his mother.

Catherine learns a great deal about her new family and herself through the trials she faces; however, none is greater than the devastating hurricane that strikes Galveston.

I was most definitely impressed with THE PROMISE, and I enjoyed pretty much everything about this novel. I loved how Ms. Weisgarber brought this time period and setting to life, and the book even read as if it had been written during the early 1900s. I especially liked how well developed Catherine and Nan's characters were, and I thought the author captured their voices perfectly. Last, but certainly not least, I loved how the book gradually built up to the storm and how these two women demonstrated so much strength and love.

If I had to pick one thing that really stood out to me about THE PROMISE, it would have to be the character of Catherine. At the beginning of the story, she was pretty much an outcast with little chance for acceptance in her social circles. I wasn't quite sure I approved of her reaching out to Oscar (although she had little choice), but I admit that I was curious to see how this privileged woman would survive living as a farmer's wife.

And that's when the novel really captured my interest -- when Catherine arrived at her new home. She was keeping a lot of secrets from her husband and really was a fish out of water. She had no idea how to tend house or cook; and she really was clueless about being a mother and a wife. I appreciated how Catherine made an effort to adapt, and I found her relationships with Oscar and Andre to be very sweet.

Even though I was confident that Ms. Weisgarber would write, THE PROMISE definitely reinforced that for me. She wove a great story and created some memorable characters, but it was her prose that really made this book extra-special. She somehow managed to make me think this book was written over 100 years ago, and I loved how she brought Galveston to life!

THE PROMISE would make an excellent book club pick. There is a reading guide with ten thought-provoking questions. Some of the themes you might want to discuss include promises, love, marriage, secrets, motherhood, friendship, forgiveness, and redemption.

I highly recommend THE PROMISE to fans of historical fiction as well as novels about the strength of women!

Thanks to Caitlin Hamilton Marketing & Publicity, LLC for providing a review copy of this novel.

Review: Dollface

Summary: America in the 1920s was a country alive with the wild fun of jazz, speakeasies, and a new kind of woman—the flapper.

Vera Abramowitz is determined to leave her gritty childhood behind and live a more exciting life, one that her mother never dreamed of. Bobbing her hair and showing her knees, the lipsticked beauty dazzles, doing the Charleston in nightclubs and earning the nickname “Dollface.”

As the ultimate flapper, Vera captures the attention of two high rollers, a handsome nightclub owner and a sexy gambler. On their arms, she gains entrée into a world filled with bootleg bourbon, wailing jazz, and money to burn. She thinks her biggest problem is choosing between them until the truth comes out. Her two lovers are really mobsters from rival gangs during Chicago’s infamous Beer Wars, a battle Al Capone refuses to lose.

The heady life she’s living is an illusion resting on a bedrock of crime and violence unlike anything the country has ever seen before. When the good times come to an end, Vera becomes entangled in everything from bootlegging to murder. And as men from both gangs fall around her, Vera must put together the pieces of her shattered life, as Chicago hurtles toward one of the most infamous days in its history, the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre. -- NAL

Years ago, there seemed to be no shortage of books about mobsters. I read practically every one I could get my hands on. So when I discovered DOLLFACE: A NOVEL OF THE ROARING TWENTIES by Renee Rosen, I knew I wanted to read it. Unlike most mob books that I read, this one took place in 1920s Chicago -- right at the height of Al Capone's rule!

DOLLFACE tells the story of Vera Abramowitz, a young woman who wants a different life than her mother led working in Chicago's meatpacking district. After cutting her hair into a fashionable bob and wearing shorter flapper-style dresses, Vera attracts the attention of not one but two Chicago mobsters. Aside from trying to balance relationships with both of them, the men are from rival gangs. Needless to say, Vera is in over her head!

I found DOLLFACE to be very entertaining. While some of it was kind of predictable -- namely the beginning of the novel when she was having affairs with both men, it didn't get in the way of my enjoyment of the novel. I appreciated how Vera's character changed by the end of the novel, and I found her dilemmas to be intriguing. In addition, I really liked how Ms. Rosen incorporated so much factual history and real-life characters into the story. (She explains all of that at the end of the book!)

One of the main reasons I enjoyed this book so much was the character of Vera. I admit that early on I didn't really like her all that much. While I understood her desire to get away from her past and life a glamorous life, I didn't really feel an affinity with her until later in the novel -- probably when she became a mother. What I did really like about her character was how she tried to balance so many of the complicated issues in her life like dating two men from different sides in the mob war, to trying to be a good wife and mother, to trying to fit in with the Chicago society types, to feeling guilt about leaving her past behind. All of this personal conflict made Vera a very interesting character.

Another thing I really appreciated is how the author juxtaposed the tension in Vera's life with the tension in Chicago during the Beer Wars. As Vera's story got more and more complicated, the mobsters' story also became more heated; and I thought the author did a great job in bring the entire story to a climax with the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. I actually found the second half of the book to be almost riveting and I had a hard time putting it down!

DOLLFACE would make a terrific book club selection! The book includes a reading guide with sixteen questions. Since I found Vera to be such a complex character, of course I think there is a great deal to discuss. Some of the themes you might want to explore include the Jazz Age, the intrigue of gangsters, women's rights, class differences, love, betrayal, guilt, grief, and second chances.

DOLLFACE is ideal for readers who are interested in mobsters and 1920s Chicago as well as readers who appreciate an interesting female lead character.

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this novel.

Kid Konnection: Summer on the Short Bus

Every Saturday, I host a feature called Kid Konnection -- a regular weekend feature about anything related to children's books. This week, I'm going to share with you an entertaining young adult book that also deals with some serious issues.

Summary: Cricket Montgomery has been thrown under the short bus. Shipped off to a summer camp by her father, Cricket is forced to play babysitter to a bunch of whiny kids—or so she thinks. When she realizes this camp is actually for teens with special needs, Cricket doubts she has what it takes to endure twenty-four hours, let alone two weeks.

Thanks to her dangerously cute co-counselor, Quinn, there may be a slim chance for survival. However, between the campers’ unpredictability and disregard for personal space, Cricket’s limits get pushed. She will have to decide if suffering through her own handicapped hell is worth a summer romance—and losing her sanity. -- Running Press Kids

Just a few weeks ago, I posted a review for a middle-grade book about a privileged teenage girl who finds herself at a summer camp as a form of punishment. So it's a bit of a coincidence that I am again posting a review for a story about a wealthy teenage girl whose father wants to teach her a lesson by sending her to a summer camp to work as a counselor. This book is titled SUMMER ON THE SHORT BUS by Bethany Crandell, and it's actually geared towards young adults rather than middle grade kids. SUMMER ON THE SHORT BUS both funny and irreverent (which should appeal to older teens), and I think it has some wonderful life lessons in it. I found it very entertaining!

SUMMER ON THE SHORT BUS tells the story of Cricket Montgomery, a rich girl who is forced to spend her summer working with kids. Naturally, she's less than thrilled to ruin her pedicure and give up her brand name clothes; however, when she discovers that the kids at this camp all have special needs, she pretty much freaks out... and I don't mean in a good way.

Cricket doesn't fit in with the other counselors, but she does find herself attracted to one very nice and handsome Quinn. She doesn't do herself any favors with him (or anyone else for that matter) since she's not very open-minded about the camp or the children attending -- she is actually uncomfortable around the kids and doesn't really show them any respect. To gain Quinn's attention and heart, Cricket has to make a lot of changes both inside and out.

I found SUMMER ON THE SHORT BUS to be a lot of fun... and it also touched my heart! I have to admit that Cricket rubbed me the wrong way for much of the story (I'm certain she was supposed to!);  however, her thoughts and actions were kind of funny albeit selfish and insensitive. I actually appreciated how much Cricket changed throughout the summer, and as a mom, I really hoped the life lessons she learned will stay with her once she returns home to her privileged life.

I loved that this novel was geared towards young adults because there aren't a lot of books like this for that age range. While the premise could have easily been a middle grade book, the author chose to make Cricket a YA character. I think she is edgy enough to keep a YA audience's attention, and the humor is definitely not for a younger reader.

Ms. Crandell did a fantastic job of balancing the fun and entertaining aspects of this novel with a few lessons about children with disabilities. Ms. Crandell is actually a mother to a child with special needs, so she not only understands what it's like to work with a child like this, but she sees close-up how other react to her daughter. I think her personal experiences shine through in this novel because, while difficult for me to read, I believe that the characters' actions were quite realistic.

SUMMER ON THE SHORT BUS would make an excellent book club discussion book for teens or even moms and daughters. I wasn't able to find a formal discussion guide, but rest assured there is a great to deal to discuss. Cricket's character as well as Quinn's both are interesting and it would be fun to analyze their actions and motivations. Some other topics you might want to discuss include parent/child relationships, dating, first impressions, grief, love, sacrifice, selfishness, forgiveness, and redemption.

SUMMER ON THE SHORT BUS is a great book. It's fun and serious at the same time and I highly recommend it to teens!

Thanks to the publisher for providing a review copy of this book.

If you'd like to participate in Kid Konnection and share a post about anything related to children's books (picture, middle grade, or young adult) from the past week, please leave a comment as well as a link below with your name/blog name and the title of the book! Feel free to grab the little button too!

Review: Catching Air

Summary: From the internationally bestselling author of four books, including The Opposite of Me, a vibrant, compulsively readable novel about two married couples who pursue a dream to open a bed-and-breakfast in small-town Vermont.

In her previous works including The Best of Us, “rising star” (Library Journal) Sarah Pekkanen captivated readers by penning “refreshingly introspective, sharply realistic, and tenderly humorous” novels (Booklist) that had readers “flying through the pages” (Hoda Kotb, Today show). Now, in Catching Air, Pekkanen turns an unflinching eye on the tangled relationships of two pairs of thirty-somethings.

A chance to run a B&B in snowy, remote Vermont—it’s an offer Kira Danner can’t resist after six soul-crushing years of working as a lawyer in Florida. As Kira and her husband, Peter, step into a brand new life, she quells her fears about living with the B&B’s co-owners: Peter’s sexy, irresponsible brother Rand, and Rand’s wife, Alyssa…who is essentially a stranger.

For her part, Alyssa sees taking over the B&B as the latest in a string of adventures. Plus, a quiet place might help her recover from the news that she can’t bear children. But the idyllic town proves to be anything but serene: Within weeks, the sisters-in-law are scrambling to prepare for their first big booking—a winter wedding—and soon a shy, mysterious woman comes to work for them. Dawn Zukoski is hiding something; that much is clear. But what the sisters-in-law don't realize is that Dawn is also hiding from someone…

Relatable and dynamic, Catching Air delves deeply into the vital relationships that give shape to women’s lives. -- Washington Square Press

One thing's for sure, I know when I pick up a novel by Sarah Pekkanen that I'm in for a treat. I am pretty sure I've read and reviewed all of her novels, and I always enjoy how she portrays the relationships between her characters. Her latest novel CATCHING AIR will be available next week, and I have to say she's managed to impress me again.

CATCHING AIR tells the story of two brothers and their wives who decide to give up their current jobs/lives and open up a bed-and-breakfast in Vermont. Kira and Peter lived in Florida, and Kira was desperate to leave behind her job as a lawyer -- even if it meant moving to a new place and living with her husband's unreliable brother Rand and his wife Alyssa.

Alyssa decides to try her luck managing the bed-and-breakfast after she learns that she and Rand can't have children. Her "adventure" becomes exciting when Kira and she book their first major event -- a winter wedding. Things become even more interesting when a woman with a mysterious past moves in with them.

I really liked CATCHING AIR and I definitely appreciated Ms. Pekkanen's writing -- no surprise there! Once again, she created a cast of characters that I found very interesting; and she managed to have them interact in a realistic way. While all of the characters had their moments, I especially enjoyed the female characters. The mystery woman's story was intriguing; however, I found myself relating more to Kira and Alyssa.

Kira was definitely carrying some baggage from her recent past, and she was looking for the experience at the B&B to heal some wounds. She was extremely organized and conscientious, and she also had integrity -- I could totally "get" so many of her actions. Throughout the course of the novel, she managed to grow and even revisit some of the issues from her past; and I liked how much she evolved. I especially appreciated her relationships with both Alyssa and her husband Peter.

Alyssa, on the other hand, was a little more happy-go-lucky and game for trying almost any adventure. Alyssa was struggling with infertility and trying to adopt a child; however, she was also dealing with the immature actions of Rand. I admired Alyssa because she was very different from me, and I liked how her character resolved some of her serious problems.

In addition to these three women, the two brothers in the novel had some conflict in their lives. Peter was the more responsible brother and resented Rand for leaving him while their mother was dying. These two had to work through their problems, and it certainly required some work and forgiveness on both of their parts.

Ms. Pekkanen truly knows how to explore complicated relationships, and she demonstrated that extremely well with the characters in CATCHING AIR. In addition, she manages to make her characters seem realistic -- often times like people we already know. This novel was very readable because I did become so caught up in the characters, but I also appreciated how she incorporates humor into the tension. This novel definitely had some comic relief!

CATCHING AIR would make a very fun book club pick. I'm sure you can already tell that these characters were dealing with some serious issues that would be interesting to discuss. There is a reading guide available with twelve questions as well as some ideas to enhance your book club experience. Some of the themes you might want to discuss include sibling rivalry, responsibility, infertility, marriage, second chances, honesty, and forgiveness.

CATCHING AIR is a fun, yet thought-provoking, read! Recommend to fans of women's fiction.

Book Tour Schedule: http://www.sarahpekkanen.com/events

Catching Air available for pre-order now on Amazon.com

Thanks to Engelman and Company for providing a review copy of this novel.

Giveaway: Syndrome E

Summary: Lucie Henebelle, single mother and beleaguered detective, has just about enough on her plate when she receives a panicked phone call from an ex-lover who has developed a rare disorder after watching an obscure film from the 1950s. With help from the brooding Inspector Franck Sharko, who is exploring the movie’s connection to five unearthed corpses at a construction site, Lucie begins to strip away the layers of what may be the most disturbing film ever made. With more lives on the line, Sharko and Lucie struggle to solve this terrifying mystery before it’s too late. In a high-stakes, adrenaline-fueled hunt that jumps from France to Canada, Egypt to Rwanda, and beyond, this astonishing page-turner, with cinematic echoes from The Manchurian Candidate and the Bourne series, will keep you guessing until the very end. -- Penguin Books

I seriously hope you read the description above for SYNDROME E by Franck Thilliez (Translated by Mark Polizzotti) because it's a good one. I was extremely intrigued by the description of this book because it sounds so unusual, and I admit I was curious to see if the author could pull it off. (I'm assuming he does since this thriller is already an international bestseller and is being made into a movie.)

I haven't yet read SYNDROME E, although I did start it last night, and I have to say that I'm hooked. I have a feeling that I'm going to fly through this book. So far, I love the characters and the premise, and the pace of the writing is really quick. I hope to have a review for you in the very near future... before the giveaway ends!

And that brings me to the giveaway....

Thanks to the fine folks at Penguin, I have a copy of SYNDROME E to share with one lucky reader. For the chance to win a copy of this thriller, just fill out the form below before May 14th at 11:59 p.m. EST. I will randomly select and notify the winner the following day. This contest is open to those of you with U.S. addresses only. Good luck!