A Book A Week

Jennifer McMahon belongs to the category of countless other storytellers whom I've been aware of for years but have never actually read. Prioritizing new authors can be challenging, especially with a towering to-be-read list. While I knew of McMahon's reputation for crafting gripping fiction with a touch of horror, I hadn't found the right moment to delve into her works. That all changed recently when her publisher sent me a copy of her latest book, My Darling Girl. This novel tells the story of a mother and daughter working to mend their relationship as the mother confronts a terminal illness. The story carries a spooky undertone that makes it a perfect read for this season.

As the Christmas season envelops her charming Vermont home, Alison struggles to muster her holiday spirit. Her house is adorned with picturesque decorations, her husband diligently assists their youngest daughter in preparing for her role as a mouse in "The Nutcracker," her eldest begrudgingly agrees to join in the cookie-baking tradition, and Alison herself is even the author and illustrator of a bestselling children's book centered around the holiday. Despite all of this, she has never been one to embrace this time of year fully. Instead, as mothers often do, Alison will force a cheerful grin and engage in the festivities. Everything changes, though, when she receives a phone call from her own mother.

“The world was filled with terrible things.”

The call coming at all is a shock in itself. But the news Alison's mother has to deliver is even more surprising – she has cancer with a grim prognosis and wants to spend her remaining days with Alison, her son-in-law, and two granddaughters. Alison's mind immediately flashes back to the years of violent abuse she endured at the hands of her alcoholic mother. Those traumatic memories are etched into her, both physically and emotionally. Yet, looking at the frail figure of the woman who is still her mother, Alison can't help but feel a twinge of sympathy. She reluctantly agrees, allowing her mother to come and live out her remaining days with the family. Little does she know that this act of reconciliation will set off a chain of strange and unexplainable events, turning what was meant to be one last family holiday into a nightmare. Alison will be forced to confront her own dark past and battle her inner demons to protect her family from an inexplicable evil.

Jennifer McMahon skillfully navigates the narrative of My Darling Girl, deftly balancing the tale of a mother and daughter's struggle to mend their strained relationship with a demonic possession story that infuses an undercurrent of horror throughout the entire plot. It's as though the demons of the past have materialized, posing a dire threat to the protagonist and everyone she holds dear. McMahon's expert handling of character development grounds the story, preventing it from descending into an overblown horror spectacle. The eerie elements of the story are subtly woven in with the moments of character exploration, enhancing the underlying tension. I found myself equally captivated by both facets of the novel. As the narrative unfolded, I grew increasingly uncertain about the reality of the events Alison experienced. Was this terror genuinely happening, or was it the manifestation of repressed trauma in the troubled mind of a fragile woman? To uncover the truth, you'll have to read for yourself. McMahon has crafted a multi-layered work of dark fiction that delves into family drama, psychological suspense, and outright horror. It was an exceptional introduction to her writing, leaving me thrilled to have finally experienced her storytelling. 

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 64)

One of my absolute favorite protagonists in the realm of crime fiction has to be Virgil Flowers, a creation of John Sandford. I first encountered this character during college, and I've eagerly devoured every new installment in his adventures ever since. While Sandford's pace of releasing new books has somewhat slowed recently, he now teams up this character with his other immensely popular creation, Lucas Davenport. Their latest collaboration, Judgment Prey, marks the third book where both characters appear together. I've been fortunate enough to receive copies of Sandford's latest works directly from his publisher, and this newest one was no exception. Staying true to his distinctive style, Judgment Prey is a riveting murder mystery enriched by the witty banter and dynamic between Flowers and Davenport.

The book begins with a harrowing scene: the ruthless execution of a federal judge and his two young sons. The killer shadowed the family back to their home following a basketball game and in a chilling act, shot them in cold blood. When the judge's wife arrived just moments later, she was met with the devastating sight of her husband and sons lying lifeless on the floor while her infant baby cried in the background. The heinousness of the murder sends shockwaves through the community. Given the high-profile nature of the crime and its victim, authorities are determined to bring the perpetrator to justice.

Enter Lucas Davenport and Virgil Flowers. Both men are still recovering from the harrowing conclusion of their previous case, an ordeal that almost cost them their lives. Davenport, in particular, is taking an extended break to mend his wounds. Meanwhile, Flowers is engrossed in writing his second novel. The last thing either of them needs is a new case. Fate, however, has other plans. Davenport's proximity to the crime scene leads him to offer his insights, and before long, the irresistible urge to uncover the truth takes hold. He quickly summons his good friend Flowers to join him in the investigation. Together, they will delve into the lives of criminals, the leaders of dubious charities, and even the judge's grieving widow. They will spare no effort in uncovering the identity of the perpetrator behind this brutal and heart-wrenching crime.

Returning to Sandford's characters is always a delightful experience. The dynamic duo of Virgil Flowers and Lucas Davenport consistently delivers a thrilling and unexpectedly comedic reading adventure. Some of the witty exchanges between these two had me in stitches. Judgment Prey, as the 33rd installment in the long-standing Prey series, successfully hits all the essential marks. Sandford's writing exudes a sense of pure enjoyment, resulting in an engaging page-turner.

Could the mystery's plot have been more tightly woven? Undoubtedly. In fact, this particular installment seemed to struggle with occasional plot meandering, as if Sandford himself was uncertain about the story's direction. Nevertheless, the narrative remains firmly anchored by its charismatic protagonists, rendering even the most implausible plot twists relatively inconsequential. This is top-notch popcorn thriller writing at its finest. I'll gladly continue immersing myself in these narratives for as long as Sandford continues to write them.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 63)

October has finally arrived, bringing along a fresh collection of horror novels. While I'm a horror enthusiast all year round, there's an undeniable allure to the genre during this month. There's something about the cool breeze wafting through open windows, a hefty mug of steaming coffee, and a spine-chilling read that I simply can't resist. Kicking off my month of eerie reads is a gift from my friends at Mulholland Books. A Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth Hand draws inspiration from Shirley Jackson's iconic The Haunting of Hill House. It not only expands upon the legacy of Jackson's classic but also transports its terror into the modern day.

Holly Sherwin, a struggling playwright, appears to have reconciled herself to her status as a washed-up has-been, spending her days as a teacher. Decades have passed since she last experienced the fulfillment of meaningful work, and even her most successful play was borrowed from another's story. However, a glimmer of inspiration emerges within Holly when she stumbles upon the text of an ancient play dating back centuries that captures her imagination. Although the archaic writing is unsuitable for modern times, the themes of witchcraft and hauntings that saturate its pages resonate with her creative spirit. Fueled by a newfound passion she hasn't felt in years, Holly embarks on a mission to resurrect this age-old play and breathe fresh life into it.

Holly's efforts bear fruit when she secures a $10,000 grant to dedicate herself fully to her new project. During a trip upstate, she stumbles upon Hill House, an imposing and decrepit gothic mansion hidden away in a remote village. The mansion's grandeur and eerie ambiance captivate Holly instantly, and the sheer size of the building makes it the perfect place to develop and rehearse her play. Despite her own reservations, Holly persuades her girlfriend, Nisa, to join her in renting the house for a month. Soon, a troupe of actors, each bearing their own ghosts and baggage, arrives to participate. As they settle into the mansion, its peculiarities begin to manifest. Strange creatures stalk the grounds, unsettling sounds reverberate through the halls, and time itself appears to warp and shift. Before long, Holly and her friends find themselves at odds with each other and in a strange and eerie battle against the house itself.

I haven't had the opportunity to read Shirley Jackson's The Haunting of Hill House, so I can't provide a direct comparison with this new interpretation. Nevertheless, as an ardent horror reader, I can offer my perspective on the novel as a standalone work. Elizabeth Hand skillfully establishes the atmosphere for her terrifying tale, immersing the initial passages in an unsettling ambiance that conveys a palpable sense of impending dread. There's a meta aspect to the narrative as the protagonist endeavors to modernize a classic play, mirroring the author's attempt to provide a fresh perspective on a renowned novel. By anchoring the novel's foundation in a classic legend, even one of fiction, Hand imbues the story with a historical backdrop that heightens the impact of the chilling events that unfold.

I found it somewhat challenging to connect with the characters, particularly because none of them came across as particularly virtuous. Each character seemed driven by their own self-serving motives. Despite this, the titular hauntings that intensified as the story progressed provided a compelling driver, keeping me eagerly turning the pages. All told A Haunting on the Hill marks a chilling initiation to what promises to be a delightfully terrifying month of reading.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 62)

“End of watch is what they call it, but Hodges himself has found it impossible to give up watching"

I'm an avid reader, so it's not uncommon for a few books to slip through the cracks. In anticipation of Stephen King's latest release, Holly, which came out earlier this month, I had a realization—I had missed reading End of Watch, the final installment in the Bill Hodges Trilogy, and the third book featuring the character Holly Gibney. It's a bit puzzling, considering I had already read the first two books and also enjoyed The Outsider and If It Bleeds. Somehow, I managed to overlook this particular story. Determined to correct this oversight, I promptly borrowed End of Watch from my local library. I can confidently say it provides a satisfying conclusion to the narrative that commenced with Mr. Mercedes.

Brady Hartsfield, the deranged mastermind behind the horrifying Mercedes Massacre, has languished in a vegetative state ever since his nefarious plans to bomb a massive concert were thwarted by the unlikely heroes Bill Hodges and Holly Gibney. Holly, in particular, is the one responsible for delivering blows to his head that left him seemingly devoid of cognitive function. Hodges, with his keen instincts, refuses to be deceived. He recognizes true evil when encountering it and remains convinced that the monster is still lurking "in there" somewhere within Hartsfield. The vacant stares and the wheelchair-bound existence do little to convince him otherwise.

Hodges hasn't quite settled into retirement. The cop in him never truly fades. Even in his new role as a private detective, he finds himself yearning for the thrill of the chase. When his former partner calls upon him and Holly to investigate a suicide victim connected to the original Mercedes case, Hodges is chilled by what he discovers. While the police perceive it as a straightforward, self-inflicted death, Hodges cannot shake the gnawing suspicion that Hartsfield may somehow be linked to this tragedy. Could it be possible that the malevolent presence is orchestrating terror from the confines of his hospital bed?

I've always admired how Stephen King used the first two books in the Bill Hodges series to illustrate that true horror can exist in the real world. Instead of relying on supernatural monsters, these stories centered around an ordinary man determined to unleash evil upon the world. It was a chilling departure from King's usual style and deepened my appreciation for his storytelling skills.

End of Watch takes a slightly different tone from the first two books. While it continues to explore profound themes like the battle between good and evil and the struggle to let go of one's past, King introduces a new element to the narrative. Without giving away too much, a supernatural aspect is woven into the story, adding an eerie new layer to the tale. If I had read this book in its intended sequence within the series, I might have found this shift into the realm of fantasy somewhat unexpected. It arrives without a clear explanation, requiring readers to simply accept it and enjoy the ride. However, when considered within the broader context of this literary world, including the newer books featuring Holly, the introduction of the supernatural element begins to make more sense.

Regardless of the subject matter, End of Watch is a fitting conclusion to the Bill Hodges series. It kept me engrossed in its pages, and I was apprehensive about what terrors would unfold right up to the very end.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 61)

This year has been brimming with intriguing thriller releases, adding numerous titles to my ever-expanding to-be-read list. One such addition was Sarah Pekkanen's Gone Tonight, which I eagerly included as soon as news of its release surfaced. Having previously enjoyed Pekkanen's collaborative works with Greer Hendricks, the prospect of her new solo venture captured my attention. While it took me a bit of time to finally open the book's pages, I found myself swiftly making my way through its content once I did.

How well do you truly know your parents? We often rely on them to fill in the gaps of their lives that existed before we came into the picture. Even in adulthood, there are still moments of discovery about our parents that surprise us. I find myself regularly uncovering new layers in the stories of my own parents. This sentiment resonates with Catherine Sterling, who believed she had a solid understanding of her mother. Ruth Sterling, a quiet and diligent individual, has been a constant companion and confidante throughout Catherine's lifetime. Together, they've shared cities and experiences, forming an inseparable bond.

Now, Catherine is on the brink of embarking on a new journey—a step into independent adulthood. A fresh job opportunity in a new city beckons, igniting her excitement to embrace this new phase. For Ruth, who has safeguarded Catherine all her life as a single mother, protection has been her priority. Every choice and sacrifice she's made has been for her daughter's safety and well-being. Ruth recognizes that Catherine places unwavering trust in her, a trust she has worked to cultivate. But as Catherine prepares to venture out on her own, Ruth confronts the unsettling reality that her protective measures, necessary though they may be, could drive a wedge between them. Ruth harbors a hidden past, carefully concealed from her daughter. And now, to ensure Catherine's continued safety, Ruth is prepared to go to extraordinary lengths to prevent her daughter from leaving.

Sarah Pekkanen's books have gained immense popularity in the thriller genre for good reason. Her knack for crafting intricate narratives centered around family drama makes her novels incredibly engaging. Right from the initial pages of Gone Tonight, I found myself captivated. Pekkanen employs a dual perspective, alternating between the mother and daughter's viewpoints, providing readers with insights that the other character is oblivious to. This narrative technique intensifies the suspense as revelations unfold.

While the overall execution is skillful, there are moments of inconsistency. The middle section, in particular, seemed to become entangled in the complexities it was weaving. Nevertheless, Pekkanen propels the plot forward, enticing readers to delve deeper into the enigmatic mother-daughter relationship. The story culminates in a gripping finale that left me breathless. One's response to this book might be influenced by their familiarity with the thriller genre. While parts of the narrative exhibit similarities to other thrillers, Pekkanen adds her own distinctive touch. As I delved further into the intricacies of the plot, I found myself increasingly willing to immerse in its uniqueness. Gone Tonight stands as a commendable thriller that held my attention through its consistently moving plot and unexpected character revelations.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2023, 60)

Nathan Hill made a significant impact with his debut novel, The Nix, upon its release in 2016. The book, spanning numerous decades and hundreds of pages, delved into the story of a man determined to uncover his family's hidden secrets in his quest to reclaim his own life. Both critics and readers were captivated by its intricate narrative. Although I missed the chance to read that novel, I promised myself to keep an eye out for whatever Hill would create next. When his publisher offered me a copy of his second work, Wellness, I eagerly seized the opportunity to dive into it. This latest tale, while more intimate than his previous work, retains the sprawling and impactful quality that characterizes his writing.

Do you believe in love at first sight? Jack and Elizabeth certainly did. In the early 90s, Jack, a struggling art student, stood on the verge of greatness after escaping the mundane life of rural middle America for the vibrant art scene of Chicago. With the advent of the internet, his work gained recognition, and Jack embraced his newfound subversive identity. Elizabeth, seeking an escape from her wealthy and regimented upbringing, found everything she desired in Jack – an edgy, adventurous artist deeply in love with her. They married, fully expecting their happily ever after.

Twenty years later, their life is far from what they envisioned. The once-blissful couple has succumbed to the routine of married life. Jack, unable to recapture the brilliance of his early work, churns out repetitive images while working as adjunct faculty at a university. Elizabeth, on the other hand, has achieved professional success, manipulating consumers' perceptions for corporations implementing cost-saving measures. Their relationship has lost its spark. Balancing the challenges of co-parenting a difficult eight-year-old and saving for their dream "forever home" takes a toll on Jack and Elizabeth. The idea of separate bedrooms in their new home, which would have been an outrageous thought just a few years ago,  seems like a practical solution to ensure their new life together functions in a way that suits their evolving needs. To prevent the deterioration of their relationship, Jack and Elizabeth embark on separate journeys of self-discovery, risking the loss of the most precious thing they share – each other.

Nathan Hill's Wellness left me with much to contemplate. It depicts the erosion of a relationship and the extraordinary efforts required to reignite the flame of love. While this remains the central theme of the story, Hill skillfully leads readers into explorations of numerous other subjects. He delves into topics like modern marriage, polyamory, psychology, art, and algorithms, among others, adding depth to his central characters and shedding light on their lives. Simultaneously, the novel serves as a timely commentary on the first part of the 21st century, offering insights into both the intricacies of marriage and the state of the world. Despite its substantial length of over 600 pages, Wellness never feels overly long.  Hill's skillful storytelling draws readers into the narrative, making us think and feel through all the complexities of his tale. It is a nearly flawless American novel and is undoubtedly one of my favorite reads of the year.

For more information visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

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