For the first time in sixteen years Damascus has inaugurated a new five-star luxury hotel. The Golden Mazzeh is a ten-story reminder that some Syrians are surviving America’s economic sanctions better than others. Its 111 suites and rooms, ten restaurants and bars, two outdoor swimming pools, ballroom, meeting rooms, theater, gym, and conference center make […]

Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2023/03/23/disenchantment-and-devastation-in-syria-charles-glass/

With winter in full swing, I’ve been craving mysteries and dove into Knife Edge by Kerry Buchanan, the first novel in the Harvey and Birch northern Irish crime thriller series. Narrated by Esther Wane, come along with the detectives and Nic, a victim who escaped as they attempt to catch a killer who is intent on finishing the job.

Knife Edge
by Kerry Buchanan
Series: Harvey and Birch #1
Narrator: Esther Wane
Length: 8 hours and 23 minutes
Genres: Crime Fiction
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x

A MESMERIZING BREAK-OUT CRIME THRILLER SET IN NORTHERN IRELAND FULL OF BREATH-TAKING TWISTS

Nic always hated clubbing.

She only went out that night because she’d promised a friend.

She wakes up, naked and bound in an abandoned cottage in the middle of nowhere. Dappled light comes in through a dirty window. Her body is covered in cuts. Across the room her friend groans in pain.

A shadow passes the window. He’s back.

He picks up a knife. He begins to cut her friend. In that moment of bloody frenzy, Nic wrenches free and runs.

She’s finally safe. But this is only just beginning.

Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch arrive at the scene hours later. There is no body, there is no sign of the killer. It’s as if it never happened.

YOU THINK YOU KNOW HOW IT ENDS? THINK AGAIN.

{
“@context”:”https://schema.org”,
“@type”:”Review”,
“datePublished”: “2023-02-28T05:00:00+00:00”,
“description”: “With winter in full swing, I’ve been craving mysteries and dove into Knife Edge by Kerry Buchanan, the first novel in the Harvey and Birch northern Irish crime thriller series. Narrated by Esther”,
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Caffeinated Reviewer” },
“url”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/02/knife-edge-by-kerry-buchanan.html”,
“itemReviewed”: {
“@type”: “Book”,
“name”: “Knife Edge”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kerry Buchanan”,
“sameAs”: “Https://www.kerrybuchanan.com” },
“isbn”: “” },
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kimberly”,
“sameAs”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/” },
“reviewRating”: {
“@type”: “Rating”,
“ratingValue”: 4.5,
“bestRating”: “5”
}
}

Dark, gritty and atmospheric Buchanan hooked me from the beginning as we find ourselves in a rundown cabin with college student Nic and her friend Colm. Both are chained to the wall and have been tortured. When their captor is distracted by her friend, Nic breaks free and is soon being questioned by Detectives Asha Harvey and Aaron Birch. They find the cabin, but there is no sign of the second victim or the killer.

The tale that unfolds was suspenseful with plenty of twists as we got to know the detectives on the case. All is not as it seems and this isn’t the killer’s first victims.

I enjoyed all the characters, including secondary characters, who added to the overall story. Events take place around Belfast. The pacing is spot on, and to be honest, I had a tough time setting this down. The killer was clever and always seemed to be one step ahead. I had my suspicions and loved seeing how it all came together. Nic played an integral role, but I won’t spoil it for you. It was different, and I enjoyed this slight twist.

Fans of crime fiction thrillers and mysteries will want to listen to this first in series. Esther Wane did a delightful job with the characters, accents and tone of the overall story. The sound production could have been better. During the last three-fourths of the audio, there were a lot of swallowing noises as the pacing increased. I felt these should have been edited out.

Amazon* | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2023 Audiobook Challenge
• COYER 2023 Upside Down
• COYER Upside Down Chapter 1: It's a Cold Summer

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/02/knife-edge-by-kerry-buchanan.html

Cory Mortensen’s The Buddha and the Bee is the epic chronicling of his thirty-four day ride from Minnesota to California on his bicycle in hopes of escaping his mundane life for a little while. On the journey, he finds small towns and the people who inhabit them, along with some shady motels. While many of us were dealing with the heartache of 9/11, Cory was seeing a world many don’t see on the interstates and planes. Often he finds himself questioning this not so planned out journey as unforeseen obstacles like numerous flats, broken spokes, and dogs plague him. Along the way, he discovers himself in the simplicity of America’s highways and finds enjoyment in just existing.

Mortensen is kind enough to take us with him each day of his journey, with some extra adventures after the initial ride. We get to really be part of his struggles and triumphs, down to the search for what to eat. He lays his route out so well one could follow it if one should wish. He even alerts the potential traveler to the trouble spots. He flavors the journey with tidbits and facts about places and things he comes across on the journey. I gained so many new wrinkles in my brain on this journey. I also loved the humorous tone the book had, which set it apart from other nonfiction pieces. Mortensen keeps readers riveted with his wit and observations. Included in this book are several lists that those looking to take a journey like this will find helpful.

The Buddha and the Bee is an entertaining memoir and dramatically different from what readers typically find. Mortensen gives us an in-depth and funny look into his journey through America’s roads. I highly recommend this to anyone who wants a not-so-average travel read. With his wit and facts, he gives us a superb read that you don’t want to put down.

Pages: 350 | ASIN : B08FLLBBP9

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/28/the-buddha-and-the-bee/

In the book Forbidden Homeland: Story of a Diasporan, author Katia Tavitian Karageuzian shares her experience in solving mysteries concerning her family history rooted in the Armenian Genocide and the Karabakh Conflict. As an immigrant born in Lebanon, Karageuzian describes her discovery of long-lost relatives that she knew nothing about. This snowballs into almost a decade’s search for the involvement of America in Armenia and the generational trauma that was inherited as a result of this conflict. Furthermore, she exposes injustices still continuing in the ongoing wars in Transcaucasia, including withholding aid for Armenians starving in Artsakh.

This book has a rich history of geopolitics and most ‘superpower’ countries’ political roles outside their country. It shows that foreign policy affects people in traumatic ways worldwide if misused. Furthermore, the book articulates so much resiliency, generational trauma,  and crimes against humanity that occurred, which are not talked about in many forums or books. It is written very vividly, which evokes emotion from the reader to research and familiarize themselves with everyday politics and policies.

One of the most chilling accounts she described was whether she and her family were being watched in Hotel Al Bustan, and the statement, “Practically every Armenian family has a Genocide story because practically every Armenian is the descendant of a Genocide survivor.” The book is truly a five-star read. Its title is befitting because, as an immigrant, Karageuzian is extremely emotional and factual about the homeland that was always forbidden and forgotten. She also includes pictures of her homeland and her relatives to show life before and after the war.

Forbidden Homeland: Story of a Diasporan is an emotionally charged memoir examining the author’s family’s history and heritage. With heartbreaking and thought-provoking stories, this biography will give readers much to think about and reflect on.

Pages: 386 | ASIN : B0BPMV4TNX

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/28/forbidden-homeland/

Intermezzo: The Morality Plays Interludes by Kimberly Greer is the captivating and intriguing second novel of the series Masked Intent: A Modern-Day Morality Play and follows Alexa and Mateo’s adventures. Greer takes readers on a thrilling journey with Alexa and Mateo, two passionate individuals trying to navigate their complicated relationship. The first-person narrative allows readers to intimately experience their internal struggles and secrets, making it impossible not to root for their love to prevail. However, both Alexa and Mateo find themselves facing their past and secrets. Their relationship must face inside and outside menaces, enduring jealousy, and honesty to be together.

The novel is split into interludes, which are bookended by conversations with personified emotions, such as truth, honesty, and accountability. This unique storytelling style adds depth to the novel, making it more than just a simple love story. The attraction between Alex and Matteo is magnetic and easily perceivable from the beginning, where the focus is on his green eyes and her golden ones.

The author’s attention to detail and character analysis is impressive, and she does an excellent job of keeping the reader engaged with a good balance of descriptions and conversations. The plot twists kept me on edge. What makes this novel even more intriguing is how Greer weaves in contemporary themes that readers can easily relate to, including mentions of masks and vaccines, which adds a realistic touch to the near-future setting. While the story of Alexa and Mateo continues beyond Intermezzo, the promise of a sequel will leave readers eagerly anticipating what comes next.

I recommend this story to readers looking for a captivating and fast-paced love story with a touch of intrigue. The novel’s quick rhythm and good balance between descriptions and conversations will keep the reader entertained, and its plot twists will keep everyone on edge. Intermezzo: The Morality Plays Interludes is an excellent read for those who enjoy magnetic characters and an engaging plot.

Pages: 151 | ASIN : B0BGG2N8KP

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/28/intermezzo/

Felicity: Love, War, and Peace by Piers R. Blackett and Annah Otis is a lovely memoir about the artist Felicity Blackett, her life, and her art. Born right before the first World War and living through World War Two as a grown woman with a new family, she experienced many hardships and losses, and yet she thrived with the help of her friends, family, and her art. She moved all around Europe at first before finally settling in South Africa, where she passed away in 2011, surrounded by friends, family, and a community that loved her.

This inspirational book also includes passages from Felicity’s own diary, which are her first-hand reflections on her circumstances and the world around her, making this memoir partly autobiographical, which immerses readers into Felicity’s world. Included in this touching book are photographs of Felicity, her family, and especially the art that she created during the period the book touches upon. This allows the reader to connect with this biography much more personally than just reading a dry description of a person’s life. Readers are shown how Felicity lived and the emotions she felt at the time, and they can also have a glimpse into what her mindset was at the moment.

This well-written book is dedicated to mothers and artists. The contents reflect this, as Felicity’s view of the world was heavily influenced by her role as a mother (like having to send her daughter away to America during the war as the enemy sunk ships of refugees), as well as her unique interpretation of the sights around her as an artist. I would, however, also recommend this book to anyone interested in a perhaps more different view of that period in history between the First World War and modern times. I highly recommend this historical account with beautiful illustrations.

Pages: 132 | ASIN : B0BSSL469F

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/28/felicity-art-war-and-peace/

The Hidden Lives of Dick and Mary by Xavier Poe Kane is a compelling compilation of two paranormal novellas – Haunted Houses and The Tale of Mary Deacon. The author takes readers on a supernatural journey through the eyes of a ghost hunter and medium, Dick Fisher, who uses his gifts to help the dead while uncovering hidden tales of haunted houses. At Jefferson Barracks base, Fisher and his team encounter both friendly and terrifying spirits, leading to the discovery of the base’s history and the true nature of the spirits.

Meanwhile, The Tale of Mary Deacon follows Mary’s lifelong dream of going to space, but her wish begins to come true in strange and unexpected ways. She finds herself the target of alien abductions and must learn to trust the right people if she wants them to stop. Again, Kane weaves historical elements into this suspenseful novella, making it all the more fascinating.

Kane’s vivid language throughout the book radiates a rightful creeping sensation that will capture the reader’s attention. Both novellas take place in Missouri, but in different time frames, with the first focusing on the existence of ghosts and the second on aliens. The author skillfully weaves historical facts about Jefferson Barracks base with fictional ghost stories, giving the crew’s adventures a realistic touch. Even though many questions were left unanswered, the book is a fast-paced read filled with suspense and mystery. The interconnections between the two novellas are also amusing and will leave readers wondering what other connections may be waiting to be discovered.

The Hidden Lives of Dick and Mary is a spell-binding page-turner with a slightly peculiar cast of characters and a gripping plot that will captivate supernatural fans. Kane’s unique perspective on the prospect of alien abduction in The Tale of Mary Deacon adds an eccentric touch to the second novella, making it all the more suspenseful.

Pages: 151 | ASIN : B0B48GSKXV

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/28/the-hidden-lives-of-dick-mary/

Gray Tidings by Hailey Edwards is the sixth audiobook in the Black Hat Bureau. With a new position comes new responsibilities and Rue has her hands full. Missing dead, sea monsters and family issues made for a suspenseful and sometimes humorous tale. Narrated by Stephanie Richardson, you’ll want to devour this.

Gray Tidings
by Hailey Edwards
Series: Black Hat Bureau #6
Narrator: Stephanie Richardson
Length: 8 hours and 42 minutes
Genres: Urban Fantasy
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.5x

Corpses are vanishing from New Orleans morgues, there’s talk of a sea monster in Lake Pontchartrain, and Hiram Nádasdy is turning the French Quarter upside down in search of a witch with the power to bring the dead back to life.

When the director assigns Rue the case, she suspects he’s sending her hunting all right. For her father, not the creature. Too bad she’s got her hands full with dueling covens, drunk revelers, and a whole lot of pool noodles. Oh. And it’s Mardi Gras. Of course it is. But as the locals say, laissez les bons temps rouler.

{
“@context”:”https://schema.org”,
“@type”:”Review”,
“datePublished”: “2023-02-27T05:00:00+00:00”,
“description”: “Gray Tidings by Hailey Edwards is the sixth audiobook in the Black Hat Bureau. With a new position comes new responsibilities and Rue has her hands full. Missing dead, sea monsters and family iss”,
“publisher”: {
“@type”: “Organization”,
“name”: “Caffeinated Reviewer” },
“url”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/02/gray-tidings-by-hailey-edwards.html”,
“itemReviewed”: {
“@type”: “Book”,
“name”: “Gray Tidings”,
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Hailey Edwards”,
“sameAs”: “http://haileyedwards.net/” },
“isbn”: “” },
“author”: {
“@type”: “Person”,
“name”: “Kimberly”,
“sameAs”: “https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/” },
“reviewRating”: {
“@type”: “Rating”,
“ratingValue”: 4.5,
“bestRating”: “5”
}
}

Thanks to the deal Rue made with her grandfather, she finds herself in an office away from the town and the home she loves. Lots of changes for Rue and her motley crew. When the director gives her an assignment, she and her team travel to New Orleans.

It seems bodies are missing from the morgue, the lake has a sea monster, and her father’s search for a witch has Rue conflicted. Poor Rue has her handsful. I really like Rue and the decisions she makes, nothing is taken lightly and never is the decision based on her wants. If only all the supernatural creatures she deals with worked like that.

We get plenty of suspense, battles,and twists. Of course, all of her fam is there. Each is an asset to the case, including Rue and Clay. Clay makes me laugh out loud from his snark to love of food. Along the way, Rue collected allies and unleashes some new skills.

The ending brought joy and sadness. The story was very much a turning point in the series with growth and pain. Edwards has hooked me, and I cannot wait to see what happens next.

Stephanie Richardson narrates and has become the voice of these characters. She captures the snark, suspense and sense of family they have for one another. I highly recommend the Black Hat Bureau in audio format.

Amazon | Audible

Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2023 Audiobook Challenge
• COYER 2023 Upside Down
• COYER Upside Down Chapter 1: It's a Cold Summer

Source

Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/02/gray-tidings-by-hailey-edwards.html

Madame Curie’s Piano Tuner by Steven Barron is a captivating novel that offers readers a unique and unorthodox reading experience. The story is engaging and entertaining from start to finish. The author’s outstanding grasp of literature is evident throughout the book, as is his ability to develop complex and relatable characters.

Barron’s writing style is unlike anything I have read before. This fascinating book reads like a real-life story as we embark on a journey alongside the main character, Raymond Dover. Upon arriving in Bucksnort to offer his piano tuning services to a veteran’s retirement home, Raymond Dover finds himself in the midst of a baffling situation. Suddenly afflicted with an inexplicable bout of amnesia, he is forced to spend time at Dixxmont, a county institution where he can receive treatment and be observed. Eventually released from the facility, he chooses to extend his stay in the area for a while longer.

The descriptions of some scenes may take a little time to develop, but they are worth it as they add depth and richness to the story. Readers become fully invested in Raymond’s life as they experience things with him. As someone who enjoys many genres of fiction, I found Madame Curie’s Piano Tuner to be a refreshing change of pace. The novel has many twists and turns that keep the reader engrossed, and Steve’s journey as a piano tuner that has been struck with amnesia is a wild ride that will take readers on an unforgettable adventure. Blended into this unique storyline are humor and pieces of historical information, giving this novel a distinct and unforgettable feel.

In conclusion, after reading this book, I felt that it has the potential to become a classic down the road, much like a Stanley Kubrick film. Therefore, I highly recommend Madame Curie’s Piano Tuner to readers who are looking for a unique and memorable reading experience.

Pages: 830 | ISBN : 1639887121

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/27/madame-curies-piano-tuner/

Embrace is the second book in Sonee Singh’s poetry collection. It is based largely on the mantra of the eastern part of the world’s take on spirituality – exploring the values of gratitude throughout its entirety, urging the reader to stop, reflect and embrace all that is around them. Singh has divided the book into 12 sections. It has been done so intentionally, for she believes it to be Twelve, a master number that deals with self-expression, representing cycles of life. It coincides with the opening poem ‘Cycles,’ a reflective interpretation of the role of the celestial forces and how they manifest on earth.

The illustrations are woven throughout, adding to the quality of the author’s writing. This is done by creating a medium of inspiration through splashes of watercolor and delicate line drawings – a backdrop of vividness adding to the flavor of Singh’s influential words, whether about exploring self-identity, transformation, or connectivity with the six senses. A particular focus on the decision to use certain colors for specific sections should not be overlooked; it is a strategic and well-executed play on the reader’s mind that associates color psychology with the messages delicately seeded throughout Singh’s work.

Embrace by Sonee Singh is an outstandingly powerful piece of writing. From its inception, a narrative is generated, oozing a unique sense of inclusivity that there is little-to-no chance of anyone picking up this book and not being able to relate it to their own life. The concluding poem ‘All There Is’ will leave you inspired and feeling like you are in control of your own life. Be kind to yourself and trust that the path you are on is exactly where you are meant to be. I Highly recommend this book to readers needing a gentle reminder to embrace their authentic selves and love themselves.

Pages: 236 | ASIN : B09WCZ73TT

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/02/27/embrace/