When the house opens the curtain is already up. The black and gray bricks of the back theater wall are exposed, as are pipes and other infrastructure. The entire set consists of five simple chairs, and there are no props; when the actors speak of lighting cigars or handing rings to one another, they pause […]
Original source: https://www.nybooks.com/online/2023/04/06/poor-torvey-a-dolls-house/
Today I’ve got the first two Messages of Murder books on audio. Narrated by Matt Godfrey & Gina Rogers, they share the story of a young woman named Gabby who gets messages and experiences psychic visions by touch. She can find lost objects and relive the last moments of someone’s death. Look and see what I love about this series….
Message in the Bones by Dawn Merriman is the first audiobook in the Messages of Murder paranormal cozy mystery series featuring a young woman named Gabby who gets visions when she touches thing or people…. even their dead bones. This was a clever & suspenseful tale and a great start to the series.
Message in the Bones
by Dawn Merriman
Series: Messages of Murder #1
Narrator: Matt Godfrey, Gina Rogers
Length: 6 hours and 25 minutes
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating: 
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x
I am not a freak, although many people call me that. The night my father was murdered and I was left for dead, I awoke with the ability to “sense” things. Touching things can give me visions, sometimes horrifying, murderous ones.
The bones of a murdered woman are unearthed and our safe small town is shaken to its core. Her killer was good at hiding the truth and after decades in the ground, any clues are gone—her murder a complete mystery. The only clues are the ones I can see.
My brother was recently promoted to head detective. With no other clues, you think he’d be thrilled to have my help, but he’d rather pretend I don’t exist than use my gifts. Thank heavens, his handsome partner doesn’t agree and calls me in.
Although I’m terrified to touch her, the mysterious skeleton has a story that needs to be told. When I grip the bones, I live through her murder. The message I see changes me—changes everything.
The only person who believes me is the one man who knows the truth of my visions—the killer. He’s desperate to keep his secrets buried. Now he hunts a new prey—me. I don’t need psychic powers to know he’s right behind me—closing in—about to strike.
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The story has multiple points from Gabby to victims. At just around six hours, it’s an interesting cozy mystery, and I could finish it in two listens.
As Gabby follows leads from above and her information gleaned from the bones of the victim, she sets out to solve the murder and discovers more. In the meantime, we learn what life is like in a small-town where your mother murdered your father. Townsfolk call her witch and fear her. Heck, her own brother, the local lead detective, doesn’t believe your gift. His partner, her cat and her grandmother seem to be the only ones in Gabby’s court. There are hints of romance, but it looks like it will be a slow burn throughout the series.
Merriman does a good job of giving us some backstory and hooking us with the mystery. The story is narrated by Matt Godfrey & Gina Rogers. Gina gives us Gabby’s perspective and that of the victims. Matt provides a voice for her brother and his partner.
Amazon* | Audible
*Free eBook
Message in the Fire by Dawn Merriman is the second audio in the Messages of Murder series. It is stronger than book one and places Gabby in great danger. It also shapes the direction of the series.
Message in the Fire
by Dawn Merriman
Series: Messages of Murder #2
Narrator: Gina Rogers, Matt Godfrey
Length: 6 hours and 3 minutes
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Rating:
Narration: 4 cups Speed: 1.5x
A daring escape, psychic visions, a terrifying cult and a burning ritual.
.
Blood stained her back and her hands were bound. She’d crumpled on her side under a tree, wrapped around her crying newborn. My psychic abilities would show me what happened to the young woman, but the horror can scar. Fear stopped me from touching her. I scooped the infant up and the young woman moved. She was alive.
.
Alive, but in a coma. A complete mystery. The detectives, my brother and his handsome partner, desperately needed information. I’m the only one who can communicate with the woman. What I see horrifies. She had been held captive for years as part of a sick, secret cult. When she planned to escape, they killed her. But her will to live and protect her child burned strong and she got away.
.
Visions are tricky things. The details often float like smoke, lost in the haze. I can’t tell where this sick cult is or who they are, but the terror the woman feels burns inside me. The cult turns their hatred on me, but I won’t stop until I bring them to a fiery end.
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A little time has passed since the events of Message in the Bones. The story opens with the perspective of a young woman trying to make an escape. She is bound and having contractions. I was immediately pulled into the story.
Gabby confesses to her grandmother, who she saw at the funeral as the two are gathering clothes for church donation. When Gabby and her grandmother’s dog take the clothes to the church, they make a discovery in the nearby woods. The tale that unfolds sees Gabby struggle with wanting to help and opposition from her brother and townsfolk. Determined to help this young woman, Gabby soon finds herself in danger.
The tale kept me engaged, and we learned more about Gabby’s tattoo and how it came to be. There is a religious aspect to the story, but it makes sense for the character and isn’t preachy. Grandma tries bringing her family together. I love this strong woman and she provided some important clues that helped not only Gabby but her brother.
Each book can be listened to as a standalone, but I recommend listening in order. Gina Rogers & Matt Godfrey once again narrated. They work well together and I didn’t have to change my listening speed.
Amazon* | Audible
*KindleUnlimited
Dawn Merriman lives in northeastern Indiana on a small pig farm with her husband and teenage children. She enjoys animals, auctions, reading, snorkeling and writing small town murder mystery novels. Dawn Merriman completed her first novel in Middle School and a few others in High School and college. She won 1st place in the Northeast Indiana Young Writers short story contest in 1990. After a writing hiatus to raise her children, she published her debut novel, “How Murder Saved My Life” in 2019.
Gina Rogers was asked to narrate her first audiobook in 2014 after an author overheard her imitating her Bronx-raised mother at a dinner party. While Gina swears her background in musical theater and television acting has in no way prepared her to speak in accents and dialects, her ability to breathe life into characters has taken her a long way in her career as an audiobook narrator. Outside of narration she teaches Zumba® fitness classes and enjoys spending time with family and volunteering at local animal shelters.
Matt Godfrey was raised on O’Connor, Welty, and Lee, and spent most of his teenage years in Yoknapatawpha County. But he traveled wherever the books took him, from Alabama to Tokyo, Twain to Murakami. Now he has the privilege of bringing those books to life as an audiobook narrator. He works in all genres and in a lot of accents, but specializes in his beloved Southern Gothic. He is a two-time nominee for the Society of Voice Arts & Sciences Awards and the Audiobook Reviewer Listener’s Choice Awards. He has a fully equipped home studio and works with major publishers, small presses, and indie authors alike.
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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2023/04/message-in-the-bones-message-in-the-fire-by-dawn-merriman.html
Finding Home (Hungary, 1945) by Dean Cycon is a poignant tale about a group of Holocaust survivors returning to their hometown of Laszlo, Hungary. The narrative follows the traumatized group as they struggle to reintegrate into society, with a particular focus on young pianist Eva. Battling with her trauma and memories, Eva endeavors to reclaim her former life before the Nazi occupation. However, many of their homes have been sold or repurposed, creating further hurdles in their attempts to rebuild their lives. Despite these challenges, Eva perseveres, working hard to return to her passion for music and auditioning for the academy she has always dreamed of.
This gripping novel is highly recommended for those who appreciate impactful historical fiction. It is a well-crafted story that is deeply rooted in historical facts, with Eva’s flashbacks and memories drawn from the experiences of actual Holocaust survivors. Each character has their own backstory and challenges, making the emotional impact of the narrative even more profound. The reader is swept up in their journey, feeling immense sympathy for their struggles.
The writing style is commendable, with well-constructed sentences that read smoothly and effortlessly. The third-person narrative is skillfully executed, making for a seamless reading experience. Regarding the struggle that the characters felt returning home, readers can feel the devastation at finding everything they remembered taken from them yet again. The townspeople’s lack of welcome for the returning survivors casts a dark shadow over surviving the Holocaust. Still, their determination to not give up and reclaim parts of their life is felt throughout the pages of this exceptional novel.
In summary, Finding Home (Hungary, 1945) by Dean Cycon is a beautifully written and engaging historical fiction novel that powerfully depicts the struggles of Holocaust survivors returning home. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking an immersive and moving reading experience.
Pages: 416 | ASIN : B0BZG13L22
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/06/finding-home-2/
Susie and Johnny are headed off on another exciting adventure, this time into space! They get their own unique space suites and a super fast rocket. This allows them to travel to a space restaurant on Mars, then head out to explore the planet before zipping off to Pluto. Together they learn fascinating facts about the planets they visit, make unforgettable memories together, and make new friends.
Susie & Johnny Grilled Cheese Take An Out of this World Adventure is a fun-filled adventure story for young readers in preschool through early elementary grade levels. Author Erin Jones truly captures the magic and wonder children feel and appeal to their interests, especially with food. I laughed as Susie and Johnny talked about their food and could easily imagine young children having this conversation and relating to the characters.
While mixing fiction and facts, children will learn about the planets of Mars and Pluto in this picture book. The artwork by Baginda Adriansyah brings the story to life. The full-color pages and adorable aliens make this book a pleasure to read. Children will learn not just about the planets but about the importance of imagination and creative thinking. Did Susie and Johnny dream the adventure, or did they really travel into space together?
Susie & Johnny Grilled Cheese Take An Out of this World Adventure is a magical picture book that takes young readers on an adventure in space and teaches them fun facts about Mars and Pluto. This book is part of a thrilling series that shows children the value of imagination and exploration, encouraging their curiosity about the world around them. I can not wait for the next installment in the Susie and Johnny Grilled Cheese adventure series.
Pages: 38 | ASIN : B0BW6MJ24N
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/06/susie-johnny-grilled-cheese-take-an-out-of-this-world-adventure/
Stumble & Fall is the riveting second installment in the A Legacy of Silence series by Amy Rivers. It masterfully delves into the heartrending complexities of shared trauma. Through the dual perspectives of sisters Tilly and Kate, readers are immersed in the harrowing journey of two women who have recently reconnected and bonded over their experiences as victims of sexual assault. Yet, as they unravel the chilling revelation that their suffering may be linked to a broader sexual trafficking ring operating in their seemingly idyllic town, the sisters—Kate, a psychiatrist, and Tilly, a sexual assault nurse examiner—vow to bring the nefarious operation to its knees.
From the outset, Stumble & Fall captivates readers with its emotionally charged narrative and multidimensional characters. Rivers skillfully differentiates Tilly and Kate’s inner struggles and aspirations, crafting a poignant portrayal of their individual approaches to coping with trauma. In doing so, she presents two female protagonists who embody strength and vulnerability equally, making it easy for readers to empathize with their experiences. The novel further delves into the sobering reality of how victims of sexual assault are often inadequately protected by societal institutions.
Tilly and Kate’s professional roles as a nurse and psychiatrists offer potent insights into such violence’s immediate and lasting consequences. Rivers’ candid exploration of these topics and other issues, such as grief and relationship challenges, lends the narrative an air of authenticity and sincerity and champions the cause of victims through her evocative prose. Exploring additional themes, such as grief and relationship tribulations, further enriches the narrative, ensuring a well-rounded and compelling reading experience. Among the numerous captivating elements of the story, the most striking is the tender and supportive relationship between the sisters. Tilly and Kate forge a remarkable bond as they navigate their challenges, creating a nurturing environment that fosters resilience and healing. In addition, the portrayal of Kate’s compassionate demeanor, even amid the violence that permeates their lives, serves as a poignant counterpoint, further highlighting the strength of their connection.
Stumble & Fall is a superb follow-up to an already captivating series. As the A Legacy of Silence series continues establishing its presence in the literary world, readers eagerly anticipate delving deeper into the exciting world Amy Rivers has skillfully crafted.
Pages: 295 | ASIN : B09YKQZSP6
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/06/stumble-fall/
If you’ve ever envisioned yourself living or retiring in a charming beach house, surrounded by endless ocean views and the tranquility of a quaint cottage, then Forty Years At Saquish Beach: Our Impossible Dream by Connie Matuzek will surely captivate you. This remarkable memoir chronicles the family’s journey spanning over 40 years, from when the couple first met to their love affair with Saquish Beach after being invited by friends to starting a life from scratch.
The Sweeneys’ story is one of sheer determination, as they literally built their own ocean cabin, navigated harsh environments, and overcame everyday obstacles. This book is an inspiring must-read for those who relish DIY projects and tackling challenges head-on. The authors’ passion for fishing is also a prominent feature of the book, with vivid descriptions of fishing techniques, exciting adventures on the lagoons, and photos of the sea life they caught. Readers will be delighted to catch a glimpse of a medium-sized striped bass and be immersed in the Sweeneys’ joy and love for the sea. The book is also highly descriptive, offering readers an intimate glimpse into the Sweeneys’ journey. It includes pictures of the house they built and details about the Gurnet-Saquish association. It is a testament to the family’s ability to start a new life in a deserted place and eventually create a wonderful community. There are detailed descriptions of building the house and a comprehensive historical look at the community. This intriguing book offers a unique perspective of the events that were important to the Sweeneys.
Overall, Forty Years At Saquish Beach: Our Impossible Dream is a fascinating read that is both engaging and informative. I highly recommend it, especially to those who enjoy house projects, rebuilding, and creating things from scratch.
Pages: 192 | ISBN : 979-8885677264
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/06/forty-years-at-saquish-beach/
The gripping fourth installment in the Magicium series by T.N. Baldwin, Disintegration, brings the characters of Logan, Blessing, Junior, and Carla to their rightful places in the world. As they prepare to defend their beliefs, they face challenges from various sources, including the formidable Mistress and the Stonefish. However, their strength and determination to protect their loved ones are more vital than ever.
Baldwin’s exceptional character development skills are on full display, and it is a pleasure to witness the growth of the characters in the book. The author also builds upon the established world of the previous books with finesse, making for a seamless transition into the story. While Disintegration deviates from its predecessors by focusing more on politics than action, it is still a valuable addition to the series. However, it may not entirely live up to the expectations of readers who were anticipating the same level of magical battles and experimentation found in Discoveries and Disruptions. The slow build of action is a deviation, but a needed one to give readers the whole story. The characters must learn to lead beyond the battlefields and embrace the challenges that come with uniting nations. Sometimes survival is more than being the strongest or most powerful. They must all learn to know who to trust and who to watch to survive.
Overall, Disintegration is a well-written dystopian fantasy book and gives readers a different perspective than the prior novels. The political focus is intriguing and thought-provoking. The character development is deepened, and readers are shown new sides to the heroes they have grown to love in the past. The book ends on a high note, leaving readers eager for the final installment, Dissidents.
Pages: 711 | ASIN : B097ZZB1K8
Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2023/04/06/disintegration/