I was excited to return to the Rip Through Time series with Disturbing the Dead by Kelley Armstrong. This is the third mystery novel about modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson, who solves cases in Victorian era Scotland with the handsome undertaker/medical examiner Dr. Duncan Gray. A fantastic case and reveals.

Disturbing the Dead
by Kelley Armstrong
Series: A Rip Through Time #3
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate

Rating:

Disturbing the Dead is the latest in a unique series with one foot in the 1890s and the other in the present day. The A Rip Through Time crime novels are a genre-blending, atmospheric romp from New York Times bestselling author Kelley Armstrong.

Victorian Scotland is becoming less strange to modern-day homicide detective Mallory Atkinson. Though inhabiting someone else’s body will always be unsettling, even if her employers know that she’s not actually housemaid Catriona Mitchell, ever since the night both of them were attacked in the same dark alley 150 years apart. Mallory likes her job as assistant to undertaker/medical examiner Dr. Duncan Gray, and is developing true friends―and feelings―in this century.

So, understanding the Victorian fascination with death, Mallory isn’t that surprised when she and her friends are invited to a mummy unwrapping at the home of Sir Alastair Christie. When their host is missing when it comes time to unwrap the mummy, Gray and Mallory are asked to step in. And upon closer inspection, it’s not a mummy they’ve unwrapped, but a much more modern body.

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I absolutely love spending time in Victorian Scotland with Mallory, Duncan, Isla and Hugh. They make quite the team as they solve murders. I would love to take tea with them in the afternoon and discuss clues while enjoying cakes.

Disturbing the Dead proved to be an interesting story with a murder-mystery, Egyptian mummy and clever plot twists with the murder at the home of Sir Alastair Christie. Armstrong weaved in historical fact, women’s issues and the plunder of Egypt into the tale.

As you know Mallory is trapped in the body of housemaid Catriona Mitchell. Fans of the series will be excited to learn we are enlightened about what happened and how Mallory handles it. Another side thread that wove in nicely was about local serials depicting their adventures.

With recent discoveries, the romantic thread shows more promise. I didn’t dare to hope, but am excited to find out what develops. While each book in this series has its own unique murder mystery, I recommend reading them in order.

I was a tad worried that this might be the last of our adventures with Mallory, Duncan, his sister, Isla, and Detective Hugh because of events surrounding Mallory’s time-slip, but every indication suggests we will get more mysteries and romance. I for one cannot wait!

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Original source: https://caffeinatedbookreviewer.com/2024/05/disturbing-the-dead-by-kelley-armstrong.html

Beneath the Smiling Moon by Devon Jeffers Valdes is an engaging narrative that interweaves the complexities of adulthood, mental health, and personal growth. The novel follows Izzie, a 29-year-old art history major and barista grappling with depression and bipolar disorder, and her childhood best friend, Annie, who seems outwardly successful in her tech career. As Izzie endeavors to improve her mental health and mend strained family relationships, she faces a poignant setback as a result of an accident.

Valdes, in her debut novel, skillfully explores a spectrum of weighty themes such as mental health, domestic abuse, and body image. She does so with a deft touch, blending raw emotional depth with nuanced storytelling that captures the reader from the first page. Each character is crafted with care, allowing readers to resonate deeply with their journeys and struggles. The portrayal of Izzie’s mental health challenges stands out, particularly in its authentic depiction of manic episodes and the fluctuating intensities of her condition. This honest representation extends to the ensemble of characters, each of whom is given space to evolve beyond their central roles. Valdes also approaches the depiction of intimacy with sensitivity, focusing on emotional connections rather than graphic details, which enriches the narrative.

Beneath the Smiling Moon is a commendable work that offers a fresh perspective on the intricacies of human connections and the little moments that shape our lives. It is a novel that promises to resonate with those who are interested in profound, character-driven stories about overcoming life’s hurdles. Devon Jeffers Valdes is certainly an author to watch, and I look forward to her future contributions to literature.

Pages: 174 | ASIN : B0CNZL8GCL

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/05/06/beneath-the-smiling-moon/

In When You Called My Name, Hermione Lee presents a poignant exploration of adolescence through the story of sixteen-year-old Logan Smith, who grapples with autism, depression, and anxiety. The narrative begins at a critical moment in Logan’s life, as he faces severe bullying at school that pushes him to the brink of despair. The arrival of a new student, Andrea Goldstein, marks a turning point. Andrea not only stands up to the bullies but also becomes a steadfast ally, helping Logan see his own worth and fostering feelings of self-love and acceptance.

This young adult novel carries a profound message beneath its straightforward narrative. Lee’s writing style strikes a balance, sophisticated enough to engage older readers yet accessible for younger ones, making the book suitable for a broad audience. The characters are crafted with realism and depth: Andrea embodies hope and resilience, while Logan reflects the struggles of anyone who has ever felt marginalized. Lee skillfully addresses themes of bullying, the potential for victims to become perpetrators, and the transformative power of self-acceptance. The plot weaves together issues of mental illness, toxic family dynamics, and the journey toward forgiveness and personal growth, making the narrative both comprehensive and compelling.

When You Called My Name is notable for its focus on male adolescence and the specific challenges of bullying within this context. It offers a fresh perspective on young adult literature. Hermione Lee’s thoughtful and impactful approach provides valuable insights for readers navigating similar challenges.

Pages: 244 | ASIN : B0CZ7GN54K

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/05/06/when-you-called-my-name/

Katie Slade’s The Victorious Vagina takes readers on a journey through the highs and lows of modern relationships. Framed as a series of poems preceded by narrative segments, this memoir delves into the emotional rollercoaster experienced by a woman navigating the complexities of love and intimacy in today’s dating landscape. Through her book, Slade underscores the importance of self-love and caution in romantic engagements, offering a candid exploration of her own vulnerabilities and triumphs.

Slade’s writing style is both raw and evocative, adeptly capturing the fervor and despair of her relationships. While the directness of Slade’s language and the rich detail of her personal anecdotes are vivid and engaging, they create an immersive reading experience that vividly brings her emotional journey to life, allowing readers to feel a deep connection with her. The integration of narrative with poetry enriched the text and allowed me to deeply connect with the emotional context behind each poem. The themes are universal, but the execution feels distinctly personal, sometimes bordering on a diary-like confessional.

The Victorious Vagina presents intriguing ideas about gender dynamics, emotional labor, and the societal pressures shaping romantic interactions. I think Slade challenges the reader to reconsider what it means to engage in modern love, pushing against the commodification of intimacy.

Katie Slade’s memoir is a passionate call for self-empowerment in the realm of dating and relationships. I recommend it to readers who appreciate a straightforward and heartfelt exploration of personal growth and resilience. Those who enjoy poetic narratives that are deeply personal and anyone navigating the intricate world of modern relationships will find this book particularly resonant.

Pages: 128 | ASIN : B0BQ1JXPVD

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/05/06/the-victorious-vagina-how-to-beat-a-player-at-his-game-win-at-self-love/

Daniel MacRae’s journey through a turbulent relationship with his alcoholic father forms the heart of this compelling narrative. From the outset, Daniel’s life is fraught with challenges as he and his father grapple with a fraught relationship marked by misunderstanding and emotional distance. The depiction of his father’s struggles with alcohol adds a layer of complexity, highlighting the profound impact of addiction on family dynamics.

This novel, Return to the Lion’s Den, written by Gregory Treakle, resonated deeply with me, echoing the complexities of my own familial relationships. It reminded me of the difficulties I faced in my youth, offering a poignant reflection on the universal quest for familial harmony. The story is imbued with a sense of hope, suggesting that healing and reconciliation are within reach for those who contend with similar challenges. The plot excels in portraying the intricate nature of human connections and the slow, often arduous path toward forgiveness. It realistically depicts the reluctance to forgive that can characterize strained family ties yet ultimately affirms the potential for recovery and reconciliation. I found this book profoundly moving, particularly as it drew toward a conclusion celebrating the possibility of amends and healing. It serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and an inspiring call to those seeking to mend rifts within their own families.

Return to the Lion’s Den is the ideal book for anyone navigating the rough waters of family estrangement or simply in search of a captivating story that grips from the first page. It is both a source of inspiration and a beacon of hope for personal restoration and understanding that will stay with readers long after they have finished the novel.

Pages: 307 | ASIN : B0B6S2WN32

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/05/06/return-to-the-lions-den/

Feral Maril & Her Little Brother Carol follows siblings as they navigate a tumultuous childhood, striving to maintain their bond and survive within the foster care system amidst constant challenges and uncertainty. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?

Over the course of several years when I was a toddler, my parents decided to become foster parents to children of varying ages. Suddenly adding strangers to an already busy household of six takes a lot of love, but it also takes compromise and adjustment. While my memories of those children are somewhat vague, the memory of what they represented has never disappeared. Marilyn, the main character, came to me slowly over time. After a few years, and in between other projects, she evolved into a person I could visualize and a person I wanted to save. Not only because she represents all of the lost children in the United States (and around the world) but because of her bravery. I wanted to create a young girl who is unassuming, but with enough guts to do what she has to do to save her sibling, who, as it turns out, is in a worse situation than she. I do not have my own children, and Marilyn morphed into, perhaps, the child I never had.

How did you approach developing the characters of Maril and Carol, especially in ensuring that their growth and experiences felt authentic?​

I fell in love with Marilyn right away, and she led me to Carol. I tried to see both of them through each others’ eyes, while keeping the story in Marilyn’s perspective. I read diaries of former and current foster children (gut-wrenching stories) and I used those feelings to make the story authentic. Every one of us has known a foster child; many of us just don’t know it. They are in every school, in every Wal-mart, in every corner of the American fabric. You really don’t have to look far to find those hopeful faces, the ones that aren’t part of a family but yearn to be. They just want what every child wants: stability and a loving home. I wanted Maril and Carol to be a team. To go through their trials together. To find “home” together.

What do you hope readers take away from the story of Maril and Carol, and what discussions do you wish to spark with this novel?​

Honestly, I hope that some people who read the book will decide to become foster parents. I can’t wait to visit book clubs, libraries, and schools to share the statistics I uncovered while writing the novel (some of them are listed at the end of the book). I want people who read this book to understand that not every family is the same, not all children have the same privileges as others, and most parents are simply doing the best they can. I want readers to remember Maril and Carol the next time they see a child who looks like he or she could use a friend; to be kind to that child because one never knows what they are going through; to treat each child with care and kindness, no matter what.

What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?

I am an author of seven published books, across many genres. Currently, I am working on an historical fiction novel that spans from 1950-1969. Very specific dates, for a reason! It’s so much work, but it’s fun doing the research. While I work on that book (three hours a day, four days a week), my agent is busy shopping another book to publishers, with fingers crossed. Up until now I am independently published, so we are hoping to get a traditional contract. That particular book is super long and somewhat dark. But it would make a really cool streaming series, so here’s hoping!

Author Links: GoodReads | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Original source: https://literarytitan.com/2024/05/06/not-every-family-is-the-same/