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cheyennedierker's reviews
124 reviews
How to Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
After a fortune teller at a county fair predicts Frances Adams's murder, she spends her life dodging it. However, she ends up dead sixty years later anyway, leaving her great-niece Annie Adams to play detective among eccentric villagers and try to avoid danger herself.
I adored the premise. I also loved Benjamin Stevensen's 'Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone' - which drew a lot of comparisons. But, it was really hard to get into. I do think audio is a mistake on this one, and print or Kindle would have made a difference.
Audio | Libby
I adored the premise. I also loved Benjamin Stevensen's 'Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone' - which drew a lot of comparisons. But, it was really hard to get into. I do think audio is a mistake on this one, and print or Kindle would have made a difference.
Audio | Libby
The Trade Off by Sandie Jones
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
In "The Trade Off," Sandie Jones explores the clash of journalistic ethics when a celebrity reaches their breaking point. Through alternating perspectives of rookie reporter Jess and ruthless deputy editor Stella, the story delves into moral complexities.
It didn't quite hit the mark for me compared to Jones' other works.
Hardcover | Public Library
It didn't quite hit the mark for me compared to Jones' other works.
Hardcover | Public Library
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
4.25/5.00⭐
The best start to an Abby Jimenez yet, but this one drags at the end.
Audio Version | Libby
The best start to an Abby Jimenez yet, but this one drags at the end.
Audio Version | Libby
Dial A for Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4.0/5.0⭐
When Meddelin Chan accidentally kills her blind date, her mom calls in the auntie brigade to help dispose of the body, leading to a series of misadventures at an extravagant billionaire wedding on the California coast. With old flames rekindling and murder charges looming, Meddy must juggle chaos, romance, and the family wedding business's reputation—all in a single weekend.
If you're like me and read them out of order, this one doesn't live up to Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers. It's extremely preposterous and all over the place. However, it's quick, funny, lighthearted, and was the perfect companion for a train ride.
Hardcover | RAILS
When Meddelin Chan accidentally kills her blind date, her mom calls in the auntie brigade to help dispose of the body, leading to a series of misadventures at an extravagant billionaire wedding on the California coast. With old flames rekindling and murder charges looming, Meddy must juggle chaos, romance, and the family wedding business's reputation—all in a single weekend.
If you're like me and read them out of order, this one doesn't live up to Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers. It's extremely preposterous and all over the place. However, it's quick, funny, lighthearted, and was the perfect companion for a train ride.
Hardcover | RAILS
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Skip this one if a hefty amount of typos, child abuse, or informal verbs make you sad. 😬
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy, Child death, Emotional abuse, and Child abuse
Moderate: Addiction, Murder, and Sexual violence
What the Wife Knew: A Novel by Darby Kane
Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
In Darby Kane's latest domestic thriller, Addison Dougherty faces the chilling truth that someone attempted to kill her husband multiple times before ultimately succeeding—an outcome she doesn't mind. Dr. Richmond Dougherty, a renowned pediatric surgeon and local hero, meets his demise under suspicious circumstances, leaving his young widow under intense scrutiny. As accusations fly and tensions escalate, Addison remains determined to uncover Richmond's secrets, undeterred by threats against her life, as she pursues her plan to dismantle his legacy.
The characters seemed a bit stereotypical and there were perhaps a few too many obvious misdirects. But it's a quick read, you will certainly be surprised by something along the way, and fans of Freida McFadden won't be disappointed.
The characters seemed a bit stereotypical and there were perhaps a few too many obvious misdirects. But it's a quick read, you will certainly be surprised by something along the way, and fans of Freida McFadden won't be disappointed.
Thank you William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Cancer, Mass/school shootings, Death, Death of parent, and Murder
Part of Your World by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
4.75/5.00⭐
A romantic comedy I actually enjoyed. An alternating POV, lots of loveable characters, and interesting subplots.
Kindle Version | Libby
A romantic comedy I actually enjoyed. An alternating POV, lots of loveable characters, and interesting subplots.
Kindle Version | Libby
How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
5.0/5.0 ⭐
Clare Pooley's 'How to Age Disgracefully' is an absolute gem that shines among the silver-haired protagonists that are having a moment in literature. It's a delightful, feel-good, and inspiring read with outstanding, witty writing and vibrant characters.
When the community rec center, home to both a daycare and a senior citizens group, faces closure, they unite to save it and solve each other's problems. The story unfolds through alternating perspectives of the seniors, the group coordinator, and a teenage dad. It begins when they are all traveling on a bus stopped by a police officer. As they each begin to reveal their reasons for fearing they are who the police officer is out for, the narrative backtracks through recent events, painting whimsical portraits of their lives.
It's perfect—chef's kiss!
If you enjoyed Netflix's 'Grace and Frankie' or Jesse Sutanto's 'Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers', mark your calendar for this June release.
Kindle Version | ARC
Thank you to Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House, Pamela Dorman Books, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.
Clare Pooley's 'How to Age Disgracefully' is an absolute gem that shines among the silver-haired protagonists that are having a moment in literature. It's a delightful, feel-good, and inspiring read with outstanding, witty writing and vibrant characters.
When the community rec center, home to both a daycare and a senior citizens group, faces closure, they unite to save it and solve each other's problems. The story unfolds through alternating perspectives of the seniors, the group coordinator, and a teenage dad. It begins when they are all traveling on a bus stopped by a police officer. As they each begin to reveal their reasons for fearing they are who the police officer is out for, the narrative backtracks through recent events, painting whimsical portraits of their lives.
It's perfect—chef's kiss!
If you enjoyed Netflix's 'Grace and Frankie' or Jesse Sutanto's 'Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers', mark your calendar for this June release.
Kindle Version | ARC
Thank you to Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House, Pamela Dorman Books, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book.
Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon by Michael Lewis
Michael Lewis' 'Going Infinite' was written after the company's fall but published at the trial's onset. Lewis spent ample time with Bankman-Fried prior to the collapse and has faced criticism for portraying Bankman-Fried as either too likeable or too innocent. I'm firmly in the camp that Lewis is letting the story speak for itself, particularly highlighting how Bankman-Fried's elusiveness and oddly likeable personality were key factors in how he gained trust.
adventurous
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
4.5/5.0 ⭐
If you are unfamiliar with the Sam Bankman-Fried story or author Michael Lewis' prior works ('Moneyball', 'The Blind Side', 'The Big Short', ...), but were a fan of Netflix's 'BitConned' or Hulu's 'The Dropout', you'll enjoy this one.
Sam Bankman-Fried founded and managed Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency trading firm, and FTX, a Bahamas-based crypto exchange. Following FTX's collapse in 2022, Bankman-Fried faced charges of misappropriating customer deposits for political contributions, celebrity marketing, and venture capital investments. He has since been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
If you are unfamiliar with the Sam Bankman-Fried story or author Michael Lewis' prior works ('Moneyball', 'The Blind Side', 'The Big Short', ...), but were a fan of Netflix's 'BitConned' or Hulu's 'The Dropout', you'll enjoy this one.
Sam Bankman-Fried founded and managed Alameda Research, a cryptocurrency trading firm, and FTX, a Bahamas-based crypto exchange. Following FTX's collapse in 2022, Bankman-Fried faced charges of misappropriating customer deposits for political contributions, celebrity marketing, and venture capital investments. He has since been sentenced to 25 years imprisonment.
Michael Lewis' 'Going Infinite' was written after the company's fall but published at the trial's onset. Lewis spent ample time with Bankman-Fried prior to the collapse and has faced criticism for portraying Bankman-Fried as either too likeable or too innocent. I'm firmly in the camp that Lewis is letting the story speak for itself, particularly highlighting how Bankman-Fried's elusiveness and oddly likeable personality were key factors in how he gained trust.
The book delves into Bankman-Fried's socially awkward upbringing, his start at Jane Street, his interest in probability, chance, and effective altruism, his cringey romantic relationship with one of his employees, and the management (or lack thereof) of his two companies.
Kindle Version | Libby
Kindle Version | Libby
The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife by Anna Johnston
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
"The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife" tells the heartwarming tale of Fred, an elderly man mistaken for another named Bernard and taken to Bernard's nursing home. Here, Fred finds solace, learns about Bernard's past, and forms deep connections with the residents and staff. Through his journey, Fred discovers the importance of family, forgiveness, and redemption, finding a sense of belonging in his twilight years.
While the ending is uplifting, the book delves into profound sadness and tackles heavy topics (be sure to check the trigger warnings). Although some dialogue may feel forced, the story is well-paced and emotionally-driven. Overall, it's a solid choice for those who appreciate themes of found family, identity, and love and sacrifice, particularly if you enjoy a slower-paced read with a heartfelt message.
ARC | Kindle Version
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
While the ending is uplifting, the book delves into profound sadness and tackles heavy topics (be sure to check the trigger warnings). Although some dialogue may feel forced, the story is well-paced and emotionally-driven. Overall, it's a solid choice for those who appreciate themes of found family, identity, and love and sacrifice, particularly if you enjoy a slower-paced read with a heartfelt message.
ARC | Kindle Version
Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for the advanced copy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment, Cancer, Terminal illness, Child death, and Dementia
Minor: Pregnancy, Alcoholism, Infidelity, and Addiction