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kimreads14's reviews
180 reviews
The Devil in the Shape of a Woman: Witchcraft in Colonial New England by Carol F. Karlsen
2.75
Reading this book was both fascinating and frustrating.
One of the things that needs to be clear to the reader before starting, is that this work was a PhD dissertation turned into a book. Why is it important? Because the intended audience of a dissertation and a trad-published book are not the same. A dissertation is to be read by peers with extensive knowledge of the topic/era discussed. A trad-published book, on the other hand, should be assumed that it can be picked up by any random Joe who might stumble upon it in a library or bookstore.
With this in mind, sometimes this book can be hard to understand if you do not have extensive knowledge of the time period. In my studies and work, I am used to reading academic papers and work, so I didn't find the tables, and other statistical aspects, hard to grasp. But for someone who has no prior experience, this might be complicated. The hard part for me was that there was very little introduction to societal/cultural settings for the random reader.
I picked up this book out of curiosity, being a non-American, I probably know even less about that time period. Unfortunately, Karlsen assumes that the reader HAS to know, and dives straight into her analysis. You can piece together things here and there in the different chapters. After all, Karlsen argument is that the Witch Trials can very much be explained through religious, economic, and political aspects of society at the time. However, her arguments feels, at times, like it's going in circles.
I also had some issues with her arguments particularly when discussing Tituba, the indigenous woman from Barbados who was a slave. She is the only occurrence mentioned by Karlsen of a non-white being accused of witchcraft and does not try to examine how her arguments just didn't apply to people who do not fit the mold created by Karlsen. These weaknesses in her arguments were also present when she discussed males accused of witchcraft. While she underlines the double standard between the propensity of males to be trialed as opposed to women, or for trialed men to be found guilty as opposed to women. She does not seem to apply the same standards to them.
Overall, this book was interesting but lacked the accessibility that trad-published books should have. Adding an extra chapter on context, I think, would have made it so much better. Moreover, the structure could have been reworked into shorter chapters as opposed to the 40+ pages chapters that can be highly intimidating for non-academic readers.
One of the things that needs to be clear to the reader before starting, is that this work was a PhD dissertation turned into a book. Why is it important? Because the intended audience of a dissertation and a trad-published book are not the same. A dissertation is to be read by peers with extensive knowledge of the topic/era discussed. A trad-published book, on the other hand, should be assumed that it can be picked up by any random Joe who might stumble upon it in a library or bookstore.
With this in mind, sometimes this book can be hard to understand if you do not have extensive knowledge of the time period. In my studies and work, I am used to reading academic papers and work, so I didn't find the tables, and other statistical aspects, hard to grasp. But for someone who has no prior experience, this might be complicated. The hard part for me was that there was very little introduction to societal/cultural settings for the random reader.
I picked up this book out of curiosity, being a non-American, I probably know even less about that time period. Unfortunately, Karlsen assumes that the reader HAS to know, and dives straight into her analysis. You can piece together things here and there in the different chapters. After all, Karlsen argument is that the Witch Trials can very much be explained through religious, economic, and political aspects of society at the time. However, her arguments feels, at times, like it's going in circles.
I also had some issues with her arguments particularly when discussing Tituba, the indigenous woman from Barbados who was a slave. She is the only occurrence mentioned by Karlsen of a non-white being accused of witchcraft and does not try to examine how her arguments just didn't apply to people who do not fit the mold created by Karlsen. These weaknesses in her arguments were also present when she discussed males accused of witchcraft. While she underlines the double standard between the propensity of males to be trialed as opposed to women, or for trialed men to be found guilty as opposed to women. She does not seem to apply the same standards to them.
Overall, this book was interesting but lacked the accessibility that trad-published books should have. Adding an extra chapter on context, I think, would have made it so much better. Moreover, the structure could have been reworked into shorter chapters as opposed to the 40+ pages chapters that can be highly intimidating for non-academic readers.
The House on Graveyard Lane by Martin Edwards
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
So the main issue I had with this book was the fact that nowhere on the NetGalley page did it say that it is the fourth book in a series. After zooming in on the cover I realized that it said "Rachel Savernake Golden Age mystery", so oops 😬 Was it an issue overall that prevented me from understanding the book? Nope. Did it lead to a bit of head scratching and blank stares in the emptiness trying to make sense of things 🤨? Yep.
Regardless, I still really enjoyed this mystery/detective story.
Here are the characters who stood out the most for me:
- Rachel Savernake (the main character) is in herself a mystery that you just want to solve! It makes for a great page-turner even in and on itself because you wonder when you'll get that next little bit of information that you can add to the puzzle.
- I also loved Kiki De Villiers! I would read a novel in which she's the main character any day!
- Jacob. Ah, Jacob. What to say about dear Mr Flint? He's that goofy sidekick who helps the story move forward by ending up in a pretty bad and awkward situation due to his lack of thinking. Honestly, any good mystery needs one of these in my opinion, and Jacob Flint is really well crafter in this role.
- The Truemans... I just want to give them all a hug 🤗
The one thing I would say is that sometimes Rachel came up to some conclusions or made some deductions that... well seemed a bit far fetched because of how they were presented. But hey, that's also part of the fun in this type of book 😃
3.25 ⭐️ I'm going to go check out the first book of the series because I really enjoyed this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Martin Edwards for providing me with an eARC.
Regardless, I still really enjoyed this mystery/detective story.
Here are the characters who stood out the most for me:
- Rachel Savernake (the main character) is in herself a mystery that you just want to solve! It makes for a great page-turner even in and on itself because you wonder when you'll get that next little bit of information that you can add to the puzzle.
- I also loved Kiki De Villiers! I would read a novel in which she's the main character any day!
- Jacob. Ah, Jacob. What to say about dear Mr Flint? He's that goofy sidekick who helps the story move forward by ending up in a pretty bad and awkward situation due to his lack of thinking. Honestly, any good mystery needs one of these in my opinion, and Jacob Flint is really well crafter in this role.
- The Truemans... I just want to give them all a hug 🤗
The one thing I would say is that sometimes Rachel came up to some conclusions or made some deductions that... well seemed a bit far fetched because of how they were presented. But hey, that's also part of the fun in this type of book 😃
3.25 ⭐️ I'm going to go check out the first book of the series because I really enjoyed this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Martin Edwards for providing me with an eARC.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Thank god this is over! It's the second time I attempted to read The Secret History and honestly, it felt just as painful as the first. The only difference is that this time I completed it... I should have DNFed.
I love dark academia, and I've heard so many people say that this was one of the precursors of the genre, it should have been a perfect match. And yet... every page felt like getting my nails ripped.
Every single character (except for maybe Henry?) felt empty and shallow, they all blurred with one another really in their absence of real personality.
The blurb's first line is: "Under the influence of their charismatic classics professor". Where was he? He barely makes an appearance and honestly was as charismatic as a wet sponge in my eyes.
The prose could have been beautiful if it had any substance. I just don't understand how you can write 500+ pages of hot air. I do think that this could have been a much more interesting story if it had been shortened.
I love dark academia, and I've heard so many people say that this was one of the precursors of the genre, it should have been a perfect match. And yet... every page felt like getting my nails ripped.
Every single character (except for maybe Henry?) felt empty and shallow, they all blurred with one another really in their absence of real personality.
The blurb's first line is: "Under the influence of their charismatic classics professor". Where was he? He barely makes an appearance and honestly was as charismatic as a wet sponge in my eyes.
The prose could have been beautiful if it had any substance. I just don't understand how you can write 500+ pages of hot air. I do think that this could have been a much more interesting story if it had been shortened.
Blood Debts by Terry J. Benton-Walker
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed this book! The perfect mix of urban fantasy and mystery. 🎯
The universe is amazing. I just wished that the magic had been a bit more at the forefront. While a lot is shown when it comes to the magic, it still seemed a bit shy for me.
Cristina and Clement are amazing characters. For teenagers, they were beautifully thought through and complex. I’d say that overall this first instalment concentrated more on Cristina’s arc, but Clement was still key to moving the story along and I’m sure will be central to the next book 👀
This book also brings up mental health elegantly. The twins’ family recognition and acceptance of their struggles is beautifully done, and I’m sure will help many. Their struggles with depression and anxiety feels genuine and is so relatable.
Can’t wait to see what will happen next 🤩
The universe is amazing. I just wished that the magic had been a bit more at the forefront. While a lot is shown when it comes to the magic, it still seemed a bit shy for me.
Cristina and Clement are amazing characters. For teenagers, they were beautifully thought through and complex. I’d say that overall this first instalment concentrated more on Cristina’s arc, but Clement was still key to moving the story along and I’m sure will be central to the next book 👀
This book also brings up mental health elegantly. The twins’ family recognition and acceptance of their struggles is beautifully done, and I’m sure will help many. Their struggles with depression and anxiety feels genuine and is so relatable.
Can’t wait to see what will happen next 🤩
Murder in the Scottish Highlands by Dee MacDonald
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
3.25
Thank you to NetGalley, Dee MacDonald, and Bookouture for providing me with an e-ARC before publication.
First of all, cozy mysteries with retiree sleuths have become a favorite genre for me. Murder in the Scottish Highlands was a great fit for this. The whole cast of characters is funny and truly on point for what I believe a small-town cast would act like. ☺️
Ally, the main character, is such a cute little old lady. I loved her back story as a TV researcher. I don't think I have ever encountered this as a character background. ❤️
I found Hamish, the earl, hilarious! Though I have to be 100% honest, he did give me the creeps a little at the beginning 👀, but I think that is what makes his overall character so much more likable in the end.
The plot was interesting. A regular "Who dunnit?" story, though a bit slow at times. Part of the story felt a bit stilted, and some of the dialogue just didn't work for me: particularly when the American characters were talking. They were using way too many British English expressions to sound authentic in their "Americaness".
I did enjoy the romance aspect of the story. I love to see characters of older age get a second chance at love 🥰
Overall a nice cozy read that I'm sure will give warm fuzzy feelings to anyone who loves a good retiree sleuth solving crimes 😉
First of all, cozy mysteries with retiree sleuths have become a favorite genre for me. Murder in the Scottish Highlands was a great fit for this. The whole cast of characters is funny and truly on point for what I believe a small-town cast would act like. ☺️
Ally, the main character, is such a cute little old lady. I loved her back story as a TV researcher. I don't think I have ever encountered this as a character background. ❤️
I found Hamish, the earl, hilarious! Though I have to be 100% honest, he did give me the creeps a little at the beginning 👀, but I think that is what makes his overall character so much more likable in the end.
The plot was interesting. A regular "Who dunnit?" story, though a bit slow at times. Part of the story felt a bit stilted, and some of the dialogue just didn't work for me: particularly when the American characters were talking. They were using way too many British English expressions to sound authentic in their "Americaness".
I did enjoy the romance aspect of the story. I love to see characters of older age get a second chance at love 🥰
Overall a nice cozy read that I'm sure will give warm fuzzy feelings to anyone who loves a good retiree sleuth solving crimes 😉
A Cup of Flour, a Pinch of Death by Valerie Burns
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
3.75
Thank you to NetGalley, Valerie Burns, and Kensington Publishing for providing me with an e-ARC.
When I first requested this book on NetGalley, I didn't realize it was part of a series. However, I truly believe that it can be read as a standalone.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. The overall cast of characters was funny and likable, and who doesn't love a book where a dog is portrayed as a distinct character? I loved Baby. If I'm honest, some of the characters (Maddy, April, Brandy, and more) felt a bit caricatury at times, but honestly, it just added to their quirkiness and likability.
I also really enjoyed the short chapters. It helped with the story pacing and complemented the quirky aspect of the characters well.
Was the mystery aspect of this book mind-blowing? Nope, but I still enjoyed it and found myself giggling at times.
BEWARE though, you will want to snack while reading this book! ☺️
When I first requested this book on NetGalley, I didn't realize it was part of a series. However, I truly believe that it can be read as a standalone.
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. The overall cast of characters was funny and likable, and who doesn't love a book where a dog is portrayed as a distinct character? I loved Baby. If I'm honest, some of the characters (Maddy, April, Brandy, and more) felt a bit caricatury at times, but honestly, it just added to their quirkiness and likability.
I also really enjoyed the short chapters. It helped with the story pacing and complemented the quirky aspect of the characters well.
Was the mystery aspect of this book mind-blowing? Nope, but I still enjoyed it and found myself giggling at times.
BEWARE though, you will want to snack while reading this book! ☺️
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
A cute little contemporary romance. As always Ali Hazelwood has the recipe for her romance book down to perfection. A quick read that will leave you happy 🥰
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
dark
emotional
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I’m not sure I entirely understand the hype around this book 😅
Did I like it? Yep. Would I absolutely rave about it? Nope. Don’t take me wrong, it was good, but not as amazing as I anticipated it to be after all the incredible reviews I read/watched.
One of the things that I did enjoy was the fact that Gibson chose to never outright name that ONE vampire everyone knows because of that vampire decision to strip Constanza of her original name.
Going through the motion of Constanza discovering and owning her powers and deciding to no longer accept this properly toxic relationship was beautiful to witness. But overall I just didn’t truly feel like the story was as fascinating or well thought out as it could have been.
3⭐️ for a good book ☺️
Did I like it? Yep. Would I absolutely rave about it? Nope. Don’t take me wrong, it was good, but not as amazing as I anticipated it to be after all the incredible reviews I read/watched.
One of the things that I did enjoy was the fact that Gibson chose to never outright name that ONE vampire everyone knows because of that vampire decision to strip Constanza of her original name.
Going through the motion of Constanza discovering and owning her powers and deciding to no longer accept this properly toxic relationship was beautiful to witness. But overall I just didn’t truly feel like the story was as fascinating or well thought out as it could have been.
3⭐️ for a good book ☺️