Skein of Words

....In places of darkness, women will rise... I really enjoyed this book (so much that I ended up buying a physical copy for my Mom). I have a soft spot for books set in Iceland, as my grandfather was Icelandic and his sister was named Guðrun. There’s something about the stark landscapes, the sense of isolation, and the quiet intensity of the tales that always pulls me in. The Swell by Kat Gordon absolutely delivers on the atmosphere. To me, it felt immersive without trying too hard, letting the setting do its work in shaping the mood and the mystery of Guðrun in 1910 and Sigga in the 1970s (around the time of the Rauðsokkahreyfingin or Red Stocking Movement to combat misogyny and demand equality). The story unfolds across dual timelines (I do love books with dual timelines!). One thread follows a contemporary narrative featuring Sigga, while the other slowly reveals events from the past (Guðrun and her sister Freya), and the connection between them is teased out in a really satisfying...

I really enjoyed this YA novel about a modern-day descendant of Edgar Allan Poe. Ellen is pulled into a hidden world tied to Poe’s legacy, where she begins using her affinity with numbers and puzzles to search for mysterious artifacts and uncovering “forgotten lore”. The premise is a lot of fun, and the artifact hunt gives the story good momentum. As much as I loved the adventure, I also liked Ellen’s journey as she sought to understand her connection to Poe and what it all means for her and her family. There’s a good balance of literary mystery, light gothic atmosphere, and coming-of-age relationships without it getting too heavy. It’s an easy, engaging read with just enough intrigue to keep you hooked. Definitely one I’d recommend if you like bookish mysteries with a gothic or ghostly edge, and I’d happily pick up the next in the series.   The audiobook was very well narrated with good pacing and believability for the character.  Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and a...

This is a solid cozy mystery, but I admit that I enjoyed it mostly for the Scottish castle setting. The atmosphere was the highlight as Freya and her Aunt Carole race to figure out who murdered the laird of the castle and stole the priceless silver collection. At the same time, they are also trying to find their missing team member who had last been seen at the Castle. It's filled with family secrets and eeriness.

I really enjoyed this one more than the last one! Judith Potts is such a great main character, and I love her connection with her two friends. Judith is sharp, independent, a little eccentric, and completely unwilling to be ignored. This mystery centres on a series of murders targeting local celebrities, which turn out to be linked to a blackmail scheme. As Judith and her friends investigate with their usual determination, the case begins to intersect with the long-standing mystery surrounding Judith's husband’s death years earlier, adding a more personal layer to the story. The trio dynamic continues to work well, but Judith is the standout. I like that this book was faster-paced. It's a fun, cozy mystery with a bit more depth. Looking forward to the next in the series. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the e-Arc