Winter Counts by David Heska Wanbli Weiden
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

More of these stories are needed and Weiden has a new fan for life. Already written in my go-to genre, I was intrigued early on with his in-depth, no holds barred, inside look at life on a reservation. Having grown up around and frequently visiting a reservation of one of the tribes mentioned in this book, I have seen firsthand a lot of what he is writing about, but I’m still shocked from descriptions regarding laws, justice, and politics. Thankfully, he includes more reading at the end of the book, and upon finishing, I was looking up those titles at the library.

Stories revolving around drugs and alcohol always hit in a personal way, resonating with my own personal experiences with friends and family. This is a story I have lived and watched play out multiple times, and Virgil’s vigilantism is the kind of action I could only fantasize about playing out. Despite the murky legalities of a man for hire, the scenes play out with a clear moral code, but with enough brutality that leaves you feeling uncomfortable, thus humanizing the experience.

It is fun reading the spot-on descriptions of Denver, the only other state I’ve lived aside from my home in Washington State. I have traveled the same streets mentioned in the book, the infamous Colfax, I worked at a Starbucks on Federal, I lived so close to the dog food factory that I could smell it in my living room depending which way the wind blew, and of course, Casa Bonita and their memorable sopapillas.

Further enriching this novel are the everyday Lakota words and phrases peppered throughout the entire story. Many are explained, but some I still googled to get a better understanding and context. Ceremonies and customs still performed to this day are described with a reverence lending to the sacredness of these practices. The commitment and loyalty to the tribe is stirring and beautiful.

Everything about this novel is exquisite and well executed and I’m anxious to see more from Mr. Weiden.

Thank you to Harper Collins for an advanced copy. The opinions are my own.

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Impersonation by Heidi Pitlor
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

As I struggled to find time to read and review this book, I was struck with the parallels between it and my life, of raising my children while making time for work in this day and age. Having been a single mother for a time, the personalization of this novel and its message was rife and thought provoking.

Despite my outside distractions, within the span of the first page, I was hooked. Equal parts frustrating and fascinating, "Impersonation" is achingly relatable, and not much of a literary “escape” as it is highly relevant, magnifying some of today’s most acute concerns.

Personal lives and politics intertwine in a complicated braid that often lies in territory where I heavily disagree or is out of my comfort zone, but is impactful and valuable, nevertheless. The main character, Allie, and I could be friends in real life, trade parenting tips and tribulations, hash out the current state of our government over drinks and Happy Meals. We would enjoy swapping grammar jokes and lament about rent prices. I might joke with her about where the landlord can stick his recycling bin next time he comes around to complain about where it was in his yard.

As I write this review, I am simultaneously nursing my youngest, typing one-handed (a practice I’ve perfected over the years), and reflecting on my own path and career. I think of all the women who I will recommend this book to, how I will talk it up and share it with enthusiasm. This book is a timely piece of prose, so important now, and necessary for change in the forthcoming years.

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The Invisible by Seb Doubinsky
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Just last week I commented that I missed a good detective novel that made me crave a good cup of coffee. To my delight, The Invisible was that novel, gritty, full of coffee and whisky, it was what I call my literary “comfort food”. Despite its dystopian label and it’s Gotham-like atmosphere, New Babylon was a familiar landscape with a refreshing amount of optimism not usually found in this genre.

It doesn’t take long before you notice the political and social parallels, sometimes eerily similar to today’s headlines. Ratner’s attitude throughout the entire story makes the tension palpable, rolling with the punches and putting his best foot forward.

Dashes of quirkiness set this story apart from other detective novels, adding a little bit of the unexplained to further distinguish this plot from the rest. Short chapters make the timeline move quickly, a slow burn that sneaks up on you, a resolution that satisfies but leaves you wanting more.

Doubinsky has created a welcome respite to the chaotic ups and downs of the traditional mystery. A paradoxically rich palate cleanser that rests and rejuvenates the mind while still delivering an engaging plot.

Many thanks to Meerkat Press for a galley copy of the book. The opinions are my own.

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The Last to Know by Jo Furniss
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The best kind of mysteries are ones that are centered around a large, spooky house, possibly haunted by ghosts, but definitely haunted by the past. Enter the newest thriller, The Last to Know by Jo Furniss. Not only is there a house set on medieval property, there are local legends and lore, family secrets, old-fashioned detective work, investigative journalism, and so much more.

Jo weaves a marvelous drama, from the histories of an infamous family in a small town to the perilous beginnings of a romantic relationship set in a war-torn country, you’ll travel the world within these 318 pages. Throughout all of this, you’re witness to the formidable and intricate bond between mother and son, father and daughter, parent and child.

Numerous surprises and revelations at every turn make this novel a page-turner that you will not want to put down.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing for my copy. The opinions are my own.

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Near-Life Experience by Emma G. Rose
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Fans of Neil Gaiman’s Good Omens and the Percy Jackson series will enjoy this creative tale recounting the daily life of Death and a human that throws a wrench in his routine. Many familiar characters pop up in this story, such as Roman and Greek gods, and more lesser known deities from around the world, but all of them bring something interesting to the table. The human characters are relatable and real, artfully created and equally important to the storyline. I enjoyed the banter between characters, human or otherwise, the different situations they fall into, and the subsequent pragmatic resolutions. You will not regret diving into the crazy world constructed by Emma G. Rose.

This book was a real treat and I’m thankful to the author for the gifted copy. The opinions are my own.

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