Review: The Paleontologist

4 stars. This totally snuck up on me - I'm just about to hit my third trimester, and it's the busiest time of year at work - so I read the first portion of this book half-asleep. But by the end I was genuinely loving it. It checks a lot of boxes: a compelling mystery, a museum setting, archeological digs, DINOSAUR GHOSTS?! plus throw in sort of a... prehistoric treasure hunt, some exhibition design, evil pottery?! I'm all in. Though not as complex or thrilling as a Pendergast novel, I think fans of Preston and Child's series will enjoy this very much.

Dr. Simon Nealy has just taken a job at Pennsylvania's Hawthorne Museum of Natural History, despite a horrific personal connection to the space: it's where his younger, half-sister was abducted decades ago. As he acquaints himself with his new place of work - smack dab in the middle of the covid pandemic - Simon begins to unravel the museum's dark past, revealing ties to his sister's case, dark cover-ups, a shadowy conspiracy... and threats to his own life. 

There's so much more here - themes of trauma, privilege, addiction, grief, guilt, fear, and the connection between past and present - and Dumas weaves all of this into the central narrative deftly. Sure, it's a little cheesy at some points (okay, really cheesy), maybe the author tried to pack a little too much in, but it never feels preachy. The villain is a bit cartoonish... the whole climax/victory felt a bit like the end of a Scooby Doo episode - in fact, the whole book could've been an episode of X-Files - but that's not a criticism. In this case, it's passionate praise.

I hope this is the start of a series! I loved Simon, and he makes a really endearing paleontologist slash doctor slash detective slash hero. I liked the thread that touched on him seeking reassurance from his previous partner, an unfortunate symptom of his trauma. He's kind of weird and goofy and charming and I would love to see him tackle a monster-per-book. The minor characters, too - well-done. Nobody felt forced, out-of-place, totally in service of the plot, or try-hard. It was just really great worldbuilding. 

I also really appreciated the horror. The audacity of that premise! To present some of the more eerie plot elements without even a sniff of self-consciousness or insecurity, avoiding the urge to over-explain or intellectualize... I enjoyed letting it all unfold and wash over me. It was delightful. I appreciated it. 

One thing I'll add: I myself have spent 10 years in nonprofit development, lol. How should I react to Fran's character? Do I take offense? Do I look in the mirror? Do I laugh? Do I rejoice in her triumphs? A little bit of all of the above? Listen, it's an incredibly challenging job/sector - but we all make our choices, and someone has to do it. In the end Fran's arc was one of my favorite things about the book.

I dunno - a lot of reviewers should (and do) acknowledge when a book isn't bad, it's just being read at the wrong place, wrong time for them. This might be one of those cases of right place, right time... but I think I'll stand by it. I had a lot of fun.

The Paleontologist on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: I Remember You

3 stars. I really treasure Scandinavian noir - especially mysteries/thrillers set in Iceland. I've been twice and - at the risk of offending any locals - feel very at home there. And yes, it really does present a perfect backdrop to explore the dark side of humanity. Unfortunately, this one didn't really capture me the way I was hoping it would - I'll get into why, but it doesn't mean I don't recommend it - it's obviously a successful contribution to the genre. 

I Remember You weaves together two tales: 1) that of a married couple who travel to an isolated village with their widowed friend to fix up an old house, and 2) that of a psychiatrist investigating the vandalism of a school that is seemingly connected to the disappearance of his young son. The main players in both stories have disturbing supernatural experiences that unravel clues and push revelations with devastating consequences for everyone involved.

Pros: the setting - omg - I just love it. Such a unique type of remoteness out there in Iceland, especially in winter. Some of the spooky moments are very well done, invoking imagery just begging for adaptation. The ending, as well, really took things to a place I admire. That final page almost had me forgiving some of the things I didn't enjoy.

Cons: predictable. Unlikeable characters - and not the crunchy, interesting kind - the bland, annoying kind. Perhaps one too many narrative elements/connections, many of which had me sort of scratching my head trying to piece things together. I practically skimmed a lot of it... I just wasn't hooked. I couldn't concentrate on it.

I would recommend this as a bridge between Scandi noir/crime thrillers and horror. It's gateway scary - maybe a little amateurish. But that doesn't mean it's bad; only that I'm maybe not the right audience. Still, I found myself wishing for a lot more here. 

I Remember You on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Blacktop Wasteland

4 stars. Heart needs to slow down! So glad I read this insane, fast-paced crime thriller - S.A. Cosby is one of the few authors who can attract me away from my usual horror/sci-fi/fantasy. I've read three of his amazing books, and while this was my least favorite, it was an incredibly satisfying, thought-provoking, crunchy reading experience that I'll hype to anyone willing to listen.

The premise here is really simple: an ex-con family man went straight, only to have to navigate a system that is, essentially, rigged against him. Isn't that just so... American? He needs money, so he decides to do "one last job" as a getaway driver, though he has a brain for planning heists as well. Things go horribly wrong, and, like every other review of this book, I'll stop it right there.

It really starts off with a bang, and kind of continues that crazy pace through the end. There are stunning, anxiety-inducing action sequences; suitably disgusting villains you love to hate; brutal instances of tension and violence; and a well-intentioned anti-hero at the heart of it all, struggling to shake his trauma, protect his family, and find peace.

And, as always, Cosby injects the direct, dry flavor of reality into things - even if the specifics are a bit fantastical. He takes Virginia down here, no sympathies or begrudging respect to be had. But it feels less Virginian than his other books, and more focused on society as a whole. It's also a bit simpler than the other two - at least in terms of narrative, not in terms of the thorny issues around masculinity, justice, revenge, and violence it explores. 

I have to be honest - I wasn't expecting that ending. It was abrupt in a really good way. Earned a bunch of points from me. Overall, Blacktop Wasteland is kind of a harsh, stark book, but it has warmth and light and hope at the center of it. And justice. Bloody justice.

Blacktop Wasteland on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Old Bones (Nora Kelly #1)

3 stars. Nora Kelly has grown from her Utah days, and so did these authors. This one is much shorter, punchier, and to the point than the previous two NK books, but it also, IMO, lacks a lot of the warmth and soul as well. It's very procedure-y (from both a detective/mystery standpoint and an archeological one), and somehow makes the fascinating legends surrounding a truly crazy, horrific true story dry as a bone (lol).

Nora returns to her Institute in Santa Fe after the loss of her husband. She's approached by a historian who wants her to lead an expedition to find the Lost Camp of the ill-fated Donner Party. Everything - the trip out, the initial excavation, the discovery of the camp and the bones left there - is straightforward. Until, of course, it isn't, and new bodies start turning up. Also - there's treasure!

It should have hooked me. All the ingredients are there. The Donner Party is one of my favorite rabbit holes. I enjoy a crunchy, contained crime spree with insane motivations. I love treasure. But this just wasn't my favorite. I never became emotionally invested in any of the characters - not Corrie Swanson (I have a hard enough time proving myself in the workplace IRL), not Clive Benton, not Peel or Maggie or the other hollow members of the team, not Nora Kelly. It felt rushed. It felt a little like reading Dan Brown. The heart just wasn't there.

Still - I basically couldn't put it down. This style of writing here is so, so refreshing to me. Straightforward, intentional, precise. I really loved that aspect and I look forward to continuing on with the series. The plot drives you onward as needed and there are even a few appearances by beloved characters from past encounters. If you're a fan, go for it. Slightly disappointed but I have zero regrets. 

Old Bones on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: The Cabinet of Curiosities

4 stars. I am INTO THESE BOOKS. Surprise of the year and I couldn't be happier about it. I'm about to buy the rest in the Nora Kelly series and see where I land after that in the giant Pendergast Universe. So glad there are so many to choose from! I loved how different this was from Thunderhead, with similar history-mystery-mysterious-museum-archeological vibes. (These books remind me of the National Treasure movies, my favorite of all time, so keep in mind I am someone who would be super into them. Right up my alley.)

This one takes place in New York, after a giant pit of bones turns up at a construction site. FBI Special Agent Pendergast takes a special interest in the case, and involves Nora Kelly and her journalist boyfriend, Bill Smithback. Kelly is now working at the New York Museum of Natural History and becomes embroiled in a tangled web of politics, that very specific NY-style of greed, jurisdiction fights, workplace pitfalls and - unfortunately, the biggest threat of all: MURDER. 

Okay - that's a terrible summary. But these books actually go really deep. They're complex! There are multiple characters with multiple motivations and POVs. There are a lot of conflicting themes and clues and avenues for our heroes to investigate, and somehow - though they are racing against the clock - it feels like they take their time. It's a hearty narrative, one you can really sink your teeth into. And no part of it felt sloppy or lazy or worth skipping.

I was a little disappointed with the final "twist" (there were a few too many "reveals," I think) but I was totally glued to the page as the action ramped up and the stakes got REALLY high. I can only double down on my admiration of these authors and I'm so excited to have something that's perfect to read on a plane, on a train, on the beach, while brushing my teeth because I can't look away... 

The Cabinet of Curiosities on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Hidden Pictures

3 stars. Hmmmm hahahaha. This kept my attention - I read it in less than 24 hours; I'd definitely describe it as a crisply-written thriller - but it didn't blow me away at all. I'm kind of surprised, actually, about all the hype. 

Mallory Quinn is a young athlete in recovery who takes a job as a babysitter for a seemingly perfect, well-off family to watch their 5-year-old son, Teddy. She settles in and the summer is enjoyable - until Teddy starts presenting her with some mysterious drawings. Drawings that are way too advanced for a 5-year-old, depicting some very dark, mysterious images. Between a psychic neighbor, odd noises, and some strange behavior from Teddy's parents, Mallory begins to realize the genuine danger she faces, and resolves to get to the bottom of things and save Teddy if she can.

Regarding the controversy around the depiction of gender: I am fortunate enough to not be easily-triggered by this sort of thing. If you are sensitive to such issues, avoid. I could give the whole spiel - depiction does not equal endorsement, etc. and agonize over what is harmful and what is not... but there are folks far more informed and articulate than I who can speak on that, and I highly encourage you to seek them out. (I will say the references to Harry Potter made me extremely suspicious.)

So here's what I'd say: read it if you're in the mood for a compelling page turner with supernatural elements and a few twists. I would barely describe it as horror. I would even put a YA label on it - it gave me those vibes more than once. I think it kind of frustrated me that the first chapter was a real banger, and had me totally hooked before things kind of took a few... odd turns. 5-star opening chapter, 3 star book as a whole. I didn't totally find Mallory plausible, nor did I fully believe Ted's ultimate inclinations. Adrian was too good to be true... so yeah. 3 stars. 

Hidden Pictures on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: All the Sinners Bleed

5 stars. Damn. This book is incredible. Cosby is back with a nail-biting, stomach-churning, electric thriller that will undoubtedly burrow under your skin and make a home there. 

I mentioned this in my review of Razorblade Tears, but as a Virginian born-and-raised, it's odd - rare, even - to get to take in such an accurate portrait of my state; all of its pockets and contradictions and extremes and microsocieties rendered without the inevitable attempt to balance the scales. Virginia granted me many things - a secure childhood, breathtakingly beautiful surroundings, four wonderful seasons, the best college experience anyone could hope for - but that shouldn't count towards forgiveness of any of its stubborn atrocities. Virginia is what it is. Many things can be true at once. I hope it gets better. I appreciate Cosby's frankness around this.

But I digress. This book is thought-provoking like that. It’s about a Black sheriff in a small town doing the best he can despite rural resources and rising racial tensions. After a horrifying school shooting, he is catapulted into a crazy investigation that only aggravates the town's passionate residents. On the hunt for a serial killer, the sheriff ends up racing against the clock to catch a serial killer and save the town he loves. A town that often, on many days, maybe even on most days, does not love him back.

Titus - the sheriff, with a great name - is a terrific character. The way Cosby weaves in his personal and professional relationships is truly impressive. Again he tackles so much: racism, masculinity, trauma, change, family, love, tradition, fear. Grief:

"That he went about these tasks so adroitly after staring into the depths of the abyss that was what passed for the souls of those three sociopaths made him feel unclean. He knew better than most that the wheel of life would keep spinning, with little regard to the families who had lost their children or the children who had lost their lives. Waiting for the world to shed tears for your pain was like waiting for a statue to speak. So you filed the reports, you answered the emails. You carried on as best you could."

He isn't heavy-handed. It's just... true. And this time he does it through a religious lens, which is truly fascinating and creates an enormously compelling mystery. It isn't perfect. There's clumsy dialogue, loose ends, a bit of a rushed ending, and some disruptive exposition. But whatever points it may have lost for that it earned right back when it got my heart pounding - racing - on the train. 

Cosby has become a must read for me, and I'm glad many others feel the same. His success is well-deserved.

All the Sinners Bleed on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Thunderhead

4 stars. Jump scare! Turns out my spooky season is literally every season except actual spooky season, which is when I pivot for a second and read a fucking archeological thriller by the popular duo Preston & Child!? Trust me, no one is more surprised than I. I have no idea what compelled me to check this out from the library (I'm pretty sure it was Reddit) but it really is so out of character... in a good way. It's a good lesson: I need to stop discriminating against books like this. It was pretty great. I actually kind of loved it.

Thunderhead follows archeologist Nora Kelly, who, after a terrifying encounter with mysterious, violent, animal-like figures in her childhood home, discovers a letter sent by her father, who went missing years ago on an expedition to find a sort of lost city of gold situation in the American southwest. This letter contains enough information about a possible location that she's able to assemble a team and explore the area, hoping to find answers about her father, knowledge about the Anasazi, the location of the mysterious city, and gold. Not necessarily in that order.

But it's never that easy!! A straightforward archeological treasure hunt filled with damaged, emotionally invested personalities with conflicting agendas? In an isolated, rural, uninhabited area of the country with no service and flash floods? For gold?! NEVER! Nora and her team really go through it in this book (speaking of which, TW re: the horses - I knew to skip ahead, I suggest you do as well), almost to the point of obstacle fatigue, but everyone describes this as a page turner for a reason.

Okay, a couple of things around why I docked a star: one) I had trouble keeping the team members straight. It was like one person too many or something... the authors did a delightful job making them each distinct from each other, but I couldn't bring myself to care about any of them because, sort of like a slasher, there were simply too many for the group to survive. Two) an unbelievable romance. Sexual tension is hard to write, man. Believe me, that's why when you find a well-written example you tend to return to it again and again because it's magical. This was not a well-written example. Three) which brings me to my third point: the way the women are described. Sure, this book was written in 1999. But let me just tell you that the phrase "shapely rear" is now a joke in my house and not likely to be forgotten any time soon. Four) the aforementioned horses. 

Things to commend: one) the authors did their research. It's so fun!! My favorite movie is National Treasure and this gave me all of those vibes. Two) while certain elements are obviously foreshadowed, for the most part the story - with all its twists and turns - is ultimately fairly unpredictable! Three) excellent villains. I loved that it had both monsters as well as the conflict/interpersonal drama within the group. Four) so much great, nerdy, yummy, archeological... stuff. Glyphs. Ruins. Pottery. Bones. Ancient boobytraps. Treasure.

Anyway, did this pack the biggest emotional wallop ever? Not for me - and I do think the authors sort of meant it to. But that's okay! I really enjoyed myself. I actually want to read some more books by them, maybe more in this series? I'm new to armchair archeology but I'm really into it. So... yeah. Cheers to taking unexpected turns and making discoveries.

Thunderhead on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Presumed Innocent

3 stars. I once heard - ages ago - that this book was the epitome of a page turner, extremely suspenseful and one of the best legal thrillers out there. It isn't my usual genre, but I think it's healthy to branch out every now and then and truthfully, I never mind a good courtroom drama. This book definitely delivers the drama.

We are pulled almost instantly into the local politics of Kindle County, as Rusty Sabich, chief deputy prosecutor, attends the funeral of one of his colleagues, who was brutally murdered, and also at one time was the subject of an intense obsession. His motivation to solve the case is complicated by the lingering traces of their affair, an upcoming election, and political corruption that goes deeper and wider than he ever considered. 

I went in fairly blind, but I joked about wondering if and how it would pass the Bechdel test (it didn't. The only female characters were the victim - busty, blonde, perfume-y, loved anal sex - and the perpetrator, who was portrayed as your typical entitled shrew.). I was surprised though at how outdated, in almost every way, it felt. Ready yourself for misogyny, racism, classism, homophobia, and everything else that seeped through society in the late 80's - and in some ways, still does.

On the other hand, believe it or not, I have zero complaints about the writing style. Everything else aside, this dry, crunchy prose zips along and I think I'll miss it when I inevitably move back to purple fantasy or cosmic horror. It takes real skill to nail a story like this from the big picture narrative down to the word choice, and I think I understand what the hype is about. Just trying to be fair.

There was definitely a point in which I was kind of like, oh, this is going to be that type of book, is it? I certainly rolled my eyes more than once (like when he was turned on by the coroner's photographs LOL). But - I liked it. I was very captivated. I admire the author's knowledge, abilities and style. It's clearly a classic and I firmly believe that we shouldn't stay away from things - or, ahem, modify them - simply because they're outdated. 

Presumed Innocent on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads

Review: Exiles (Aaron Falk #3)

3 stars. I really love Jane Harper and I've read everything she's written. I'm smitten with her style and happy for her success. And I'm so grateful I was able to snag this from the library! It really is an excellent, compelling thriller with an extremely satisfying ending. Unfortunately, I found myself speeding through not because I felt driven to get answers, but because I felt driven to get through it.

Aaron Falk returns to a small wine town in South Australia for the christening of his godson. A year prior, a member of the family went missing under suspicious, if not tragic, circumstances. Being who he is, Falk can't help but be drawn to the case as he is indirectly connected to it. So many questions: suspects? motives? coincidences? fabrications? and ultimately: where is she? The answers are as transformative for the town as they are for Falk, who faces personal choices of his own.

Alright, let's get right down to it: I found Falk's journey in this book - the romance, the found family, the career moves - to be extremely cheesy and predictable, like almost to the point of cringey. Maybe I'm just jealous... I too pine for the quiet, small town life with a too-good-to-be-true partner and gallons of wine... but ultimately I lost respect for the character. Falk as a family man? Where's his prickly edge? And what - I cannot emphasize this enough - the fuck was with that scene when he basically started crying after a woman he barely knew rejected him?!?!?

He also didn't really do that much, well, detecting. The answers just kind of literally unfolded before him, as I guess people were all too willing to provide them often without him even asking. Sure, he's as perceptive and observant as ever, but it's like he didn't even try. He just walked around picking up the puzzle pieces others dropped directly in his path. I dunno! The whole thing didn't feel sharp or zesty or dark enough for me.

That being said! I really did enjoy the mystery. I especially loved the ending. I guess you could say that the perpetrator turned out to be the person I wanted it to be. She took it easy on us, in that sense. Justice was served, and all that. But even that was really anticlimactic and... un-exciting! Where was the final confrontation, the chase, the life-or-death stakes? Again, I dunno! I was kind of disappointed.

Jane Harper, and this series, will continue to be a must-read for me. I adore getting a colloquial glimpse at Australia and she can weave a good tale. I love her writing and the short chapters and I can't deny that her argument for choosing meaningful connection is a convincing one (it’s like, as a person I want what’s best for him. But as a reader…). She clearly does her research - in this case, the wine stuff felt really accurate and interesting. And it's not that I don't recommend this - I do. It just lands a solid 3 stars this time, for me.

Exiles on: Amazon | Bookshop.org | Goodreads