Category: Book Critic

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Death by Dumpling (A Noodle Shop Mystery #1) by Vivien Chien

by The Lit Bitch5 Comments on Review: Death by Dumpling (A Noodle Shop Mystery #1) by Vivien Chien

I love getting in on a new mystery series from the ground up. This book was not only a new series but it also had an intriguing title…..a noodle shop mystery??? Yes please!

When I first saw that cover I was totally sold. Not only did it sound like an interesting read but I also immediately wanted Chinese take out to commemorate the reading of this book!

Welcome to the Ho-Lee Noodle House, where the Chinese food is to die for. . .

The last place Lana Lee thought she would ever end up is back at her family’s restaurant. But after a brutal break-up and a dramatic workplace walk-out, she figures that a return to the Cleveland area to help wait tables is her best option for putting her life back together. Even if that means having to put up with her mother, who is dead-set on finding her a husband. Continue reading “Review: Death by Dumpling (A Noodle Shop Mystery #1) by Vivien Chien” →

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: Murder at Half Moon Gate (A Wrexford & Sloane Mystery #2) by Andrea Penrose

by The Lit Bitch1 Comment on Review: Murder at Half Moon Gate (A Wrexford & Sloane Mystery #2) by Andrea Penrose

Last year I had the pleasure of reviewing the first book in a new series, Murder on Black Swan Lane, which was an exciting first book. I was anxious to read the next book and was thrilled to finally see it on Netgalley!

In the first book, I loved getting to know the protagonist, Lord Wrexford and Mrs Slone. While each had something that I liked independently, the thing I loved most about them was the chemistry. This book would no doubt capitalize on that chemistry.

When Lord Wrexford discovers the body of a gifted inventor in a dark London alley, he promptly alerts the watchman and lets the authorities handle the matter. But Wrexford soon finds himself drawn into the murder investigation when the inventor’s widow begs for his assistance, claiming the crime was not a random robbery. Continue reading “Review: Murder at Half Moon Gate (A Wrexford & Sloane Mystery #2) by Andrea Penrose” →

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Broken Girls by Simone St James

by The Lit Bitch4 Comments on Review: The Broken Girls by Simone St James

I am not a huge ghost story reader. In fact I rarely read any ghost stories because I like being able to sleep at night.

That said, this book has been all over my social media. It’s everywhere. I saw it on Book of the Month, long before I was approached to review it and admittedly was intrigued. I made a mental note to pick it up from my library once it was available and moved on.

Then it came across my desk for review. I was open to giving it a shot, and the cover was eye catching so I agreed. In Feb it was BOTM top pick and again, it was everywhere.  While I was recovering from my surgery in Feb, I was looking for something I could read quick and enjoy. So I got a jump on my March reading and started with this one. Continue reading “Review: The Broken Girls by Simone St James” →

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Gen Lit, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell

by The Lit Bitch3 Comments on Review: The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell

I had my eye on this book when it was released in the UK and I was eager to read it once it was published in the US. I am absolutely in love with the UK cover….the US cover not so much but the UK one is totally eye catching and screams READ ME.

When it came across my desk for review I was totally on board, especially since I was kind of on a ghost story kick. A Victorian ghost story….count me 100% in.

When Elsie married handsome young heir Rupert Bainbridge, she believed she was destined for a life of luxury. But with her husband dead just weeks after their marriage, her new servants resentful, and the local villagers actively hostile, Elsie has only her husband’s awkward cousin for company. Continue reading “Review: The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell” →

Book Critic, Book Review, Books, Literary Criticism, Reading

Review: The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover (The Darling Dahlias #7) by Susan Wittig Albert

by The Lit BitchLeave a Comment on Review: The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover (The Darling Dahlias #7) by Susan Wittig Albert

I have only read one book by Susan Wittig Albert and for me it was just ok….a little too cozy for my taste. So why read another one by her? I’ll tell you why, she has written so many books and has so many fans that I am willing to go on a little faith and see if something else by her appeals to me.

This book came across my desk for review and I was willing to give it a shot based on the fact that Wittig Albert has so many fans and I am bound to find something that I like in her works. So why not give this one a try?

It looks like the music has ended for Darling’s favourite barbershop quartet, the Lucky Four Clovers—just days before the Dixie Regional Barbershop Competition. Another unlucky break: a serious foul-up in Darling’s telephone system—and not a penny for repairs. And while liquor is legal again, moonshine isn’t. Sheriff Buddy Norris needs a little luck when he goes into Briar Swamp to confront Cypress County’s most notorious bootlegger. What he finds upends his sense of justice.

Once again, Susan Wittig Albert has told a charming story filled with richly human characters who face the Great Depression with courage and grace. She reminds us that friends offer the best of themselves to each other, community is what holds us together, and luck is what you make it (summary from Goodreads).  Continue reading “Review: The Darling Dahlias and the Unlucky Clover (The Darling Dahlias #7) by Susan Wittig Albert” →