Thomas F. (hardtack) - , reviewed on 7/1/2025 + 2835 more book reviews

The author uses real dairies of two Civil War soldiers---one Confederate and one Union, both in their early to mid-twenties--- to trace their movement and thoughts from early June, 1863, to just after the Battle of Gettysburg in July, 1863. Frequent full-page maps track their progress.

One left the battle alive, while the other didn't.

The author also adds commentary to their diary entries and what is happening in the greater picture of the two armies in their movement to their clash in the greatest battle found in North America.

There are two small problems which don't detract from the narrative. The author has a Union officer discovering Robert E. Lee's plans wrapped around cigars just before the Battle of Antietam in September 1862. Actually, it was two Union enlisted men who discovered the plans. And the author states not many casualties resulted from the use of bayonets. As causalities were recorded at hospitals, this overlooks the number who died from bayonet wounds. As the bayonet was a triangular blade, a wound received from it didn't close. So, unless the bayoneted man received prompt medical assistance, he quickly bled to death and never made it to a hospital.

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Sharry G. (thriftygram) reviewed on 7/1/2025 + 11 more book reviews

It was a good read. Interesting

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Sharry G. (thriftygram) reviewed on 7/1/2025 + 11 more book reviews

It was good. Enjoyed the read.

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Robert F. reviewed on 7/1/2025 + 2 more book reviews

Great Story! There are many plot twists that keep you wondering what is going to happen next.

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Elizabeth R. (esjro) - , reviewed on 6/30/2025 + 1006 more book reviews

My first job as a teenager was at a zoo, so I've always been interested in zoos. I love going to see the animals at zoos where the animals are health, not stressed and well cared for, and I loathe zoos that do not meet those criteria, so I was very interested in reading this book by a long time zoo veterinarian.

This book was published by an academic press, but it is written in an accessible style and there are lots of photos. It opens with a history of veterinary care in zoos (early zoos were resistent to veterinarians), and then goes on to describe aspects of zoo operations such as feeding, captive breeding, habitat design, and even some stories about quirky zoo visitors.

I particularly appreciate the authors acknowledgement of the concerns many people have about zoos, and his discussion of animal rights versus animal welfare. Although published in 2007 it does not feel dated, as his argument that resisting extremes and instead finding common ground will result in the best outcomes for the animals is still true today.

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Alice B. reviewed on 6/30/2025 + 3728 more book reviews

Joel is a pretty 17 year-old girl her stepfather threatened to rape her all the time and she knows he's not kidding. She's got to run away from home but she has to disguise herself as a boy so no one can tell him where she is and she's gotta get far far away from home so he can never find her Her mother dream before her mother died that a man would come to rescue. Joel and Joel is hoping that's true.

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Robin M. (robinmy) - , reviewed on 6/30/2025 + 2166 more book reviews

Detective Napoleon "Nap" Dumas' life changed fifteen years ago when his twin brother Leo and Leo's girlfriend Diana were found dead on the railroad tracks. The same night Nap's girlfriend Maura disappeared from his life forever. Nap doesn't know why Leo and Diana were on the railroad tracks. And he doesn't know why Maura just left without a word; but he has been trying to find answers to these questions for years. Now two Pennsylvania detectives are on his doorstep. A cop named Rex Stanton was gunned down at a traffic stop. Nap knew him but hadn't talked to him since graduation. Fingerprints found inside the rental car match Maura. Since Nap has requested to be notified if Maura's prints ever show up, the detectives are here to notify him and hope he can help them with this case.

This is another winner by Harlan Coben. I was never sure where the story was going, but I enjoyed the ride. There are a lot of twists and turns I didn't see coming. I also enjoyed the cameo appearance of Myron Bolitar in this story. I love it when Coben's characters show up in other books.

I listened to the audiobook narrated by Steven Weber. He is one of my favorite narrators and did a great job with this story. My rating: 4 Stars.

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Thomas F. (hardtack) - , reviewed on 6/30/2025 + 2835 more book reviews

I've read almost all of Gordon-Smith's books, so you think I would have learned something. Somewhere around page 170, I saw a vague hint as to who "James Smith" was. Aha! I cried. She cleverly tried to fool us, but I figured it out. So imagine how chagrined I felt when she did the reveal. Red herrings abound.

Oh, well, at least I enjoyed this interesting World War I spy story. There is a sequel, but I had already read that.

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Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) - reviewed on 6/30/2025 + 710 more book reviews

Thank you to Uplit Reads and Kensington for copies of a book that's perfect for summer. I started reading The Guest Cottage while on a reading retreat last weekend, and was quickly swept into the family drama facing main character Marlow. While divorcing her unfaithful husband, he dies in a car accident, devastating his parents and complicating her exit from their lives. She travels hundreds of miles away to begin her life again, and events don't unfold in the way she expects.

Ms. Foster develops a compelling sense of place in The Guest Cottage. The (closed door) romance is swoony, but several plot points require serious suspension of disbelief. I recommend going into this without reading the summary.

If fireflies, lakeside sunrises, an almost-too-good-to-be-true ex-Marine hero, and a small-town tavern appeal to you, prepare to become an honorary resident of Bramble, Kentucky through the pages of this book.

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Valerie S. (VolunteerVal) - reviewed on 6/30/2025 + 710 more book reviews

I've always thought of Katherine Center's novels as light women's fiction even though the bright illustrated covers convey a different genre. After reading The Love Haters, I finally reclassified her books in my mind as rom-coms, hoping I'll enjoy them for what they are. Ms. Center believes fiercely in the importance of reading romance, and I don't dispute this. I'm just always surprised at the heavy emphasis of physical comedy in her plots (but by now I really shouldn't be).

The Love Haters is Katie and Hutch's story. Fearing for her job, Katie accepts an assignment to film a profile about Hutch, a Coast Guard rescue swimmer. She travels to Key West to capture him in his element, and her inability to swim, his avoidance of the spotlight, and his beloved dog cause all sorts of madcap situations.

Her romcoms include at least one "serious" subplot, and I could relate to Katie's issues with her physical body. Hutch, of course, has some things to work through as well. Several points of the story were touching, but they were far overshadowed by Chevy Chase-level slapstick comedy which doesn't always appeal to me.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for the review copies of this novel. Summer definitely feels like the perfect season for reading Katherine Center's rom-coms.

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Karen S. (BoysMom) - , reviewed on 6/30/2025 + 1001 more book reviews

Sick as a Dog by Tracy Carter

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


This 'must-read' for dog lovers hits the ground running and never lets up!

Sick As a Dog is the third book in author Tracy Carter's exciting dog-themed series, the Veronica Kildare K-9 Mysteries, featuring the energetic dog handler and trainer, her talented Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Leda, and a host of amazing service and support dogs. With an engaging group of recurring characters, their dogs, and several diverse, interwoven storylines, Veronica's latest adventure is action-packed from page one as she and Leda complete the first of many search and rescue missions.

Veronica Kildare is a young 30-something with a tragic past, a summary of which the author skillfully weaves into the current action. Although this is the third book in the series, the concise retelling of how Veronica came to be in Colorado, the owner of a successful dog training business and well-appointed facility, will provide readers new to the series with an excellent foundation to enjoy this one as a standalone. Veronica continues to suffer the emotional and physical aftereffects of what occurred in Ohio, leading to her relocation to the Rocky Mountains, but she is slowly coming to terms with her past, altered future, and the reality that she needs to move on and live the rest of her life. Her dedication to helping find persons lost or in trouble in the surrounding Colorado mountains has, in turn, helped her as well.

As previously mentioned, the plot takes off quickly with Veronica and Leda on the trail of a missing rock climber and with little pause they are called upon to assist in a new concern involving the suspected illegal dumping of hazardous waste that appears to be impacting a local river and the water source for a large natural area as well as downstream agri-businesses. When Leda discovers the semi-nude body of a young woman in the same location and the park ranger who initially asked for assistance is critically injured in a single-car accident that was no accident, Veronica, her father, Leda, Officer Tim Donovan, and a local investigative reporter dig in to find answers and determine if these diverse events are related.

The descriptions of the natural areas Veronica and Leda search are vividly drawn, and you can almost hear the insects, birds, and other wildlife or breathe the fresh mountain air as you read. The detailed recounting of the search and rescue missions puts you on the scene and is a highlight of the book, as are the descriptions of the dogs' training sessions and their often amusing and clever antics.

I recommend SICK AS A DOG and the entire Veronica Kildare K-9 Mystery series to mystery readers, especially those who love working dogs and canine family members.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from Reedsy Discovery.

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Marci (marcijo28) - reviewed on 6/30/2025 + 385 more book reviews

This book has the complete stupidity/craziness of every character ... which is actually the funniest part of the book. The author does a great job of creating several scenarios and then tying all of the stories together.

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Marci (marcijo28) - reviewed on 6/30/2025 + 385 more book reviews

Definitely must-read for fans of urban fantasy with a comedic twist.

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Alice B. reviewed on 6/29/2025 + 3728 more book reviews

NATIONAL BESTSELLER ⢠âThe greatest World War II story never toldâ (Esquire)âan enthralling account of the heroic mission to rescue the last survivors of the Bataan Death Marchâfrom the author of Blood and Thunder.

On January 28, 1945, 121 hand-selected U.S. troops slipped behind enemy lines in the Philippines. Their mission: March thirty rugged miles to rescue 513 POWs languishing in a hellish camp, among them the last survivors of the infamous Bataan Death March. A recent prison massacre by Japanese soldiers elsewhere in the Philippines made the stakes impossibly high and left little time to plan the complex operation.

In Ghost Soldiers Hampton Sides vividly re-creates this daring raid, offering a minute-by-minute narration that unfolds alongside intimate portraits of the prisoners and their lives in the camp. Sides shows how the POWs banded together to survive, defying the Japanese authorities even as they endured starvation, tropical diseases, and torture. Harrowing, poignant, and inspiring, Ghost Soldiers is the mesmerizing story of a remarkable mission. It is also a testament to the human spirit, an account of enormous bravery and self-sacrifice amid the most trying conditions.

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Donna C. (g-ma) reviewed on 6/29/2025 + 3194 more book reviews

Wow!!

I was amazed at the storyline of this book, it was GREAT!

It wasn't what I expected but Deaver takes you inside the mind of the leader of a cult and the cult members, it is an eye opener if you are interested, although this is fiction he does such a great job with the storyline that you have to believe it and it can be scary!

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Julie Y. (naboo) reviewed on 6/29/2025 + 40 more book reviews

What an adorable book! I remember back in the 90s when The Red Hat Society was founded and loved seeing women wearing red hats, purple outfits, and feather boas.

Anyway, I enjoyed reading the rules, motto, and vocabulary established for their organization.

Here are a few of my favorite sayings:

"Fifty?... Why, that's just thirty with twenty years' experience, darlin'."

"Deny your age, but not your appetite."

"I don't have hot flashes. I have power surges."

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Julie Y. (naboo) reviewed on 6/28/2025 + 40 more book reviews

Lanya Virtue is a recovering alcoholic and former cop who is attempting to embark on a musical career. Thus, while performing at a child's birthday party, Chuckles the Clown dies from nicotine poisoning. Additionally, at her AA meetings, Bree, Charise, and Scarlett befriend Lanya, and before she knows it, the entire group, are trying to solve the murder. 

I have to be honest I was quite disappointed in the murder mystery, and I had many questions regarding who was harassing Lanya. Such as who spray-painted her trailer with "MURDER" and left a six-pack of beer outside her front door. 

But I did enjoy the colorful characters throughout the story. For example, Don Virtue, Lanya's father and former rock superstar, who suffers from dementia from drug abuse when he was younger. Agnes Harcourt is a member of the HOA for Pinecrest Trailer Park along with Myrtle Jean Maud and Clifford Bagstrodt. Anyway, according to the bylaws, all holiday decorations must be taken down and stored away until next season within the end of the holiday. Unfortunately, Jeanette Winthrop, one of the residents, still had her July 4th flag (aka regular American flag) still displayed therefore, she earned herself an infraction and three weeks of community service. But since she died over a month ago, she was excused from doing community service. 

I chuckled while reading this book and am definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series. 

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Frank H. (perryfran) reviewed on 6/28/2025 + 1270 more book reviews

Joyce Carol Oates continues to amaze me with how she is able to actually get into the minds of her characters. Zombie was written in 1995 and is loosely based on the life of Jeffrey Dahmer. Oates delves into the consciousness of the very disturbed serial killer, Quentin P. who tries to create a sex zombie out of unsuspecting young men by attempting to lobotomize them so they will do his bidding. His attempts all end in failure and his victims die after being raped and tortured. Quentin keeps mementos of his crimes but has no regrets or empathy for the victims.

The novel is told in a stream of consciousness style with Oates presenting the acts of Quentin in a very real and frightening way as the psychopath plots to satisfy his deviant urges. This was really a disturbing novel yet Oates is able to tell the story to make it very believable. Oates does use some very graphic details in her narrative including Quentin's attempts at performing lobotomies but she doesn't go overboard in the descriptions like in such novels as American Psycho. It's really how Oates is able to access the mind of the killer that provides the scares in this slim novel.

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Alice B. reviewed on 6/28/2025 + 3728 more book reviews

From award winning writer, Lila Philip Beaverland is a masterful work of narrative science writing Philip follows for trappers for traders and for auctioneers, as well as wildlife managers, Pita activist native American, environmental, vigilante, scientist, engineers, and the colorful group of activist known as beaver believers Beaverland is beautifully written in impeccably researched it reveals the profound ways in which one eyed creature and the trade surrounding it has shaped history, culture, and our environment

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Elizabeth R. (esjro) - , reviewed on 6/28/2025 + 1006 more book reviews

Mostly hits and a few misses, but overall a very strong collection. My favorites were The Look, Pointlessness, Spar and Spores, as well as the last story in the book (I can't remember the name). The last storyw as seriously creepy.

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Regina C. (flyinggems) reviewed on 6/28/2025 + 487 more book reviews

This is the 28th book in the series. I would highly recommend starting from the beginning.

It's the holiday season and Meg is working with a community group to help people finish projects around their homes.

Meg Langslow
1. Murder with Peacocks (1999)
2. Murder with Puffins (2000)
3. Revenge of the Wrought Iron Flamingos (2001)
4. Crouching Buzzard, Leaping Loon (2003)
5. We'll Always Have Parrots (2004)
6. Owls Well That Ends Well (2005)
7. No Nest for the Wicket (2006)
8. The Penguin Who Knew Too Much (2007)
9. Cockatiels At Seven (2008)
10. Six Geese A-slaying (2008)
11. Swan for the Money (2009)
12. Stork Raving Mad (2010)
13. The Real Macaw (2011)
14. Some Like It Hawk (2012)
15. The Hen of the Baskervilles (2013)
16. Duck the Halls (2013)
17. The Good, the Bad, and the Emus (2014)
18. The Nightingale Before Christmas (2014)
19. Lord of the Wings (2015)
20. Die Like an Eagle (2016)
21. Gone Gull (2017)
22. How the Finch Stole Christmas! (2017)
23. Toucan Keep a Secret (2018)
24. Lark! The Herald Angels Sing (2018)
25. Terns of Endearment (2019)
26. Owl Be Home for Christmas (2019)
27. The Falcon Always Wings Twice (2020)
28. The Gift of the Magpie (2020)
29. Murder Most Fowl (2021)
30. The Twelve Jays of Christmas (2021)
31. Round Up the Usual Peacocks (2022)
32. Dashing Through the Snowbirds (2022)
33. Birder, She Wrote (2023)
34. Let It Crow! Let It Crow! Let It Crow! (2023)
35. Between a Flock and a Hard Place (2024)
36. Rockin' Around the Chickadee (2024)
37. For Duck's Sake (2025)
38. Five Golden Wings (2025)

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Melissa B. (dragoneyes) - , reviewed on 6/28/2025 + 882 more book reviews

I honestly did not finish. There was a couple of reasons I did not care for this book. One was I started it soon after reading Tingle's Camp Damascus. They were way too similar. Such that I really wasn't up for reading another book with the same exact theme. The other was that the story tried too hard to be way over-the-top and it made it fall flat. Topped with one dimensional characters, I just couldn't go on.

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Melissa B. (dragoneyes) - , reviewed on 6/28/2025 + 882 more book reviews

Such a sweet and silly book. I really enjoyed this story but maybe not as much as the first one. It took me just a little bit to get into but not too much. I do love the characters! It is what really makes the book. The story is pretty darn good too. Look forward to the next book in the series.

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Melissa B. (dragoneyes) - , reviewed on 6/28/2025 + 882 more book reviews

A charming book that is made up of heart-warming short stories. Each story has someone struggling in his or her way. They all make their way to an unusual clinic that is willing to help by prescribing a cat. Even though each person's experience is different, all their lives are transformed. Meaningful stories full of inspiration.

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Karen S. (BoysMom) - , reviewed on 6/28/2025 + 1001 more book reviews

The Lost Concerto by Helaine Mario

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Thrilling mystery and romantic suspense novel featuring a missing child and a classical music theme!

The Lost Concerto is the first book in author Helaine Mario's thrilling Maggie O'Shea Romantic Suspense series and features a grieving classical pianist searching for her godson, the child of her best friend, who went missing at the time of her murder. With its compelling plot, immersive settings, and well-drawn characters, I couldn't put this book down.

Life has often dealt Maggie O'Shea a tough hand, but the past year has been devastating with the murder of her best friend, former US diplomat Sofia Orsini on a remote island off the coast of France and the disappearance of Sofia's young son, followed by the accidental death of her husband in a boating accident as he searched for clues to the child's location. But when Special Agent Simon Sugarman approaches her with a clue to the child's whereabouts out of Maggie's own past, she knows she must go to France and follow it up herself even if it means reuniting with her first love and the father of her only son who's been MIA/Presumed Dead for over 30 years.

Maggie is an engaging and sympathetic heroine who, as the story opens, is barely keeping it together after the events of the previous year. She's sunk deeply into her depression over her beloved husband's death, steeped in guilt for having involved Jimmy, an experienced investigative reporter, in the search for the missing Tommy and Sofia's murderer. Due to her grief, Maggie, an acclaimed concert pianist, no longer has the will to play, but she's determined to do anything she can to find Tommy, including traveling to France under the guise of performing at their upcoming musical events. She's convinced the boy's father, a man suspected of heading up and financing a deadly international terror organization, is responsible for his mother's death. Sugarman teams her up with a retired government operative who's facing his own demons, and their initial meeting is anything but positive. I loved watching their relationship turn into something completely different.

Told from multiple points of view as our protagonists follow their meager clues and travel across the pond to France. The descriptions of the various settings are vivid and authentic, making you feel you are viewing the action from inside the scenes themselves. Throughout the book, the questions of who they can trust and what clues will bring them the answers they need to rescue the missing boy from his own father remain key to their success. I recommend THE LOST CONCERTO to readers of mysteries, thrillers, and romantic suspense, especially those with an interest in classical music.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

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