Just a girl and her books
THE HACIENDA | Isabel Cañas 05.03.2022 | Berkley Rating: 3.5/5 stars In the overthrow of the Mexican government, Beatriz’s father is executed and her home destroyed. When handsome Don Rodolfo Solórzano proposes, Beatriz ignores the rumors surrounding his first wife’s sudden demise, choosing instead to seize the security his estate in the countryside provides. But … Continue reading Book Review: The Hacienda
THEY DROWN OUR DAUGHTERS | Katrina Monroe 7.12.22 | Poisoned Pen Press Rating: 3/5 stars They say Cape Disappointment is haunted. That's why tourists used to flock there in droves. They'd visit the rocky shoreline under the old lighthouse's watchful eye and fish shells from the water as they pretended to spot dark shapes in … Continue reading Book Review: They Drown Our Daughters
THE ANCESTOR | Danielle Trussoni 04.07.2020 | William Morrow Rating: 4.5/5 stars Alberta “Bert” Monte has received a mysterious letter addressed to Countess Alberta Montebianco and her New York address. The letter claims that she has inherited a noble title, money, and a castle in Italy. Bert can’t begin to imagine how this might be … Continue reading Book Review: The Ancestor
THE STRANGER DIARIES | Elly Griffiths 03.05.2019 | Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Rating: 5/5 stars Clare Cassidy is a high school English teacher who specializes in the works of Gothic writer, R.M. Holland, who just happened to reside in the school she now teaches at. When one of Clare’s close friends and colleagues is found murdered … Continue reading Book Review: The Stranger Diaries
DAUGHTERS OF THE LAKE | Wendy Webb 11.01.2018 | Lake Union Publishing 4/5 stars Kate Granger is attempting to put her life back in order on the heels of learning that her husband, Kevin, was having an affair. She has quit her job and gone back to her safe place, her parent’s home, in an … Continue reading Book Review: Daughters of the Lake
WE HAVE ALWAYS LIVED IN THE CASTLE | Shirley Jackson First published 1962 | Penguin Rating: 4/5 stars Merricat Blackwood lives on her family’s secluded estate with her sister Constance and Uncle Julian. The Blackwood family has been blacklisted in the neighboring town. Not long ago there were more Blackwoods living on the estate, but … Continue reading Book Review: We Have Always Lived in the Castle
HOUSE OF SPINES | Michael J. Malone 04.01.2018 | Orenda Books Rating: 4/5 stars Ranald McGhie has a tumultuous past with mental health problems stemming from the loss of his parents. He is divorced, living alone, and trying to make ends meet with a less-than-creative writing career. That all changes when he receives notice that … Continue reading Book Review: House of Spines
What Jess Reads 