The English Experience by Julie Schumacher

 

I loved this -- perfect blend of cynicism and optimism.

Mother, Neighbor, Russian Spy

 

I don't usually do podcasts, but this was gripping.

Absolution by Alice McDermott

 

I really enjoyed this. It took on a relatively unusual topic and setting, It's one of those books that feels well worth the read, but also that it isn't obvious how/why that is the case.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Christmas Presents by Lisa Unger

 

I usually like Unger, but I didn't like the sort of Christmas/horror mash-up. It just felt unnecessary, and not clever.

Review copy provided by publisher.

I Used to Be Fun by Melanie Summers

 

Super funny (maybe especially for women of a certain age), and interesting to think about.

Review copy provided by publisher.

The Last One by Will Dean

Well, I didn't see that twist coming.

The Last Close Call by Laura Griffin

 

I loved the local color (I mean, a serial killer from Round Rock?!?), but it was a bit cheesy, especially the romance angle.

The Body at Rookery Barn by Kate Hardy

 

I don't usually go in for cozy mysteries, but I thought that this one was really well done.

Review copy provided by publisher.

Death Valley by Melissa Broder

 

Very weird, but I think I liked it.

Instant Mom by Nia Vardalos

 

This was super funny and a really interesting perspective.

The Exchange by John Grisham

 

Kind of a departure for Grisham. It was decent.

Going Zero by Anthony McCarten

 

I loved this so, so much.

The Nix by Nathan Hill

 

I really liked this. I wish there were more Nathan Hill books.

Holly by Stephen King

 

This was fun.

Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll

 Started strong; did not stick the landing.

The Armor of Light by Ken Follett

 

As usual, I'm embarrassed by how much I enjoy Follett.

Rachel to the Rescue by Elinor Lipman

 

meh

Termination Shock by Neal Stephenson

 

Solid.

A Traitor in Whitehall

 

This was right on the line between "great story, great setting" and "ohdeargod not another regular English caught up in WWII-era spying."

Review copy provided by publisher.

Beware the Woman by Megan Abbott

 

Solid