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chaptersoncapecod's reviews
425 reviews
Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes
challenging
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Murder Your Employer: McMaster's Guide to Homicide" is a super fun and quirky read! It's a bit morbid, but this book is based on the question "what would the worst be like if your mortal enemy ceased to exist?"
Enter McMaster's Conservatory for the Applied Arts, where you can receive an education in homicide or "deletion". No one knows where the campus is and you can't apply by normal means, but through a vastly connected community of alumni, you can receive admission and even a sponsor. Now, you need to have an ethical reason for your elimination and you'll learn the skills to follow through on this. Not following through or not graduating? Well, you're looking at your elimination, mate. "Murder Your Employee" chronicles the education and deletion attempt for three students.
The plot of this book, while absurd, is laugh-out-loud funny. I have to wonder how Rupert came out with this idea and how many homicides he studied! I found it interesting that the deletions weren't gory, the school and the deletions were more clever and creative (odd to pair these adjectives with homicide, I know).
I also adored the writing style - it was brilliant, creative, and funny, with a rather polarizing title and premise.. I'm looking forward to reading more from Rupert!
Enter McMaster's Conservatory for the Applied Arts, where you can receive an education in homicide or "deletion". No one knows where the campus is and you can't apply by normal means, but through a vastly connected community of alumni, you can receive admission and even a sponsor. Now, you need to have an ethical reason for your elimination and you'll learn the skills to follow through on this. Not following through or not graduating? Well, you're looking at your elimination, mate. "Murder Your Employee" chronicles the education and deletion attempt for three students.
The plot of this book, while absurd, is laugh-out-loud funny. I have to wonder how Rupert came out with this idea and how many homicides he studied! I found it interesting that the deletions weren't gory, the school and the deletions were more clever and creative (odd to pair these adjectives with homicide, I know).
I also adored the writing style - it was brilliant, creative, and funny, with a rather polarizing title and premise.. I'm looking forward to reading more from Rupert!
Murder on Cape Cod by Maddie Day
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Well, I finally read a cozy mystery by Maddie Day (it's been on my list for a while). "Murder on Cape Cod" is the first of the "Cozy Capers" mystery series. In a cozy mystery (if you're not familiar), you find out the murder or the worst possible thing that will happen in the book right away, and then the rest of the book unravels the mystery.
In "Murder on Cape Cod," we find out that Westham local, Jake, has been found murdered on the bike path, right behind Mackenzie (Mac)'s home. Mac owns the local bike shop and is part of a book club in town. It's prime tourist season, so Mac and her book club friends decide to pull out all the stops in trying to figure out who killed Jake, despite the police saying "We've got this."
This book takes place in a fictional town, Westham, on Cape Cod, but I was picturing Falmouth the entire time. Falmouth is mentioned in the book, but I still couldn't shake that Westham is actually Falmouth, haha.
Overall, this was a fun read. I liked the aspect of the book club members trying to solve a crime - I wouldn't put that past my book club ladies either (we all want a safe community, am I right?!). And this was a nice break from some of the other intense mystery/thrillers that I read.
In "Murder on Cape Cod," we find out that Westham local, Jake, has been found murdered on the bike path, right behind Mackenzie (Mac)'s home. Mac owns the local bike shop and is part of a book club in town. It's prime tourist season, so Mac and her book club friends decide to pull out all the stops in trying to figure out who killed Jake, despite the police saying "We've got this."
This book takes place in a fictional town, Westham, on Cape Cod, but I was picturing Falmouth the entire time. Falmouth is mentioned in the book, but I still couldn't shake that Westham is actually Falmouth, haha.
Overall, this was a fun read. I liked the aspect of the book club members trying to solve a crime - I wouldn't put that past my book club ladies either (we all want a safe community, am I right?!). And this was a nice break from some of the other intense mystery/thrillers that I read.
The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl
funny
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Here is your chance to walk alongside Dave Grohl as he dazzles us with the story of his musical career. From the pivotal moment that opened the doors to Nirvana, to the start of the Foo Fighters, you're going to hear it all. And let me tell you, the audio is a top-notch experience for this one!
This memoir is a collection of stories, i.e. "The Storyteller." The stories allow Dave's creative side to shine and they're all consistently interesting. It was a slower read for me, but it was almost like getting a backstage pass to a several decades long alt-rock show.
I especially loved that Dave included so much about his daughters in his book. I almost felt like I knew them personally - especially when I happened to catch an episode of "The Morning Show", that featured the Foo Fighters and Violet!
If you're a fan of Nirvana, Foo Fighters, or music in general, don't miss Dave's book!
This memoir is a collection of stories, i.e. "The Storyteller." The stories allow Dave's creative side to shine and they're all consistently interesting. It was a slower read for me, but it was almost like getting a backstage pass to a several decades long alt-rock show.
I especially loved that Dave included so much about his daughters in his book. I almost felt like I knew them personally - especially when I happened to catch an episode of "The Morning Show", that featured the Foo Fighters and Violet!
If you're a fan of Nirvana, Foo Fighters, or music in general, don't miss Dave's book!
Tell Me What I Am by Una Mannion
challenging
dark
hopeful
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The title "Tell Me What I am" drew me to pick this book off the shelf at the library, and let me tell you, I am so thrilled that I picked it up.
This was a bizarre and chilling read, but I completely loved it. The premise of a young girl who is essentially taken from her family and raised by her father in rural Vermont. But he's very savvy in the wilderness and can teach his daughter how to live off the land. It's not as though she's locked in a basement somewhere, but with that being said, she is isolated from the outside world.
I loved the dual settings - Vermont and Philadelphia. (I felt as though I was right back in Philly - thanks Una!) Una's writing style was unique and it forced you to pay attention due to the multiple timelines shifting, multiple POVs, and the entire story is sort of blurred together, since there are no quotation marks denoting dialogue.
"Tell Me What I am" is such a unique read and perfect for these long winter nights.
This was a bizarre and chilling read, but I completely loved it. The premise of a young girl who is essentially taken from her family and raised by her father in rural Vermont. But he's very savvy in the wilderness and can teach his daughter how to live off the land. It's not as though she's locked in a basement somewhere, but with that being said, she is isolated from the outside world.
I loved the dual settings - Vermont and Philadelphia. (I felt as though I was right back in Philly - thanks Una!) Una's writing style was unique and it forced you to pay attention due to the multiple timelines shifting, multiple POVs, and the entire story is sort of blurred together, since there are no quotation marks denoting dialogue.
"Tell Me What I am" is such a unique read and perfect for these long winter nights.
The Guest by B.A. Paris
challenging
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you to Net Galley and St. Martin's Press for an advanced copy of "The Guest" by B.A. Paris in exchange for an honest review.
Folks, B.A. Paris is BACK with another mind-bending read. Saying this read is WILD doesn't even begin to cover the ride I was on while reading this. A whole cast of characters full of selfish secrets, and well, I can't tell you what happens but buckle up friends!!
Speaking of characters, I loved Paris' complex characters. And since she's the queen of the plot twist, well, these complex character get even more complicated. You'll be able to follow along just fine, because the logic is top-notch. It's actually unbelievable that Paris is able to craft such a wicked tale and keep all the pieces together.
I can't wait for ya'll to read this one!
PS - See content warnings.
Folks, B.A. Paris is BACK with another mind-bending read. Saying this read is WILD doesn't even begin to cover the ride I was on while reading this. A whole cast of characters full of selfish secrets, and well, I can't tell you what happens but buckle up friends!!
Speaking of characters, I loved Paris' complex characters. And since she's the queen of the plot twist, well, these complex character get even more complicated. You'll be able to follow along just fine, because the logic is top-notch. It's actually unbelievable that Paris is able to craft such a wicked tale and keep all the pieces together.
I can't wait for ya'll to read this one!
PS - See content warnings.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Suicide
The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"I'd forgotten how charming he could be, how disarming."
Prepare to be blind-sided! "The Last House Guest" is a very exciting read by Megan Miranda. It's a decently-paced story with timeline hops and many characters, which keeps it moving.
But seriously, I was completely caught off guard at the end. (And I love it when that happens). In fact, most of my book club was caught off guard and we spent about 20 minutes re-reading different sections and trying to piece together various clues (how did you write this, Megan?!). With different characters appearing and disappearing, Megan can throw us off the scent!
This book takes place in a seasonal town on the coast of Maine. Throughout the different events that unfold in the book, you can get that tourist season/off-season vibe for sure, and that was fun to read. I don't think the story would be quite the same if it wasn't a seasonal town.
Overall, a very fun and twisty read!
Prepare to be blind-sided! "The Last House Guest" is a very exciting read by Megan Miranda. It's a decently-paced story with timeline hops and many characters, which keeps it moving.
But seriously, I was completely caught off guard at the end. (And I love it when that happens). In fact, most of my book club was caught off guard and we spent about 20 minutes re-reading different sections and trying to piece together various clues (how did you write this, Megan?!). With different characters appearing and disappearing, Megan can throw us off the scent!
This book takes place in a seasonal town on the coast of Maine. Throughout the different events that unfold in the book, you can get that tourist season/off-season vibe for sure, and that was fun to read. I don't think the story would be quite the same if it wasn't a seasonal town.
Overall, a very fun and twisty read!
The Book of Lost Names by Kristin Harmel
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"She doesn't understand what it means to love books so passionately, that you would die without them, that you would simply stop breathing, stop existing."
Kristin Harmel's "The Book of Lost Names" is brilliant and a story that will stick with me for a while. Starting with character development, absolutely top-notch. I could feel the emotions through the pages of every character. Even a character like Eva's mom, who may not act as you'd wish, you can understand why because of Kristin's wonderful writing.
I enjoy historical fiction, especially WWII books, and this unique take from the perspective of a librarian turned forger was fascinating. I didn't know too much about the stolen books either and finding out that this was a real part of history, and German librarians today still have tons of stolen books is mind-blowing.
I couldn't put this book down. Every bit of it was perfect, from the dual timeline, the literary references, and the plot twist at the end!! Speechless, bravo Kristin!
Kristin Harmel's "The Book of Lost Names" is brilliant and a story that will stick with me for a while. Starting with character development, absolutely top-notch. I could feel the emotions through the pages of every character. Even a character like Eva's mom, who may not act as you'd wish, you can understand why because of Kristin's wonderful writing.
I enjoy historical fiction, especially WWII books, and this unique take from the perspective of a librarian turned forger was fascinating. I didn't know too much about the stolen books either and finding out that this was a real part of history, and German librarians today still have tons of stolen books is mind-blowing.
I couldn't put this book down. Every bit of it was perfect, from the dual timeline, the literary references, and the plot twist at the end!! Speechless, bravo Kristin!
The Fury by Alex Michaelides
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to @netgalley and @celadonbooks for an advanced copy in exchange for a review!
🏝️I was so excited to be transported to a remote Greek isle in Alex Michaelides latest thriller, “The Fury”. We start off by being introduced to our unreliable narrator, Elliot, who takes us on a crazy journey with Lana, an ex-movie star, and her privileged friends.
I loved the characters, especially Lana and Elliot. Honestly, the two of them are kind of made for one another in my mind. I also really enjoy reading books with hot mess characters, and I’d classify these as bat shit cray 🫠
The setting was perfect and once I found out what “the fury” was 🤩🤩🤩 yes, Alex! So good. Also, murders on a remote island, or any desolate location, are my cup of tea.
Lastly, the unreliable narrator was so good. Elliot read honestly, he didn’t have it all together and I felt that through the pages.
I only rated this 4.5 stars because I liked Silent Patient and The Maidens better, and I needed that little differentiator.
🏝️I was so excited to be transported to a remote Greek isle in Alex Michaelides latest thriller, “The Fury”. We start off by being introduced to our unreliable narrator, Elliot, who takes us on a crazy journey with Lana, an ex-movie star, and her privileged friends.
I loved the characters, especially Lana and Elliot. Honestly, the two of them are kind of made for one another in my mind. I also really enjoy reading books with hot mess characters, and I’d classify these as bat shit cray 🫠
The setting was perfect and once I found out what “the fury” was 🤩🤩🤩 yes, Alex! So good. Also, murders on a remote island, or any desolate location, are my cup of tea.
Lastly, the unreliable narrator was so good. Elliot read honestly, he didn’t have it all together and I felt that through the pages.
I only rated this 4.5 stars because I liked Silent Patient and The Maidens better, and I needed that little differentiator.
Simplicity Parenting: Using the Extraordinary Power of Less to Raise Calmer, Happier, and More Secure Kids by Lisa M. Ross, Kim John Payne
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Simplicity Parenting is one of my favorite parenting books to date! It was filled with thought-provoking tips and ideas for raising children, everything from getting your child to eat more food to helping their social and emotional well-being blossom. all while keeping the theme of simplification at the top of mind.
I've thought about simplification often in the most recent months, I guess the most recent years if I'm being honest. If you've ever gone through the possessions of someone who has passed on, you probably understand that previously mentioned feeling. When does stuff become too much?
One benefit of simplification leads to fewer choices - I hadn't thought about this much, but when I read through the impact in the book, well we all just sound silly, because I am this "too many choices" parent at times:
I've thought about simplification often in the most recent months, I guess the most recent years if I'm being honest. If you've ever gone through the possessions of someone who has passed on, you probably understand that previously mentioned feeling. When does stuff become too much?
One benefit of simplification leads to fewer choices - I hadn't thought about this much, but when I read through the impact in the book, well we all just sound silly, because I am this "too many choices" parent at times:
- "What kind of sandwich do you want?"
- "What shape cookie cutter should I cut it with?"
- "Which morning snack do you want?"
- "What water bottle do you want today?"
It's maddening! I have to say, I started this book in late 2023, November ish, and this "choices" section is something I recognized in myself immediately and I stopped asking my child for his opinion on these matters. A 5-year-old should not need to make all of these choices every single day just for me to pack his lunch.
While this book goes through some layers of simplification that are too extreme for my taste (i.e. I am not going to get rid of the TVs in our home), it offers other perspectives which I believe are all valuable. So no, I don't need to get rid of TVs, but my husband and I can set a realistic screen schedule/limit with our child as we see fit.
I feel as though I'm rambling a bit, but I have one more point to share - urging your children (and yourself) to find the beauty in an ordinary day. I've started using that exact language, as in "Today is going to be an ordinary day and we're spending it together. We may hang out at home all day, we might go for a walk, maybe we'll go out to eat, but it's ordinary and we're going to enjoy it." This mindset alone has helped all of us.
There are plenty more highlights and valuable insights in this book - if you're looking for some additional perspectives on parenting, I highly recommend picking up "Simplicity Parenting."
While this book goes through some layers of simplification that are too extreme for my taste (i.e. I am not going to get rid of the TVs in our home), it offers other perspectives which I believe are all valuable. So no, I don't need to get rid of TVs, but my husband and I can set a realistic screen schedule/limit with our child as we see fit.
I feel as though I'm rambling a bit, but I have one more point to share - urging your children (and yourself) to find the beauty in an ordinary day. I've started using that exact language, as in "Today is going to be an ordinary day and we're spending it together. We may hang out at home all day, we might go for a walk, maybe we'll go out to eat, but it's ordinary and we're going to enjoy it." This mindset alone has helped all of us.
There are plenty more highlights and valuable insights in this book - if you're looking for some additional perspectives on parenting, I highly recommend picking up "Simplicity Parenting."