The Crime Writer’s Association presents a new anthology titled Vintage Crime, which celebrates members’ work over the years. Edited by Martin Edwards, who has been editing the anthology since 1996, this collection goes back to the mid-1950s and moves forward into the twenty-first century. It  includes many award-winning and nominated stories, making it the perfect read for crime fiction lovers looking for some great stories to spend their days reading. Continue reading “Vintage Crime Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Set in the Summer of 1989, Hawthorn Woods is a story that delves behind the curtain in a seemingly perfect neighborhood. When Francine Haddix comes to stay with her sister for two weeks after her divorce, she finds herself not actually able to focus on her emotions, but on the town itself. Her own pain is put on hold as she begins investigating. Continue reading “Hawthorn Woods Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Accidentals is the latest novel from Susan M. Gaines which uses the environments and how we leave our mark on the earth around us to explore our emotional and physical imprints. Environmental fiction is a genre that I admittedly do not read much of, though I have review some books that I feel fall under this umbrella. Many of them held a sort of mystical or fantastical basis, this one though stays more rooted firmly in the realm of traditional fiction. Continue reading “Accidentals Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Releasing in October of this year, Lynne Sharon Schwartz’s collection of short fiction, Truthtelling, will focus on characters and stories that are set in and around New York City. While the stories will share a location connection they are all presented with diverse techniques. You will be wowed by the blend of realism and more fantastical stories that she presents in a well collected work. Continue reading “Truthtelling Book Review from @kleffnotes”

Robyn Crowe just wants to take some time for herself to cope with her grief after the death of her husband. Her sister offers her the use of her coastal cottage near a sleepy village, which seems perfect. That is until the secrets lurking in the walls make their way into the real world, turning the seeming safe haven into something truly frightening. Continue reading “The Malan Witch Book Review from @kleffnotes”

MarcyKate Connolly is debuting her first YA novel this fall and for readers who enjoy Marissa Meyer and her futuristic take on fairy tales, Twin Daggers is something they will love. By taking the well known story of Romeo and Juliet and adding a fantasy twist, Connolly has created a new world where Juliet is given more agency in the story. This story will transport you and drop you into a world where magic and revenge are tied together. Continue reading “Twin Daggers Book Review from @kleffnotes”

The power of stories has been shown to provide people with higher levels of well-being and resiliency, even if these stories do not truly reflect who you are or your life experiences. They help us to find different ways of being and give us a chance to express ourselves. Illustrator Yoshi Yoshitani grew up with both Japanese and American traditions and is very comfortable using the power of stories to bridge different cultures. In Beneath the Moon there are unique and stunning colorful illustrations created by Yoshi that are paired with seventy-eight fairy tales, myths, and divine stories from around the world. Continue reading “Beneath the Moon and Tarot of the Divine Review from @kleffnotes”

Under Your Skin is in the genre of domestic thriller that includes books like Girl on the Train and Gone Girl. Rose McClelland has crafted a tense read that will keep you guessing and turning pages until you find yourself suddenly on the last page. While she has written a great deal of fiction, McClelland is taking us on her first journey into the world of thrillers and she has done a perfect job. Continue reading “Under Your Skin Book Review from @kleffnotes”