Nicole About Town

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The Heiress: A Novel by Rachel Hawkins | REVIEW

This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

The Heiress: A NovelThe Heiress: A Novel by Rachel Hawkins
Publication Date: January 9, 2024
Publisher: St. Martin's Press / Macmillan
Pages: 304
Goodreads
Source: From the Publisher
Genre: Fiction / Thrillers / Suspense
Rating: ★★★★
Synopsis:

New York Times bestselling author Rachel Hawkins returns with a twisted new gothic suspense about an infamous heiress and the complicated inheritance she left behind.
THERE’S NOTHING AS GOOD AS THE RICH GONE BAD

When Ruby McTavish Callahan Woodward Miller Kenmore dies, she’s not only North Carolina’s richest woman, she’s also its most notorious. The victim of a famous kidnapping as a child and a widow four times over, Ruby ruled the tiny town of Tavistock from Ashby House, her family’s estate high in the Blue Ridge Mountains.
But in the aftermath of her death, her adopted son, Camden, wants little to do with the house or the money—and even less to do with the surviving McTavishes. Instead, he rejects his inheritance, settling into a normal life as an English teacher in Colorado and marrying Jules, a woman just as eager to escape her own messy past.

Ten years later, his uncle’s death pulls Cam and Jules back into the family fold at Ashby House. Its views are just as stunning as ever, its rooms just as elegant, but the legacy of Ruby is inescapable.

And as Ashby House tightens its grip on Jules and Camden, questions about the infamous heiress come to light. Was there any truth to the persistent rumors following her disappearance as a girl? What really happened to those four husbands, who all died under mysterious circumstances? And why did she adopt Cam in the first place? Soon, Jules and Cam realize that an inheritance can entail far more than what’s written in a will––and that the bonds of family stretch far beyond the grave.


REVIEW

I have read all of Rachel Hawkins’ books at this point, and while they are all good, The Heiress: A Novel is by far the best. This book takes you on a wild and interesting ride. We initially follow one of the characters, Cam, and his wife Jules, as he returns home after a long absence to deal with his inheritance and his family. The story is told from the alternating viewpoints of at least three characters, revealing the secrets of a complex family.

As the story unfolds and progresses, each unexpected revelation left me in absolute shock and awe. I constantly found myself in a state of uncertainty, thinking that I had finally unravelled the story’s secrets, only to be pleasantly surprised that I was completely mistaken. Every subsequent revelation brought an even greater sense of disbelief, causing my jaw to drop in sheer astonishment and amazement.

Although the story starts with Cam, it is not solely about him. The true main character is Ruby, Cam’s deceased adoptive mother. Her story, character, and life are incredibly fascinating. We not only get glimpses of how others perceived her, but we also hear her story through her own words in the form of letters. Ruby is the character who connects everyone and everything in this story, tying everything together tightly.

Rachel Hawkins has crafted The Heiress: A Novel with great care, making it impossible to put down. I want to express my gratitude to St. Martin’s Press, MacMillan Audio, and NetGalley for providing me with advanced review copies of both the digital and audiobook versions. The book is amazing in any format, but if you truly want to be blown away, I highly recommend picking up the audiobook for its outstanding performance and production.

Lightseekers: A Novel by Femi Ayode | REVIEW

This book was purchased by me for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Lightseekers: A NovelLightseekers: A Novel by Femi Kayode
Series: A Philip Taiwo Mystery #1
Publication Date: March 2, 2021
Publisher: Mulholland Books / Hachette Book Group
Pages: 432
Goodreads
Genre: Fiction / Mystery & Detective / International Crime & Mystery
Rating: ★★★½
Synopsis:

A Nigerian psychologist travels to a remote southern border town to uncover the truth about the murder of three university students in this "original and fast-paced thriller" (Lauren Wilkinson, author of American Spy).

When Dr. Philip Taiwo is called on by a powerful Nigerian politician to investigate the public torture and murder of three university students in remote Port Harcourt, he has no idea that he’s about to be enveloped by a perilous case that is far from cold.

Philip is not a detective. He’s an investigative psychologist, an academic more interested in figuring out the why of a crime than actually solving it. But when he steps off the plane and into the dizzying frenzy of the provincial airport, he soon realizes that the murder of the Okriki Three isn’t as straightforward as he thought. With the help of his loyal and streetwise personal driver, Chika, Philip must work against those actively conspiring against him to parse together the truth of what happened to these students.

A thrilling and atmospheric mystery, and an unforgettable portrait of the contemporary Nigerian sociopolitical landscape, Lightseekers is a wrenching novel tackling the porousness between the first and third worlds, the enduring strength of tribalism and homeland identity, and the human need for connection in the face of isolation.


REVIEW

As much as I enjoy reading crime thrillers, I sometimes struggle to fully immerse myself in a thriller book set in a different culture or country. I often miss the nuances and little details in those stories, which prevents me from truly engaging with them. However, that was not the case with Lightseekers: A Novel by Femi Kayode, the first book in the Philip Taiwo series. It was the perfect blend of what I’m familiar with and an introduction to a completely different culture and way of life.

Dr. Philip Taiwo, an investigative psychologist in Nigeria, was educated at an American university. Despite his Nigerian heritage, he is unfamiliar with the Nigerian way of life. As he learns about the culture, you, as the reader, also learn about it. This approach makes it feel less intimidating and aids in the assimilation of information.

I appreciate that Dr. Taiwo is both an outsider and not an outsider. This makes him the ideal person to investigate the mob attack on a group of young men, which resulted in several deaths. He is driven by a genuine desire to uncover the truth, rather than having a personal stake or connection to the people or places involved. His objectivity sets him apart from others in positions of power.

The plot development and pacing are exceptional. There are no dull moments, and no lapses in interest, and the author ensures that you, as the reader, are never left out of the loop. The author skillfully explains the cultural differences between Nigeria and the West, as well as the diversity among the different peoples and tribes that make up Nigeria. It is fascinating and captivating.

Turning Angel: A Novel by Greg Iles | REVIEW

This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Turning Angel: A NovelTurning Angel: A Novel by Greg Iles
Series: Penn Cage #2
Publication Date: December 27, 2005
Publisher: Scribner / Simon & Schuster
Pages: 512
Goodreads
Source: Personal Copy
Rating: ★★★★½
Synopsis:

As two of the most prominent citizens of Natchez, Drew and Penn sit on the school board of their alma mater, St. Stephen's Prep. When the nude body of a young female student is found near the Mississippi River, the entire community is shocked -- but no one more than Penn, who discovers that his best friend was entangled in a passionate relationship with the girl and may be accused of her murder.
On the surface, Kate Townsend seems the most unlikely murder victim imaginable. A star student and athlete, she'd been accepted to Harvard and carried the hope and pride of the town on her shoulders. But like her school and her town, Kate also had a secret life -- one about which her adult lover knew little. When Drew begs Penn to defend him, Penn allows his sense of obligation to override his instinct and agrees. Yet before he can begin, both men are drawn into a dangerous web of blackmail and violence. Drew reacts like anything but an innocent man, and Penn finds himself doubting his friend's motives and searching for a path out of harm's way.

More dangerous yet is Shad Johnson, the black district attorney whose dream is to send a rich white man to death row in Mississippi. At Shad's order, Drew is jailed, the police cease hunting Kate's killer, and Penn realizes that only by finding Kate's murderer himself can he save his friend's life.

With his daughter's babysitter as his guide, Penn penetrates the secret world of St. Stephen's, a place that parents never see,where reality veers so radically from appearance that Penn risks losing his own moral compass. St. Stephen's is a dark mirror of the adult world, one populated by steroid-crazed jocks, girls desperate for attention, jaded teens flirting with nihilism, and hidden among them all -- one true psychopath. It is Penn's journey into the heart of his alma mater that gives Turning Angel its hypnotic power, for on that journey he finds that the intersection of the adult and nearly adult worlds is a dangerous place indeed. By the time Penn arrives at the shattering truth behind Kate Townsend's death, his quiet Southern town will never be the same.


REVIEW

In my 2011 review of the first book in the Penn Cage series by Greg Iles, The Quiet Game, I mentioned that I didn’t start the series there. Instead, I actually began with the second book, Turning Angel. I am truly grateful to whoever or whatever introduced me to Greg Iles and his Penn Cage series because it is truly remarkable.

While I enjoyed The Quiet Game (I gave it a four-star rating), Turning Angel completely captivated me. From the very first word on the very first page, I was hooked. Even years after reading it, Turning Angel remains one of the books that I highly recommend. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I definitely would.

Turning Angel takes us back to Natchez, Mississippi, where we reunite with Penn Cage. His longtime friend, Dr. Drew Elliott, has a shocking confession to make, just as the naked body of teenager Kate Townsend is found on the shore of the Mississippi River. The blurb accurately states that this confession, given the circumstances, could result in a death sentence. I must admit, I found it somewhat cliché that Dr. Elliott was involved with a co-ed. It is a common action taken by men experiencing a mid-life crisis. However, Greg Iles manages to take this cliché and make you sympathize and identify with Dr. Elliott instead of dismissing his actions.

I thought that the affair and being framed for murder would provide enough suspense, but in a Greg Iles tale, that’s not the case. The resulting investigation and the quest to prove Dr. Elliott’s innocence will keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last minute. With a diverse cast of characters, some you’ll love, some you’ll be indifferent towards, and some you’ll downright loathe, Turning Angel by Greg Iles will keep you guessing, engaged, and entertained until the very end.

The Maid: A Novel by Nita Prose | REVIEW

This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

The Maid: A NovelThe Maid: A Novel by Nita Prose
Series: Molly the Maid #1
Publication Date: January 4, 2022
Publisher: Ballantine Books / Penguin Random House
Pages: 304
Source: From the Publisher
Genre: Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Cozy
Rating: ★★★★★
Synopsis:

Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.

Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life’s complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.

But Molly’s orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it’s too late?

A *Clue*-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, *The Maid* explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.


REVIEW

The Maid: A Novel by Nita Prose is a highly entertaining book that took me on an unexpected journey. From the moment I started reading, I was captivated by the old-fashioned whodunit mystery that unfolded before my eyes. The story had me hooked from the very beginning, and I found myself becoming more and more engrossed as I eagerly sought the resolution.

One of the standout aspects of this book is the unique charm of the main character. Molly Gray, the hotel maid, is a character who is easy to root for. Her struggles with social skills and her meticulous love for cleaning and proper etiquette make her an endearing and relatable protagonist. I found myself invested in her journey and genuinely cared about what would happen to her.

What makes The Maid: A Novel even more intriguing is the cast of characters that populate the story. Each character is carefully crafted with their own quirks and secrets, making them both intriguing and suspicious. As the plot thickens, the web of deception surrounding Molly deepens, and she is forced to navigate through a maze of clues and hidden motives. The author expertly weaves together the various storylines, keeping me guessing and on the edge of my seat.

I must say that Nita Prose has a talent for creating a cozy atmosphere within the pages of this book. The setting of the Regency Grand Hotel, with its opulent suites and hidden secrets, adds another layer of intrigue to the story. The vivid descriptions of the hotel and its guests transported me into a world where anything could happen.

I would highly recommend The Maid: A Novel to anyone looking for a captivating mystery that will keep them engaged from start to finish. Whether you’re curled up on the couch on a cold winter day or simply in need of an escape, this book is the perfect choice. Prepare to be swept away into a world of secrets, suspense, and unexpected connections.

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus | REVIEW

This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are my own.

Lessons in Chemistry: A NovelLessons in Chemistry: A Novel by Bonnie Garmus
Publication Date: April 5, 2022
Publisher: Doubleday / Penguin Random House
Pages: 400
Source: From the Publisher
Genre: Fiction / Feminist
Rating: ★★★
Synopsis:

Chemist Elizabeth Zott is not your average woman. In fact, Elizabeth Zott would be the first to point out that there is no such thing as an *average* woman. But it’s the early 1960s and her all-male team at Hastings Research Institute takes a very unscientific view of equality. Except for one: Calvin Evans; the lonely, brilliant, Nobel–prize nominated grudge-holder who falls in love with—of all things—her mind. True chemistry results.

But like science, life is unpredictable. Which is why a few years later Elizabeth Zott finds herself not only a single mother, but the reluctant star of America’s most beloved cooking show *Supper at Six*. Elizabeth’s unusual approach to cooking (“combine one tablespoon acetic acid with a pinch of sodium chloride”) proves revolutionary. But as her following grows, not everyone is happy. Because as it turns out, Elizabeth Zott isn’t just teaching women to cook. She’s daring them to change the status quo.

Laugh-out-loud funny, shrewdly observant, and studded with a dazzling cast of supporting characters, *Lessons in Chemistry* is as original and vibrant as its protagonist.


REVIEW

I have a deep appreciation for the overall narrative presented in Lessons in Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus. The story revolves around the brilliant chemist, Elizabeth Zott, who defies societal expectations and challenges gender norms in the male-dominated field of science during the early 1960s. As an individual who runs several different chemistry programs in my own line of work, I was particularly drawn to the premise of this book.

However, despite my initial excitement, I found myself grappling with conflicting emotions towards the main character. Elizabeth’s struggle to be taken seriously resonated with me on a profound level, as I have experienced similar obstacles in my own career. I admired her determination and relentless pursuit of her goals. Nevertheless, I couldn’t help but be put off by her pretentious and snobbish attitude throughout the narrative. It created a disconnect that prevented me from fully immersing myself in the story and hindered my ability to fully appreciate Elizabeth’s journey.

It’s important to note that personal preferences and subjective interpretations play a significant role in our enjoyment of literature. While I acknowledge the author’s intent to create a complex and multi-faceted protagonist, Elizabeth’s demeanour just didn’t align with my own sensibilities. This, in turn, affected my overall reading experience.

Despite my reservations, I must commend the author for creating a vibrant and original story. Lessons in Chemistry explores themes of feminism, societal change, and the power of unconventional thinking. The supporting characters introduced throughout the book added depth and nuance to the plot, contributing to its overall richness.

While I greatly appreciate the storytelling and the underlying messages conveyed in Lessons in Chemistry, my inability to fully connect with the main character, Elizabeth Zott, hindered my complete enjoyment of the book. Nevertheless, I encourage readers to approach this novel with an open mind, as personal preferences may vary.