Book Review: The Divide

 Title: The Divide 

Author: Morgan Richter 

Publisher: Knopf Publishing Group / Pantheon 

Publication Date: August 20, 2024 

Rating: 3 out of 5 stars

For the most part, Morgan Richter's "The Divide" is an engaging psychological thriller that blends Hollywood glamour with intrigue. The story follows Jenny St. John, a failed actress turned fake psychic, as she investigates the disappearance of her doppelgänger amid a web of murder and corruption.

Set in Los Angeles, the novel offers a glimpse into the entertainment industry's darker side. Richter populates her story with interesting characters, including a former K-pop star and a wellness-peddling actress, each adding depth to the narrative.

The author's writing style is effective, creating a vivid portrayal of Los Angeles that enhances the story. While the plot stretches credibility at time, especially at the end, Richter's storytelling keeps the narrative engaging. The exploration of themes such as identity and ambition adds layers to what could have been a straightforward thriller.

"The Divide" seeks to be a solid entry in the psychological thriller genre, offering an interesting take on familiar tropes. Sadly though, the  Texas-sized plot hole remaining unexplained at the end left me feeling dissatisfied and disappointed.

Thank you to Knopf Publishing Group / Pantheon for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Trap

Title: The Trap

Author: Ava Glass

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group / Bantam

Publication Date: September 3, 2024

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Ava Glass delivers another thrilling espionage adventure with "The Trap," the third book in the Emma Makepeace series. While the novel starts off slowly, it picks up pace about a third of the way in, ultimately providing a gripping and engaging narrative.

Emma Makepeace, the female equivalent of James Bond, is further developed in this installment by being paired with a Scottish detective named Mackenzie. Initially unwanted, Mackenzie becomes a compelling partner, adding depth to Emma's character and hinting at potential future collaborations.

Set against the backdrop of a G7 meeting in Edinburgh, the plot revolves around Emma's mission to stop a Russian assassination attempt. The tension builds steadily, culminating in a nail-biting race against time to thwart the assassin's plan.

Despite the slow start, "The Trap" rewards patient readers with a satisfying and suspenseful spy thriller. Glass's ability to craft complex characters and intricate plots shines through, particularly in the novel's latter half. The Edinburgh setting adds an atmospheric touch to the unfolding drama.

Overall, "The Trap" is a solid addition to the Emma Makepeace series, showcasing Glass's growing prowess in the espionage genre. With well-developed characters, taut plotting, and a tense conclusion, this novel is sure to please fans and newcomers alike. Emma's journey continues to captivate, promising more heart-pounding adventures in the world of international espionage.

A hearty thank you to Random House and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. This is one book you don’t want to miss.

Book Review: The Perfect Sister

Title: The Perfect Sister

Author: Stephanie DeCarolis

Publisher: Random House Publishing Group

Publication Date: July 16, 2024

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Stephanie DeCarolis' latest psychological thriller, "The Perfect Sister," is a gripping tale shrouded in mystery and deception. With excellent character development and a menacing, suspenseful atmosphere, this novel kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end.

From the outset, DeCarolis masterfully weaves a web of secrets and lies, introducing us to a cast of characters who seem to be harboring dark truths beneath their carefully crafted facades. The narrative builds tension with each chapter, leaving breadcrumbs of intrigue that had me eagerly turning the pages, desperate to unravel the enigma at the heart of the story.

However, it was the latter half of the book that truly elevated "The Perfect Sister" to a five-star read for me. The twists and turns that DeCarolis un
leashes are nothing short of brilliant, causing my assumptions and theories to crumble one by one. Just when I thought I had a grasp on the narrative's direction, the author skillfully pulled the rug from under my feet, leaving me reeling and craving more.

DeCarolis' talent for creating multidimensional characters is undeniable. Each player in this intricate drama feels fully realized, with their own motivations, flaws, and secrets that slowly unveil themselves as the story progresses. The relationships between the characters are equally compelling, layered with complex dynamics that add depth and authenticity to the tale.

Overall, "The Perfect Sister" is a masterclass in psychological suspense. DeCarolis' ability to craft a menacing, atmospheric narrative coupled with her deft handling of character development and jaw-dropping plot twists make this a must-read for fans of the genre. Brace yourself for a wild ride; you won't be able to put this book down until the final, shocking revelation.

A hearty thank you to Random House and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. This is one book you don’t want to miss.

Book Review: The Power Foods Diet

Title: The Power Foods Diet

Author: Neal Barnard

Publisher: Grand Central Publishing

Publication Date: March 26, 2024

Rating: 5 out of 5

Guest Review by Sharon Baggs

As someone who has recently adapted to a primarily plant-based diet, I was eager to read another book from Dr. Neal Barnard and consume another layer of knowledge from his research.

The book focuses on Appetite-Taming Foods, Calorie-Trapping Foods, and Calorie-Burning Foods. Participants in Barnard’s research studies provide credible testimony of how these play out for the person looking for help in their dietary journey.

The chapter on the Best Foods for Powering your Weight Loss provides a roadmap for how to get started.  Six categories of fruits and vegetables, along with adding in cinnamon, hot peppers, and ginger can boost both flavor and beneficial results. Pasta, potatoes, and rice are welcomed as partners in dietary fiber, something we don’t get enough of.

My favorite chapter was chapter 3: Foods that are Less Healthful than you’d Think. Some deeper thoughts come into play here on what we consume and how it may affect us. If weight loss is the goal, the foods discussed here can help shift assumptions we have about certain foods. It challenged my mindset on: “What benefit am I getting from what I consume?”

The book is interesting to read, packed with practical information, and easy to implement changes to your diet. I highly recommend this book and any other books by Dr. Barnard.

Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. I received an advanced reader copy of this book in return for an honest review.