Book Review: Christmas Movie Ultimate Trivia Book

Title: Christmas Movie Ultimate Trivia Book

Author: Neal E. Fischer

Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group

Publication Date: October 1, 2024

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

As an avid Christmas movie enthusiast who hosts an annual viewing group for classic holiday films, I was delighted to discover this trivia book covering a wide range of festive favorites. My yearly must-watches, including "Love Actually," "Elf," "Christmas Vacation," and "The Family Stone," are all featured alongside many others. The book's pages are adorned with vibrant artwork that perfectly complements the challenging trivia questions, creating a visually appealing and engaging experience for readers.

Fischer's compilation includes 100 "Christmas movies," though some selections may spark debate among purists. The inclusion of films like "Die Hard" (which I personally consider a Christmas movie) and more contentious choices like "Batman Returns" adds an interesting dimension to the book, inviting discussions about what truly constitutes a holiday film. This diversity in selection ensures that there's something for every type of Christmas movie fan.

While the book offers a delightful journey through Christmas cinema, I do have a couple of minor complaints. First, the answers are printed on the same page as the questions, which will make group quizzes more challenging to manage. Moving the answers to an appendix at the back of the book would have easily enhanced the user experience. Second, the difficulty level of the questions is notably high. Almost all require a recent viewing and even then an exceptionally keen eye for detail is needed.

Despite these small issues, this trivia book is a valuable addition to any Christmas movie lover's collection. It promises to elevate holiday viewing parties and challenge even the most knowledgeable fans. As for me, I'm eagerly looking forward to incorporating these quizzes into my annual Christmas movie nights, adding a new layer of engagement and friendly competition to our festive tradition.

A big thank you to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: In Too Deep

Title: In Too Deep

Author: Lee Child & Andrew Child

Publisher: Random House Publishing

Publication Date: October 22, 2024

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As a long-time fan of Jack Reacher, I was excited to dive into "In Too Deep," the 29th installment in this iconic series. Lee and Andrew Child have once again delivered a pulse-pounding thriller that reminded me why I keep coming back to Reacher's world. From the moment I started reading, I was hooked by the unusual setup: Reacher waking up handcuffed, injured, and with no memory of how he got there.

The plot follows a familiar formula, with the iconic drifter teaming up with a female partner to unravel a race against time mystery involving FBI and undercover agents and national security. However, the authors keep this well-worn path fresh and exciting, particularly with an unexpected mid-book twist that transforms a good Reacher adventure into an exceptional one.

What sets "In Too Deep" apart is its unexpected mid-book twist. At that point, I thought the book was finished and the mystery solved, but the authors pull off a surprising turn that reinvigorates the story and propels it into a thrilling second half. This narrative sleight of hand upshifts the pacing. What had been standard, almost plodding, suddenly becomes relentless. The second half of the book showcases high-stakes action, a much more intricate plot and clever problem-solving. 

I finished "In Too Deep" with a sense of satisfaction and relief. The Child brothers have crafted another winner that left me eagerly anticipating Reacher's next adventure. Whether you're a longtime Reacher enthusiast like me or new to the series, I highly recommend this must-read thriller. It's a powerful reminder of why Jack Reacher remains one of the most compelling characters in contemporary fiction.

A big thank you to Random House and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: Witness 8

Title: Witness 8

Author: Steve Cavanagh

Publisher: Atria Books

Publication Date: March 11, 2025

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Steve Cavanagh's "Witness 8" is a gripping addition to the Eddie Flynn series, showcasing the author's talent for crafting intricate legal thrillers. This eighth installment follows Eddie Flynn, a former con artist turned defense attorney, as he takes on another seemingly hopeless case.

The plot centers around John Jackson, accused of murder with damning evidence against him. Complicating matters is Ruby Johnson, a former Manhattan elite now working as a maid.Ruby's involvement as a witness to a murder adds a twisted dimension to the plot, as her intentions are far from straightforward. The chapters written from Ruby's perspective provide a chilling insight into her psyche and motivations.

While Eddie grapples with defending his client, he must also contend with a hit placed on his own life, corrupt NYPD officers, and the shooting of his long-time friend and mentor, Harry. These multiple threads weave together to create a tapestry of tension and suspense that keeps the pages turning.

Cavanagh's trademark twists and surprises are in full force here, continually challenging readers' assumptions and keeping them guessing until the very end. The author's ability to balance the courtroom drama with high-stakes action showcases his versatility as a writer.

"Witness 8" is a testament to Cavanagh's understanding of the legal thriller genre. It's a riveting, multi-layered thriller that combines psychological depth with breakneck pacing, making it a must-read for fans of crime fiction and an excellent entry point for newcomers to the series.

A big thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Review: The Business Trip

Title: The Business Trip

Author: Jessie Garcia

Publisher: St Martin's Press

Publication Date: January 14, 2025

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Jessie Garcia's debut thriller "The Business Trip" is a gripping, page-turning adventure that will keep readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. This masterfully crafted novel follows the mysterious disappearance of two women, Stephanie and Jasmine, whose paths unexpectedly intertwine during a fateful business trip journey.

Garcia's storytelling prowess shines through her unique narrative structure, presenting the story from various character perspectives and in non-chronological parts. This approach adds layers of complexity to the plot, keeping readers guessing throughout.

The novel's pacing is relentless, with each chapter building tension and drawing readers deeper into the enigma surrounding Trent McCarthy and the two missing women. Garcia expertly weaves together multiple storylines, creating a tapestry of suspense that spans from Madison to San Diego, Atlanta, and eventually Mexico.

One of the book's strongest aspects is its unpredictability. Just when readers think they've figured out the puzzle, Garcia delivers a stunning twist in the final section that reshapes the entire narrative. This unexpected turn of events showcases the author's skill in crafting a truly surprising and satisfying conclusion.

"The Business Trip" marks Jessie Garcia as a promising talent in the thriller genre. With its addictive storyline, relatable characters, and masterful manipulation of reader expectations, this novel is highly recommended for fans of psychological thrillers and mystery enthusiasts alike.

A big thank you to St Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.