The Appeal, by Janice Hallett

Title:  The Appeal

Author: Janice Hallett

Borrowed from Fairfax County Public Library Kindle Edition

Started: 7/27/2024

Finished: 7/30/2024

This was a spectacular book, absolutely loved it.  Even though I did not successfully solve the mystery (and have doubts about the solution put forward).  I'm pretty sure there is a different solution indicated by the final email disclosed in the book, and I have a few guesses, but even not being sure of the mystery I really like this one.

Black Mouth, by Ronald Malfi

Title: Black Mouth

Author: Ronald Malfi 

Borrowed from Queen Anne County Public Library Kindle and Audiobook 

Started: 7/15/2024

Finished: 7/26/2024

Read the first two thirds of this one slowly via Kindle.  Switched to audiobook for the final third as I struggled to get myself to want to read it but wanted to finish.  Didn't love this one -- too Stephen King for me. 

Small Town Horror, by Ronald Malfi

Title: Small Town Horror 

Author: Ronald Malfi 

Borrowed from Queen Anne County Public Library Audiobook 

Started: 7/20/2024

Finished: 7/23/2024

I wanted to like this one more than I did.  Started off ok, but then fell apart for me quite a bit until two thirds of the way through when plot twists hit and the book sped to the ending.  So start and finish were good, middle only so-so. 

However, having moved to Kent Island a few years ago, I loved the mention of Stevensville and Love Point Road.  That made it all worthwhile.  

A Better World, by Sarah Langan

Title: A Better World 

Author: Sarah Langan 

Borrowed from Fairfax County Public Library Audiobook 

Started: 7/18/2024

Finished: 7/20/2024

I liked the first half of this book quite a bit, but the second half wasnt as good and then the final chapters were a disappointment.  

Tropic of Night, by Michael Gruber

Title: Tropic of Night 

Author: Michael Gruber 

Borrowed from Fairfax County Public Library Audiobook 

Started: 7/14/2024

Finished: 7/18/2024

This was a big, and mostly entertaining book.  The magic stuff was done in a way that wasn't too hokey.  Overall I enjoyed it.  

Dog Day Afternoon, by David Rosenfelt

Title: Dog Day Afternoon 

Author: David Rosenfelt 

Borrowed from Queen Anne County Public Library Audiobook 

Started: 7/13/2024

Finished: 7/14/2024

Another Andy Carpenter book, these are basically all the same but I still enjoy them as audiobooks to fill the time when doing chores and such. 

Silver Nitrate, by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Title: Silver Nitrate 

Author: Silvia Moreno-Garcia 

Borrowed from DC Public Library Audiobook 

Started: 7/9/2024

Finished: 7/12/2024

I enjoyed this one overall for the characters, but wasn't enthralled by the plot.  Had hoped for more horror, less magic, but again, enjoyed it overall. 

The Floating Staircase, by Ronald Malfi

Title: The Floating Staircase 

Author: Ronald Malfi 

Borrowed from Fairfax County Public Library Kindle edition 

Started: 7/6/2024

Finished: 7/9/2024

Yes, another Malfi novel.  This was enjoyable as well.  

Come With Me, by Ronald Malfi

Title: Come With Me 

Author: Ronald Malfi 

Borrowed from Queen Anne County Public Library Audiobook 

Started: 7/6/2024

Finished: 7/9/2024

Enjoyed this Malfi book quite a bit.  As noted in my last post, having just discovered this author I'm now lining up his books to read.  

They Lurk, by Ronald Malfi

Title: They Lurk

Author: Ronald Malfi

Borrowed from Queen Anne County Public Library Audiobook 

Started: 7/2/2024

Finished: 7/7/2024

I have a new author -- and a local one at that. Malfi lives relatively near me near the Chesapeake Bay in MD and I really like his work. Expect to see a lot of his books listed here in the coming weeks.  

This collection of shirt stories was great. First two were good, last three were spectacular.  In particular the final two stories.   Great stuff.