BOOK REVIEWS: Falling Like Leaves/Falling Like Snow

 

FALLING LIKE LEAVES (COLLECTOR'S EDITION)
by Misty Wilson
Available now

The first of the seasonal Bramble Falls romance novels sets the standard for what these stories will be: small-town seasonal stories, but with teen-oriented drama rather than your typical Hallmark movie big-town lawyers and small-town lumberjacks. Well, there is some of the big-town/small-town stuff, but you get me.

Falling Like Leaves does indeed start with a big-town girl: Ellis, an aspiring journalist in New York who spends all her time making big connections and looking up to her journalist dad. But her mother springs a terrible surprise on her: Mom and Dad are separating, and Mom and Ellis will temporarily be moving to the small town of Bramble Falls, Connecticut. As Ellis stares down college applications, this is the worst thing that could possibly happen to her. She'll be away from her best friend, not to mention the best opportunities to make a name for herself.

While she's got her cousin Sloane and Aunt Naomi (the mayor of Bramble Falls) around to help her settle in, she's resistant to her cozy new life... especially with the Falling Leaves Festival right around the corner. Worse still, Cooper is there: a boy she met many summers ago and fell out of touch with. He's now a high school senior and seems initially resentful of Ellis's presence. But as the festival goes on, the two grow closer, and Ellis finds herself warming to him. But at the same time, classmate Jake (Cooper's best friend) is making a move. And she'll have to decide whose heart to break.

While romance is absolutely at the center of Falling Like Leaves, this story also digs deep into what it's like to idolize a parent instead of chasing one's own dreams. As much as Ellis aims to pursue a big city life and a prestigious career, she finds herself drawn to her old love of fashion design and her growing love of Bramble Falls. That extra bit of story combines with the romance at the center to make something with real substance.

FALLING LIKE SNOW
by Misty Wilson
Available now

We initially met Sloane and her best friend Asher in Falling Like Leaves; in Falling Like Snow, the pair take center stage. Aspiring actress Sloane dreams of visiting New York, especially after hearing about it from Ellis. But with Bramble Falls on the map after the Fall Leaves Festival went viral online, Sloane's mom is kicking off a new venture to keep tourism rolling through the winter: the Falling Snow Festival. It's all hands on deck, meaning Sloane and Ellis's girls' trip will have to be delayed.

Fortunately, Asher is there to help Sloane through it, and he even orchestrates occasional faux New York experiences for her to lessen the sting. Meanwhile, handsome hockey player Micah has taken an interest in Sloane, and she's just enjoying feeling liked. But as Asher cozies up to tutee Daphne, she finds herself feeling jealous. Is she just worried that she and her best friend are falling apart? Or are her feelings turning into something more?

The swap from Ellis to Sloane — from big city girl to local, from a reunited brief crush to a years-long slow burn — was an excellent move. And both girls have their own problems, with Sloane grieving the loss of her father during the holiday season and fearing leaving her mother alone when college comes around. Ellis feared nothing would change; Sloane fears everything will change. And the love triangle in this book is much different, addressing some less than wholesome issues as Sloane tries to force herself to like Micah more than she does.

Reading these two books together isn't necessary, though it is interesting. It's nice to see the Bramble Falls community evolving. As its young community goes through their own romantic dramas, the town is growing and doing new things, too. I have no idea if the series will continue past these two books, but I wouldn't hate to see it come around into all four seasons.

TEA PAIRING: Whiskerton Cottage
This new tea blend from Chapters has both fall and winter vibes thanks to its combination of orange and cinnamon. But the label is also reminiscent of the Caffeinated Cat Café featured in both books. This is a cozy, slightly spicy tea that's perfect for pairing with either book, or both. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more bookish tea blends from Chapters!

FEATURED CANDLE: Bookish and Bright
Like the tea pairing, this candle was meant for one season but works for both. This bright holiday candle features notes of pine, cranberry, and clove, reminiscent of the in-between time between Halloween and Christmas. Check out more bookish candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: Beautiful to See You (Again)

 

BEAUTIFUL TO SEE YOU (AGAIN)
by Lygia Day Peñaflor
Available now

The pain of grief and loss is never easy. Even when it's not traumatic, it leaves scars; and when it is traumatic, it can alter your life forever. If there was a way to go back and change things, we'd all take it. And that's the point of Beautiful to See You (Again), in which a young woman grieving her high school boyfriend finds a magic tunnel that could give her that chance.

Tia's final summer before college was exciting: she fell for a boy named Natty and he fell for her in return. Her friend group prepared for school, gap years, and other plans. But tragedy struck, derailing Tia's life and leaving her alone in New York, barely making ends meet instead of studying at Columbia. But one day, a chance meeting changes everything: Razor, an aspiring filmmaker who also happens to be the son of a rock star, spots Tia during her dog-walking job and insists that she appear in his short film, GO!. The film is based on a painful relationship in Razor's own life, but that's all she knows.

Her role in the movie gives her life structure and meaning again, as well as a growing closeness with Razor. But at the same time, Huddlestone Arch — a gravity bridge in Central Park that once sparked Natty's imagination — calls to Tia. Walking through one side of the arch takes her back in time to her final summer with Natty, and soon she becomes desperate to get a message back to him to circumvent the tragedy that befell him.

Soon, Tia is torn between her new relationship with Razor and her desire to return to her life with Natty. Another traveler through the Arch is certain that there is a way to change the past, and Tia is determined to do just that. As the narrative jumps across the years, Tia's past comes into focus: the day she lost Natty, the silent fallout of the trauma, and her struggle to decide whether to look back or forward.

Beautiful to See You (Again) is a smart, sad, painful look at what grief and trauma can do to a person at its absolute worse. Even if you haven't been as low as Tia has, anyone who's gone through loss can understand the pull of the past against the opportunities lying ahead. Looking to the future can feel like a betrayal of the past. But, as all the loose threads of the story come together in a fantastic finale, we see the truth: that looking to the future is the kindest thing we can possibly do.

TEA PAIRING: Caramel Cabin
While the story of Beautiful to See You (Again) stretches through Thanksgiving into winter, the bulk of the present-day scenes take place in autumn in New York. So it feels right to pair it with an autumn tea! Caramel Cabin is a returning seasonal blend, a black tea with a subtle caramel flavor that's good on its own or as a latte. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Fictional Crush
While Razor's short film GO! is anything but fictional, this past limited-edition candle is a perfect fit for a story that blurs the line between film and reality. The scent is deep without being overbearing, and is a perpetual favorite of mine. Check out this and more book-inspired candles from Frostbeard Studio!

BOOK REVIEW: The Dawn of Dusk and Twilight

THE DAWN OF DUSK AND TWILIGHT
by J. Dianne Dotson
Available now

I've been following J. Dianne Dotson's Inn at the Amethyst Lantern series since it began, and it's my first experience with lunarpunk fiction. To that end, it's sort of set my expectations for the genre, but that's not a bad thing at all. Her latest book, The Dawn of Dusk and Twilight, isn't so much a continuation as a prequel—though it does couch itself in a narrative told by Andraste to her young protégés.

Unlike the previous two books, which are meant for young readers, The Dawn of Dusk and Twilight is adult fiction. That doesn't mean it's got anything inappropriate for young readers in it so much as that it touches on issues adults will be more interested in. These protagonists, who will go on to be legends and mentors in the time of the other stories, are approaching or in middle age, and bring with it the perspectives that one gains from those years.

One of my biggest quibbles with modern post-apocalyptic literature is that it rarely gives a satisfying conclusion for how we got there. Why has the world ended up the way it is? What values were lost or gained from that move? How long did it take? So often, such stories are absorbed in making their points that we lose any sense of worldbuilding. Dotson's previous work in this series has been so charming that I never felt like asking why there's magic or talking animals. But even amidst explaining why the world moved to night-living, there are explanations for this as well. Too, it's a beautiful reminder that even in the midst of terrible things, there are those who want to work toward something better.

The Dawn of Dusk and Twilight, despite being a prequel, feels like a natural progression for this series—a sort of growing-up, as readers graduate from the youthful struggles of the Amethyst Lantern's heroes to the unique love and heartbreak of an older cast. For fans of all ages, it's a satisfying read, bringing the history of Dotson's lunarpunk world into focus and adding invaluable context to the lives of Andraste and her loved ones.

DRINK PAIRING: Elixir of Inner Light
This is my absolute favorite of Velvet Hammer's three elixirs, both for the way its orange sparkle looks in my morning tea and for its health benefits. It reminds me of Andi's newfound magic, both visually and in terms of the energy it gives. Use my code KARA15 for a discount on this and other elixirs from Velvet Hammer!

BOOK REVIEW: Legally Yours, Violet Lopez

 

LEGALLY YOURS, VIOLET LOPEZ
by Elba Luz
Available October 20

Violet Lopez dreams of going to Harvard law school and becoming a successful lawyer, and she's pushed herself into overdrive to do just that. So she's not at all eager to help laid-back basketball player Theo at his mock trial, where he stands accused of vandalism. Unfortunately, Violet gets cornered into representing him from two corners. Theo blackmails her into serving as his defense after discovering her attempts to find her father a girlfriend, and Theo's jealous ex bribes her to throw the trial and get Theo kicked off the basketball team.

The decision is relatively simple: Violet needs the money, and she doesn't care much about Theo. Until she does start to care about him. When she works herself to exhaustion, he's there to pick her up and force her to rest. And the two have a lot more in common than she first believed. Now she's crushing on him hard; but if she doesn't do as she's told, she could lose the future she's worked so hard for.

I conditionally enjoyed Build-a-Girlfriend, also by Elba Luz, but found that it stuck way too closely to the "on rails" teen romance plot formula. While some of that is still present in Legally Yours, Violet Lopez—the betrayal locked and loaded to go off pretty much when you expect it will—what comes between flows a lot more organically. It's also a great insight into what it's like to be a perfectionist, and how "the grind" can actually be physically and mentally detrimental.

What stands out most, though, is the final trial. That's what we're all here for, and it's worth it. I got big Ace Attorney vibes from it, and that's a compliment.

While anyone who's read a teen romcom in recent years can accurately predict the trajectory of the plot, the actual practice of reading Legally Yours, Violet Lopez is a lot of fun, and the characters are very much worth spending time with.

DRINK PAIRING: Elixir of Hydration
After reading about the absolutely heinous energy drink Violet concocts for herself, I figured she could use something a little sweeter. This is a pink lemonade electrolyte blend that has a magic sparkle to it and is formulated for daily use. Use my code KARA15 for a discount on this and other elixirs from Velvet Hammer!

FEATURED CANDLE: Pemberley Gardens
A seasonal candle inspired by Jane Eyre, this fits both for the enemies-to-lovers aspect and for Violet's floral-inspired name. Click the link for more book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: The Christmas Wish

 

THE CHRISTMAS WISH
by Lee Heart
Available now

Joy Rudolph, as may be evident from her name, was born on Christmas day. And while she loves the holiday as much as the rest of her family, she's a little tired of her birthday being lumped in with it every year. So this year, she's decided she's going to have her own party, complete with un-Christmassy decoration. And she's going to invite her crush Kris (whose birthday is on Christmas Eve) to the party, too.

However, between her excitement for her party and her growing feelings for Kris, Joy becomes a little hyperfocused. She takes part in charity work not because it's a good thing to do, but for a chance to see Kris. While she still takes part in family traditions, she's fixated on her party prep, often to the exclusion of her friends and their needs. This one-two combo of crush and party could alienate her from her closest friends—which hits even harder when it starts to look like the party might not be able to happen.

The Christmas Wish is definitely one of those books that is completely targeted at young readers, rather than being an all-ages book that's readable by younger sorts. I'd recommend this to young family members who want to enjoy a holiday romance story but might be a little too young for more grown-up offerings. It's very cute, very simple, and very cozy.

TEA PAIRING: Sugar Cookie Gifts
Joy and her grandma stick to their Christmas tradition of baking cookies for the whole family, and this sweet rooibos smells and tastes just like sugar cookies! Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Bookish and Bright
The Rudolph family gets extremely festive at Christmas, and this is one of the most Christmassy candles I've ever smelled. It's a bright blend of pine, clove, and cranberry that makes me nostalgic for the holidays no matter what time of year it is. Check out more bookish candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: 21 Days of Fear

 

21 DAYS OF FEAR
by Hervé Commère
Available now

Luca has not had an easy life, having lost his father and sister at a young age and being prone to fighting ever since. Now, he's moved from France to London to start over, booking a room at a hostel and taking a job at a bookshop. But on arrival, he receives an anonymous letter in a red envelope. And its contents are shocking: his missing-presumed-dead sister Telma is still alive, she is in the custody of the letter-writer, and she will die in 21 days.

The book is divided into 21 envelopes, which readers are encouraged to open and read at a rate of one per day. In addition to a letter (usually from Telma's kidnapper, but sometimes from other people), the "envelope" contains a chapter from Luca's point of view, tracing his attempts to investigate while desperately holding his life together. As strangers approach Luca with confusing messages and the instructions in the envelopes get worse and worse, he finds solace with Liv, a local bar employee. Throughout his investigation, he discovers secrets lurking in his family's past that could tie to Telma's disappearance. By the end of Luca's search, he'll no longer know who to trust.

When it comes to books like this with a "gimmick," my first question is always whether the book would be good without the gimmick. Fortunately, for 21 Days of Fear, the answer is yes. You could certainly read this book straight through as a traditional chapter book, and the plot would stand on its own. The format of the book, taking readers day-by-day through Luca's journey, is definitely an interesting way to go about it, and it means the book has to be carefully plotted and paced. Commère absolutely succeeds at penning a riveting read.

While the writer of the letters is not difficult to predict, especially for an adept reader of mysteries, the why of the story is still surprising. The path to the truth is very intricate, but ultimately satisfying. And the final page leaves the reader with a gut-drop that puts Luca's mindset so far into perspective.

Ideally, I'd recommend picking this book up and starting it at the beginning of a month (I'd say October but we're in the thick of it). Yes, you can read it at your own pace, but letting the suspense build day by day is much more fun.

TEA PAIRING: The Dragon's Flame
While this dark, cinnamon-spicy tea is inspired by legends of knights and dragons, it also feels appropriate for this particular read. Like the book, it's got a slow, delicious burn. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Salem Sisters
This limited-edition autumn candle has woodsy notes, bringing to mind Luca and Telma's ill-fated game of hide-and-seek that kicks off this whole story. Follow the link to check out more book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: Gutterspace

GUTTERSPACE
by Justine Norton-Kertson
Available October 13

Ezra used to be a comic book artist. Now he's working behind the counter at a comic store, selling issues to hardcore fans, collectors, and casual browsers. It's all pretty much the same day after day, until he discovers a rare comic even he doesn't remember: Gutterspace #6, a surreal comic that seems to draw itself the further along he reads. But the more he reads, the more he feels it invading his mind.

Desperate for answers, he looks up the only other three people who have encountered this strange comic. One by one, he visits each, turned away whenever he seeks answers. The deeper he digs, the closer he gets to the entity lurking in the gutters of the comic. And unfortunately, by opening this comic, he's let this entity out into the world, where it will reduce everything to paper and ink.

Gutterspace is a quick read, but it's a packed one. Ezra is very much an everyman, but one with enough personality to not become an out-and-out cipher. The descriptions of the unnamed entity's attack on reality are vivid and terrifying, with enough detail to bring the scenes alive in your mind in cinematic (or perhaps comic) form.

If there is one downside to Gutterspace, it's that there was a fair bit of repetition across the discovery phase. I felt like I was relearning the same thing two or three times when there should have been more hooks. Regardless, this has a strong, dramatic third act, and an even stronger finish. The ending stays with you, and indeed what the ending is may change as you sit with it. While it doesn't actively play with form on the page like The Raw Shark Texts, it approaches that same malleability of story. Talking about it without spoiling it is impossible; suffice to say, the cover art by Chris Panatier feels very different once you've turned the final page.

TEA PAIRING: Poet's Study
This Poe-inspired Earl Grey (still one of my favorites!) brings to mind dark nights and ink-stained fingers... much like what Ezra was going through. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more book-inspired tea from Chapters Tea & Co.!

BOOK REVIEW: Rainbow Boys 25th Anniversary Edition

 

RAINBOW BOYS 25th Anniversary Edition
by Alex Sanchez
Available now

Rainbow Boys was originally published in 2001, and it's been lauded as a powerful YA novel. I was in college when this one came out, deep in Victorian and Arthurian literature, so I did not read this one at the time. The 25th anniversary printing is now available, and I can see why people are so into it.

The story follows three high school boys coming to terms with their identities. Nelson is very vocally gay, campaigning for a Gay-Straight Association at his high school and surviving (if not thriving on) his classmates' mockery. His best friend and crush Kyle is still coming to terms with his own sexuality, as well as his crush on school jock Jason. And Jason, despite his very serious relationship with Debra, is starting to think he might be, at the very least, bisexual. When Jason visits a support group and sees Kyle there, he begins to worry about how he will be perceived.

The big thing I like about this book is that its characters are actually multifaceted. One of my biggest gripes with books that claim to have "representation" is that its characters are cookie-cutter at best, stereotypical and potentially several steps backwards at worst. Our three leads are fully realized characters with lives, problems, and worries beyond the central theme of the book. Nelson has a supportive mother but often neglects to support his friends; Kyle wants the best for the people in his life but struggles with speaking up; and Jason wants to learn to be honest but buckles (understandably) in the wake of his alcoholic father.

A lot of this story is brutal and unforgiving, in a way that might strike younger modern readers as a bit too harsh. It's a rough read, but that's all part of it. Overall, it is very well written, and while the experiences of the leads is rather outside my own, they're presented in a way that makes them relatable on enough of a level to legitimately care.

TEA PAIRING: Vanilla Creme Herbal
This caffeine-free blend from Plum Deluxe is one of two very calming drinks that suits the quieter, more contemplative moments of this book. It's made with honeybush and has a wonderful vanilla flavor. Check it out along with other teas from Plum Deluxe!

DRINK PAIRING: Elixir of Serenity
I love mixing Velvet Hammer elixirs into my tea, including and especially the Elixir of Serenity. This sparkly blue powder has a hint of dark cherry flavor, as well as L-theanine, GABA, and other things to help you sleep. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other elixirs from Velvet Hammer!

FEATURED CANDLE: Fictional Crush
Considering how much of this book operates on unspoken crushes, this sweet blend of sandalwood and musk seems like a perfect fit. Use the link to be notified when it's available again, and check out more book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: Night of Madness

 

NIGHT OF MADNESS
by Ryan Douglass
Available September 29

When I get pitched a book described as a horror take on Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, naturally I pick it up immediately. Fortunately, in an era awash with novels that are primarily vaguely altered takes on other stories, Night of Madness actually iterates on the theme: modernizing it, altering the competition and contestants to align with more contemporary lures and faults, and tying it all into the modern trend of extreme haunts. Though, in spite of all that, it does wear its inspiration very unabashedly on its sleeve.

Mara comes from a household that, at this point, is just her mother, her grandparents, and her younger brother Charlie (see above). She works as a scare actor at a haunted house, a job she holds down thanks to her now-absent father acclimating her to the horror movies of director Jack Stanley when she was younger. But now, Stanley wants to turn his most famous movie, Madness, into a real experience. Five social media influencers will be chosen to brave "Night of Madness," and the cash prize is more than enough for Mara to turn her life around.

With the help of some sneaky play, Mara gets herself enough of a platform to get chosen, along with her best friend Storm. Alongside an influencer power couple and a singer with a tragic backstory, they make their way through a terrifying asylum that, at least to start, follows Madness beat for beat. But before long, things turn literally murderous, and Mara's only goal becomes escaping with her life.

One of the problems I've seen with these "modern retellings" of classic stories is that, a lot of times, it feels like there's no point in writing them. Which is not to say that every story needs a "point," but I feel like for something to make it all the way through the trad publishing process, it's got to offer something. Beth Is Dead was a beautiful exception, using modernity to interrogate the worn-down characterizations of the March family. Night of Madness is another great one. Because it isn't a one-to-one retelling. Rather, it takes the format and theme — five young people with unique flaws and desires are brought into an experience that either uses those flaws and desires to break them or brings them out the other side positively changed — and reimagines it in a way relevant to contemporary issues.

Our protagonist and her best friend could actually transform their lives with the prize. The rest crave attention, a platform, and what those things could bring. An even better lifestyle. Accolades. Things that, for at least the wealthier contestants, are as ultimately trivial as a unique gum flavor or tons of chocolate or the best TV ever. The Oompa-Loompas who simply sing about the fate of the contestants are transformed into cameramen who simply broadcast the contestants' suffering (though even that isn't the entirety of their purpose). The biggest difference is, while Willy Wonka is ultimately a decent person who's just super weird, that's not at all the case with Jack Stanley.

The one quibble I have with the book is that the payoff of the extreme haunt itself feels very rushed. That's understandable for a life-or-death situation in which the characters have to quickly assemble backstory while also running for their lives, and there needs to be some willing suspension of disbelief for a lot of what goes on here. But there's an absolute glut of information that doesn't quite hit in the moment. Fortunately, the actual emotional payoff (i.e. Mara's character arc) is well done.

Night of Madness is gruesome and weird. If you like gruesome and weird, you'll like this. It feels cinematic, which works both for and against it depending on the scene, but ultimately it's a lot of grotesque fun.

TEA PAIRING: Midnight at Sherlock's
A dark, broody blending of pu-erh, tea, and cacao beans. This feels like the perfect fit for a late-night misadventure that requires both brains and brawn to conquer. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Summer Thriller
A mainstay whenever I end up with a horror novel crossing my desk. I love the interplay of summery coconut and spooky oud and amber. While this one is out of stock at the moment, you can check out more book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: The Intergalactics

 

THE INTERGALACTICS
by Erik Jon Slangerup
Available September 29

All through Brinx's short life, he's only understood one thing: it's his duty to "live his code." He is a Featherbone: a hybrid created in a far-flung future on a far-off planet. After enduring one thousand tests, he and his fellow hybrids will be taken to Havenport, where their new life will begin. But on their way, Brinx and a slew of other hybrids are in a spaceship crash that lands them in the unforgiving wilds of their home planet.

Now teamed up with hybrids from other lines and with other strengths, Brinx must learn to recognize his own strengths and work alongside the very people he spent his life competing against. He's also on the search for Jang, his best friend and fellow Featherbone who may or may not have survived the crash. But even as the team of misfits is learning to work together, new facts come to light that completely alter the hybrids' view of their life and purpose.

I've never read any of Slangerup's other work, but I really enjoyed The Intergalactics. The worldbuilding is strong, but doesn't get bogged down in itself to the point that it overtakes the plot. We see a very small, but very rich, slice of the world on which the story takes place. Telling the story from the point of a view of a boy grown and raised in a lab is, actually, a huge help: there's no need to define the entire world, because there comes a point where Brinx is just as uninformed as we are.

While this is indeed a book for young readers, it also has some strong messages about identity, self-worth, and the dangers of corporate greed. But it's all packaged in a way that will be interesting for younger readers without being too heavy or confusing. There's plenty of sci-fi action, plenty of high stakes, and plenty of characters who turn out to be surprisingly likable. I would love to have had this book as a young sci-fi fan.

DRINK PAIRING: Elixir of Inner Light
The misfits at the core of The Intergalactics really shine when they're on their A-game, and this sparkly supplement has become a morning non-negotiable. I usually mix it in with my first cup of morning tea to get my day started right. It has a light blood orange flavor, a pretty shimmer, and lots of vitamin B and D. Use my code KARA15 for this and other functional elixirs from Velvet Hammer!

FEATURED CANDLE: Storm Rider
A classic monthly candle with mystical scents of rain and dragon's breath. This one feels perfect for Brinx and his friends' journey through the alien wilderness. While this one isn't on sale again just yet, you can pick up lots more great book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: Socks & Secret Quests

 

SOCKS & SECRET QUESTS
by Triona Murphy, illustrated by James Firnhaber
Available now

I'd like to kick this off with an admission: I haven't read Legends & Lattes or anything adjacent to it. So my foray into "cozy fantasy" is just now beginning with this review. I can't judge it opposite anything else out there; I can only judge it on my own personal vibes. Which I don't consider a bad thing, but, you know. Heads up.

Socks & Secret Quests touts itself as the first entry in a new series titled The Wandering Shop. This first book introduces Peri, an apprentice shopkeeper in a magical kingdom. In this world, shopkeepers are a special breed, with a connection to their shop and a knack for understanding what adventurers need. Unfortunately, despite showing massive aptitude for magic, Peri doesn't seem to have manifested any special abilities. She just loves knitting, which doesn't really come in handy when her mentor is kidnapped by an evil wizard.

To save said mentor, Peri tracks down three young adventurers who recently visited her shop: self-assured party leader Niam, fiery wizard Bree, and timid wayfinder Audra. Despite lacking a license to take on the quest and knowing they'll be up against a powerful wielder of magic, the four undertake the journey. And while all four young adventurers make discoveries about themselves and each other along the way, Peri makes an especially important discovery: her magic manifests through knitting. Moreover, the things she makes can grant power and protection to whoever they're made for.

You don't have to know anything about knitting to enjoy Socks & Secret Quests, and you don't even really need a grounding in fantasy adventure. Familiar fantasy literature and game concepts are spun into new elements in the book's setting, with hints at a vast history and worldview to be uncovered in later books. It's also a lovely story about different types of strength, and how any talent honed and respected can make a difference.

Now, if you are a knitter, there's an extra treat for you at the back of the book: a pattern for the hat Peri knits for Niam! This plus the theme makes it a no-brainer recommendation for knitters who also happen to love fantasy.

DRINK RECOMMENDATION: Elixir of Serenity
Just like Peri's knitting brings comfort to the people she cares about, Velvet Hammer's Elixir of Serenity is super relaxing and comforting. I mix it into decaf tea for my regular end-of-day drink, but it works in cocktails, mocktails, or on its own. Plus, it's got GABA, L-theanine, and other ingredients to help you relax. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off your order of this and other shimmery elixirs from Velvet Hammer!

FEATURED CANDLE: Owens' Apothecary
I keep coming back to Frostbeard's candle of the month, but it's kind of perfect for the Wandering Shop. The rosemary and chocolate scent is surprisingly good. Check out this and more bookish candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: Hardy Boys Clue Book Fall Mysteries 3-in-1

 

HARDY BOYS CLUE BOOK FALL MYSTERIES 3-IN-1
by Franklin W. Dixon
Available now

The Hardy Boys series will be 100 years old next year, and the stories are still going strong even now. Although Frank and Joe Hardy have evolved with the times, one thing remains the same (other than the collective pseudonym of writer Franklin W. Dixon): these are very, very fun.

The new series of Hardy Boys Clue Books has been receiving 3-in-1 edition releases, with collections themed to seasons. The Fall Mysteries 3-in-1 volume contains three mysteries for young readers to solve along with the Hardy Boys: "The Bad Luck Skate," "The Pirate Ghost," and "The Great Pumpkin Smash." The final chapter of each story is preceded by a page with a list of questions, encouraging the reader to crack the case for themselves before seeing what Frank and Joe have figured out.

"The Bad Luck Skate" leans into hockey season, with a certain lucky skate doused with paint right before a big game. Signs point to everyone from rival players to the janitor, but there are other suspects hiding in plain sight.

"The Pirate Ghost" follows the boys to a pirate festival, complete with a treasure hunt! But the boys are warned of a vengeful pirate ghost who doesn't want his treasure dug up. And signs of the ghost's anger begin turning up! Could the pirate ghost be real? And if not, who would want to keep the boys from digging up the treasure?

Finally, "The Great Pumpkin Smash" takes place at a local zoo's Halloween party. Unfortunately, someone has come in and smashed all the painted pumpkins! If the culprit isn't found, Boo at the Zoo may close down for good. Fortunately, the Hardy Boys are able to spot the culprit where no one else can!

These are all quick and simple reads, each suitable for a single sitting. The mysteries are very logically solvable, and should offer kids enough of a challenge while still making sense. (The whole "logically solvable" is on my mind in the wake of a certain podcast attempting to solve Encyclopedia Brown mysteries.) "The Bad Luck Skate" hangs together the best of the three, with everything contained in a very small space and time and the solution being surprisingly wholesome. But "The Great Pumpkin Smash" has the benefit of a livelier story with unique guest characters and an unconventional solution that kids will probably get a big kick out of.

I was a Bobbsey Twins girl growing up, but I'm well aware of the power of the Hardy Boys. It's great to see them still going strong. Whoever this currently Franklin W. Dixon is, they have a huge backlog of dad jokes and a good head for kid-paced mysteries.

TEA PAIRING: Caramel Cabin
This is a fall tea I keep coming back to. It's not "Halloweenish" specifically, but the smooth caramel flavor still gives those vibes. It feels just right for reading along with a classic mystery series. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more bookish teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Pumpkin Juice
This limited-edition fall candle is really special to me because it smells exactly like a fall candle my grandmother would bring out years and years ago at Halloween. It's sweet, seasonal, and nostalgic, just right for some Hardy Boys reading. Get more book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: Dead Girls

 

DEAD GIRLS
by Beck Kubrick
Available September 22

Maybe it's because I just marathoned five seasons of Only Murders in the Building, but my mind has been kind of stuck on the ethics of true crime lately. I love a podcast or YouTube video that digs into real-world situations, but I also know that you need to be careful when you're profiting off someone else's suffering. Dead Girls explores that fine line, as well as small-town cults, serial killers, and the power of friendship.

Ash Hargreeves is the daughter of the infamous Clossdale Killer, and life is already tough enough when you're in foster care and your mom is the subject of true crime podcasts. But now there's a series of copycat killings in Clossdale, with five local girls going missing and turning up dead in the forest. All eyes are on Ash... but, despite being kind of a weirdo, she's innocent.

To clear Ash's name, she and her two friends decide to investigate, using their horror movie nowse to navigate the real-life terrors awaiting them. The truth of the killings (both the current ones and the ones credited to Ash's mom) goes much deeper than a simple slasher flick, and Ash is going to have to dismantle a terrifying tradition to save herself, her friends, and her reputation.

Beck Kubrick's rough art style might not be for everyone, but I liked it, especially for this particular story. The story, like the art, is a strange blend of gory and cute, with many scenes cutting away unapologetically to adorable pink unicorns. (I'm thinking of one scene in particular.) The dialogue does suffer a bit from reading a bit like a grownup trying to guess how teens talk, but that's sort of endemic in middle-grade and YA fiction and there's only so much you can bring it up while knowing it's still going to happen.

That one quibble aside, Dead Girls was a fun read: easy enough to enjoy in one reading, but strong enough to last across a few if you want to measure it out.

TEA PAIRING: Pumpkin Lane Café
A new blend for fall, this decaf fruit tea is inspired by pumpkin pie. I've been enjoying this in the evenings when I'm done with caffeine for the day. The sweet autumnal blend fits just right with this graphic novel and its blend of cute and scary. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off these and more book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Summer Thriller
This is a long-gone seasonal candle, but I always hope it'll come back so others can appreciate it! It's a warm and evocative blend of amber and coconut that somehow brings to mind both dark horror and bright summers. Check out more book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: A Dangerous Bargain

 

A DANGEROUS BARGAIN
by Erin Cotter
Available September 22

I find myself increasingly drawn to Erin Cotter's work with every new release. By Any Other Name was an interesting story burdened by anachronism, but A Traitorous Heart largely did everything I'd hoped its predecessor would do. And now, A Dangerous Bargain is absolutely magnificent, blending historical flavor, romantic undertones, and fantastic worldbuilding with an unsubtle but extremely timely metaphor.

The novel takes place in 15th century Florence, following young art apprentices Virgil Pitti and Leonardo da Vinci (yes, that one). While Leonardo seems to make his art effortlessly while also sketching impossible machines, Virgil trades away memories and weeks of his life to perfect his work. You see, this version of Florence is filled with angels: uncanny creatures who accept bargains from artists to imbue their art with magic. Virgil has done this quite a lot, whittling his life away to patch up his less than stellar work.

But Virgil has a lot on his mind. When the studio's angel must be put down, he's put in charge of their new angel, whom he names Lupa — and she refuses to accept bargains from him. Meanwhile, the departure of the previous angel means all of Virgil's bargains are null and void, and he feels he has no talent left. Leonardo offers to help him, and the pair prepare to put their bid in to paint Lorenzo de' Medici's wedding portrait... and Virgil discovers that Niccolo, his long-lost older brother, may be alive and working with the House of Medici.

Virgil also has an unspoken crush on Leonardo, but that's a whole other set of problems. Not to mention that, given the time he's spent with Lupa, he's beginning to realize what angels really are.

A Dangerous Bargain is equal parts political intrigue, paranormal drama, and tribute to Dante's Inferno. What stuck out the most to me, though, was how the angels of Florence are a fairly up-front metaphor for the modern rise of generative AI. Artists are pushed by the wealthy and by their studios to use it, whittling their lives away for everything from commissions to (effectively) silly memes. The cost is massive but ignored until it's too late, with the deeper truths of the system being legitimately dire even for people who don't bargain. And as Virgil relies more and more on bargains, he feels his artistic skill stagnating until he becomes unafraid to start fresh and make mistakes again. That isn't all this book is, mind, but it's pretty unapologetic about that particular.

This is absolutely Cotter's best so far, and it's gratifying to see her excel more and more with each new story. A Dangerous Bargain feels like a perfectly mixed cocktail, with each ingredient complementing the others. I can't wait to see what's next.

TEA PAIRING: Letters of Lavender
This lavender bergamot blend may be inspired by love letters rather than art, but it still seems very appropriate for our protagonists. It's also one of my favorite blends from the company, hands down. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Owens' Apothecary
This month's limited-edition candle seems to go with everything. Its blend of herbs and chocolate reminds me of Leonardo and Virgil eating breakfast together and Lupa going out of her way to bring Virgil birthday sweets. Be sure to check out more bookish candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: The Secret to Belonging

 

THE SECRET TO BELONGING
by Megan E. Freeman
Available September 15

Finding your way in the world as a young adult is never easy; doubly so if your family is especially difficult. The heroine of The Secret to Belonging knows this all too well, and unravels what it means to escape from a toxic life and find oneself abroad — all in second-person verse.

Because, well, "you" are the protagonist of this story: a young woman in the 80s who goes to the top of the world to find out who she really is.

Our narrator lives in a home in which she is all but invisible, her parents' focus being entirely on her self-destructive brother. When her college fund disappears, she takes another opportunity: studying abroad in the north of Norway. She leaves for 13 months knowing none of the language, learning as she goes. She finds friends along the way, warmth from a welcoming host family, and even love with a local boy. With time to live for herself, she discovers life's highs and lows: the joy of learning a language, the beauty of creativity, and the heartbreak of betrayal from friends. And all these experiences together give her the strength to make a life-changing decision when the time comes.

If you come from a difficult family yourself, The Secret to Belonging isn't an easy read. But that's the sign of a good and relatable book. If it hits something in you at some point, no matter how painful, it's doing its job. And this book is equal parts beautiful and difficult, pulling the reader from the glory of the Northern Lights to the tragedy of a family tearing itself apart from the inside.

The form of this book isn't just for show, either. Freeman's free-flowing verse throws the reader right in the midst of the protagonist's feelings, the second-person format inviting you to really feel these moments in your own heart. It's a book that's easy to lose yourself in, one that moves quickly but still feels full. It's a warning to recognize when your life is at a dead end and needs changing. And it's a testament to the transformative nature of travel, even (and especially) when you plunge in with no safety net.

TEA PAIRING: Magical Library Butterbrew
This butterscotch black tea reminds me of candy and comfort during cold, dark winters. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Owens' Apothecary
This month's featured candle blends cocoa cake and rosemary scents to give the ambience of a cozy shop... or, perhaps, a cozy family home like the one our heroine visits. Be sure to check out more seasonal and book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: The Sherlock Society: Art Attack

 

THE SHERLOCK SOCIETY: ART ATTACK
by James Ponti
Available September 8

I've been on a bit of a mystery kick lately, likely because the 'ber months are kicking off and it just feels right. So Art Attack, the latest installment in James Ponti's middle-grade mystery series The Sherlock Society, hit at the perfect time. And once again, The Sherlock Society does for detective fiction what Ponti's City Spies did for spy fiction.

For those late to the party, the Sherlock Society is a group of five: Alex Sherlock, his sister Zoe, his school friends Lina and Yadi, and his retired journalist grandfather. Together, the unlikely group scours Miami for cases cold and hot. They're even being called on to solve cases for others. But one catches their eye: a behest to find Funky Munky, an anonymous graffiti artist whose "guerilla gorilla" has earned them both fans and notoriety across the city. With Miami Art Week coming up, a hotel developer wants to hire Funky Munky to paint a mural for him, and he's willing to pay top dollar to both the artist and the detectives. After all, if anyone can find an unfindable artist, it's the Sherlock Society!

As Alex and his friends immerse themselves in the Miami art scene, they continue to hone their detective skills. Alex and Yadi even learn to do detective work without the aid of the Internet, thanks to getting grounded after pulling an especially dangerous stunt. But when they finally do track down Funky Munky, there are bigger problems afoot. Like the arsons spreading across the city. And the true intentions of the Society's latest client.

I love Ponti's City Spies because they're a gentle but competent introduction to the wider world of spy fiction. And The Sherlock Society does the same for detective stories: presenting mysteries that are both entertaining and relatable, while teaching young readers critical thinking skills of their own. As educational as these books are about the sleuthing process, they never feel like they're talking down to readers of any age. The stakes are the exact right height for young readers new to the genre: dramatic and meaningful without being outright deadly.

It's also exceptionally rare for adult writers to write kids well. I've been reading a lot of middle-grade and teen fiction lately, and so many stories are packed with kids who are nothing but cutting-edge, trendy, and TikTok-obsessed. Each member of the Society has their own interests and priorities, with mysteries being their common interest. The narrative is more interested in presenting believable, well-rounded characters than getting modern kids "right" — and thus it achieves both.

I'm hopeful that The Sherlock Society will go on for a long time. Both of Ponti's series are so enjoyable regardless of age, accessible no matter where you start, and a great way to introduce young family members to a beloved genre.

TEA PAIRING: Sunrise Breakfast
While Chapters does have a Sherlock Holmes-themed tea on offer, it's not coming out 'til later in the month. In the meantime, Sunrise Breakfast is my perfect pairing for this latest read. It's a simple and straightforward black tea that works well on its own, iced, or as a latte, while also keeping you nice and awake for whatever new mystery awaits. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and more book-inspired tea blends from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Moriarty's Mind Games
While the Sherlock Society might not have their own Moriarty equivalent (yet), this smoky candle just feels appropriate. The blend of oud, tobacco, and rain brings to mind a dark parlor where crimes are solved... or perhaps schemed. Check out Frostbeard Studio for more bookish candles!

Sir Sherlock 2: The Sickle and the Sea

 

The concept of AUK Studios' new Sir Sherlock series is, as I mentioned before, a delightful one: fresh off his retirement as a beekeeper and reluctantly accepting a knighthood at last, Sherlock Holmes rejoins Dr. John Watson for another round of deductions in a more modernized London. This means working with the granddaughter of old friend Lestrade, crossing paths with a new generation of consulting detective and — in The Sickle and the Sea — stepping into a whole new era of politics.

Kenton Hall pens both the script and the novelization for this new adventure, which takes place at sea on our lead trio's return from Russia. Rather than going aboard a passenger liner, Holmes, Watson, and Sergeant Lestrade cross the sea accompanied by a small crew, a handful of fellow travelers, and a great deal of grain. But the very small manifest begins to grow even smaller when one of the crew is found dead: seemingly drowned. But there are two problems: the drowned body is bone-dry, and Watson believes the victim to have died several days ago... despite them having just had dinner with him.

Before long, more of the people on board begin to lose their lives. But Holmes and Watson are quickly running out of suspects. How could someone be recently alive and dead for several days? Why are multiple drowned corpses turning up dry? And how many murderers are there really aboard the ship?

As always, Tom Baker and John Leeson are delightful together. The Red Letter Day established that this Holmes and Watson are, while recognizable, still quite different. Age and experience have made Sir Sherlock slightly more whimsical; but despite his assertions to the contrary last episode, this Holmes is still as quick-witted as ever. The banter between Baker and Leeson is beautifully natural; there are old friends reunited, aware of each other's foibles but still full of affection and respect for each other.

Kenton Hall offers every actor a fantastic story arc, but Emily Lestrade in particular has a great opportunity to shine. We see her view of her role in society and in the story: a desire for herself and all women to be judged independently on their merit rather than being subjected to any extreme of judgment. There's always a danger of new characters in classic groups feeling "off," but Katy Ashworth fits right in with her costars.

As the second in the series, The Sickle and the Sea doesn't have the baked-in issue of needing to do setup and worldbuilding. It can comfortably tell its story with all the characters introduced and known, and that works in its favor. There's more time to get down to business exploring the new "modern day" of the series — in this case, discovering Holmes's view of rebellion, revolution, and the juxtaposition of individuals and their government. Sir Sherlock was already good, but it continues to get better.

And there's a third installment currently being crowdfunded! Check out the campaign for Sir Sherlock 3: The Parting Shot, featuring a guest appearance from Sophie Aldred! And if you missed either of the previous campaigns, you can pledge for one of the bundles featuring past CDs.

BOOK REVIEW: I Am the Night

 

I AM THE NIGHT: THE ULTIMATE UNAUTHORIZED HISTORY OF BATMAN: THE ANIMATED SERIES
by Daniel Dockery
Available September 1

I've known Daniel Dockery for quite a while through our mutual work for Crunchyroll, and one thing that's always impressed me about him is his ability to write deep dives that never once stop being meaningful, relevant, or interesting. Reading his work feels like chatting with a well-versed friend: casual but informative. Monster Kids put that strong narrative voice in book form, and I knew before reading I Am the Night that he'd bring that same care to his treatment of Batman: The Animated Series.

If you, like me, were raised in this animation renaissance, this book is as informative as it is nostalgic. For every old memory it brought to the surface, I Am the Night offers twice as many new tidbits of information. Interviews with the many people involved with this seminal series (many of which are new and conducted by Dockery himself) shine a new light on a series that has already been interrogated through numerous articles and podcasts.

The strength of both I Am the Night and Dockery's previous deep-dive, the aforementioned Monster Kids, is that these aren't just about the shows themselves. Any piece of art or media both inspires and is inspired by its contemporaries, and understanding the landscape in which a title was born increases our understanding of the title itself. Thus, I Am the Night is also about the Batman feature films and their connected marketing, the broader state of superhero comic adaptations, Steven Spielberg's foray into TV animation, the rise of other series like Animaniacs and Gargoyles, and so much more. Because BTAS challenged what animated TV series even are, it brings so much in its wake, often from unexpected corners. (Expect little jumpscares from Ralph Bakshi at extremely unexpected times.) You come away with an understanding of the making and influence of the series, yes, but also why it mattered and how its influence echoes to this day.

I Am the Night is, additionally, the exception that proves one of my own rules: repeated presence of opinion in an analytical work. In my time working on Obverse Books' Black Archive line, I've fallen prey to this while also calling out other writers on it. Sidelining a work meant to be as academic or factual as possible with comments that something is or isn't "good" is tricky, because even the most astute fan can struggle with the difference between "structurally unsound" and "not for me." But Dockery interweaves his own assessments (which are admittedly few and far between) with broad fan sentiment and the thoughts of the people who made the series, creating a tapestry of opinion that informs the work more than taking away from it. And even in the moments when something is assessed from what is clearly the author's point of view, it feels less like a proclamation and more like a casual assertion between friends.

This is a must-have for fans of BTAS, of Batman in general, and of animation of any era.

DRINK PAIRING: Elixir of Inner Light
Okay, this is largely because of the color: the sparkling orange reminds me both of the gold in the iconic Batman logo and the very cool cover of this book. But I also use this as part of my morning reading ritual, which included I Am the Night for several days. I love it because it's full of Vitamin B and D, as well as other things my work-from-home brain needs. Check out my link to try out this and other elixirs from Velvet Hammer!

BOOK REVIEW: Little Monsters

LITTLE MONSTERS
by Máire Roche
Available now

It's Halloween in Salem, and the March sisters and their foster mother Marmee are scraping by as best they can. Meg is working hard to ensure she and her sisters can afford the Halloween costumes of their dreams, but there's a more pressing issue on the horizon: the neighborhood is being terrorized by a monster. And given the gaps in her memory and the dirt on her feet in the morning, Meg is very worried that that monster is her.

You see, the March sisters have a secret: each has a unique monstrous form they are working to hide, and even Marmee doesn't know. But the attack on the Laurences' chicken coop has many of Meg's classmates curious, and some appear to know more about her than they should. While Meg would prefer to spend her time with cute tutor John Brooke, she feels she has to solve this problem on her own, before the whole neighborhood finds out her family's dark secret. But it seems like the neighborhood at large may have secrets of their own, too.

As a middle-grade book, Little Monsters is a great read, with an important lesson threaded throughout. As Meg learns, no one can be expected to handle everyone's problems on their own. And similarly, we can't know what others are going through. The girls' monstrous forms could easily be a metaphor for any number of unique issues, including and especially neurodivergence.

That said, I have one major quibble with this book, which is that I'm not sure what makes it a Little Women retelling beyond extremely surface-level similarities. There are four girls who share names with the March sisters, and there are surrounding characters who fill similar roles to their namesakes, but it feels too much like its own thing - possibly it's both present-day and paranormal, and thus most of the trappings of the original are left far behind. It doesn't seem to be saying or doing much that ties it to Little Women meaningfully. Perhaps it's because this year also brought us the exceptional Beth Is Dead, a modern retelling whose differences from the original were the entire point of the story. But Little Monsters feels more like a fanfiction that's strayed so far from the source that it might as well file the serial numbers off and be its own story.

This doesn't mean that this book "shouldn't exist" - as I said before, it's a good story with good lessons and interesting worldbuilding. But cramming it into the Little Women box rather than letting it exist on its own distracts from the story and leaves it feeling like it's missing something. Since so many elements of the original are absent or glossed over, Little Monsters ends up feeling incomplete. Amy and Beth are barely there, to the point that I can't remember who had the mermaid traits and who had the bat traits. Jo is something of a caricature of what a modern Jo March might be, right down to dressing up as Louisa May Alcott for Halloween. It feels like the Little Women ties exist solely to get eyes on the book; and, ironically, I believe it would be a far better and stronger book if it embraced its worldbuilding and presented itself as fully original.

TEA PAIRING: March Home in Bloom
A really nice white tea that much more forgiving than other white teas if you steep it a bit too long. I enjoy the light floral blend and, while white tea absolutely has caffeine in it, it's still nice for a lighter brew later in the day. Use my code KARA15 for this and other bookish teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: March Family Pudding
Another Little Women-inspired find, this candle is a bit more Christmas than Halloween: a super-cozy blend of fig, almond, and brown sugar. Use my referral link for a discount on other book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: My Killer Family Reunion

 

MY KILLER FAMILY REUNION
by Dinesh Thiru
Available now

Everyone in Jayshree's family has plotted out how they'd kill Grand Mom. It's been a running joke for years. But at the most recent family reunion, Grand Mom declares that she's changing the will so only three people will receive a share of her massive fortune in the form of valuable properties. So it's a nasty coincidence when Grand Mom is nearly hit by a car in the parking lot right after dinner, leaving her in a coma.

That is, of course, assuming it was a coincidence.

Jayshree may be all but invisible to most people, but Grand Mom knew she had a keen eye for mysteries. While the family waits for their matriarch to wake up, Jay and her cousins put their deductive skills to the test (and their lives on the line) to figure out who's behind the attempted murder. But it's not all dire: her family has done a bit of playful matchmaking between Jay and Hernando, a very handsome friend of one of her cousins. Working out her feelings for him provides a fun distraction... assuming, of course, he's not involved somehow.

Mysteries for teen readers are hit and miss; they're either overly patronizing or so dense that they don't stick the landing. My Killer Family Reunion threads that needle, while also ensuring that any red herrings lead to equally valuable secondary discoveries.  Jay's family is both loving and broken in equal measure, with some members doing their best while others are outright abusive. But both are depicted well, and the latter pulls no punches (sometimes literally).

Jay is also allowed to be as smart as the reader, which can be a difficult thing in mysteries for readers of any age. Oftentimes the detective is a step behind (to give the reader the thrill of discovery) or much too far ahead (to stake their claim as a brilliant detective). Jay moves at about the same pace as the reader, and it's a believable pace for someone of her age and intelligence: analytical enough, but still prone to the worries and hesitations that we all feel as teens.

The introduction of Hernando, while he does eventually play a role in the plot, felt a little odd, though. Perhaps it's because I'm not from the demographic depicted in the novel, but his introduction via a fake wedding "prank" (meant as part of Jay's cousins' attempts to get her a "coat closet hook-up," which... fair enough) felt odd. But just because a Lebanese girl doesn't get it doesn't mean it's unrealistic. I'm perfectly willing to assume I'm missing something. That said, Hernando's early appearances do still have that sort of shoehorned-in romance feel to it, and I'm not sure if that detracts from or offsets the mystery at the book's core.

All that aside, My Killer Family Reunion is a fun summer read with a lot of interesting and unique characters, including and especially the highly-targeted Grand Mom. All else being equal, that woman is truly aspirational.

TEA PAIRING: Sunrise Breakfast
While a lot of chai is drunk in this book, it's also used as a way to get women out of the room when men are talking, so we're not doing that. Instead, we're going with Sunrise Breakfast: a bold English breakfast that's caffeinated enough to get the grey cells working. It's also blended with bright yellow marigold petals. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other bookish teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Fictional Crush
With the pretend romance between Jay and Hernando underscoring much of the book, it felt like a good time to highlight one of my favorite limited scents from Frostbeard. This blend of sandalwood, dark musk and resin is legitimately one of the best they've ever put out. Use my affiliate link for a discount on other book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!