BOOK REVIEW: Killing Sadie

 

KILLING SADIE
by Rachel Peterson
Available now

Given the simultaneous broad allure and ethical issues surrounding the true crime genre, I am hugely in favor of there being more accessible crime fiction. When done well, it scratches that itch without mining the trauma of real people. Killing Sadie is a strong entry in this genre... and, quite frankly, does right what so many other books like it do wrong.

The "Sadie" of the title is one of a pair of beautiful, popular twins. And she was murdered last night. Now, the three survivors on the scene are being questioned. Her boyfriend Ben is suspected of killing her murderer in self defense. Her best friend Liz blames herself for the horrors of the night before. And her twin sister Jayne, who never approved of Liz's presence, is learning for the first time how it feels to be on her own. Through their separate testimonies, the reader starts to develop a picture of the fateful party where Sadie lost her life, and the literal months and years of circumstances leading up to the tragedy.

But (and I don't think it's a real spoiler to say this) at least one person isn't telling the whole truth. And everything clicks into focus in the final stretch, when Sadie tells her side of the story from beyond the grave.

I tend to judge contemporary crime novels a little unfairly heavily, simply because so many don't give the reader credit for reading comprehension or analytical skills. But Killing Sadie is, without exaggeration, one of my favorite books of the summer. It attempts all the things I see done wrong so often and does them right, including and especially multiple narrators. It seems to be the trend in YA fiction in particular, but in many cases it seems like what the author really wants is third-person omniscient, because the characters never truly think or speak differently. But in Killing Sadie, each narrator has a unique voice and perspective that adds to both the plot and the intrigue.

This is one that demands multiple readings. Early on, it's clear that each narrator is wording things carefully even in their own inner thoughts. Do the police "need to believe" certain claims because they're true or because they support an alibi? Are nervous tics present because someone is lying or because this is a distressing situation. And when accounts of the night in question don't match up, who do we believe? Even if you do suss out part of what's going on, the whole truth is both surprising and narratively satisfying.

It's so rare to just... not have any problem whatsoever with a book. And it feels great to say "It's just good. Just read it."

TEA PAIRING: Secrets in the Garden
Our narrators were subjected to less-than-relaxing bagged green tea, so let's swap in some that's actually good! This summery new blend adds watermelon and lime to green tea for a brew that's fantastic hot or iced. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other tea blends from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Summer Thriller
A past seasonal candle inspired by books just like Killing Sadie: summertime thrillers that keep you intrigued. The blend of oud, amber, and coconut carries a tinge of vacation months with an undertone of creepy vibes. Use my affiliate link to get a discount on more book-inspired candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: The Season of Light and Darkness

 

THE SEASON OF LIGHT AND DARKNESS
by Jillian Cantor
Available August 4

Dystopian novels are the "it" thing right now, and that could be for a couple reasons. On the one hand, The Hunger Games is huge and lots of people want a piece of that. On the other, there's a data center in my state whose mere existence is killing cows. So, you know. It could really be either or.

A book falling into the current hotness does not automatically make it bad, but it does (for better or for worse) make me look on it with a somewhat more critical eye. Is this a diamond in the rough that's going to stand out above its peers and prove that the subgenre has teeth? Or is it going to be just one more for the pile? In the case of this book, my answer (at the moment) is a resounding "I have no idea."

The basic plot run-down sounds like an idea with legs but not a lot of thought given to how to evolve said idea. One of our many protagonists is Ellie, whose scientist father decides that the best way to weather an incoming horrible presidency is to cryogenically freeze himself and his family for ten years. However, Ellie is found only three years into President Lyon's four-year term. She awakens to a country reinvented: ReAdmission programs brainwash the public, force all women to bleach their hair and go into stereotypically "lady" professions, and science and medicine are outlawed. However, there are rebels who hang on, including Ellie's brother Scott who refused to join the family in cryosleep. Meanwhile, ReAd Olivia finds herself shaken out of her blissful ignorance by a peanut allergy.

The thing with The Season of Light and Darkness is that the prose is good and it's clear this came from a lot of very current feelings. And I want to emphasize that the prose is good, because the rise of generative AI is bringing with it the idea that anything polished can't possibly be human. No matter how I feel about a book in terms of how it spins its plot, I will always champion human writing, and any critiques I have just mean it's worth bothering to take time to critique.

There were two big feelings I came away from with this. One was that the worldbuilding felt rushed. The springboards from which this story originated are relatively obvious, and it's a little hard to demand subtlety and subtext in dystopian narratives. The problem is, a lot of what's played out starts to crumble under the lens of real-world experience.

Why would an educated man believe that four years of bad sociopolitical decisions could be walked back in six years, enough that it would be worth waking his family that early? In fact, why would a scientist consider a science experiment a safe place to store his family in the wake of a movement that's doing away with science? Unless we discover in a later book that her parents were plotting an elaborate suicide, it doesn't scan.

Similarly, the horrors of ReAdmission feel a little too blunt. Again, it's difficult to demand nuance from a dystopian novel. But as much as I liked the characters and their particular concerns — Ellie feeling guilty for longing for prom when the world is burning was great, for instance — the overarching intrigue feels patchy and undeveloped. If we were only seeing through Ellie and Liv's eyes as they come out of their respective hazes, it would be one thing. But so few things click, even as we accompany freedom fighters, that the thread of ReAd feels more like an all-purpose bogeyman than a legitimate statement.

There are other issues at play. The fact that the only undrugged, unhazy women in the narrative are sidelined or outright killed, even as Liv proclaims she doesn't need a man to save her, feels a little harsh. Even in a narrative denouncing the systemic subjugation of women, it's the male protagonists who get to be grey and nuanced.

I wanted to like The Season of Light and Darkness, and I especially wanted to see how it handled difficult situations like when and how to take action in a crisis. But it feels like so much of the story was focused on being visually striking that a lot was lost in the actual meat of the story.

I'd love to be proven wrong in later volumes, and I'd love to see this prose shoring up something really insightful and incisive. But the first book, while an interesting series of character studies, doesn't really thrill. Nonetheless, I am ready and willing to eat my words if later books prove these concerns either incorrect or part of some bigger narrative plan.

TEA PAIRING: The Dragon's Flame
Between a group of freedom fighters burning through the current regime and Ellie needing a serious thaw, this warming cinnamon spice tea is my pick for this pairing. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

FEATURED CANDLE: Elven Vale
This month's limited-edition candle is thematically worlds apart from the story, but the calming natural scents bring to mind a world left behind, and one that our heroes can hopefully find once again. Use my referral link for a discount on other bookish candles from Frostbeard!

BOOK REVIEW: Adventure in the City of Stories

 

ADVENTURE IN THE CITY OF STORIES
by Emma Otheguy
Available July 21

Cousins Jorge, Camila, and Siggy are in big trouble when they discover that their aunt is in possession of some valuable — and missing — items. A book and two puppets belonging to librarian and storyteller Pura Belpré have mysteriously shown up in Tía Xía's home, and simply returning them could lead to some major misunderstandings. Fortunately, their aunt has a secret: a small fleet of time-traveling boats that can only be steered by members of her family!

Together, the four travel back to 1930s New York, where they plan to return the items to their old home. But standing in their way is the wife of a pencil magnate, set on putting Puerto Rican people (and people she assumes are Puerto Rican) in their place. With Tía Xía's magic, and the magic of stories, the family works to help a local girl blow the whistle on her father's employer, return Pura Belpré's belongings, and get home to the present day safely.

This new book follows Otheguy's Cousins in the Time of Magic, which I haven't read. However, it takes little time to immerse oneself in this world, with its straightforward but unique magic system. The story also blends historical figures with historically-inspired original characters, painting a vivid picture of early 20th century New York (its ups and its downs). In addition to the history lesson, readers will also learn some legendary children's stories.

I recommend reading Adventure in the City of Stories with your kids. Not because there's anything difficult or objectionable in it, but because it opens doors to a lot of frank discussions and potential questions. It's a literal learning experience (complete with endnotes and a bibliography), but it's also an opportunity to discuss some more difficult topics with young people. There's very little nuance in the verbal bullying of the book's villain, which might feel a little blunt to older readers; but for kids, the frank depiction might help them recognize issues in their own lives.

TEA PAIRING: Magical Library Butterbrew
This story takes place across several libraries, many of which have surprising and magical things happening in them. This smooth butterscotch tea is inspired by cozy magical libraries, which seems just about right for this particular story. Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other book-inspired teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

TEA REVIEW: Three More Teas from Plum Deluxe

 

In addition to the Literary Tea collection I reviewed not long ago, Plum Deluxe were also kind enough to send along three more teas they thought might suit my taste. I'm not about to let a good tea go un-shouted-out, so here we are again with a new trio of reviews!

This set of teas isn't on any particular theme, but rather is a selection from across their catalogue.

Welsh Dreams Herbal
While I'm not a big herbal tea drinker, I'm trying to get better about cutting my caffeine after a certain time of day. So good herbals and decafs are always nice to find. This is a soft, comforting blend with a honeybush base and notes of peppermint and vanilla. But it's not strong, candy-like peppermint. It's sweet but not too sweet, and very relaxing at the end of the day.

Picard Black Tea Blend
This is the blend I've had my eye on for some time... after all, I'm a Star Trek fan and an Earl Grey fan. Plum Deluxe has several interesting twists on Earl Grey, and this is another of them. The cinnamon pecan flavoring makes it taste almost like a pastry, which gives it a sort of breakfasty feel. While it's not my favorite of their Earl Greys (that would be their Grantham Grey), it's still an extremely nice one.

Porch Sippin' Pecan Black
Maybe I'm just desperate for autumn, but this tea was my favorite of the trio. This black tea has a very strong, sweet praline flavor with big fall vibes. This would make an incredible milk tea, either hot or iced. And especially now, in the heat of summer, it was a welcome dose of cool-weather feelings.

If you'd like to try these or any other teas from Plum Deluxe, be sure to use my affiliate link! And check out my previous review, showcasing their Literary Tea collection.

COMIC REVIEW: Howliday Inn the Graphic Novel

HOWLIDAY INN: THE GRAPHIC NOVEL
by James Howe and Andrew Donkin; illustrated by Stephen Gilpin
Available now

If you grew up around the time I did, James and Deborah Howe's Bunnicula novels were mainstays of school story time. Given the longevity of the series itself, as well as spinoffs and adaptations, I imagine it's a familiar series for multiple generations. And yet, I was unaware until just recently that there was a Bunnicula graphic novel adaptation underway. Fortunately, I got on board with the second one, Howliday Inn, and it's safe to say this version hits just right: a satisfying blend of faithful adaptation and visual nostalgia.

If you're new to the series, let's get you caught up. Harold the dog is our narrator, accompanied on his misadventures by Chester the cat. Their comfy nuclear family home has been invaded by Bunnicula: a rabbit who drains the juice from vegetables vampire-style with his pointy little fangs and prefers to sleep during the day. Chester is convinced Bunnicula is a legitimate paranormal threat and wants nothing more than to get rid of the interloper. As Howliday Inn, the second story in the series, begins, all three pets are boarded as their family goes on vacation. There, they meet other dogs and cats (including three dogs in a complicated love triangle), and Chester becomes convinced that werewolves are on the prowl. As their stay goes on, boarders begin to disappear, including Chester, and Harold must crack the case before whatever is lurking comes for him, too.

Stephen Gilpin's art has a very 70s/80s comic vibe to it, and I love how unique each character looks. My only quibble is Chester; there's something about his face that veers a little too close to human, a la early movie Sonic the Hedgehog designs. But everyone else looks fantastic, humans and animals both. Bunnicula in particular looks spot on, vampiric but still plausibly just a little guy. It makes me wish we'd gotten to see a little more of him, though we do at least get a very cute Bunnicula face to close out each chapter.

What I liked most, though, is that it's a very active adaptation that understands it's a comic book and plays with that. Harold and Chester have quibbles with the artist, including a few pages where Gilpin closes up shop for the weekend and very nearly leaves them on a blank page. The self-awareness, combined with dialogue that gives young readers credit for being intelligent enough to follow it, reminds me a lot of the indie comics and graphic novels I'd read in my tweens and teens. The book closes out with a brief Sherlock Holmes tribute, starring Chester as a feline version of the great detective and Harold as his Watson.

Will kids love this new Bunnicula treatment? I can see myself as a kid loving this, so sure. Will grownups who grew up reading the original stories enjoy these comics? Without question. This is a massive nostalgia bomb, faithful without being precious, and I'm hopeful that the adaptations will continue.

TEA PAIRING: Secrets in the Garden
While the "bungalows" our heroes stay in during their time away were pens rather than holiday houses, the beginning and end of the book definitely put one in a vacation mood. This watermelon lime green tea feels like just the sort of thing the Monroes might enjoy during their trip. Best of all, it's great iced! Use my code KARA15 for 15% off this and other teas from Chapters Tea & Co.!

BOOK REVIEW: Of Dread, Decay, and Doom

OF DREAD, DECAY, AND DOOM
edited by Jendia Gammon, Gareth L. Powell, and Scarlett R. Algee
Available now

Horror anthologies are, at least in my experience, a mixed bag solely because of what they are. Everyone finds different things frightening, so some stories will resonate with some people and fall flat with others. This is especially true with anthologies with a secondary theme beyond genre. That said, Of Dread, Decay, and Doom doesn't camp out in one style of horror. It runs the full gamut, from slasher tropes to environmental horror, from small personal stories to vignettes that hint at something vast and dangerous. This anthology's broad reach is its strength: because it has a little bit of everything, it's highly likely to have something that resonates with each reader.

From its very first story, this anthology makes it very clear that there are no safety nets. Existing in one of these worlds means you might not make it out alive. Some do, of course: alive, but changed. Others find a strange sort of peace. But these are not stories where it's wise to get attached. Our heroes (or antiheroes) are always potential sacrifices, literally and figuratively, on the altars of their own narratives.

What's especially impressive, and this is absolutely down to a trio of very skilled editors choosing and guiding the anthology's selection of authors, is how the stories work with each other without stepping on each other's toes. There are crossovers in terms of styles of stories — for example, both Vincent V. Cava's "Killbilly Drive-Thru" and Tim Waggoner's "The World Has Teeth" play with serial killers dealing with their would-be victims in public places. Both are, as one might expect, darkly comical at times. But each has its own style and upshot, making them complementary rather than crowding each other out.

A few other high-ranking stories in this anthology... or, at least, the ones that gave me chills:

"The Cleansing" by Lee Murray: The majority of this one doesn't read like a horror story so much as a musing on the state of growing up Asian. (I grew up Lebanese, but I've heard stories.) Its chilling descent into very literal imagery in the final few sentences recontextualizes the whole piece in a heartbeat. Endings like this are not easy to pull off, so it's always a treat to see it done well.

"Elderflower Cordial" by Mark Stay: A story from the Witches of Woodville series. This was my first encounter with the series, and it's made me want to read more for sure. Set in 1981, it folds folk horror and revenge into a seemingly innocent concept: children selling lemonade(?) by the side of the road. I love the ambience of this, the tonal shift as the story changes narrators at the end, and the strangely beautiful gentleness of the finale.

"The Children of Light" by David Quantick: Barely an ereader page long, this short-short story investigates an intriguing possibility: what if darkness, not daylight, killed vampires?

"Changing Hands" by Alice James: A worker finds his body being taken over, starting from the left hand, as he collects energy from portals. I love this one in particular for its skillful worldbuilding in a confined space, as well as the narrator's unique voice.

"Time After Time" by Sarah L. Miles: Probably my favorite in the whole anthology, this risky little piece plays with time loops and the horrors (mundane and otherwise) that lurk in the dark. I call it "risky" because its format could sink it if not done correctly and committed to fully. But it does both and comes out fantastic.

There isn't a bad story in the book, and the ones that stand out to each reader will likely be very different. But as a whole, it's a fascinating exploration of what "horror" means to a wide swath of skilled horror writers.

TEA PAIRING: Edgar Allan Poe Bundle
Not just because a certain story late in the anthology makes a certain reference! This pairing of bold Earl Grey (Poet's Study) and sleepy herbal (Dream Within a Dream) covers a broad spectrum of tea tastes, just as this anthology covers a broad spectrum of horror tastes.