Maybe one of these days I’ll actually post updates in a timely manner! I’m thinking of creating a schedule for 2025. We shall see about that…
What I’ve Been Reading
Extreme Medical Services by Jamie Davis — 2 out of 5 stars
Novel. Who would have thought that a book about a paramedic who helps vampires, werewolves, and the like would be so fricking boring?? Dean graduated top of his class in medical training and was assigned a position at Station U, a relatively “secret” station that provides emergency aid to the large population of non-humans in the city. His partner, Brynne, is dating a vampire, but don’t get in her business ‘cuz she has it under control. The “action” is repetitive, the dialogue is awkward (and at times preachy), and unless you’ve watched every episode of E.R. or are a paramedic yourself, you will probably find your eyes glazing over at the medical jargon and tech-speak at every emergency. There is no plot development until the last five pages or so, when we get the dangling carrot and “stay tuned for the next book!” For me, this would have been a one star read if not for Gibbie the vampire and the zombie who was a chef when he was alive.
The Redemption of Morgan Bright by Chris Panatier — 3 out of 5 stars
Novel. This was one very strange story. After the mysterious death of her sister, Morgan Bright checks into the Hollyhock Asylum as a “troubled housewife” to find out what really happened. What seems pretty straight-forward quickly turns into a total mind-fuck as layers are peeled away to reveal the dark underside of the asylum (having an unreliable narrator doesn’t help much either). I had mixed emotions about this book. Overall I liked it, it was weird and, at times, creepy, but there were a few things that just left me feeling like I was missing something, leaving me with more questions than answers by the end.
Kill Your Darling by Clay McLeod Chapman — 4.5/5 out of 5 stars
Novella. Forty years ago, Glenn Partridge’s 15 year old son was brutally murdered, the killer never found. Still haunted by his death after all these years, Glenn’s wife enrolls him in a creative writing class, hoping this will help with his grief. But Glenn’s writing seems to have a life of its own… This is by far my favorite of Chapman’s stories, grief horror at its best. Beautifully written, haunting, and heartbreaking, I am still thinking about this one several weeks after finishing it. Highly recommend.
All the Sinners Bleed by S.A. Cosby — 4 out of 5 stars
Novel. Titus Crown, the first black sheriff in Charon County, discovers things are not what they seem after a teacher is shot by a former student. As he searches for a reason behind the shooting, he finds himself spiraling down a rabbit hole of depravity and dark secrets. I have yet to read a novel by Cosby that I haven’t liked, and this latest offering is no exception. Strong character development, fast action, and some crazy twists make this a great read for anyone looking for a dark noir novel.
So, I realize that I forgot to post my theme for November!! November was Native American Heritage Month, and these are the two excellent books I read…
Red Paint: The Ancestral Autobiography of a Coast Salish Punk by Sasha LaPointe — 4.5/5 out of 5 stars
Nonfiction. Sasha LaPointe shares her story of tragedies, abuse, and her search for herself in this amazing, heartfelt memoir. I grew up in the same small area as Sasha, so seeing her mention certain places brought her story to life even more for me (I can still smell the mix of stale cigarette smoke and frying grease as well as see the battered red vinyl booths at the Horseshoe Cafe). Her writing is amazing, at times I could feel the raw emotions coming through the pages. Don’t miss this memoir.
Killers of the Flower Moon by David Grann — 4.5/5 out of 5 stars
Nonfiction. A compelling look at the murders that shook the Osage Indian nation in the early 1900’s and the long road to finding justice and closure. Grann does an excellent job with his research and with introducing the many key players. I’ve heard mixed reviews regarding the 2023 movie. If you’ve seen it, let me know what you thought of it!
Stay safe and Happy Reading!
All Dragons Read 