My Daddy is a Hero: How Chris Watts Went from Family Man to Family Killer by Lena Derhally

I've always been interested in the Chris Watts case. I felt that everywhere I looked their just wasn't enough information or that the information was all over the place. I wanted to know more and when I was given the opportunity to listen to the Audio Version of My Daddy is a Hero, I was hesitant, I have never been a huge fan of audio books as I tend to get distracted while listening to a book or the reader doesn't capture my attention. I decided to give it a try .... and I am thankful that I did.

I had to rewind a few times and sometimes the reader's lisp on certain words was distracting but I was able to push through it all and complete the book and I am thankful that I am.

So far this is the most comprehensive work I have found on the Chris Watt's case. Derhally recreated the the night Watts murdered his family. She details the investigation using various sources and examines the relationships in his life. She also analyzes him and uses her knowledge as a psychotherapist to profile him. 

There are many times the passages in the book are emotionally drenching because it deals with two precious little girls who became the victim of  a person who should have treasured and protected them over all others. This is an excellent read (or listen) for other crime junkies like me. 

You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks (Author), Sarah Pekkanen (Author)

I read, “You Are Not Alone” months ago but somehow forgot to blog about it! This is surprising as I usually forget to blog about books that I find mediocre at best, which is not the case with this book.

I have been on a bit of thriller kick lately. Our heroine, Shay, along with insights from other characters tell the story I real time and via flashbacks.

Shay witnesses at suicide and inserts herself into the lives on the victim’s friends. She attends the memorial, invents a fictitious connect to the victim and quickly finds herself with a new group of friends. Her trusting character and lonely lifestyle make her vulnerable. You find an urge to protect her, even when she makes you squeamish because you just know something is amiss and when it comes down to it Shay will have to rely on herself.

This is an odd thriller with lots of unlikable and savory characters. Super fast read that will keep you entertained.

One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus

One of Us is Next is the sequel to One of Us is Lying. I want to report that it does NOT fall into the dreaded slump a lot of sequels tend to fall into. It is a whole new ballpark.

This time it’s a game of Truth of Dare. The minor characters of One of Us is Next play much larger roles. They are the target of a new game that is intent on ruining lives and relationships. Truth’s pit friends and family against one another Dares are a mixed bag of peanuts.

McManus pulls you back into the excitement of reading, One of Us is Lying, for the first time but amps it up with my twists. It’s easy to figure out who it is but it’s much more difficult to figure out how and why and once it’s revealed and the curveball hits you in the face, you’ll find that you loved this and want to hear more about the teens of Bayview. They are a chaotic, squirmy, sinister bunch.

The Chalice and the Crown by Kassandra Flamouri

The Chalice and the Crown by Kassandra Flamouri

Published: June 05, 2020

Sasha Nikolayeva is a young, talented ballerina who has just landed her most prestigious role. It should be time of rejoicing and pride but the nightmares that have always plagued her take a hold of her. She sinks into them and it’s feared that she is suffering from the same mental ailments that took her mothers life when she was in her prime.

Her mind and body deteriorate as the nightmare’s she falls into take her to live in the City of Roses. A city in which she has no voice and is a thrall (a slave). The thralls are not considered human, they are treated like dolls and pets. Any instance of them being aware could result in punishment and death.
Her dance brings her out of her mentally entrapped state but it could cost her life if anyone of power was to find out. She builds a secret relationship with a few trusted individuals who can potentially help her find a way out and back into her world.

Sasha will have to choose between returning to her beloved grandmother and others she finds dear or stay in the City of Roses and fight.

This book is dark, gritty and leaves you wondering if Sasha can balance the line between magic, insanity and reality. I didn’t expect to be pulled into this book so quickly and found myself devouring it. I am not one who normally enjoys magical aspects but the writing, storyline and the authors ability to make words and scenes alive mesmerized me.

Be prepared for unanswered questions but I assume that is because this will become a series and not because the writer is done telling Shasha’s story.

* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What You Wish For: A Novel by Katherine Center | Jul 14, 2020

What You Wish For  by Katherine Center 

Published:  Jul 14, 2020

Samantha Casey LOVES her job as a librarian and her life in Texas, until Duncan Carpenter, the new principal arrives.

Samantha knew, Duncan from a previous job, he used to be fun and full of energy, now he is hard and all about rules and regulations. The Duncan she knew and loved has lost his spark and has been replaced with a man who is in every way the opposite of the man she knew.

Duncan quickly makes changes to the school making everyone unhappy and frustrated. They want him fired. Then events unravel changing dynamics, and revealing secrets.

The cast of characters mesh well and move the story along in easy manner, making it flow with ease.

There are some sensitive topics involved but overall you walk away form this book with some joy and happiness, which is something we need with the state of affairs in our world.

* I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Beauty in Breaking: A Memoir by Michele Harper | Jul 7, 2020

I love medical drama and I wrongly assumed that this would be filled with it. It's more about a personal journey filled in with medical issues.

Harper had a rough childhood and growing up was challenging at best. Medical graduation should have been a shinning moment but personal matters took some of that shine away.

Her personal life and her yoga ramblings take up a large portion of the book but I wanted to know more about the trials of being a ER doctor and read about more than just a few cases in which she learned a life lesson from.

This book isn't for me but I can see how others would appreciate it. I would classify this more as a self help book rather than a memoir.

It's an easy read but I did skim over lots of yoga talk but don't let that sway you from some powerful and compelling cases such as the gun shot victim and a female military member who was raped while serving our country.