"The Sufi Surfer", by Sharif Khan

Amer Fateh, an eccentric surfer living in a tent in the Big Sur coastal wilderness is on a quest for his divine double. A job offer by Guru Don at a mountain sight retreat is just what he needed and Amer happily accepts, unaware he just joined a cult… and the journey commences for this mystic misfit Sufi surfer…

My thoughts:

Honestly this story was not for me, I simply couldn’t get into it. It is said to be some kind of comedy but I couldn’t see the humour at all, or was it my state of mind wasn’t into it. I really don’t have a great sense of humour I suppose. To make reading difficult there are too many words and expressions in foreign language spread throughout without no translation, that didn’t help to keep my mind to stay with it....This story is heavily focussed on fart and poop jokes, is that funny?

This story is the wackiest and wandering one I ever read. Didn’t like the story nor the characters….end of my thoughts….please forgive me Mr. Khan.

I may not have liked this story but maybe you will so don’t take my words for it, judge for yourself.

My thanks to the author for this ARC

"Tis The Season To Be Scary", by Vicky Delany

A Year-Round Christmas Mystery, book 9

A cozy mystery

In a few words:

It’s Halloween and the forks of Rudolph all decked up in their costumes are celebrating at the Yuletide Inn, a grand fundraising gala in support of the local hospital. As drinks flow, the guests dance and canapés are served…. then things begin spiraling out of control……curious?....pick up this book at your favourite store….enjoy

My thoughts:

One cozy mystery indeed, it moves at a sail pace and keeps this way till the very end. Having said this, it may be slow but far from boring. It is quite a perfect story to spook us and to kick off the season with Halloween folklore, goodies and extravagant costumes….not forgetting the help from the great unknown….

It would not be a mystery without a murder and of course during the gala someone studently collapses setting off a string of speculations and Merry Wilkinson at the thick of the action. Strangest things are going on and Merry is determined to find out.

This story is well-written: clean and clear. The characterization is on the spot and the atmosphere is great…..love all those spooky faces

We have wonderful sweets all along this story and recipes to try making at the end

If you enjoyed a story that is not taxing this one is for you.

My thanks to Crooked Lane Book and Netgalley for this ARC

"The Taken Girls", by Glenn Cooper

The story in a few words:

This gripping thriller follows a family whose daughters, Victoria and Elizabeth, were abducted and returned four years later, appearing unchanged. At the same time their parents vanished and haven’t been seen since.

Retired CIA officer, Marcus Handler, is hired to investigate. His search will lead to unexpected and disturbing truths….

My thoughts:

The plot follows the investigation journey of Marcus and is divided in 3 parts said with 3 points of view. The narrative’s tone between sci-fi and medical thriller is attention grabbing, tense and quite addictive. The medical jargon is fascinating although the study and tests performed on the children were hauntingly disturbing…..manipulating kids to trust them so they can easily experiment on them…depressing.

This thriller is fast-paced, goes straight to the point clear and firmly. It is cleverly managed with twists and turns to keep us flipping the pages. A touch of extraterrestrial to tease us is a plus.

Mr. Cooper tackles the most unique subject and has a way with words that pulls us in and keeps us glued to his subject.

Although, this story is far-fetched and not very believable yet I was highly entertained and enjoyed every hour I spent reading this crazy story. I was hooked from the start.

Well said and well done

Thank you, Lascaux Media/ Book Whisperer and Netgalley for the copy of this book