#NetGalley #BookReview Bone Woman by Paige Shelton #Mystery #Forensic

Bone Woman

by Paige Shelton

Release date: October 27th, 2026

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Bone Woman by Paige Shelton from Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.  

…If you like eerie, atmospheric tales featuring complex lead characters, unsettling whodunit twists, and a touch of the macabre, this is the book for you. I highly recommend....

I have been a fan of Paige Shelton’s work, particularly her cozy mysteries and, my favourite, her Alaska Wild series, The Bone Woman feels like a brilliant pivot into something much sharper, dustier, and inherently more unsettling. While it retains her brilliant character work and engaging storytelling that make her books so readable, this new mystery trades cozy village charm for the scorching, unforgiving heat of the Arizona desert.

The story unfolds in Black Vulture, a small, economically strapped town where everything feels sun-baked, sharp, and coated in a fine layer of grit. Into this atmospheric backdrop steps Hazel Dylan, a fiercely independent woman who runs her father’s taxidermy museum. Because of her unconventional upbringing surrounded by animal preservation and anatomy, Hazel has developed an extraordinary, self-taught expertise in reading and aging bones, skills that local law enforcement eagerly tap into despite her lack of formal degrees.

When human bones begin surfacing in the desert, deliberately arranged into macabre, intricate poses that mimic taxidermy mounts, Hazel is called in to consult. The scenario is deeply disturbing on its own, but it becomes personal when the crime bears unsettling echoes of Hazel’s own father, who vanished years ago under mysterious circumstances. Forced to confront gaps in her own memory, Hazel must figure out whether these eerie bone sculptures are morbid artwork, a clue to her father’s past, or the signature of a killer.

What truly anchors the novel is its deep character-driven focus. Hazel is a standout protagonist: a little prickly, deeply determined, and shaped by a difficult childhood. The supporting cast adds rich texture to the story.

Shelton weaves an intricate web of red herrings and psychological tension. Chapters are broken up with the delightfully eerie internal voice of a stalker who has been secretly watching Hazel’s every move. You are left constantly off balance, wondering whether this observer is her long-lost father or someone far more sinister.

The story takes us on a wild, suspenseful ride, capped off with an unexpected ending and a few tantalizing threads that leave you guessing. With its gritty, wild-west edge and spine-tingling atmosphere, The Bone Woman is a captivating read from start to finish leaving us with an interesting epilogue that leaves us with new questions and setting us up for further cases featuring Hazel Dylan. If you like eerie, atmospheric tales featuring complex lead characters, unsettling whodunit twists, and a touch of the macabre, this is the book for you. I highly recommend.

#NetGalley #BookReview The Key to a Killer (A Ruby and Cordelia Mystery: Book 3) by Olivia Blacke #Mystery #Paranormal #Humour #Cozy

The Key to a Killer 

A Ruby and Cordelia Mystery Book #3

by Olivia Blacke

Release date: October 20th, 2026

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Key to a Killer, A Ruby and Cordelia Mystery Book #3 by Olivia Blacke from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press /Minotaur Books in order to read and give an honest review.

…All in all I really enjoyed the book, the writing is entertaining, the characters are lovable, and if you have kept up with the series thus far, this is the payoff you have been waiting for. It is cozy, clever, and I absolutely adore the series.…

In the third entry in the series, we get another round with Ruby and her ghostly roommate Cordelia and as always this series is just so much fun. By book three, their dynamic feels way more lived in. Ruby is less hesitant, more confident and definitely more willing to dish out some much needed bluntness to Cordelia, which gives their banter a sharper edge.

This installment really steps up the personal stakes because Cordelia is finally investigating her own murder. Watching them piece together that trail of clues makes the keeps even the biggest mystery reader on their toes. Even if the slow start with the backstory takes a minute to push past but it quickly gets interesting as Cordelia starts recovering fragmented memories from that fateful day. The tension amps up as the two follow a winding trail of clues that puts several people from her past under suspicion. Add in Cordelia’s recently released brother, Ian, showing up at inconvenient times and a shady corporate competitor lurking in the background, and Ruby has her hands full trying to crack a deeply personal case before trouble finds them first. The mystery itself had me guessing until the very end, and the unique dual POVs of Ruby and Cordelia elevate the standard cozy mystery to a whole new level.

As I have mentioned before the real magic of this series remains the bonding between the living and the dead. I still really enjoy the quirky friendship between the two one being probably twenty plus years older and having experienced life quite differently. Cordelia is still always looking out for Ruby and seems to finally not be the lonely person she was when she was alive. Their creative ways of communicating, almost reading each other’s minds, is fun and makes for a witty banter that just adds to the story. There are also some really touching moments between Cordelia and Ian. My only negative, other than the albeit neccessary rehash at the beginning, is the frequent reminders of the limitations that Cordelia experiences being a ghost, which, while necessary, sometimes slows the pacing a bit, but honestly it is a tiny issue for an otherwise fun, engaging, and genuinely quirky read.

All in all I really enjoyed the book, the writing is entertaining, the characters are lovable, and if you have kept up with the series thus far, this is the payoff you have been waiting for. It is cozy, clever, and I absolutely adore the series. I am a bit concerned now Cordelia’s murder has been solved, it has an air of finality to it but I am definitely not ready to say goodbye to these characters just yet, so I hope there are more stories ahead for this dynamic duo. If you like a non-scary ghost story with a great mystery and an incredible odd-couple friendship, I would highly recommend it.

#NetGalley #BookReview Please Enjoy Your Stay by Tara Goedjen #Mystery #Gothic

Review

Please Enjoy Your Stay

by Tara Goedjen

Release date: October 13th, 2026

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 I received a complimentary ARC copy of Please Enjoy Your Stay by Tara Goedjen from NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books in order to read and give an honest review. 

“…This book is everything I crave in a mystery: an eerie European setting, rich sensory details, deeply dark family secrets, and twists that keep you turning pages late into the night. It is dark, twisty, and deeply immersive I highly recommend… ” 

A wonderfully eerie gothic mystery that I was thrilled to read and review! After losing her mother at thirteen, Mia spent her youth traveling the globe with her cousin Tristan and her true-crime writer aunt, Iris. Their journey leads them to a supposedly haunted castle in the Austrian Alps, where Iris plans to research a decades-old heiress murder and its surrounding folklore. But history repeats itself in the worst way when Tristan is brutally killed on the castle grounds. As the sole witness to the crime, Mia’s testimony lands the castle owner behind bars.

Fast forward a decade later: the old castle is being transformed into a luxury boutique hotel, and a viral true crime podcast reopens the cold case, casting doubt on the original conviction and even pointing fingers at Aunt Iris. Determined to protect her family, clear her aunt’s name, and figure out what really happened that night, Mia goes undercover as a nanny at the newly renovated hotel. But as she digs into the past, new disappearances occur, eerie shadows stir in the halls, and Mia has to figure out if she misremembered the truth all those years ago or if a killer is still lurking in the woods.

The setting is so atmospheric it becomes another character in the story; the isolated Austrian Alps, the grand yet sinister castle-turned-hotel, ominous woods, and creepy details with mysterious  raven feathers left in unusual places add a mounting sense of dread that gets right under your skin. It has that perfect blend of high-end luxury on the surface and deeply unsettling secrets hiding beneath every floorboard. You are constantly left guessing whether the hotel is genuinely haunted or if the mind is just playing tricks in the dark.

Tara Goedjen weaves current events together with podcast clips, journal entries, and flashbacks from Aunt Iris during the original trip flawlessly. The tension builds steadily without ever feeling slow, creating a fast-paced “time is running out” puzzle. Every single character feels just suspicious enough that you will trust no one. There are strange sightings, strange messages, and what seems to be help from the great beyond. The story builds with so many twists and turns leading to a satisfying and emotional ending. Beyond the thrills and gothic vibes, I really appreciated how the book dives into the modern impact of true crime culture. It shows how media speculation, public opinion, and podcasts can reshape real tragedy and tear families apart.

This book is everything I crave in a mystery: an eerie European setting, rich sensory details, deeply dark family secrets, and twists that keep you turning pages late into the night. It is dark, twisty, and deeply immersive I highly recommend! This was an incredible debut and I look forward to reading more from Tara Goedjen.

#NetGalley #BookReview The Writer’s Miracle Method: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Writing with Freedom and Joy by Debra Landwehr Engle #Writing #Mindfulness #Advice

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Review

The Writer’s Miracle Method

A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Writing with Freedom and Joy

by Debra Landwehr Engle

Release date: October 13th, 2026

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of “The Writer’s Miracle Method: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Writing with Freedom and Joy” by Debra Landwehr Engle “from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, in order to read and give an honest review.

… highly recommend this for writers looking for a mindful, heart-centered approach to breaking through creative resistance and finding their flow again….

I was absolutely thrilled to be able to read and review “The Writer’s Miracle Method: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Writing with Freedom and Joy” by Debra Landwehr Engle.

Part spiritual roadmap and part heartfelt advice, Debra Landwehr Engle’s The Writer’s Miracle Method feels less like a dry manual and more like a gentle, reassuring guide for anyone trying to navigate the mental blocks of a creative life. Rooted in the core ideas of A Course in Miracles, it is designed to help you quiet that relentless inner critic and transform paralyzing self doubt into a steady, grounded sense of confidence.

The book is divided into thirty-one bite-sized chapters, making it a perfect daily companion for a month-long creative reset. Each entry pairs a short, focused reflection with a practical exercise, affirmations and a grounding closing meditation. It only asks for about twenty minutes of your day, though the exercises give you plenty of room to stretch out if you want to dive deeper. Engle tackles the universal struggles every writer knows all too well, from procrastination and juggling a busy schedule, to imposter syndrome, the exhausting weight of perfectionism, and those quiet worries about age, timing, or whether your story even matters. By sharing raw and honest glimpses from her own journey, including moments where she felt completely out of her depth, Engle instantly builds a sense of camaraderie. You are not reading the words of a distant authority. Instead, you are sitting across the table with a warm cup of tea, chatting with a fellow traveler who has walked the exact same muddy road.

It is worth mentioning the book’s underlying foundation, while Engle notes early on that you do not need to follow any specific belief system to get something out of this, the guide draws heavily on spiritual concepts. It frequently references Spirit, the universe, and fate, that you are right where you are supposed to be. If you usually lean toward more pragmatic productivity guides, the spiritual tone might take a slight shift in mindset. Yet even from a purely practical standpoint, the exercises offer powerful psychological shifts. They give you a fresh, lens to look at your creative gifts, stripping away self-imposed blocks and reminding you that there is no single correct way to write, only your way.

Whether you align with its spiritual undercurrents or simply use it as a mindful toolkit for your writing desk, The Writer’s Miracle Method offers something meaningful for every storyteller. It gently nudges you past the terror of the blank page and encourages a deeper trust in your own artistic process.

I highly recommend this for writers looking for a mindful, heart-centered approach to breaking through creative resistance and finding their flow again.

#NetGalley #BookReview Return to Breakneck Island by Tom Ryan #CozyMystery #HistoricalFiction

Review

Return to Breakneck Island
by Tom Ryan

 Release date: October 6th, 2026

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Return to Breakneck Island
by Tom Ryan from Net Galley and Grove Atlantic in order to read and give an honest review.

…Combining small-town warmth, action-packed treasure hunting, and dark historical secrets, this sequel strikes a wonderful balance between a cozy mystery and a thrilling adventure. It answers the lingering questions of the MacLeary disappearance while perfectly setting the stage for the next chapter in the series….

Having read the first book in this series, The Treasure Hunters Club, I was thrilled to dive into this sequel; yet another twisty mystery set in the small coastal town of Maple Bay, Nova Scotia. As a Canadian reader, I was proud to pick up a mystery rooted in local lore and set along our gorgeous eastern coast. Tom Ryan delivers once again with Return to Breakneck Island, taking us back to Maple Bay’s coastal charm and hidden darkness.

The story treats us to dual mysteries. The first occurred in 1932 and follows the MacLeary family, who tended the lighthouse on Breakneck Island until a violent storm blew through. Their disappearance launched a local legend of a family vanishing without a trace, leaving behind no bodies and whispers of a hidden fortune. In the present day, Cass, Peter, and Dandy find themselves drawn back to the island’s secrets. While each character initially follows a separate trail, from cryptic clues about a missing manuscript to unexpected family arrivals and mysterious artifacts, their individual investigations eventually collide in a deadly puzzle.

The dual-timeline structure and multiple points of view keep the narrative moving at a brisk pace. The 1932 chapters are what truly hooked me; knowing the tragedy awaiting the MacLearys lent every historical scene a heavy, atmospheric tension. Ryan brings significant emotional depth to the story, layering themes of sacrifice, forgiveness, overcoming social mores, and the lingering psychological impact of the past. The labeled chapter headers successfully anchor the plot, making it easy to juggle the various character viewpoints across both time periods.

While I missed seeing the main trio team up as closely as they did in The Treasure Hunters Club, the payoff when their storylines finally merge is well worth it, culminating in a plot twist that caught me completely off guard. The atmospheric writing shines throughout this complex, engaging wild ride of a plot. Filled with red herrings and dynamic characters, the story seamlessly blends historical secrets with present-day danger.

Combining small-town warmth, action-packed treasure hunting, and dark historical secrets, this sequel strikes a wonderful balance between a cozy mystery and a thrilling adventure. It answers the lingering questions of the MacLeary disappearance while perfectly setting the stage for the next chapter in the series.

 

#NetGalley #BookReview of The Dying Light, Detective Matthew Venn/Two Rivers #4 by Ann Cleeves #Mystery #PoliceProcedural

The Dying Light

A Detective Matthew Venn/ Two Rivers Novel #4

by

Ann Cleeves

Release date: September 29th, 2026 

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Dying Light (A Detective Matthew Venn Novel #4) by Ann Cleeves from NetGalley and Pan Macmillan | Macmillan in order to read and give an honest review.  

…The Dying Light is an atmospheric, moody mystery packed with strong character development, heavy secrecy, and a sharp exploration of privilege …

Having recently become a fan of Ann Cleeves I was thrilled to read and review the newest entry in the Detective Matthew Venn/ Two Rivers series and I was not dissappointed.
While it is part of an established series, I did miss the last book yet I found I was able to easily jump into this one as a standalone without feeling lost.

The Dying Light, takes us back to the coast of North Devon, England. The story opens at “The Tides,” an upscale North Devon holiday home owned by rising politician Paul Armstrong. The story opens when a local teenager named Lottie Cauldwell is found dead in the property’s swimming pool. To make matters worse, Armstrong’s own daughter, Hannah, has vanished. Detective Inspector Matthew Venn and his team, Sergeant Jen Rafferty and DC Ross May, are called in to unravel what happened. Paul Armstrong’s political status causes the investigation to quickly draw intense media scrutiny and pressure from the Home Office along with it, forcing the team to work against the clock before the case is pulled from their hands.

What follows is a slow-burn, methodical mystery. Ann Cleeves approaches the investigation like unraveling a tangled thread, meticulously loosening each knot until the central mystery is exposed. As Venn and his team interview the local community, parents, and witnesses, they uncover a tangled web of local secrets, family trauma, and political ambition. The plot builds suspense at a steady, deliberate pace, steadily cranking up the tension toward a poignant and incredibly sad climax. The resolution ties the complex threads together in a deeply satisfying way.

The Dying Light is an atmospheric, moody mystery packed with strong character development, heavy secrecy, and a sharp exploration of privilege. It is a solid four-star read that will appeal to anyone who prefers thoughtful, dialogue-heavy procedural mysteries over fast-paced thrillers. Cleverly written, replete with intrigue, red herrings, and a brilliant cast of characters. This book was brilliant and although I had suspicions it really keeps you guessing to the very end. I found the book to be really enjoyable and as always Ann Cleeves has yet to disappoint me, and The Dying Light is definitely no exception, I highly recommend.

#NetGalley #BookReview Write A Novel in 100 Days, The Busy Writer’s Guide to Finishing Your Book Fast by Kim Purcell #Writing #Advice

Review

Write A Novel in 100 Days

The Busy Writer’s Guide to Finishing Your Book Fast

by Kim Purcell

Release date: September 22nd, 2026

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of “Write A Novel in 100 Days, The Busy Writer’s Guide to Finishing Your Book Fast by Kim Purcell “from NetGalley and Clarkson Potter/Ten Speed Press | Ten Speed Press, in order to read and give an honest review.

… I highly recommend picking this up if you want to stop waiting for the perfect moment and finally get your ideas onto the page!…

I was absolutely thrilled to be able to read and review “Write A Novel in 100 Days” by Kim Purcell. This guide is a five star read that tackles the universal struggle of almost every aspiring author I know…having a fantastic story idea but lacking the time, systems and confidence to get it down on paper. Reading this I knew that it would be one of those books I would constantly refer to time and again. Well-written, informative and down to earth Purcell offers us tools designed to set us up for success. Instead of demanding long stretches of free time, we are introduced to a brilliant concept called “Magic Minutes”. The author proves that dedicating just fifteen focused minutes a day can culminate in a finished manuscript. It is a refreshing tool that encourages busy creatives to stop stressing about finding more hours and start utilizing the small pockets of time they already possess. As someone juggling my own novel manuscripts, this approach feels incredibly validating.

What truly makes this book for me is the fact it’s a wonderful easy to follow roadmap to finishing your novel. Purcell breaks down the daunting drafting process into four manageable acts and highlights twenty-two key plot beats so you never wander blindly through your story. If you ever feel stuck on pacing or character arcs, this framework offers brilliant guidance. She also dives deep into the mental hurdles of the craft, specifically targeting perfectionism and writer’s block. Through fun exercises, she helps readers treat drafting as an enjoyable creative practice rather than a overwhelming test where every word must be flawless from the start.

This accessible method is a massive win for both absolute beginners and veteran wordsmiths with folders full of unfinished projects. The author has compiled brilliant insights that usually take years of trial and error to figure out, delivering them in a way that feels totally achievable. As I mentioned previously, this is a book, I will be referring to time and again. As someone who has recently been through a few lifechanging months along with taking on new responsibilities and as a result my writing has been relegated to the bottom of my todo list. I particularly loved and needed this reminder of how much I can accomplish with a successful plan in place. I can’t say enough about this book and would highly recommend this to anyone who wants to learn a system to help you finish your novel, gain confidence and create a consitent writing practice which will work for years to come.I highly recommend picking this up if you want to stop waiting for the perfect moment and finally get your ideas onto the page!

 

 

#NetGalley #BookReview of The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman #Witches #HistoricalFiction #MagicRealism

The Witches of Cambridge

by Alice Hoffman

Release date: September 8th, 2026

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Witches of Cambridge by Alice Hoffman from NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada in order to read and give an honest review.

A fan of Alice Hoffman I was excited to read “The Witches of Cambridge” and I was not disappointed. Alice Hoffman is back doing what she does best, blending magic with historical fiction.

…the authentic emotional depth, gorgeous setting and classic Hoffman magic make it an enjoyable read…

The story follows Ava, who has known she was different but never quite knew why. We go back  to the 1950s at Radcliffe College, where Ava meets Lauren, a cold, determined and disciplined young witch who with Ava joins the secret Lilith Society. The Lilith Society is a safehaven for witches, to help them hone their powers in a safe space away from those who are fearful and repulsed by them. But when members start disappearing, they quickly realize how dangerous it is to be a woman who does not fit the mold.

Hoffman’s writing is as lush and moody as ever. She digs into the long history of women being feared and accused of witchcraft just for speaking up or standing out. At its heart, it is a story about the fierce bonds between women and how we are always stronger together than on our own. As always she gives us a poignant, beautifully written tale of love, loss and the power of friendship. That said, I did feel a bit disconnected at times. The pacing felt abrupt in places, jumping into scenes without much setup. It also read a little younger than I expected. Even so, the authentic emotional depth, gorgeous setting and classic Hoffman magic make it an enjoyable read! I highly recommend!

#NetGalley #BookReview Buried in the Woods Below by Daniel G. Miller #Thriller #Mystery #Psychological ​

Review

Buried in the Woods Below

A Novel

by

Daniel G. Miller

Release date: September 1st, 2026

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I received a complimentary ARC of Buried in the Woods Below by Daniel G. Miller from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in order to read and give an honest review.  

​”… Bravo to the author for a completely unexpected ending which threw me completely, the surprising reveal at the climax…chef’s kiss…” 

​In this atmospheric thriller, we meet Charlotte, who finds herself forced to take leave from her job following a workplace altercation with a male colleague. Encouraged by her mother, she accepts an invitation to spend a month at a lake house on the historic Big Island with the family of her childhood best friend, Olivia.  Charlotte was with Olivia when a traumatic accident occurred. Although Charlotte and Olivia have lost touch over time, Charlotte agrees to the trip, since Laelynn, Olivia’s mother is going on a business trip and needs Charlotte to help take care of their 8-year-old twins it might help old grievances mend. Charlotte is also curious to see whether her old teenage crush on Olivia’s father, Eric, is still there.  

​The moment Charlotte arrives on the island; the warning signs start popping up fast and furious. The house has poor cell service, zero Wi-Fi and there are threatening notes nailed to their door. When events turn sinister along with a heavy mist hanging in the air, one cannot help but be immersed in the creepy atmosphere.  

The atmosphere builds as things unravel, unusual twin girls singing creepy songs, eerie ghost stories, and a spooky abandoned amusement park replete with screeching old rides and creepy old dolls, the author really pulls no punches in adding just enough to keep us riveted. With the unexpected arrival of the colleague responsible for her forced leave and things turn even more unsettling.  

​Between the lack of cell service, disturbing rumours, creepy notes, hostilities from Laelynn, strange sights in the dark, and disturbing occurrences…staying may not have been Charlotte’s wisest choice. Charlotte, however, chooses to remain on the island. While her old feelings for Eric seem to be resurfacing, her and Olivia are bonding, their safety drives her to get to the bottom of everything before anyone else gets hurt.  

​With each passing chapter, the mystery gets even more bizarre flawlessly amping up the tension and the unanswered questions. Who is writing the threatening letters? Could it be a strange neighbor, or is there a deeper secret behind how Eric acquired the house in the first place? As she begins seeing and hearing things in the night that vanish when she steps outside, the sense of dread, becomes too hard to ignore. 

​Bravo to the author for a completely unexpected ending which threw me completely, the surprising reveal at the climax…chef’s kiss. It wrapped up the story in such an unexpected way. My only minor issue was I couldn’t quite warm up to Charlotte.  

Well-written, cleverly plotted with dynamic characters you will definitely have to dive into this one yourself to learn the truth behind all the bizarre happenings on the Island! I highly recommend. 

#NetGalley #BookReview of Portrait of a Witch Undone by by K.S. Shay #Fantasy #MagicRealism

 

Portrait of a Witch Undone

by K.S. Shay

Release date: Augut 25th, 2026

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(3.5 rounded up)

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I received a complimentary ARC copy of Portrait of a Witch Undone by by K.S. Shay from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing/ Erewhon Books in order to read and give an honest review.

…an original, incredibly captivating, atmospheric read that perfectly balances historical legacy with supernatural thrills…

Witches, an art heist and magic realism, sign me up! Reading this several qualities felt familiar this book reads like a brilliant mash up of Discovery of Witches-meets Charmed-meets-The Magicians meets -meets-art-history class. The story uses the infamous 1990 Gardner Museum theft as fodder for the story to create this fabulously layered blend of magic realism and real-world historical intrigue (I did a deep dive online with regards to the heist, interesting stuff if you are interested). The concept of human-made art functioning as a magical portal between dimensions is brilliantly unique. The world-building is well done with its the vividly creative “Other Marsh” and the little maps scattered throughout the pages it helps the setting feel incredibly immersive. 

Well-written, the author authentically writes twenty-three-year-old Maeve. While readers might find her a bit young, she authentically fits into that “new adult” space as she wrestles with her corrupted magic and the weight of early adulthood. Beyond Maeve, the supporting cast really launches the plot, Ash’s vanishing acts as the driving force, while Imani’s divided loyalties create excellent friction. Though, admittedly, there were a few things that I struggled with, namely, vague physical character descriptions that make it hard to form a clear mental picture. I also deeply appreciated that the romance remained a subtle undercurrent rather than hijacking the narrative, allowing the atmospheric, slightly creepy fantasy elements to take center stage. Make no mistake, this is a heavily action-driven plot that brings fantastic momentum, but it does sometimes rely on easy coincidences to get the characters out of a jam.

Despite its imperfections, it is an original, incredibly captivating, atmospheric read that perfectly balances historical legacy with supernatural thrills. I highly recommend.