In The Solarium

  4.5/5  ⭐ Queer Knives out? Sign me UP! This is one house that is full to bursting with secrets. One that Evander Mills is all to familiar with. One that cost him his job, his friends and almost his life. Being queer in the 50s was not just dangerous, it was a crime. And navigating raids and a disapproving population is hard. So finding a family that are all one way or another queer is unheard of and dangerous. Asked to discreetly investigate a mysterious murder, Mills is let in on the family secret and learns what it’s like to be surrounded my others just like him. And the safety and freedom offered to him behind those closed gates. But not all is well and he quickly learns that as more than just a mysterious murder take place. This was such a good mystery and having the queer rep made it even better. I was a little cautious with the comparison to Knives Out because I didn’t want just a queer book version of it. That would have been boring. But if you liked Knives Out, I do belie

  5/5  ⭐ Found family, a magical boarding school, and a missing friend. A perfect combination in this spooky YA graphic novel. Plus the incredible artwork is not to be missed.  This is one that caught my eye as I kept passing in the teen department at one of the libraries I work at. I then read the little summary and was hooked.  This story follows Abby as she learns one morning that the closest person she has to family has disappeared and feels that the school isn't doing enough in the search for her. And so takes it upon herself to discover what secrets this school has been hiding for years.  Accompanied by friends and a mysterious story from the schools past, they learn that the off-limits woods hold more than they expect when a similar story of a missing students comes up.  This was such an atmospheric and gorgeous graphic novel. And perfect for those looking for a more gothic meets dark academia story for the season.  Plus the characters were well rounded and covered the spect

  *Possible Spoilers, Read with Care. 5/5 ⭐ Fresh starts, new friends, and friendly spiders? This speculative fiction from Rachel Harrison gives new meaning to taking back your magic.  Play it safe Annie has just moved to a new town to start a new job all in an attempt to move on from from her longtime boyfriend who recently dumped her. And at first all is well. Better than well as the townspeople are kind and welcoming and the town itself quaint and picturesque. What could be better.  She even makes a new friend that helps her move on and start living for herself. Sophie, the elegant, strange, and intimidating woman who happens to live in a mansion in the woods. She recognizes something in Annie and takes her under her wing. The two form a bond that continues to grow as Annie learns what it means to truly live for herself.  I devoured this story in one day. In just a few hours while I was at work and in between helping patrons. It was so good that I recommended it to a patron who noti

  Happy October Bookworms!  Now, I know that the month has already started so I am maybe a little late to the game but I did still want to share my October TBR list with you. It's going to probably be a little short since I also still have one or two titles from my Autumn TBR to work through and I am starting to request more ARCs as well again. But without further ado here is my October TBR: These titles I picked up from my main work library: House of Hunger by Alexis Henderson All Dressed Up by Jilly Gagnon  The Witches of of Moonshyne Manor by Bianca Marais Gunpowder Green  by Laura Childs Title picked up from my home library: On What Grounds by Cleo Coyle Books from my own TBR piles: I have two Darcy Coates to choose between.    Ninth House  by Leigh Bardugo Perception Check by Astrid Knight Book ARC's that I have acquired: Secluded Cabin Sleeps Six  by Lisa Unger What Lies in the Woods  by Kate Alice Marshall A Restless Truth  by Freya Marske There are a fair few titles

Happy Halloween Bookworms! If you are anything like me than this time of year is your favorite. I love fall with the cooling weather, the leaves changing colors, and of course, Halloween. And I am also a big fan of reading for the season. Of course read whatever you want whenever you want but there is just something very satisfying about reading something spooky or just a little darker for the season.   Especially if you are able to set the mood with cozy blankets, warm tea and lit candles. Bonus points if it is foggy or raining out.  Now, with out further ado time for some book recommendations.     Cackle by Rachel Harrison Fresh starts, new friends, and friendly spiders. This speculative fiction from Rachel Harrison left me speechless.  Everyone has dreamed of starting over in a new town where no one knows you and your past doesn't define you. Here, that happens and so much more. Perfect for: Those looking for a lighter fantasy, powerful friendships, and characters taking back w

  *Possible spoilers, read with care. 5/5 ⭐ Welcome to Shady Hollow. This village lives in harmony with one another until tragedy strikes with the sudden death of the cantankerous old toad that lived in the pond.  I love a good cozy mystery. Something lighthearted and fun but still thrilling and thought provoking. Shady Hollow  hit all the marks making this a series you won't want to miss.  I had seen this one on so many people's TBR lists that I knew I needed to read it as well. And what better time than during Autumn. It just felt right.  This mystery follows Vera Vixen, the local reporter who just so happens to be a fox. Having come from a bigger town, she seems much more in the know of what to do in the case of a murder than the local constabulary. Which is made up of two bears named Meade and Orville. They do get their chance to make up for what they lack.  Let me just put it here, the names of these characters is incredible and l loved the inclusion of a 'Cast of Char

   Hello Bookworms and happy autumn! I am back with a monthly update since I actually read something in September.  In September I finished 7 books. Over My Dead Body  by Sweeney Boo. 5/5⭐️ Cackle  by Rachel Harrison.  5/5⭐️ Can't Spell Treason without Tea  by Rececca Thorne.  5/5⭐️ Back in a Spell  (ARC) by Lana Harper.  5/5⭐️ Shady Hollow  by Juneau Black.  5/5⭐️ In the Company of Witches  by Auralee Wallace.  5/5⭐️ Secretly Yours  (ARC) by Tessa Bailey. 4 /5⭐️ Favorite: Can't Spell Treason without Tea. Another cozy fantasy that was just so freaking cute! Least Favorite:  Secretly Yours . It wasn't bad, but I am not the biggest fan of romances to begin with.  ARC's: Only the two ARCs this month. I tried to work through my physical TBR list.  Currently, I am on a bit of a cozy mystery binge and am working my way through Gunpowder Green  by Laura Childs.  For October my main goal is to just keep doing what I have been doing. Read at least 5 titles a month and any additi