Currently Reading: Pride and Porters

I've read a lot of Jane Austen inspired novels and Pride and Porters looks like another take on Austen's immensely popular Pride and Prejudice story. It's been a while since I've read an Advance Reader Copy book but this seemed interesting and I thought I would give it a read.

Book: Pride and Porters by Charlotte Greene

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

For Erin and Jen Bennet, growing up in craft-beer-obsessed Colorado made opening Bennet Sisters Brewing their only dream. Their beer is popular, but like any small business, their brewery is never far from closing forever.

When Boston brewer Charlie Betters and his friend Darcy Fitzwilliam ask for their help, the Bennet sisters are happy for the attractive distractions. Life, after all, is more than making beer. Still, while Charlie and Jen seem to be made for each other, Darcy’s pretentiousness and her cruel remarks make a bad first impression.

Despite this, and almost against her will, Erin finds herself attracted to Darcy, but events out of their control result in a misunderstanding that might ruin the chances for love for both couples.

Book Review: Dead Air

Book: Dead Air (The Kat Sinclair Files book #1) by Michelle Schusterman

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Kat didn’t believe in ghosts—until she became a teenage ghostbuster. . .

When Kat Sinclair’s dad tells her his new job hosting the ghost-hunting TV show Passport to Paranormal means they’ll be living on the road and visiting the world’s most haunted places, Kat packs her bags without a second thought. But her new life as a ghostbuster isn’t as cool as Kat expected. The cast and crew don’t always get along, the producer’s annoying nephew has unexpectedly shown up, and Kat thinks the show—and her dad—might be cursed. Kat decides to start writing a blog with “a behind the scenes look at the creepiest show on TV.” But she soon discovers that going behind the scenes may just reveal more than she really wants to know.

Book Review: Flaneuse

Book: Flaneuse: Women Walk the City in Paris, New York, Tokyo, Venice and London by Lauren Elkin

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

The flâneur is the quintessentially masculine figure of privilege and leisure who strides the capitals of the world with abandon. But it is the flâneuse who captures the imagination of the cultural critic Lauren Elkin. In her wonderfully gender-bending new book, the flâneuse is a “determined, resourceful individual keenly attuned to the creative potential of the city and the liberating possibilities of a good walk.” Virginia Woolf called it “street haunting”; Holly Golightly epitomized it in Breakfast at Tiffany’s; and Patti Smith did it in her own inimitable style in 1970s New York.

Part cultural meander, part memoir, Flâneuse takes us on a distinctly cosmopolitan jaunt that begins in New York, where Elkin grew up, and transports us to Paris via Venice, Tokyo, and London, all cities in which she’s lived. We are shown the paths beaten by such flâneuses as the cross-dressing nineteenth-century novelist George Sand, the Parisian artist Sophie Calle, the wartime correspondent Martha Gellhorn, and the writer Jean Rhys. With tenacity and insight, Elkin creates a mosaic of what urban settings have meant to women, charting through literature, art, history, and film the sometimes exhilarating, sometimes fraught relationship that women have with the metropolis.

Called “deliciously spiky and seditious” by The Guardian, Flâneuse will inspire you to light out for the great cities yourself.



Rating: 1 star (Did Not Finish)

Review:

I wanted to read this book because I enjoy walking, being out in nature and observing the world around me. But this turned out to be a disappointing read, the description makes it seem as if the author was going to write about women and the inspiration they drew from living in the city and walking. As well as bring up how at one point only male writers and men of leisure wrote about walking. Due to social norms women didn't have the privilege to experience the freedom of being able to aimlessly wander or simply walk down the street unless they were accompanied by a chaperone of some sort. Because to do so otherwise would be seen in a negative way or give off a negative impression.

The author does get into that at the beginning of the book but from there the book turns into a boring yet well-written and sometimes pretentious look at history, women writers and their characters and a brief look at how walking has been incorporated into their works. The author also wrote about her life and travels and what she experienced living or visiting various city from New York to Tokyo but the writing never truly resonated with me because this book is so boring and uninspiring. I found myself having to reread passages I just read because I had a difficult time focusing on the material. I was so bored that I couldn't finish reading it.

I did not finish reading this because I found the book to be way too boring and it seemed to lose focus on what the book was supposed to be about. The author spent a lot of time going over history and books and less about women who enjoy walking throughout cities.

It's not completely boring there are some interesting historical tidbits but that doesn't make up for fact that this book doesn't even come close to what the description stated nor the subtitle.

Book Review: Good Morning, Superman

Book: Good Morning, Superman by Michael Dahl with illustrations by Omar Lozano

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Look, up in the sky! It’s a bird. It’s a plane. It’s the . . . SUN! When morning comes, a young boy must prepare for his day, faster than a speeding bullet. Follow along as he leaps tall buildings (jumps out of bed) in a single bound, dons his heroic uniform (his clothes), and faces his greatest weakness (Kryptonite-colored toothpaste). Then it’s up, up, and away to daycare!

The perfect companion to the bestselling author Michael Dahl's BEDTIME FOR BATMAN, this official DC Comics picture book will have Superman fans young and old delighting in their morning routines. Includes a morning routine checklist.

Book Review: Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem

Book: Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem by Scott Christian Sava with illustrations by Mike Holmes

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: March 21, 2017

Description:

How does Uncle Bob do it? Owen couldn't figure it out.

Buffalo Bob's Rootin' Tootin' Animal Circus is famous for its jump-roping giraffe, tangoing lion, and knife-throwing elephant. But they have to be fakes, right? Owen is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery. When he visits the circus he discovers that his uncle and, coincidentally, all of the animals, are missing. It can only be the work of Buffalo Bob’s sideshow rival: Contorto.

Owen stumbles upon the one thing that can save the day: Buffalo Bob’s box of animal crackers. But these aren’t any ordinary cookies: one bite and you’re transformed into a circus animal! The audience is wowed by Owen’s animal antics, but it will take more than a few carnival tricks to defeat Contorto and his pack of goons.



Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Animal Crackers: Circus Mayhem is a crazy fun adventures as it follows a disappointed young boy named Owen who will be staying at his Uncle Bob's circus the Buffalo Bob's Rootin' Tootin' Animal Circus.

From the moment Owen's parents dropped him off at the circus it was nonstop action and adventure once Chesterfield the clown showed up to take him to his uncle. However, there seemed to be a problem because none of the circus employees could find Bob including his wife Talia. And with customers angry that the show has yet to start they needed to find Bob as soon as possible.

Owen also noticed something else that was missing, the animals at the circus. But that had him thinking that maybe there were no animals to begin with. Turns out there is an interesting twists in regards to the animals but as for Uncle Bob he was kidnapped by his evil rival Contorto. Assisting the villain is his sideshow crew El Gato Grande and Crooga, they were hired to capture Bob (which they did) and the animals and so far they were having a difficult time finding them.

Owen uncovered the secret of the animals when he found a box of animal crackers in his uncle's office. After eating one of the cookies, he was surprised to find he had turned into an animal. But this new discovery was just what he needs to help the others stop Contorto and his villainous group and find his uncle.

I think kids would love this book, it's fun and fast paced with an interesting story. It's a wacky story but ultimately you have this loveable group of circus employees who band together to not only save Bob but their circus as well. And Owen who thought he would have a boring time at the circus wound up experiencing something unbelievable including being able to turn into animals. This was a fun read.

Book Review: Sherlock Sam and the Sinister Letters in Bras Basah

Book: Sherlock Sam and the Sinister Letters in Bras Basah (Sherlock Sam book #3) written by A.J. Low (Adan Jimenez and Felicia Low-Jimenez) with illustrations by Andrew Tan

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

An exciting new update of the classic Sherlock Holmes detective stories in which Sherlock is a 10-year-old kid living in Singapore and Watson is his trusty robot companion!

Introducing the SHERLOCK SAM series by A.J. Low—a fresh, cross-cultural twist on the classic Sherlock Holmes stories, tailored for middle-grade readers. Set in iconic Singapore locations, the series follows the mystery-solving exploits of smart, observant, food-loving 10-year-old Samuel Tan Cher Lock (a.k.a. Sherlock Sam), Watson, his reluctant robot sidekick, and the rest of the Supper Club (a “Scooby Doo gang,” of sorts) as they prove that mysteries are best solved through teamwork.

In Sherlock Sam and the Sinister Letters in Bras Basah, our kid detective and his robot are all ready to begin studying at a new international school in Singapore. But when another student begins receiving sinister letters from an anonymous source, Sherlock Sam must use his super powers of deduction to help his new friend.



Rating: 5 stars

Review:

In Sherlock Sam and the Sinister Letters in Bras Basah, Sherlock, Watson and the Supper Club (Sherlock's sister Wendy and their friends Jimmy and Nazhar) found themselves with an interesting case.

The group along with a number of other students (such as school bully Eliza) from their school were selected to participate in a school exchange program. And for one week they were going to be attending Enterprise International School. It's a good thing since that is where Sherlock's latest case takes place. He and his mystery solving group were asked by police officer Siva to investigate who was sending his friend author Fidel Alvardo threatening letters. The letters were being placed in his son Luis' backpack while he is at school. Since the letters are addressed to Mr. Alvardo, his son didn't read them so he doesn't know that the letters also include a threat towards him as well. The police have not officially gotten involved because they are not sure if the letters are a kid's prank or something far worse which is why officer Siva asked for Sherlock's help.

Sherlock thought this was going to be a fascinating case and after getting everything sorted at their temporary new school they were ready to investigate. From speaking with Luis, Sherlock found out a little more about the situation but it wasn't until they were all invited to dinner by the Alvardos that he, Wendy and Officer Siva were able to really get a good look at the letters.

This was a tricky case because although the letters held some interesting clues there was not enough to immediately solve the case. It's going to take the group truly looking at all the evidence and suspects of the case plus a little creative thinking.

Unlike the first two books, this one had only one mystery for Sherlock, Watson and the Supper Club to solve. I like these books they're fun to read and have a good mystery with an intriguing plot. With each book someone new is added to the group, the first book had Jimmy tagging along trying to help and the second book introduced Nazhar while in this third book Eliza sort of invited herself along.

I'm really enjoying this series and hope there will be even more books to read.

Book Review: Red-Handed in Romanee-Conti

Book: Red-Handed in Romanee-Conti (Winemaker Detective Mysteries book #12) by Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noel Balen with translations by Sally Pane

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

The perfect wine, the perfect harvest... and the perfect murder?

When world-renowned wine expert Benjamin Cooker’s elderly father needs him most, the erudite consultant and his dashing assistant Virgile Lanssien are called away to Burgundy to orchestrate the harvest. More than just picking grapes, the Winemaker Detective must keep a delicate balance between an old-time vintner and his heir as a catastrophic hailstorm endangers some of France’s most celebrated wines. Adding insult to injury, the brutal and mysterious murder of a grape picker sends shock waves through the winemaking world and the small-town gendarmes find evidence incriminating Cooker. He and his trusty assistant put their sharp senses to work detecting clues and subtleties in the tight-knit community to find where the real killer is lurking.

In another satisfying wine novel with a French flair, authors Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noël Balen give readers a perfectly intoxicating combination French wine, gourmet meals, and mystery in the gloriously described Burgundy wine region with all the scenery, scents, and sounds of France. This light, fun mystery combines amateur sleuths, food, and wine in a wonderfully French mystery novel that doubles as a travel guide. It is a new kind read on the international mystery and crime scene: a pitch-perfect, wine-infused, French-style cozy mystery.



Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Red-Handed in Romanee-Conti had an engaging mystery. Initially, the story began with wine expert Benjamin Cooker and his wife Elizabeth in London spending time with his aging father Paul William who announced he was getting married. In what should have been an awkward yet delightful occasion, Cooker was soon called to Burgundy to help his clients father and son Marcel and Rafael Lemione with their harvest.

When Cooker and his assistant Virgile Lanssien arrived in Burgundy the weather wasn't the only thing they found that was stormy. There was a growing strain between the Lemiones and another brewing between them and their winemaker Philippine Perraudin. As all the vintners in the area prepared to harvest their grapes before the storm rolled in, the body of a young woman Clotilde Dupont was found in the abandoned Saint-Vivant abbey. 

In a surprising twist, the police investigation pointed to Cooker as the prime suspect. Thankfully he had an alibi. And working with local police inspector Cluzel, Cooker and Virgile set out to find the real killer and there are plenty of suspects to keep them busy investigating.

There was a subplot that focused on Cooker's father who was not only discovering the truth about the woman he was going to marry but also coming to terms with his health and loneliness. I like that Elizabeth was in London helping him and out of all the Winemaker Detective Mystery books I've read, this is the first time Elizabeth was given more of the spotlight.

As interesting as I found this story to be, it's hard not to overlook the negative portrayal and treatment of almost all the female characters of course with the exception of Elizabeth Cooker. She was the only female character in this book that was shown in a good light. There was this slimy undercurrent of misogyny as well as most of the women were shown as being conniving, jealous and many other unfavorable qualities.

With that said it's still a good read as it mixes intrigue and suspense as they try to solve the mystery. The side story with Cooker's father was also very interesting to read. And as with each book, the story contains a little bit of history along with information about wine and winemaking. I continue to enjoy this cozy mystery series because I like the main characters, Benjamin and Virgile and all the thrilling and sometimes dangerous mysteries they seem to stumble upon.

Book Review: Sherlock Sam and the Ghostly Moans in Fort Canning

Book: Sherlock Sam and the Ghostly Moans in Fort Canning (Sherlock Sam book #2) by A.J. Low (Adan Jimenez and Felicia Low-Jemenez) with illustrations by Andrew Tan

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Meet Sherlock Sam, Singapore’s greatest kid detective. With his trusty robot Watson, Sherlock Sam will stop at nothing to solve the case, no matter how big or small!

When ghostly sounds fill the air at one of Singapore's most-loved historical attractions, Sherlock Sam finds himself in the middle of an intriguing mystery. Ghosts don't exist... or do they? Will this puzzle prove too difficult for Sherlock Sam and Watson to solve?



Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Sherlock Sam and Watson are at it again in this amusing sequel which has them trying to prove whether or not the historical attraction Fort Canning is haunted.

When Sam, his sister Wendy, Watson and his friend Jimmy attend a school field trip, they not only meet a new student Nazhar but the group also hears ghostly wailings at a Sally Port which is an undetected entrance that was used during World War II.

That wasn't the only mystery that needed to be solved, at school Nazhar couldn't find the duit pisang he brought in for his class presentation. Duit pisang was the money that the Japanese introduced during their occupation of Singapore. Although the money is pretty much useless it is rather valuable and he asked Sherlock to see if he can find out what happened to it.

On the ghost case, Sam's dad joined in as the two of them and Watson went back to Fort Canning at night to investigate. But even his father's scientific knowledge couldn't help explain the ghostly noises. In fact, Sherlock and his father were so scared they left without completing their investigation.

The ghost case was proving to be difficult but Sherlock Sam and Watson will not be deterred, they will solve it. I really like these Sherlock Sam books, they're a delight to read. Similar to the first book, there are two mysteries for Sherlock and Watson to solve and they even received some help from Wendy, Jimmy and Nazhar. I like how the authors have wove an exciting story with a little bit of science, history and yummy food. With each book you get to know more about the characters including Watson's upgrades. There's also a glossary at the end of the book so readers can learn more about some of the terms and subjects included in the book.

With the humor, good mysteries and even a few scares along the way this should make a fun read and not only with middle grade readers because as an adult I enjoyed reading this. And the wonderful illustrations only add to the enjoyment of the book.

Book Review: Finders Keepers

Book: Finders Keepers by Andrea Spalding

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: February 21, 2017

Description:

It all started with an ancient arrowhead in an Alberta field.

While walking through a field, Danny finds an 8,000-year-old arrowhead. After he shows his friend Joshua, who lives on the Piikani reserve at Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump, the two go on buffalo hunts, powwows, archaeological digs, and break in to the local museum. Grappling with dyslexia and unsure of his place in the world, Danny follows the arrowhead into a distant past and back again as he learns about himself and the people who came before him.



Rating: 4 1/2 stars

Review:

This was originally published in 1995 but since I didn't read that edition I don't know if there are any changes besides a new cover and a reference to Justin Bieber.

Finder Keepers is set in Alberta, Canada and follows 10 years old Danny Budzynski who was having a difficult time in 5th grade and school in general. He has a learning disability that no one knows about and it makes it extremely difficult for him. His grades are not good, he's teased and laughed at by other students while the adults from his parents to his teacher and principal think he's not trying hard enough or is just lazy.

But he was trying and he knew the information but things become wonky when gets confused or freezes up. He also has problems when it comes to spelling, writing and math. He's worried about an upcoming school project and how his writing problems may effect his grade. It's so hard for him to explain all of this but thankfully after a poor decision to run away from school one day, his mother was able to get him to explain as best he could how hard it was for him at school. An old friend of hers maybe able to help.

Something else good came out of him running away, he met a new friend named Joshua Brokenhorn, a First Nation boy who lives on the Piikani reservation. The two quickly became friends and Danny found himself immersed in a wonderful experience of seeing a gathering of bald eagles and meeting Joshua's grandfather who was an elder. But something he never expected was finding an old arrowhead (or a lance point as he later finds out) on his way home, he plans to use the artifact in his school project.

Over time he starts to wonder if it is right for him to keep an 8,000 years old lance point especially once he finishes his school project. From getting to know more about many of the First Nation customs and traditions, he comes to realize that some things are sacred and should not be seen such as his favorite photo of the Sundance in the museum at Fort Macleod. The Piikani feel that the Sundance is something that should not be photographed let alone a picture displayed in a museum.

Throughout the story, Danny has a very vivid imagination and he images a variety of things from who may have carved the lance point to reasons why he no longer has to go to school. He sort of uses his imagination as a way to escape many of his problems or when he's bored. Meanwhile, Joshua is more outgoing and level headed and you can tell he's unfortunately use to dealing with racism and prejudice directed towards him being First Nation.

I like how the author showed the First Nation people and culture throughout the book. She presented everything in a respectful way while giving the reader something to think about in regards to something being sacred as well as respecting someone else's culture.

This was a quick and easy read with a very interesting and sometimes rather humorous story. I like how Danny started to change over the course of the story, from getting help with his learning disability to finally being understood about his problems, he was starting to gain confidence and was able to express himself better. I also like the friendship between Danny and Joshua, it felt genuine and even minor hiccups didn't hinder it. This is a good story and readers of all ages should be able to find something interesting about it. 

Book Review: Wonder Women

Book: Wonder Women: 25 Innovators, Inventors, and Trailblazers Who Changed History by Sam Maggs with illustrations by Sophia Foster-Dimino

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

A fun and feminist look at forgotten women in science, technology, and beyond, from the bestselling author of THE FANGIRL'S GUIDE TO THE GALAXY

You may think you know women’s history pretty well. But have you ever heard of. . .

·  Alice Ball, the chemist who developed an effective treatment for leprosy—only to have the credit taken by a man?

·  Mary Sherman Morgan, the rocket scientist whose liquid fuel compounds blasted the first U.S. satellite into orbit?

·  Huang Daopo, the inventor whose weaving technology revolutionized textile production in China—centuries before the cotton gin?

Smart women have always been able to achieve amazing things, even when the odds were stacked against them. In Wonder Women, author Sam Maggs tells the stories of the brilliant, brainy, and totally rad women in history who broke barriers as scientists, engineers, mathematicians, adventurers, and inventors. Plus, interviews with real-life women in STEM careers, an extensive bibliography, and a guide to women-centric science and technology organizations—all to show the many ways the geeky girls of today can help to build the future.



Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Lately, I've found myself gravitating towards nonfiction because sometimes that happens but this is the last one I'm reading for a while. Reading Wonder Women was so eye opening because there were so many women who did amazing things but their stories were relatively left out of the history books. There were names that were familiar to me but all in all for most of these women this was the first time I was learning about them. Which is a shame but it made it that much more interesting because I wasn't reading about the same people that I usually find in nonfiction/history books.

This book is organized into five sections where the author profiled five women in each of the following subjects: Science, Medicine, Espionage, Innovation and Adventure. At the end of each section there are additional women who were given a mini profile which is then followed by an interview with a change maker of today.

I would say that this book is probably for readers who are late middle grade to older. I like that this was inclusive with the author focusing on a diverse group of women from all throughout time and the world. Although the times and women may have been different they all had to overcome many forms of adversity from sexism to racism and more. But something else they all had in common was their determination and perseverance especially when giving up would have been so much easier than continuing to pursue their interest when it seemed like everything and everyone was against them succeeding.

This is the second time I have read something by Sam Maggs, the first was The Fangirl's Guide to the Galaxy and I wasn't exactly thrilled after reading it. However, it's a different story with this book, I found it fascinating and where the writing didn't quite work for Fangirl it does for this one. I like that Maggs adds in a touch of humor to the writing because even as fan of history it can sometimes be a little boring but no fear the small dose of humor doesn't distract from the story of these awesome women.

There are not many history/nonfiction books where I would say is an instant favorite but Wonder Women would definitely qualify for it.

Book Review: Spy on History: Mary Bowser and the Civil War Spy Ring

Book: Spy on History: Mary Bowser and the Civil War Spy Ring by Enigma Alberti with illustrations by Tony Cliff

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Mary Bowser and the Civil War Spy Ring introduces an exciting interactive series for middle grade readers—Spy on History, where the reader gets to experience history in a whole new way.

Meet Mary Bowser, an African American spy who was able to infiltrate the Confederate leadership at the highest level. Enigma Alberti dramatizes Mary Bowser’s suspenseful story—how she pretended to be illiterate, how she masterfully evaded detection, how she used her photographic memory to “copy” critical documents.

Using spycraft materials included in a sealed envelope inside the book, a canny reader will be able to discover and unravel clues embedded in the text and illustrations, and solve the book’s ultimate mystery: Where did Mary hide her secret diary?



Rating: 5 stars

Review:

History is full of stories, many that are very well known while others such as with Mary Bowser may not be as well known.

I will admit that prior to reading this I had no knowledge of Mary Bowser nor all that she did and risked in order to help the Union in defeating the Confederate.

Spy on History is told in a narrative voice giving the reader a look at what it must have been like for Mary, a free black woman, who went undercover as a maid in the Confederate White House in Richmond, Virginia. What made Mary the perfect spy was that she was a black woman who could read and write but also had a photographic memory. And being a black woman in the Confederate south, no one would take any notice of her especially when she pretended to be dumb. Mary had been recruited by Elizabeth Van Lew who had built a spy ring sending valuable information to the Union.

The writing brought out the drama and suspense as Mary carried out her duties looking for clues and information trying to stay under the radar. Every moment that was available to her, Mary would search through the papers in President Jefferson Davis' office or ease drop on conversations to gather as much information as she could. She constantly had to evade the ever growing suspicions of the other maid Mary O'Melia but even that wasn't going to stop her. She knew the importance of what she was doing.

Although this is a children/middle grade nonfiction book you get a good understanding as to what was going on during the time of the Civil War. I did not mention this earlier but this is an interactive book. There are clues given throughout in which you can decipher them using the information in the book and tools that are provided in the spy kit. There is also beautiful artwork featured throughout that perfectly captures the story.

This is a good read for history buffs of all ages and reading this piqued my interest in learning more about Mary Bowser. The bibliography pointed me in the direction of another book I would like to read "The Secrets of Mary Bowser" by Lois Leveen.

Book Review: Pink Panther vol #1

Book: Pink Panther volume #1 (issues #1-3, Trick or Pink Halloween Special and the Pink Panther Free Comic Book Day issue) by various writers and illustrators

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

The cool cat is back! Generations of kids grew up loving the Pink Panther’s unique style and wit on Saturday morning cartoons. And now today’s best writers and artists are delivering original comic book stories that bring the trademark Pink Panther flair for confounding The Inspector and The Little Man to legions of new fans!



Rating: 4 stars

Review:

This first volume of the Pink Panther features stories that has the titular character in a host of adventures. Such as accidently going to a Halloween party attended by real monsters, trying to be brave while watching a scary movie in the theatre and trying to become a hero after finding Thor's hammer. He also takes up martial arts to protect himself after being robbed in the park but his new training may have worked a little too well.

There are many more stories in the book including The Ant and The Aardvark are featured in quite a few short stories throughout. While there is one that follows Inspector Clouseau as he tries to solve a mystery surrounding missing money. Although there were different artists on the stories you can barely see any difference in the illustration and color which were wonderfully done. I like that there is a consistent look to the artwork.

The Pink Panther doesn't usually speak but there are a few stories where he has speech bubbles. It was interesting to see even though I prefer when he's not speaking but that's just my little pet peeve.

This is a group of well-written stories that should be a fun read for all ages. If you're a fan of the Pink Panther, this is something you might want to consider picking up.

Book Review: Tainted Tokay

Book: Tainted Tokay (Winemaker Detective Mysteries book #11) by Jean-Pierre Alaux and Noel Balen with translations by Sally Pane

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Description:

In between enjoying sumptuous food and wine, the Winemaker Detective grapples with deceit and deception in Old World Europe. France’s top wine expert Benjamin Cooker sets off to enjoy the delights of Vienna, a romantic ride down the Danube, a gourmand’s visit to Budapest, and a luxury train through the enchanting Hungarian countryside. All too soon, stolen wallets, disappearing passports, guides who are a bit too obliging, and murder mar the trip. Meanwhile, in Bordeaux, Cooker’s assistant Virgile faces an annoying rival and a mildew crisis in the vineyards just as Cooker’s lab technician is the victim of a mugging.



Rating: 4 stars

Review:

Tainted Tokay centers around two mysteries with the first following Wine Expert Benjamin Cooker, his wife Elisabeth, his friend and publisher Claude Nithard and Claude's girlfriend Consuela Chavez taking a vacation throughout Europe. While traveling around the group unwittingly found themselves being targeted by crooks.

Meanwhile, the second mystery takes place back in France with Cooker's assistant Virgile Lanssien taking care of Cooker & Co. while his boss was out of town. But tragedy struck when the company's Lab Technician Alexadrine de La Palussiere was severely attacked. She said it was from a robbery but her story wasn't adding up and it was up to Virgile to find the truth.

This is a good story, it's well written and exciting to read but the only thing it's not is a good mystery. I love the Winemaker Detective series because of the interesting mysteries and characters, the travel, the food and the little bit of history tacked on. But as far as the mystery for this book, it wasn't as good as the others in this series. The clues were too easy to spot and not to mention Benjamin Cooker seemed off his detective game. It's hard to see how Cooker and his group were so easily duped that they couldn't see the red flags before it was too late. There wasn't much of a mystery for Virgile to investigate because the story just unveiled everything as it went along.

There was one thing I found to be a huge disappointment and that was how Alexandrine was treated. It's great that she was finally given more attention but what was shown wasn't great. The writers treated her sexuality as a plot device as well as turned her into yet another one of Virgile's many conquests. It's bad enough that she was attacked then became a damsel-in-distress before turning into Virgile's latest love interest. This would have been the perfect opportunity to show that Virgile, who is a notorious flirt and womanizer, could be friends with a woman without them ending up in bed together. And not to mention, she had a tragic backstory that was tacked on in my opinion to add even more misery to her story especially when you find out who attacked her and why.

Aside from the mystery and the poor treatment of Alexandrine this is an interesting read. I enjoyed reading about the group traveling around seeing everything but in the end I just wanted more from the mystery.

Book Review: I Like, I Don't Like

Book: I Like, I Don't Like by Anna Baccelliere with illustrations by Ale + Ale

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: March 6, 2017

Description:

An eye-opening introduction to an important issue

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child states that every child in the world has the right to play. Unfortunately, that universal right is not always respected. I Like, I Don't Like presents this reality to readers by showing how children in varying circumstances can see the same object very differently.

With stark illustrations that perfectly capture the tone of the book, I Like, I Don't Like will inspire meaningful discussions about privilege and poverty.



Rating: 5 stars

Review:

This children's picture book starts with a list of rights every child in the world is entitled to then goes on to show a stunning contrast to how some impoverished children in some parts of the world are forced to work as opposed to simply being able to have fun and be children. The artwork is vivid which includes images on one side of the page of a kid or kids having fun doing an activity such as playing dress up in shoes while on the opposite side of the page shows a kid making shoes.

I believe a book like this would really make an impact on young readers because it has a very powerful message of privilege and poverty and the disparities between it. This book makes it possible for children to see how other children around the world may have to live.

I Like, I Don't Like highlights an important issue but makes it easy for young readers to understand and see contrast. I believe this book would encourage them to have empathy and compassion for others. It may even inspire them in wanting to help spark change in child labor laws.

It's a conversation starter that features beautiful artwork showcasing a very timely and relevant message.

Book Review: IQ

Book: IQ by Joe Ide

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

A resident of one of LA's toughest neighborhoods uses his blistering intellect to solve the crimes the LAPD ignores.

East Long Beach. The LAPD is barely keeping up with the neighborhood's high crime rate. Murders go unsolved, lost children unrecovered. But someone from the neighborhood has taken it upon himself to help solve the cases the police can't or won't touch.

They call him IQ. He's a loner and a high school dropout, his unassuming nature disguising a relentless determination and a fierce intelligence. He charges his clients whatever they can afford, which might be a set of tires or a homemade casserole. To get by, he's forced to take on clients that can pay.

This time, it's a rap mogul whose life is in danger. As Isaiah investigates, he encounters a vengeful ex-wife, a crew of notorious cutthroats, a monstrous attack dog, and a hit man who even other hit men say is a lunatic. The deeper Isaiah digs, the more far reaching and dangerous the case becomes.



Rating: 1 star (Did Not Finish)

Review:

I couldn't even finish reading this, it was so filled with stereotypes and poorly written dialogue that it was impossible to see the story or the characters without wondering how this even got published. I tried to overlook it and keep reading but I couldn't.

I had been really interested in reading this because I love the premise of an unconventional detective taking on cases that the police are too busy to handle. However, this reads like bad fanfiction. Just because the characters may live in the inner city doesn't make them uneducated dolts with bad grammar but that's pretty much the gist of the characterization for most of the characters with the exception of main character Isaiah Quintabe or IQ.

IQ is a disappointing read and it reinforces bad stereotypes which is why I pass on trying to finish reading it.

Book Review: Rocket Robinson and the Secret of the Saint

Book: Rocket Robinson and the Secret of the Saint (Rocket Robinson book #2) written and illustrated by Sean O'Neill

Source: Received from Author for an honest review

Publication: Available now


Rating: 5 stars

Review:

Rocket Robinson and the Secret of the Saint is a wildly inventive historical fiction story that follows the trio Rocket, Nuri and Rocket's pet monkey Screech as they uncover a fantastic mystery surrounding a stolen painting.

This sequel which is still set in the 1930s finds Mr. Robinson, Rocket, Nuri and Screech in Paris, France. The mystery begins when the Louvre was broken into and the only thing stolen was a very old painting. Unfortunately Nuri's Uncle Turk was arrested for the crime but the kids didn't believe he did it. And with Mr. Robinson away for work, it's up to Rocket, Nuri and Screech to find the thief and the missing painting.

Following a lead the police dismissed, the trio went to investigate the man they believe framed Turk. Doing that set off a chain of events leaving the trio uncovering an intricate mystery that centers around the painting possibly leading to an ancient Templar treasure. And trying to get their hands on that treasure are Nazis who plan to use it to help fund the Third Reich.

I think the author has a knack for blending fact with fiction in this fast moving, very well written, action packed story. It held my attention all the way through and I love that the story has a lot going on. However, not so much that it would confuse young readers, this is an easy to follow story. I couldn't help rooting for the trio as they try to stop the villains, this was definitely a page turner.

The Rocket Robinson comic books are the type of comics I love to recommend for kids (although they can be enjoyed by all ages) because each book features an exciting and funny story with a mystery coupled with high flying action and adventure. Nuri, Rocket and Screech are smart, courageous, and very resourceful, I'm sure kids will love them. And as for the artwork, I love the illustrations, they're bright and clear with perfect coloring. There are so many amazing details on every page.

I do believe this second installment may have out done the first, Rocket Robinson and the Pharaoh's Fortune which is exactly what a good sequel is supposed to do. If there's a kid in your life who is interested in reading comics I truly recommend picking up these first two books for them.

Book Review: The Invoice

Book: The Invoice by Jonas Karlsson

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Hilarious, profound, and achingly true-to-life, Jonas Karlsson’s new novel explores the true nature of happiness through the eyes of a hero you won’t soon forget. A passionate film buff, our hero’s life revolves around his part-time job at a video store, the company of a few precious friends, and a daily routine that more often than not concludes with pizza and movie in his treasured small space in Stockholm. When he receives an astronomical invoice from a random national bureaucratic agency, everything will tumble into madness as he calls the hotline night and day to find out why he is the recipient of the largest bill in the entire country.

What is the price of a cherished memory? How much would you pay for a beautiful summer day? How will our carefree idealist, who is content with so little and has no chance of paying it back, find a way out of this mess? All these questions pull you through The Invoice and prove once again that Jonas Karlsson is simply a master of entertaining, intelligent, and life-affirming work.

Book Review: Bread and Butter issue #1

Book: Bread and Butter issue #1 written and illustrated by Liz Mayorga

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Meet Liana Caudillo, a young Latina, who loves music and aspires to design album covers in her beloved San Francisco. Like many other artists in the city, Liana works at the de Young Museum Café. Yet, despite being surrounded by art all day, San Francisco's growing gap between rich and poor and its growing homogeneity become a challenge. Liana doesn't find the bohemian city she once dreamed about. Instead, she is surrounded by other service workers, who, like her, are struggling to simply survive. With the daily struggle consuming so much of her life, Liana wonders if she will ever find the time, the peace of mind, or even the inspiration she needs to pursue her dreams.



Rating: 4 stars

Review:

This first issue of Bread and Butter is off to a good start as it follows Liana Caudillo who moved to San Francisco to be an artist. However, to make ends meet she works at the café in the de Young Museum. And working in the food industry unfortunately comes with it's own set of problems which also includes horrible customers.

After work, as Liana enjoyed a few drinks with her co-worker at a local bar, she sat ruminating on her terrible day. She felt like the city has lost the bohemian charm it once had. Where were all the quirky and unusual artsy people? The beginning of this issue, Liana stated that she didn't move to San Francisco looking for a fantasy version of it. But in a way she did. She was looking for the old glittery artsy bohemian city it once was but as with time things change.

However, her co-worker said something that made Liana open her eyes and possibly change her outlook on the city. Liana is going to have stop wishing for the old San Francisco but seeing what she can find right in the current one.

I like this first issue, it was very good. The author gives the reader a birds eye view of working in the food industry, a city transitioning and you meet Liana. Although she may seem tired and drained, she's so full of inspiration and I'm interested to see what will happen next for her. I love the artwork, it's all the amazing little details that caught my eye.

I like finding new books and I look forward to reading the second issue.

Book Review: The Zodiac Legacy book #1: Tiger Island

Book: The Zodiac Legacy book #1: Tiger Island created by Stan Lee

Written by Stuart Moore with illustrations by P.H. Marcondes, color by Matteo Baldright, Roberta Marchetta and Paola Selene Fiorino and letters by Bryan Serika

Cover art by Andie Tong


Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Six teenagers, who recently gained strange, magical superpowers, seek to find a new headquarters, when the Vanguard launches a surprise attack! Using innocent animals against Steven Lee and his friends, they hope to stop the young heroes forever!



Rating: 3 stars

Review:

The Zodiac Legacy series, is a children/middle grade book and comic book series that follows a group of heroes and villains who use Chinese zodiac animal powers.

To get unfamiliar readers caught up, book one opens with a summary detailing who the characters are and what their powers are. The beginning of story shows Maxwell the leader of the villainous group The Vanguard explaining to Mince his newly hired scientific genius about the Zodiac Legacy, how the powers were acquired and how he was betrayed by Carlos his former scientific genius and Jasmine's team. He also mentions that he already has a plan set in place for revenge.

Meanwhile, Jasmine and Carlos were at the state of art facility Mediterra on Tiger Island looking for a possible new headquarter for the team. However, Jasmine was suspicious and wanted the Zodiac heroes Steven who is the leader, Liam, Roxanne, Duane and Kim to go undercover and investigate to see if everything was as stated.

While the team investigated, two of Maxwell's Vanguard agents were unleashing some trouble in the form of rampaging animals terrorizing the island. It was going to be up to the Zodiac heroes to save the day. However, it appears that it was only a diversion with the team unaware of Maxwell's real plan.

Book one does a good job of introducing the characters and setting up the story and making it easy for those who have not read the novels. However, there were times when I felt like more information could have been given but it doesn't ruin anything. This is a fun and action filled story with a diverse group of characters. I love the idea of theses characters gaining powers from the animals of the Chinese Zodiac. The artwork is great, it's colorful and has an anime/manga feel to it.

I think this would make a good read for young reader but I would also recommend reading the novels to get more from the story as well as learning more about these characters.

Currently Reading: Rocket Robinson and the Secret of the Saint

It's been some time since I've read the first book Rocket Robinson and the Pharaoh's Fortune, it was a good read. These are historical fiction comics that follows Rocket Robinson, his new friend Nuri and his pet monkey Screech as the trio wind up in an amazing adventure.

I really liked the first book and I'm looking forward to reading this one.

Book: Rocket Robinson and the Secret of the Saint (Rocket Robinson book #2) written and illustrated by Sean O'Neill

Source: Received from Author for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Description:

Rocket, Nuri, and Screech are in 1930’s Paris where they are hot on the trail of a stolen painting. But naturally there’s more to this story than just a missing artwork. The painting holds the key to discovering the greatest treasure in history, and a rogue’s gallery of bumbling art thieves and German spies is desperate to find it and will stop at nothing to discover its secret location.

This adventure combines lively, vibrant color artwork with thrilling adventure and fascinating historical details, all set on the backdrop of one of the world’s most intriguing and mysterious cities. Designed for beginning to intermediate readers, the story is free of inappropriate language, gender or ethnic stereotypes, and violent images, so the book is truly for comic fans of all ages. But don’t worry—it’s still packed with action, danger, and plenty of fun!