It's Not Easy Being Green

Every time I learn something new about Jim Henson I like him even better. What a wonderful, inspirational, and zany man. As a kid I loved Sesame Street and the Muppets and The Dark Crystal and The Labyrinth and as an adult I am still taken in with his creations. For not being human they have a wide array of emotions and can share that with their viewers. To this day, I tear up whenever I hear The Rainbow Connection. It's so pure and comforting and after having read this book, I think Jim Henson was pure and comforting. What a gift. Filled with wonderful quotations and illustrations this book is a love letter to Jim and to humanity. Heartfelt and exactly what I needed to read today! 

The Hallmarked Man

I didn't want this book to end! Robin and Strike are my two favorite detectives and the sexual tension burning between the two of them was so good in this book. SO GOOD! I want them to get together, but I also don't because I think that is part of the allure. They always pine for each other but the timing is never right. This is the 8th book in the series, and I have to say they keep getting better. i was totally invested in finding the identity of the body in the vault. I had an inkling of the murderer's identity but I didn't have all the pieces put together on the identity of the body in the silver vault. Intriguing and filled with lots of moving pieces and red herrings. Also the ending!!! I hate that I am going to have to wait over a year (or two) for the next one! I need it now!

You Like it Darker

Chef's kiss. No notes. Stephen King ages like fine wine and his short stories keep getting better. These hooked me and didn't let me go. It did of course help that it was narrated by Will Patton phenomenal narration. I don't think anyone else (except perhaps Tim Curry) does it better. Rattlesnakes really stood out as one of the best in this collection and I LOVE that King throws in an old friend (the father from Cujo). That one was dark in twisty in a a truly grotesque way. I also loved the characters in Danny Coughlins bad dream. I was sad when that story ended. All in all, fantastic collection and amazing narration (King also narrates two of them!). 

What Moves the Dead

This was such a wonderfully envisioned gothic horror novella. It's a quick and creepy read inspired by The Fall of the House of Usher. It also reminds me so much of Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno Garcia. Set in the late 19th century Easton goes to check on his friend after receiving a troubling letter. Upon arrival Easton realizes that the situation is worse than he could have imagined. Maddy is near death's door and her brother is not far behind. There is an American doctor present but he seems at a loss to discover what the root of the problem is. Little do they all know that the problem has roots and it's all around them. Creepy and wonderful. The perfect book to get me in the fall mood!

The Queen's Spade

This book was gripping from page one. Captured by the British as a child, Ina is a kidnapped African princess who vows revenge on those who took her and killed her loved ones. Gifted to Queen Victoria, she was presented to the British as Sally, a goddaughter of the Queen. Sally minds her manners, plays nice, and plots revenge. Readers are instantly cheering her on and she tries to undermine, ruin, and kill all those who took part in bringing her to the Queen. Loosely based on real events, this story is captivating and troubling. A perfect blend of Bridgerton and John Wick. While, meant for teens - this story also appeals to adults. 

The Summer Book

This book embodies hot summer nights, warm sea breezes, and the bond of family. Young Sophia, her grandmother, and father live in a small house on a small Finnish island. On this island both everything and nothing happens. Told in a series of short stories (some accompanied by precious illustrations) this little book is a true joy. I tried to rush through reading this book, but this is one I will definitely re-read and savor in the future. This is a good camping or vacation book. Read a little at a time and savor it. It's somehow timeless. 

Atmosphere

Stunning. I was already sold that is was a Taylor Jenkins Reid book. Add in Julia Whelan as the audiobook narrator and I knew that this would be killer. It was. Amazing. Wonderful love story, I loved characters, hated others (looking at you Barb!), I would even give up an organ to have an epilogue. Soo good. Soo freaking good. This romance hits all the right notes. I also love that it is set during the 80s and is about Nasa's astronaut program. Phenomenal audiobook. Would recommend to everyone!