I loved this novel set in Venice at the turn of the twentieth century. See my review of VENETIAN VESPERS by John Banville: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...

For my hometown newspaper, The Madawaska Valley Current, I've written my annual article recommending fiction titles to gift at Christmas or to include on a to-read list. Go to madvalleycurrent.com/2025/11/20/n... to read my suggestions which include both Canadian and international titles.

If you like memoirs, consider DID I EVER TELL YOU? by Genevieve Kingston: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...

This novel, first published in Dutch in 2023, is thought-provoking. See my review of LISTEN by Sacha Bronwasser: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...

When a book lingers in my mind after I finish reading it and when I’m considering re-reading it, I have no hesitation in recommending it to others. See my review of BENBECULA by Graeme Macrae Burnet: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...

Four women carry on helping others while also coping with the realities of aging. See my review of EVENSONG by Stewart O'Nan: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...

This book has received glowing reviews, but though I found it entertaining, it’s not what I consider exceptional. See my review of BROKEN COUNTRY by Clare Leslie Hall: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...

Some of my favourite novels have been written by John Irving, but this is not one of them. See my review of QUEEN ESTHER: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...

Clare Chambers is quickly becoming a favourite author for me. See my review of SMALL PLEASURES: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...

A book written by my friend, Anne Burchat, for young girls on the topic of cultural similarities. See my review of APRONS AND MOCCASINS: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...

This book imagines the fate of a fictional 10-year-old boy whose life is shaped forever when he is rejected for the role of Harry Potter in the film versions of the books. See my review of SECOND BEST by David Foenkinos: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...

This book will appeal to readers who enjoy a blending of dark humour, suspense, and poignant reflection. See my review of THE WINTER JOB by Antti Tuomainen from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...

The final installment of a wonderful crime series. See my review of BLACK AS DEATH by Lilja Sigurđardóttir from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...

This book shines a light on how the lives of Indigenous Peoples were negatively impacted by the arrival of Europeans. See my review of TETHERED SPIRITS by Corinne Hoebers: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...

I've discovered a wonderful crime series! See my review of DEADMAN'S POOL by Kate Rhodes from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...

Readers who like gothic, horror or supernatural elements will find a lot to enjoy: witchcraft, animal possession, secret family, eerie settings, threats against characters, overtones of the occult, etc. See my review of THE HOWLING by Michael J. Malone: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...

The author explores several ideas, but I especially enjoyed his speculations about how people living one hundred years in the future might regard us. See my review of WHAT WE CAN KNOW by Ian McEwan: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/10/revi...

Those familiar with Detective Jimmy Perez of the Shetland series will be happy for his reemergence, this time in Orkney. See my review of THE KILLING STONES by Ann Cleeves: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...

This historical novel will appeal to readers who are interested in women’s perspectives on events and issues of the 1950s. See my review of THE BRIAR CLUB by Kate Quinn: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...

Librarians tend to be organized, but the same cannot be said for this book. See my review of THE LIBRARIANS by Sherry Thomas: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...

Not only is the book entertaining, it is thought-provoking: it addresses the nature versus nurture question and asks what is acceptable for the advancement of knowledge. See my review of THE BOOK OF GUILT by Catherine Chidgey: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...

This novel may appeal to lovers of the Brontë sisters. See my review of THE MAN IN THE STONE COTTAGE by Stephanie Cowell: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...

Sarah Moss is one of my must-read authors. This novel, like her others, has thematic depth which cannot but impress. See my review of RIPENESS at schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...

This is a frustrating book; it begins okay but then the plot becomes disjointed, and the ending will have readers wondering if pages are missing at the end. See my review of THE MYSTERIOUS CASE OF THE MISSING CRIME WRITER by Ragnar Jónasson: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...

Giles Blunt may be best known for his John Cardinal detective series, but this literary fiction is definitely worthy of attention too. See my review of BAD JULIET: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...

This post-apocalyptic novel reminds me of the young adult book The Chrysalids by John Wyndham. See my review of THE WOMEN OF WILD COVE by J. Kelland Perry: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/09/revi...

This psychological suspense novel is a great read. See my review of JENNY COOPER HAS A SECRET by Joy Fielding: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/08/revi...

The book is marketed as a novel but is in fact an art history tome. I would not recommend it to anyone looking for a novel with believable characters, a compelling plot, and profound themes. See my review of MONA'S EYES by Thomas Schlesser: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/08/revi...

A friend living in Alberta asked me to review this book by an Albertan writer. The novel is best described as an historical romance, not a genre I tend to read, but I must admit to being entertained. See my review of THE TSAR'S ANGEL by M. K. Stelmack: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/08/revi...

This was a perfect audiobook for my morning walks. See my review of SHY CREATURES by Clare Chambers: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/08/revi...

This is the fifth book in the Annalisa Vega series which I’ve enjoyed from the beginning. See my review of GONE IN THE NIGHT by Joanna Schaffhausen: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/08/revi...

This is a good summer read perfect for the beach, even if that beach is not on the Côte d’Azur. See my review of HIGH SEASON by Katie Bishop: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/08/revi...

This novel about domestic servitude in modern Brazil is a translation from Portuguese. See my review of SOLITARIA by Eliana Alves Cruz: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/08/revi...

This is a perfect summer read to take to a park, a beach, a cottage, or the backyard. See my review of SHE DIDN'T SEE IT COMING by Shari Lapena: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/08/revi...

This historical novel is based on a real person and has a foreword by her great-granddaughter. Crow Mary’s story deserves to be told and the author tells it with sensitivity. See my review of CROW MARY by Kathleen Grissom: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/07/revi...

The novel asks whether expert testimony helps or hinders the pursuit of justice. The book also emphasizes how the wealthy can easily hide their crimes and use their power to manipulate others. See my review of THE GOOD LIAR by Denise Mina: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/07/revi...

Through the experiences of the characters, the true horrors of the Eugenics movement are highlighted. See my review of THE LIES THEY TOLD by Ellen Marie Wiseman: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/07/revi...

I read the author’s Jaipur Trilogy and enjoyed all three books. The quality of this one is more uneven. See my review of SIX DAYS IN BOMBAY by Alka Joshi: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/07/revi...

I’ve read and loved all of the author’s five books in her Forbidden Iceland series, so I was anxious to read her latest standalone offering. I was not disappointed. See my review of HOME BEFORE DARK by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir from @orendabooks.bsky.social schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/07/revi...

This novel was not a favourite. The book’s style suggests non-fiction rather than fiction. See my review of THE ROAD TO GODERICH by Linda McQuaig: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/07/revi...

This is not outstanding crime fiction but it is enjoyable enough – a good summer read for those who like the genre. See my review of DEATH AT THE WHITE HART by Chris Chibnall: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/07/revi...

This novel is a portrait of a 70-year marriage – the good, the bad, and the ugly. See my review of THE HEART OF WINTER by Jonathan Evison: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/07/revi...

This novel explores the dynamics of a controlling relationship. See my review of SWEAT by Emma Healey: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/07/revi...

This is a disconcerting book which will be on my mind for some time. And I know it’s one I will re-read. See my review of DOUBLE ROOM by Anne Sénès from @orendabooks.bsky.social : schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/06/revi...

The book is entertaining, but I’m not convinced of its historical accuracy. See my review of THE FROZEN RIVER by Ariel Lawhon: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/06/revi...

This book explores how children’s lives can be shaped well into adulthood. See my review of THE HOMEMADE GOD by Rachel Joyce: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/06/revi...

This is a disturbing book with dark subject matter, but its psychological insight is impressive. See my review of FOX by Joyce Carol Oates: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/06/revi...

Though it has it flaws, this is an entertaining novel. See my review of SHAW CONNOLLY LIVES TO TELL by Gillian French: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/06/revi...

This book is a very difficult read but a very necessary one. See my review of COLD CREMATORIUM: REPORTING FROM THE LAND OF AUSCHWITZ by József Debreczeni: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/06/revi...

This is a quiet, understated book but it’s definitely memorable. See my review of WHALE FALL by Elizabeth O'Connor: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/06/revi...