The book is sometimes an uncomfortable read because the reader knows things cannot end well, but it is very thought-provoking and so I have to recommend it. See my review of GOOD GUYS by Sharon Bala: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...

I’m afraid this slow-paced novel about spiritual quests was not for me. See my review of EVELYN IN TRANSIT by David Guterson: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...

This novel, set in 1869 on both sides of the India-Tibet border, follows two explorers venturing into the Forbidden Kingdom. See my review of THE LAST OF EARTH by Deepa Anappara: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...

I highly recommend this book. Its fluid writing style, complex characterization, thematic depth, and the tension maintained throughout ensure a great reading experience. See my review of #ScarsOfSilence by Jo Gustawsson from @orendabooks.bsky.social : schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...

This book relies on the trope of “a storm is coming” in both a literal and figurative sense. See my review of THE STORM by Rachel Hawkins: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...

Anyone who grew up reading Nancy Drew novels will enjoy this book. It’s witty and entertaining but also possesses some thematic depth. See my review of THE NANCYS AND THE CASE OF THE MISSING NECKLACE by R.W.R. McDonald from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/01/revi...

My year-end list of best books always includes several titles from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/scha...

It was a great day of reading. See my Best of 2025 list: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/scha...

The book is about the implications of one’s decisions and about domestic abuse and its long-term effects on family members. See my review of THE NAMES by Florence Knapp: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

This is the eighth Cormoran Strike novel. As the series continues, my enjoyment of the books is lessening. I’m not sure how much longer I will continue. Perhaps I’ll just stream Strike. See my review of THE HALLMARKED MAN by Robert Galbraith: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

The author excels at creating the tediousness of dissatisfied people living isolated lives. But for me, the book was often a tedious read. See my review of THE LAND IN WINTER by Andrew Miller: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

This is more a novella than a novel, yet it has so much in it. I can understand why it has been applauded so widely. See my review of SEASCRAPER by Benjamin Wood: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

I recommend the book but advise that readers set aside considerable time to read it; it deserves to be read slowly and to be given careful thought. See my review of FLASHLIGHT by Susan Choi: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

The novel has an original premise, but its execution is unimaginative. See my review of NOT QUITE DEAD YET by Holly Jackson: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

I especially liked the characterization, the occasional touches of humour, and the cultural elements. See my review of CURSED DAUGHTERS by Oyinkan Braithwaite: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

The novel depicts teen girls very realistically. See my review of NEEDLE LAKE by Justine Champine: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

The book offers insight into Christianity in medieval times: mysticism, beguines, and anchorites. Unfortunately, the pace is slow so it is sometimes difficult to maintain interest. See my review of CANTICLE by Janet Rich Edwards: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/12/revi...

Readers who have read previous books by this author will find much that is familiar, but what impresses me is his deep understanding of the human condition and human behaviour. See my review of SONGS OF LOVE ON A DECEMBER NIGHT by David Adams Richards: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2025/11/revi...

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...