Books to Love: The 2020 TBR Pile
Since we rung in 2020, my regularly scheduled reading has taken a huge back seat to baby. By this point in the year, I’ve usually read at least 10-15 more books than I have this year. Even with the forced isolation of the Great Pandemic of 2020, I’ve not read the books I would like to have read. However, just because I haven’t gotten to read them- and probably won’t get to them for at least the next couple of months (though I do keep my fingers crossed that I’m wrong on that score), there’s no reason I can’t recommend them in hopes you’ll find just the thing to read while sequestered at home.
Since I’m excited for each of these titles, I’ll start sequentially with when they were released to date.
All the Ways We Said Goodbye (released January 14, 2020)
Team W amazes me. I’ve been a fan of Lauren Willig and Beatriz Williams for years and years now. Since the publication of The Forgotten Room (Team W’s first collaboration), I’ve delved into Karen White as well, and have found a new favorite mystery series, The Tradd Street Mysteries. But just because they are great authors in their own rights doesn’t mean that they could collaborate well together. Let’s be honest. Too many of us remember those group projects in school where we were so excited to work with our best friends, but, in the end, we turned in a subpar project and we were all at each others’ throats. Thankfully, that’s not the case with these three women. When you put the Three W’s together, you get fantastic books. I’ve read every Team W offering to date and each one has been excellent. So, I see no reason why All the Ways We Said Goodbye shouldn’t follow from that same great legacy. An added boon, since we are all housebound with a clear NO TRAVEL ABROAD sign on our summer vacation plans (at least as of this time), All the Ways We Said Goodbye takes place in Paris.
Like The Forgotten Room (see posts here and here) and The Glass Ocean (see posts here, here, here, and here), All the Ways We Said Goodbye’s story line traverses several characters and several decades. From the start of the Great War to the fall of France in World War II to the upheaval of the 1960s, All the Ways We Said Goodbye weaves the threads of three women’s lives together against the backdrop of the luxurious Paris Ritz.
Starting in 1964 England, we meet Babs who has been widowed since the war. Kit, her childhood sweetheart, was shot down over the Channel. And while Kit is the only man she’s ever loved, Babs fears there was someone else that Kit held in his heart alongside his love for her: La Fleur. On nights when she can’t sleep and her longing for him is acutely felt, the phantom of La Fleur haunts her. When Drew Bowdion, an American lawyer offering answers to who La Fleur really was, arrives on her doorstep, Babs finds herself bundled off to help him uncover the mystery. Their breadcrumb trail leads them to Paris and the Ritz and back in time.
Enter Aurelie de Courcelles, daughter of Comte Sigismund de Courcelles. It’s France, 1914. Leaving the safety of her American heiress mother’s side at the Paris Ritz, she goes to Picardy to her estranged father’s estate to make a stand against the advancing German army. Unfortunately, not only is her defiance for naught as the Germans invade, but they seize her father’s estate and make the house their headquarters. Even more devastating is finding her childhood friend, Maximillian von Sternburg, is aide de campe to the German commandant. Because she can’t dismiss the memory of the friendship they had, Aurelie gets drawn further into danger as her friendship warms into love for Max. But, there are bigger things afoot than the simple love between a boy and girl. Love in the time of war can never be simple. And, when the two parties hold to the opposing sides, choices have to be made. Follow your heart or hold true to your convictions. That’s the choice Aurelie must make, and the consequences cut deep.
Enter Daisy Villon. It’s 1942 and the Germans are occupying Paris. Daisy’s husband is a Naxi collaborator. But Daisy can’t seem to shake the American rugged individualism instilled in her spirit by her grandmother. And, though she was raised at the Paris Ritz, and continues to make Paris her home in spite of the German occupation, she can’t hold with her husband’s loyalties. She begins a dangerous game of couriering forged papers to Resistance fighters and Jewish refugees. As the war winds on, her part in it tangles tighter and more deadly and leads only to betrayal, pain, and regret.
Who is La Fleur? What happened between Max and Aurelie? Will Daisy be caught and sent to a concentration camp? Did Kit really love Babs or was there another woman? And how are all these women connected? I’m certain that this book will be excellent. Honestly. How could it be bad? Williams, Willig, and White in Paris at the Ritz. If that doesn’t call for champagne and a comfy chair, I don’t know what does.
The Sun Down Motel (February 17, 2020)
If you like novels that take places in two different times with characters who’s stories intertwine through the years in mysteries and sometimes frightening ways, then this books sounds like it’s the perfect solution. Simone St. James is a master weaver of chilling tales, and I’m sure The Sun Down Motel is no exception.
The mystery starts in 1982 when Viv Delaney takes a job as a night clerk at the roadside Sun Down Motel in Fell, New York. Viv wants to get enough money together to make her dream of moving to New York City a reality. However, she starts to notice that things aren’t quite Kosher at the Sun Down Motel. Something’s rather rotten there in fact. And the more she delves into what’s wrong, the more scary things become.
Hop, skip, jump to 2017 in New York City. Carly Kirk is haunted by the mystery of what happened to her Aunt Viv. Though she’d never met her, Carly’s heard the stories about Aunt Viv’s disappearance in 1982. The story has haunted her so much that Carly moves to Fell, NY and visits the Sun Down Motel. That’s when she quickly learns that the scary mystery imparted to her in childhood recounting is alive and well. Before she knows it, Carly finds herself ensnared in the same web of intrigue as her aunt. But, will it claim her like it did Viv?
We’ll have to get the book and read it to find out. Just writing this synopsis has me wanting it in hand now so I can lose myself in this story. But, if you’re not willing to just chance it, I can recommend The Haunting of Maddy Clare (see post here) by St. James. That’s a creepy, satisfying read, too.
A Murderous Relation (March 10, 2020)
I almost embarrassed to say that I haven’t read this one yet. I can only blame my son’s birth in January and the untimely passing of my father-in-law in early March for throwing me into a tizzy. Ordinarily I have Deanna Raybourn’s books in hand the day they are released and I’ve finished them within three. What’s more A Murderous Relation is the fifth book in the Veronica Speedwell series. And since the last book A Dangerous Collaboration was a giveaway here at Whiskers on Kittens, I feel remiss in not having read this one yet. Because I REALLY, REALLY WANT TO! That being said, A Murderous Relation will be excellent. I don’t have a single doubt. A Dangerous Collaboration left us on interesting footing where Veronica and her colleague Stoker are concerned. Oh, so interesting footing.
A Murderous Relation opens back in London after a truly perilous adventure off the coast of Cornwall. (If you’re wondering what A Dangerous Collaboration involved, check out these posts here, here, here, and here.) Veronica and Stoker are back in the Belvedere at Bishop’s Folly, the Earl of Rosemorran’s Marylebone’s estate. While fielding outlandish requests from their host, they receive a far more serious cry for help from the Earl’s elderly great-aunt, Lady Wellingtonia Beauclerk. It’s autumn 1888, and Prince Albert Victor, Queen Victoria’s wayward son has gotten himself into a pickle. Scratch that. It’s a full on scandal. Or it would be if word got out. Hence Lady Welly’s appeal to Veronica and Stoker. Those two are rather gifted when it comes to clandestinely ferreting out deep and dark secrets.
But, there’s a two fold problem for Veronica. First, Jack the Ripper roams the streets of London doing his dastardly deeds in the dark of night. That doesn’t frighten Veronica (as I’m sure you’re aware, very little truly frightens Veronica). It’s more an irritating complication. But, the second… ah, there’s the rub for our dear old girl. It would appear that while Veronica has enjoyed getting to know all of Stoker’s relations, with their intolerances, idiocyncracies, and personal foibles, it’s an entirely new ball of itchy yarn to unwind the murky threads of her own past.
And that’s what we’re in for in A Murderous Relation. And, frankly, I cannot wait to find out what happens. Reading about Veronica and Stoker’s relationship is like eating one of those delightfully complex desserts you see on the Great British Baking Show; the ingredients are the finest, the proofing and prepping is exemplary, the baking is perfectly timed, and the taste is melting your mouth delicious. Honestly, they are such a wonderful indulgence. (And with all the gyms being closed right now, I suggest that this be the indulgence you…er… indulge in. At the very least, it won’t add any weight where you don’t want to it.)
Having started a new publication contract with Amazon, Dean Koontz offers us the new book. And, if you’ve been a Koontz fan for any length of time, he returns in Devoted with one of his tried and true trope: dogs.
Being a dog lover and owner himself, Koontz gifts us with a canine character that harken back to the clairvoyant, preternatural dogs found in his previous novels like Watchers and TickTock. And because, like fine wine, Koontz only gets better with age, I’ve no doubt I’ll enjoy his latest offering.
There’s another trope he trots out in Devoted. The uber-smart, keenly observant, perhaps even spiritually attune child progeny. Koontz writes these kids the best. I still smile when I think of Leilani Klonk from One Door Away from Heaven. I can never come across the word jejune without thinking of her. (Check out this blog post to see why.)
The child in Devoted is Woody Bookman, an eleven year old autistic boy who has never said a word in his life. His father was killed in a freak accident when he was young, and while his mother, Megan, shows him unconditional love and support, Woody’s certain his father’s death was no accident. Rather, he suspects something far more insidious is at work. Something that spells out danger for him and his mother.
The only one who listens to Woody’s musings and concerns is Kipp, the ultra unique golden retriever. Together, these two, along with Megan, unravel a truly nefarious plot crafted and masterminded by a man turned monster.
Koontz himself declared that he hasn’t written a villain this wicked and frightening since Intensity. And, since Intensity nearly gave me nightmares, I’ll bet Devoted will have me on the edge of my seat. However, and I say this as the ultimate compliment, I know that I will be satisfied with the end.
Woven into any work by Koontz is an intrinsic sense of truth and justice. While we as readers will undergo trials and tribulations with the innocent characters in the book, I know that at the end, there will be a good resolution. I’m certain of it. And I can’t wait to read his newest offering.
A Stroke of Malice (April 7, 2020)
When I entered January 2020, I had this wonderful plan in mind. I would finally be able to sit and read through the entire Lady Darby series. (I’ve only read the first four books, I type with chagrin.) I naively thought that while I nursed my newborn, I would be able to read without limit. Instead, I end up falling asleep, the book slipping off its precarious perch on my lap to the floor below (or bed). This is getting better, but I’m nowhere near the customary mad gallop I ordinarily take when reading through a mystery series. No matter, I’m still excited for this novel, particularly as Lady Darby finds herself with child. In Scotland.
A Stroke of Malice is the latest in the Lady Darby series that Anna Lee Huber started eight books ago. I really, really love Lady Darby and Gage, her colleague turned husband. If I’m honest, I thoroughly enjoy husband and wife murder mystery series, particularly ones that are historical. And when those sorts of novels take place in Scotland, it’s an added boon. It’s Christmastime and Kiera and Gage have been making merry with Kiera’s family for the Yuletide. They accept an invitation from the Duchess of Bowmont to attend her Twefth Night party in Traquair, Scotland. While such rambunctious gatherings aren’t Kiera’s cup of tea ordinarily, she’s ready to partake in the festivities with Gage at her side.
However, upon arrival, it becomes clear that tensions run high amongst the family. A trail of threatening notes seem to be the source of familiar strain. But, when Kiera and Gage find a decomposing corpse in the castle’s crypt. The body is in such a state it’s difficult to determine who it might once have been, but the Duchess believes it to be her son-in-law who was believed to have left for Paris a month previously. The only thing they know for certain is that the corpse met with foul play.
Thankfully, Kiera and Gage have a well stocked resume when it comes to murder. They quickly begin digging to find whodonit. But, the further they dig, the deep and more deadly events become until…
Gosh, I really wish I could write more, but I don’t know what happens and I can’t even tease you further than the few reviews and synopses I’ve read allow me to. Alas. Well, if you’re interested, you’ll just have to get yourself a copy.
A Bad Day for Sunshine (April 7, 2020)
This book is a complete departure from my customary reads. However, Darynda Jones is flat out fun. Certainly there’s a mystery/thriller aspect involved in her books, but what resounds more clearly for me is that good time I have just reading her snarky, quirky characters. An added plus is that her books take place in the American Southwest, predominantly in New Mexico; that’s such a beautiful part of the country that it’s like taking a vacation when I read her books. Up to this point, she’s written the Charley Davidson series (yes, that is a fantastic name and you can read more about Charley and her crazy story in this post).
But in A Bad Day for Sunshine, she’s introducing a new heroine, Sunshine Vicram. And from all that I’ve read, Sunshine is going to follow well in Charley’s footsteps. I don’t expect her to be the same in any way. I do expect that same quick witted, snarkiness that left me laughing with Charley and her gang. In fact, Lee Child said:
“A Bad Day for Sunshine is a great day for the rest of us.”
That’s quite the compliment. So, on to Sunshine (which sound like it has a double meaning…). Sunshine Vicram has just returned to Del Sol, New Mexico as the newly elected sheriff. It’s not a job she actively sought. Rather, her parents, probably in a bid to get her to come back to the town of her birth, nominated her for the position. So, still reeling from her new position, she moves back to town and pins on the badge. Mostly she thinks she’ll have to deal with minor misdemeanors, such as Doug, an old man with a penchant for flashing.
But, the slow and simple life she expected is not to be. Rather than complaining that it’s hot enough to fry an egg on the sidewalk while she imbibes on copious cups of strong black coffee, Sunshine finds herself at the heart of a nationwide manhunt. A young girl’s been kidnapped and the world has descended on quiet Del Sol.
Things are heating up, and not just on the job front. If a nationwide manhunt, a missing teenage girl, and an aging flasher don’t fill her plate, Sunshine has to contend with trouble at her daughter’s new school, a prized roosted called Puff Daddy whose gone missing, and two swoon-worthy men who saunter into her life.
One’s an old flame. Time’s been good to him in that the old flame has ignited into a conflagration of hotness. And then there’s that sexy US Marshal who’s working alongside her during the manhunt.
So, while Sunshine is usually chill and composed, she finds herself up to her elbows in drama, danger, and just the right seasoning of romance. Darynda Jones has a real knack for creating well balanced stories where you’re clutching the book in anticipation of what will happen next, laughing aloud over the conversations and situations, sweating at the steamy romance, and loving the endearing characters that trot across the page. And since so many of us are stuck indoors during the April showers, A Bad Day for Sunshine promises a sunny, hot vacation from the ordinary.
I won’t get my hands on these books until, hopefully, later in the month when the new local bookstore- The Oxford Comma- in my town opens up. (I plan on giving them an order when they open their doors again.) However, if you’re keen to get your hands on one of these books, I know of two local bookstores for certain that will do their darndest to get these books in your hand. If you’re in the New York area, Brooklyn based The Bookmark Shoppe has an online store and are keeping it open during this pandemic. If you’re in the Nashville region, Parnasus Bookstore is also receiving phone call orders. Before you click these titles into your cart on Barnes and Noble or Amazon, just check and see if your local bookstore is offering this option. It’s one way you can help them out during this time.
Those are a few of the books that were on my radar until it blipped out. Are there any novels published in the last four months that you loved and I missed? Let me know, dear readers.
