Book Review: Strange Sally Diamond by Liz Nugent

By Erica Wiggins

Content warning: child abuse, sexual assault, kidnapping, suicide, death of a parent

In Strange Sally Diamond, we meet Sally, a recluse who creates outrage and media attention when she tries to incinerate her dead father. This act brings police officers, family, and new friends to her doorstop, along with some connections from her past. As Sally tries to step out of her comfort zone, she learns that people don’t always mean what they say, and the truth of her horrific childhood is about to come to the surface. Strange Sally Diamond is the fifth crime novel from Irish novelist Liz Nugent.

I must admit, I wasn’t sure about this story. In fact, I thought it seemed comically strange. However, I have been seeing it around everywhere, and then I was gifted a copy and thought—why not! Let me tell you, this story is brilliant. It is a pick-me-up-and-never-put-me-down kind of book. It’s thoughtful and intentional and it introduced me to a neurodiverse character. Sally is eccentric, confusing, and lovable. She has her own way of interacting with the world and it makes you question how you make decisions. Is she strange? Absolutely—but maybe not to everyone. This is a story that hits everything I look for in a thriller—engaging characters, characters you hate, a disturbing and dark mood, intrigue and twists, and an utterly compelling storyline.

From the first line “Put me out with the trash…”, Nugent draws you in with a completely twisted introduction to our main character. We find her realizing her father has died and putting him in the incinerator on their property. Of course, I immediately wondered how some could not care at all that their father has passed but thus Strange Sally Diamond. The story flies from there. Sally works her way into your heart, and you can’t help but put yourself into her shoes.

The story is fast paced and keeps you on your toes. The alternating perspectives created a full picture and allowed insight into Sally’s history, but only the perfect amount, a little at a time, creating a flawless buildup of anticipation. Nugent creates a world that you will fall into and never want to leave. The storylines come together beautifully and disturbingly. I found myself re-reading lines, laughing out loud, and being completely creeped out.

This story was unlike any I have read. It gave me perspective and reminded me that we don’t all experience the world the same way. I found myself flipping through the pages unable to stop reading. Sally wormed her way into my heart and has become one of my favourite characters. This story will stick with you; it will make you think and give you the best kind of book hangover. I absolutely loved it. Pick this book as soon as you can—an easy five star read.

Book Review: One Step Too Far by Lisa Gardner

By Erica Wiggins

One Step Too Far brings back Frankie Elkin who we met in Before She Disappeared. Now Frankie learns about a young man who has gone missing in a forest. The search for him has been abandoned by law enforcement, but his father and a small crew are still looking for him. When Frankie sees how desperate the father is, she goes to help but quickly sees that something is amiss. When more people start disappearing, Frankie sees that there is something dark going on and they are running out of time. Lisa Gardner is a New York Times bestselling author who lives in the mountains of New Hampshire with her family.

I have been a fan of Lisa Gardner’s books for a long time, so I was excited to dive in and read the continuation of Frankie’s story. I started this one and knew from the first few pages that this would be no exception. For anyone looking to pick this one up, while this is in a series, it can be read as an independent story with no difficulty.

The story begins with a group of friends going hiking and camping before their friend Timothy gets married. But then Timothy goes missing and time passes until it’s been five years later. Now Timothy’s dad and friends are back one last time to try to find out what happened. So, the search begins.

This story moves at a breakneck speed as it leads us out to the woods with vivid descriptions. Gardner creates an atmospheric and almost creepy feeling—plopping you down in the woods. You are right there with the characters listening for the strange sounds in the night while the author preys on the fears of anyone who has been camping—food going missing, noises in the night, injuries, and then adds in the determination of a father trying to find his son. This story is unputdownable.

The twists continue to come as the story progresses. The anticipation ramps up with heart-pounding moments that make you turn the pages faster and faster. I was able to easily picture myself in this situation, thinking about what I would do and how I would try to survive. As I got closer to the end, I thought I knew what was coming but it turns out that I had nothing figured out.  

Needless to say, I loved this book. It had everything I want in a thriller: likeable characters that you quickly attach to, a cadaver dog name Daisy, and incredible twists and surprises that builds anticipation in the best way possible. I am hoping that Frankie gets to continue her story soon. If you love thrillers in a wilderness setting (that extra vulnerable factor), check this book out or really anything written by this author.

Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Last Word by Taylor Adams

By Erica Wiggins

Content warning: violence, school violence, suicide, animal mistreatment, death of an infant

“If you give this book a one-star review, you might end up dead.”

In the Last Word, we meet Emma who is housesitting on the Washington coast with her golden retriever, taking advantage of the peace and quiet to relax and read. Unfortunately, her latest read—a horror novel—is disappointing, so she leaves a one-star review. But now the author, H.G. Kane, has replied and he is not happy. Emma brushes it off until strange things start to occur. Kane has written many novels featuring stalking and murder and knows he is good. Now he just needs to make Emma understand. The Last Word is the latest novel from critically acclaimed author Taylor Adams.

This story hooked me from page one. The author immediately set the scene in a remote house on the coast. A quarter of the way through the book, and I am not fooled. While nothing too crazy had happened, the author cranked up the anxiety level and created this creepy space where you are always wondering what will happen next. Anyone who has ever been alone in a house and heard a strange noise knows that split second of uncertainty wondering if the house is just “settling.” The author captured this feeling perfectly and keeps building that feeling of unease.  

I sympathized so much with Emma; a woman just trying to get away from it all. As the story unfolds, we realize just how kick-ass this female character is, and she is also reminded of everything she has. The supporting characters are written in a way that endears you to them or makes you hate them. Chapter by chapter, the story unfolds then twists and twists again. I had trouble putting it down. 

Upon finishing the story, I realized just how impressive the writing is and the intricate way the author weaved the story within a story, seamlessly moving back and forth. This was a quick read for me. It had everything I look for in a good thriller. It was jarring, atmospheric, and had me glancing over my shoulder as I sat in the dark reading the story by book light. It’s clear that this is a talented author, and I will be seeking out the backlist to read immediately.

I would highly recommend this to anyone that loves a story that gives you chills, keeps you guessing and keeps twisting to the end, then this one is for you. One last note to say: the irony of writing a review about a story where a woman’s life is put in danger for writing a bad review is not lost on me, so I am thankful that I loved it!

Thank you, HarperCollins Canada, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Those People Next Door by Kia Abdullah

By Erica Wiggins

Content warning: racism

“You can choose your house. Not your neighbours.”

In Those People Next Door, Salma Khatun has just moved to Blenheim with her husband and son, looking for a new start. However, shortly after moving in Salma sees her neighbour, Tom Hutton, knocking their anti-racism banner out of their garden. Wanting to avoid a confrontation, Salma moves the banner inside to a window. When she wakes up the next morning with paint smeared on her window, she decides to confront Tom. There is no going back now—the stakes have been raised and the consequences are inevitable. Those People Next Door is the latest novel from Kia Abdullah, a bestselling author and travel writer, who has won many awards for her writing. She is also the founder of Asian Booklist, a non-profit that advocates for diversity in publishing.   

Wow! This my first book by this author but it will not be the last. While the first chapter started slowly, the story picks up from there, moving at warp speed and making it hard to put down. We meet the characters, literally, of this neighbourhood. Salma, her husband Bil and son Zain are trying to fit in while working through a difficult time. Their next door neighbour Tom lives with his privileged wife Willa and their son Jamie, who is hard of hearing. And then there is the nosy neighbour Linda, who seems to know everything and seems a little off. As the feud escalates, the author pulls you in different directions, offering clues from unreliable sources, and leaving you feeling suspicious of everyone and how they may or may not be involved. It’s a rare treasure to find a story that can keep you guessing like this one. At the end of part one, this feud has reached its boiling point.

Without giving the story away, part two and three only prove to highlight the skills of this writer. This story deals with a challenging topic—racism (perceived and actual)—but is handled in a way that reminds us that it is not always possible to know the whole truth. It demonstrates how something small and the way that we handle it can escalate very quickly.

I loved the construction of the story. Split into three parts, it starts with the foundation of the story, before moving into the courtroom and finally to the aftermath. It leaves you turning the pages while you flip back and forth on who you believe. The twists keep coming; you think it’s all sorted and done and then another bomb is dropped. I couldn’t believe how many times the author got me.

Thrilling, gripping, and thought-provoking, Those People Next door slips you into suburbia and takes you on a ride. The author takes this topic, a real-life problem, and spins a fictional tale with a ring of truth to it, making it feel so much more realistic. This story is compelling and makes you question what choices you would make. If you love a thriller that twists until the end, then this book is for you.

Thank you to HarperCollins Canada for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

In Conversation with Amanda Peters author of The Berry Pickers

With Erica Wiggins

Photo Credit: Audrey Michaud-Peters

Where did the idea for The Berry Pickers come from and how long did you spend creating it and writing its story? Did you need to complete research in order to flesh it out the way you envisioned?

The story is inspired by the stories my dad tells. When he was young, his family went to the fields in Maine each summer to pick berries. He tells some crazy stories about ghosts, fights, and good times. He laughs a lot. I think it was a very happy time for him when he was a kid. When he found out that I was taking writing courses, he said I should write about the Mi’kmaq berry pickers. I told him that I didn’t write non-fiction, but he would not be deterred. So, in the summer of 2017, we hopped in my Prius and headed to Maine, on a father-daughter road trip. He showed me where they used to pick berries, the lake where they used to swim, and the supply store where they used to get supplies. I recorded his stories and I still have those recordings somewhere. While on the trip, a story began to form in my head and the rest is history. The Berry Pickers is fiction but inspired by those stories. I wrote the first chapter and agonized over it for two years before I moved on. I was lucky enough to attend the MFA program at the Institute of American Indian Arts and got to work with some remarkable mentors and classmates on most of the book. Their advice and careful attention to the manuscript made it the story I wanted to tell.

There was some research. I have never been to Boston for instance. I wanted to go and just walk around and get a feel for it, but the pandemic prevented that. So, I asked a friend, a fellow writer who lives and knows that area and she ‘walked’ me around Boston with Google Maps. I hope I did the city justice.

Altogether, it took about four years to write it. And there were so many people who had a hand in making it a better story and me a better writer. I am so grateful to them all.

Tell me about your writing space. Where do you spend your time writing and creating and do you need to create a certain atmosphere to get you in the headspace of writing? A certain tea perhaps or music on?

I like to write in the quiet. I live alone with my dog and cat, so it is generally quiet. I do find that I need extended periods of time to sit and write. I can’t write for 15 minutes and then walk away and come back later. I need an extended time. I can sit, on a Saturday, from 8 am to 9 pm, stopping only to eat. I love those days. Not everything I write in these marathons is worth saving but I love the sense of getting something done, ready to be molded later. I like music, nothing with words or I will sing along. If I don’t know the song, I find myself listening to the lyrics. There is an album on Apple Music called Classical Music for Meditation and Yoga and I find that is my go-to. Unless I’m having a tough time getting started and then it’s Pink Floyd’s The Division Bell. I don’t know why, but that album stirs my creativity.

How did you select your character’s names? Did they spark immediately in your mind or were they based on people?

Joe is my grandfather’s name and Lewis is my great-grandfather's name. Ruthie is a name I always liked and thought that if I ever had a daughter, I might like to name her that. Leah and Cora are the names of two friends from high school. When I was writing those two characters, I had no intention of writing them as my friends but in my mind, they look a bit like them, so I gave them their names. I asked them and they were okay with it. The characters don’t have the same personalities necessarily, but they looked like them.

What was the hardest scene to write and for what reason? Did it require the most research, or take the longest, or was the hardest to emotionally process?

The hardest scene. The book is full of difficult scenes so that’s a hard question. I think maybe when Norma loses the baby. I felt so much for her. I wanted to crawl inside the story and give her a hug. I have never experienced this, so once again, I hope that I did right by the experience and gave it the care it deserves.

Did you ever consider a third perspective, or did you always know that this story would be told by Joe and Norma?

I originally thought the story would be told only by Joe. But Norma snuck up on me and demanded to tell her own story. And I listened. I think it worked out well.

How did publishing your first book change your process of writing?

I’m not really sure. I think I would say that it gave me a little more confidence to just write. If someone liked this story, they might like the next so just keep writing.

To gain a little insight into your creative self, if you had to describe yourself as a writer in three words, what would they be?

Determined. Hardworking. Insecure.

What is your “must-read” book recommendation and what book has had the most impact and influence on your writing?

This is such an unfair question. There are so many books out there that have inspired me. When I’m stumped or when I can’t seem to get into the groove, I will pick up The Underpainter by Jane Urquhart. I know that I’ve read this book at least three times. Sometimes, I just read the first couple pages and sigh with contentment. I love all her work, but this is the one I turn to. And I would have to say Heave by Christy Ann Conlin. This was the first book that I really recognized myself in. It takes place in the Valley and has characters like people I know. It made me think that if this person could write such an amazing story that takes place in the Annapolis Valley, then maybe I could too.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who are trying to navigate the publishing world?

Ask for help, never be afraid to ask people for advice. Don’t be discouraged, rejection is part of the process. If you believe in what you are writing, keep going.

Do you have another novel in the works or is there a new project that you’re working on? When can readers anticipate it?

I have a short story collection Waiting for the Long Night Moon, but I’m not sure when it will be out. It will also be coming from HarperCollins. I am working on something new, but I am keeping that close to my heart. I want to make sure I can do the story justice before sending even a little bit of it out into the universe.

Book Review: The Berry Pickers by Amanda Peters

By Erica Wiggins

Content warnings: child labour, loss of a child, miscarriage, abuse

The Berry Pickers is a story about a Mi’kmaq family in 1962 who travels to Maine to pick blueberries with their five children, including six-year-old Joe and four-year-old Ruthie. When Ruthie disappears from her favourite rock her brother, Joe, the last one to see her, is devastated. Elsewhere in Maine, a young girl named Norma grows up as an only child with a distant father and an overprotective mother. As Norma gets older, she feels her family is holding something back and Norma is determined to find the truth. This debut novel is written by Amanda Peters, a writer of Mi’kmaq and settler ancestry. She currently lives in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Sometimes you finish a book and easily write a review about it, spilling everything you loved or didn’t and move on to the next book. Then a book comes along, and you wonder how you will ever find the right words to adequately describe your experience reading it. For me, The Berry Pickers falls into the latter category and while I don’t think I can do this book justice in describing it, I am going to try.

The Berry Pickers reads in alternating perspectives between Joe and Norma while flashing from the present day to the past. The author fully immerses you in the locations, bringing them to life and helping you connect to these families. One young family experiences so much trauma and loss but still comes together. After their youngest child goes missing, they never fail in their belief that she is out there somewhere. It is so tragic yet heartwarming to watch this family come together. In another family, fleeting glimpses of the past and a continued quest to find your own history, to find your place in the world, to find forgiveness, and to be at peace with yourself.

All of this is to say that this story is stunning, beautifully written, and heartbreaking. I experienced so many emotions and was rooting for each family to discover the truth, to find closure and peace. I learned about the challenges in life and the split-second decisions that can change your life forever. 

I loved Joe, the doting and conflicted brother. I loved Norma, the precocious and inquisitive child. I became quickly attached to these characters. It felt like I was reading a biography of two families. This will be a story that I recommend to anyone and everyone who will listen. I will tell them that they will likely see themselves in one or all of these characters in the way they make decisions to protect who they love. I will tell them they will read heartbreak, but also hope and determination.  

This is a story that will stay with me. It is a story that made me think and feel. It drew me into a world and brought it to life. What more can we ask for from a story?

Thank you, HarperCollins Canada, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Trembling River by Andrée A. Michaud

By Erica Wiggins

Content warning: disappearance of a child, suicide

Trembling River is the latest novel from Canadian author and playwright Andrée A. Michaud, a two-time winner of the Governor General’s Award for French-language fiction. Trembling River begins in August 1979 when twelve-year-old Michael Saint Pierre disappears from the woods after he and his friend Marnie encounter a storm. In the aftermath, only a muddy sneaker is found. Fast forward thirty years and almost-nine-year-old Billie Richard disappears from a nearby town. Marnie and Billie’s father, Bill, are trying to come to terms with their losses and neither is anticipating that there may be more to come.  

“Once upon a time there were two children and a river, is how the story begins.”

In Part One, we begin with “The Stories.” We meet Marnie and Bill at the worst moments in their lives, thirty years apart, experiencing the grief and loss of a friend and daughter. These chapters grab you and draw you into the grief. The author provides descriptions that are both atmospheric and haunting. Then comes “The Names,” where the author expertly weaves the origin story of these families, further connecting you to these characters. Part One leaves you feeling their sadness and grief and uneasily anticipating what terrible thing will happen next.

In Part Two we live in the present, switching between Bill and Marnie as they try to move on with their lives and struggle to deal with their grief. This author truly excels at creating the world of the novel and helping you visualize it. All the feelings are palpable and as Part Two concludes, tragedy strikes again and threatens any stability they have tried to build.

In Part Three the pace picks up and we continue alternating the perspectives. I honestly cannot say enough about the writing style of this author. It is lyrical and engaging. I felt the rawness of their sadness and grief. I felt frustration for these two, who never get to move on, who will forever have their worst moments tossed in their faces. For me the ending was perfect. It wraps up the story, but also leaves you wishing you could stay immersed in this place and follow these two in their next steps.  

I wrote this review a little differently than most. The book is divided into three parts, with two parts in each. After each one, I stopped to write my thoughts. I knew there was a mystery and I wanted to see how my thoughts changed throughout the story. I have to say—I loved everything about this book. It is perfectly divided into sections and expertly constructed alternating chapters. It is fast paced and engaging. I was quickly endeared to both Marnie and Bill. My heart ached for their losses, and I was rooting for them to be happy. This is a translated story, which can sometimes be a challenge, however with this book you would never know it. This author is new to me but this not her first story. I will be seeking out Back Roads, one of the author’s previous novels which has also been translated. If you love a mystery that grabs you, makes you feel all the things and then kicks you out the other side, this book is for you. Highly Recommend.

Thank you to House of Anansi for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover

By Erica Wiggins

Content warnings: domestic violence, child neglect

It Starts With Us is the long-awaited sequel to Colleen Hoover’s best-selling novel, It Ends With Us. These novels do need to be read in order as It Starts With Us continues from where It Ends With Us ended. It focuses on the relationship between Lily and Atlas and is told in first person alternating chapters. It debuted at number on the New York Times Best Sellers list. Colleen Hoover writes romance and YA fiction and has sold over 20 million books. She writes that It Starts With Us is a thank you for the support she has received from her readers.

Many readers have a love-or-hate relationship with Hoover’s books, but for me, it is love. It Starts With Us shows us what can happen even after someone leaves an abusive relationship, especially when children are involved. You are not always able to completely sever the tie to that person. It can also affect how you interact with people moving forward. It felt like an accurate portrayal of what could happen, and I thought she approached this topic carefully and thoughtfully.

When It Ends With Us was written, there was no intention for a sequel, but I am so glad it was written. Lily gets to become her own person and continue to grow and build her resilience. We get to watch Lily and Atlas fall in love all over again. I love their interactions, the slow pace that they move, and watching their connection grow. The letters Atlas writes added a tenderness to their story and it truly becomes about these two finally getting their happy ending.

Hoover took the time to fill out the story with some great supporting characters. I had two favourites. First Theo, his weekly therapist, who at just twelve is giving Atlas advice and Josh—I just loved the relationship that develops here (but don’t want to give any of the story away).  

I appreciated that we got to see a little more of Atlas’ history in this story. We get to see more of what his life was like before he met Lily. It is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. It is a reminder of how good can come out of a bad childhood. It doesn’t hurt that Atlas is gorgeous and in his element as a chef.

I know readers’ feelings about this book will be mixed. Domestic violence is a difficult topic to address, even more so in a fictional book. However, it is a reality of our world, and the effects can be long-lasting. I am by no means an expert, but I felt it was portrayed in an accurate and considerate way. I loved having the opportunity to read this book and follow Lily and Atlas on their journey to happiness. I will be recommending this story to fans of Hoover who want to see just a little more of where this story goes.

“P.S. It is my wish for you to be my fish”

Thank you, Simon and Schuster Canada, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Fairy Tale by Stephen King

By Erica Wiggins

Fairy Tale is the latest novel from storyteller Stephen King. It tells the story of Charlie Reade, an average kid carrying a difficult load. After losing his mom, his dad starts drinking and Charlie must learn to take care of himself. Then one day Charlie meets Howard Bowditch, the recluse who lives at the top of the hill. Mr. Bowditch has fallen, and Charlie gets him help and takes care of Mr. Bowditch, his house, and his dog Radar. When Mr. Bowditch dies, Charlie inherits the house and a whole lot more responsibility. There is a locked shed in the backyard, and this isn’t any old shed—it is the portal to another world where Charlie must lead the battle between good and evil. It is interesting to note that King said that this story was a result of the pandemic because he needed “something to entertain himself.”

Fairy Tale is the perfect title for this novel; King expertly weaves his newest story, incorporating many of the fairy tales we all know and love.

“… I see a clear thread leading up through the years to Mr. Bowditch and the padlocked shed behind his ramshackle old Victorian. But a thread is easy to break, so not a thread but a chain. A strong one. And I was the kid with the shackle clamped around his wrist.”

What can you say about a master of writing? It is a challenge, but here goes.

For me this book did not disappoint. From the first chapter and illustration, you are drawn into this world. Written as if Charlie is telling you the story, he debates the right place to start to ensure we as readers get the full picture. I love the honest way that Charlie relates his experience, cementing early on that he is a reliable narrator. Charlie is endearing. I was drawn to him and the strength he shows through challenging situations. As mentioned, each chapter begins with an illustration, which gives you a peek into the next chapter and is masterfully created to tie into the story. As someone who is not very visual, it made imagining this place and these characters so much easier. I found myself saying “one more chapter” and being unable to put the story down.

While Mr. Bowditch is in the hospital, Charlie begins to take care of his elderly German shepherd, Radar, and instantly falls in love. So did I. This adorable, sweet, and loyal dog becomes an integral part of the story and after Mr. Bowditch passes away all Charlie wants is to save Radar. I think anyone who has owned a dog will be able to relate to this feeling.

The world below the shed is called Empis. This world is incredibly well developed and engaging. There is a blurring of reality and fantasy that can only be accomplished by an author like King. Charlie’s journey into this world is an adventure full of expertly created characters, connections, and the creepy horror King is known for.

The excitement continues until the very end of the book, leaving you guessing what will happen. It all gets tied up very neatly and leaves us with an epilogue that brings us back to the present. This will be a book I easily recommend to fans of King, fantasy, and horror, and it is at the top of my favourite King books.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for this complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review!

Book Review: Last Winter by Carrie Mac

By Erica Wiggins

Content warning: suicidal thoughts and attempts, mental illness, parental neglect, death of children, child abuse, sexualization of children

Last Winter tells the story of eight-year-old Ruby, who is struggling to survive after her father, Gus, goes missing while living with her mother, Fiona, who is experiencing bipolar disorder. Fiona is dealing with a transgression in her marriage and the effect it is having on her mental health, while Gus has had enough. Their marriage is in crisis and Ruby is not vocal. Gus is taking Ruby and her classmates on an overnight wilderness trip when the unthinkable happens: an avalanche buries all but Ruby and one classmate. Ruby is determined to find her father no matter the cost. Author Carrie Mac, a Canadian former paramedic, widow, and parent, has written several award-winning novels and draws on her experiences to create this fictional tale.

I was drawn to this story because it is set in Canada and is about a family trying to emerge from a tragedy. But it is also about so much more and deals with some incredibly difficult topics, making it a challenging read. This book will not be for everyone. There are many trigger warnings and I found I needed to take breaks and come back to the story. This is a story that should be read with an abundance of caution.

I really enjoyed the way the story was laid out. The author gives a quick “Before,” a brief glimpse after the incident, and then goes back to the beginning and continues to the aftermath of this event.

We are introduced to our main family—Gus, Fiona, and Ruby. We learn how Gus and Fiona met, but we quickly see the dysfunction in this family. Both Gus and Fiona neglect their Ruby. At eight years old, she is often left to fend for herself. While her mother struggles with her bipolar disorder and taking her medication, Ruby is making the fire in the fireplace, feeding herself, and not bathing for days. She is taken to events with friends where men swim and walk around naked. It is clear from the interactions that Ruby has been oversexualized and it is at times uncomfortable to read. Her environment has caused her to turn into herself and she barely speaks. Gus is a neglectful parent as well and allows Ruby to remain in this environment. He believes that Fiona is the problem and is looking into a separation and custody. In the midst of this chaos, Gus and the children head out on the trip with little planning. And then the avalanche happens, and things get worse.

I enjoyed the interactions between Ruby and Gus. She clearly adores her father. However, many of the interactions were difficult to read. I loved the setting of small town British Columbia and the way this community comes together in a crisis. While I believe the author creates an accurate portrayal of a chaotic home and a reaction to a crisis, I wanted something more from this story. For me, this story was tragic, sad, and disconcerting. Overall, I thought it was an interesting portrayal of a family in crisis. However, I do think it would be a difficult story to recommend given the content covered.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for a complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Some Maintenance Required by Marie-Renée Lavoie

By Erica Wiggins

Content warning: loss of spouse/parent, child neglect

Some Maintenance Required is the fourth novel by Canadian writer Marie-Renée Lavoie. She has won awards for her previous novel Mister Roger and Me, and her book Autopsy of a Boring Wife is being developed for television. Set in 1993, Some Maintenance Required is a coming-of-age story about Laurie who is in her final year of school. Laurie is working part-time while checking in on her young neighbour. She loves books just like her mom and spends time at her dad’s garage. She has a very average family. However, Laurie is on the brink of adulthood and is getting a glimpse into the complicated world around her.

This is a quick read at 259 pages. I picked it up and read it in one sitting. While this isn’t my typical read as I tend to gravitate towards stories with action, twists, and turns, it was still very enjoyable. “My dad died”—these first three words lure you into the story, and while it moves slowly, it truly feels like you are walking alongside Laurie during this last year before really becoming an adult.

There were a few characters that I really connected with. The first one right off the top was Laurie’s mother Suzanne. She is one of the most relatable characters in this story. She works as a parking lot attendant in a small booth and spends her days reading books and escaping into the world within them. “She reads novels, heaps of novels. So many novels that the moment she opened one she could gauge with surgical precision how long it would take her to finish.” This is the same feeling that I get when I am reading a book. I also adored her father Serge who is  loving and caring, works as a mechanic and reminded me a lot of my own father. We meet Cindy, a young neighbour, neglected by her own family. This girl has a lot of sass and the interactions between Laurie and Cindy are delightful and entertaining.  

Through this story, we really get to see Laurie grow and interact in her world. We watch her experience loss, juggling school and work, caring for her neighbour, and learning about love. I admired her character for her hard work and dedication, along with her loyalty to her friends and family. The way she stands up to bullies and bad behaviour sets an example for everyone. While dealing with some challenging topics, the author laces in humour in the most perfect way. It creates a connection and felt like you were reading a true-life story.

The ending did feel a little abrupt and left me wanting more. I wanted to follow Laurie’s life a little longer and would have loved to see more depth with Roman as the love interest, which is a testament to the story that I felt so invested in these characters. Overall, I would recommend this story to anyone looking for a quick read that is a glimpse into the life of a young woman trying to find her way in the world.

Thank you, House of Anansi, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Why I'm Here by Jill Frayne

By Erica Wiggins

Content warnings: child abuse, depression, self-harm, suicide

Why I’m Here follows 15-year-old Gale who is desperate to get out of Whitehorse. Gale has been having panic attacks, one of which sent her to the hospital. Helen, a counsellor who has been assigned to work with Gale, discovers that her distress stems from being separated from her little sister, Buddie, who is back in Ontario. Why I’m Here is written by Jill Frayne, who herself was a family counsellor. She has previously written a travel memoir and many outdoor adventure articles. This is her first novel.

Let me start by saying that I was incredibly excited to read this novel. I am from Ontario but spent four summers in Whitehorse at a summer camp. It is a place to be experienced and so hard to describe the beauty of it. I wanted to see how the author brought this story and this place alive.

I was not disappointed! Frayne does an extraordinary job of describing this beautiful and remote place. The story flips between a northern town in Ontario and Whitehorse, and she truly makes these places come alive. It was incredibly easy to drop yourself into the story—to feel and see the snow, to experience the locations. I felt like I was riding on the snowmobile and shivering in the cold in the best possible way.

Frayne approaches the story of Gale with thoughtfulness and compassion. It’s easy to grow attached to this young woman who has not had the easiest time in life. She just wants to protect her younger sister from their abusive mother. By being in Whitehorse, away from Buddie, she is losing herself and unable to let go of her past.

Helen, the counsellor, is a transplant to Whitehorse from Ontario. She has a younger sister as well and it is easy to see the parallels between these two women—the want and need to love and keep your sister safe. We get to explore Whitehorse through Helen’s eyes. While Gale is struggling with wanting to be near her sister, Helen is working to try to keep her own relationship with her sister from affecting the way she interacts with Gale.  

I loved watching these two women grow and develop through the pages and the careful way the author draws attention to not only the importance of family but what people are willing to do for them. We are given a glimpse into the life of a counsellor—the challenges for both the counsellor and the person receiving support. We are reminded of the limited resources in remote areas. At times, it is heartbreaking to read about these experiences.

This is a slower read, however, I felt immediately immersed in the story. The descriptions are thoughtful and create beautiful images of landscapes and adventures. The main characters Gale and Helen are relatable, and I found myself rooting for both. I loved this story and would highly recommend it to anyone wanting a glimpse into counselling, the isolation of Whitehorse, or a story about the dynamics and importance of family.

 Thank you, NeWest Press, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté, MD with Daniel Maté

By Erica Wiggins

Content warning: Inherently this book is about trauma. Various topics are discussed with real-life examples included. Ensure you use caution when reading.

The Myth of Normal is the first book from Dr. Gabor Maté in over ten years. It explores causes of illness, the myths around what makes us sick, how dangerous our understanding of “normal” is, and how we can move towards health and healing. Maté is a bestselling author, renowned speaker, and sought-after expert. His books have changed how addiction, stress, trauma, parenting, and ADHD are thought about and helped to shift the conversation around these topics.

“In the most health-obsessed society ever, all is not well.”

Maté gets right into it, drawing you in with surprising statistics from around the globe and right here at home in Canada. It is fascinating. Through each chapter, we are given not only the facts but also real-life stories that help us to connect to these facts. Maté writes in an eye-opening, relatable, and accessible way. One of the topics covered is pregnancy, labour and delivery, and c-sections. I have never had children, but this opened my eyes to all the questions and concerns that surround this event. I found it incredibly informative.

“Trauma, until we work it through, keeps us stuck in the past, robbing us of the present moment’s riches, limiting who we can be.”

Maté discusses how women traditionally are taught to stifle their feelings, to hide how they are really feeling, to be quiet and well-behaved. While I know I have personally felt like this at times in my life, it felt like my feelings were validated. This is a societal norm that needs to be changed. I found myself nodding and reading out facts to those around me, compelled to share what I was learning.

“What joys have you denied yourself out of a belief that you don’t deserve them, or out of a conditioned fear that they’ll be snatched away.”

There are so many quotes that I want to pull from this book. This one made me stop, set the book down and really think about what this means. How true this is in my daily life and how my own thinking needs to be changed. Maté includes a self-inquiry exercise which gives you questions to ask yourself weekly. These chapters resonated with me and almost felt like the questions were directed to me personally. I loved that he spoke about what is happening, moved through the stages, and provided solutions.

This book is informative, highly researched, and thought-provoking. Maté leads us through nature, human development, culture, and how we can become whole. It is an intensive read, and I would recommend a pen and paper handy to make notes. While not everything was for me, I believe there can be something valuable for everyone in this book and it is one that I will return to. There are great exercises that helped me change and reframe my thinking. The standout for me—the vulnerability of the author. Throughout the book, he discusses his own trauma and reactions. It is helpful to know that this expert is still working to become whole and can fall into the same traps as anyone else. It helps to normalize trauma and its effects. 

I would highly recommend that you read this book—taking care of yourself in doing so.

Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Deadly Triangle by Susan Goldenberg

By Erica Wiggins

Content warnings: murder, suicide

Deadly Triangle tells the story of the 1935 murder of world-famous architect Francis Mawson Rattenbury and the arrest and trial of his younger wife Alma and George Percy Stoner, the family’s chauffeur and her lover. Written by Susan Goldenberg, an award-winning author who writes for magazines and newspapers and currently resides in Toronto. This story called to me with its Canadian link as the victim designed the iconic Parliament Building and Empress Hotel in Victoria, British Columbia. I love a well-laid-out and researched true crime story and this did not disappoint. The cover of this book draws you, and once I read the synopsis, I was hooked.

The story begins with a quick snippet of the murder and then we move back in time to be introduced to our main characters—first Francis, then Alma—then how they connected and moved to their beautiful home. Finally, our last main character, George, the new chauffeur, enters the story. Goldenberg has a way of writing that makes you feel like you are reading a fictional story. She immerses you in the story. You enter the daily lives of the characters. I was enthralled by the story of multiple marriages, divorces, scandals, and adultery that was present in the early 1900s. It was a reminder that people from that era and present day still have the same issues.

The author includes photos throughout the story that helped further draw you into the story and connect you with the people and places at the time.

After Francis’ death and Alma and George’s arrest, the trial in England begins. It is quite the event with people lining up to get a seat in the courthouse. I felt that instant connection with these attendees, wanting to learn the details of the story. Goldenberg covers the trial in a detailed, easy-to-read format. I found myself unable to put the story down at this point. I really enjoyed the snippets of transcript included.

This story is captivating. The parallels between life then and now is unnerving. The author does a phenomenal job of structuring the story to make accessible. True crime stories can sometimes be overwhelming in detail, but this was a perfect blend of information, court records, and photos. I especially loved learning how each person got to this pivotal moment in time.

If you can’t tell, I love reading true crime. Historical true crime has always held a special interest to me. Comparing what led up to the murder, how it was investigated, and how justice was served back then and what this might look like today. This story is a perfect example of how a well-researched and thorough story can be brought to life by a talented author.

I loved this book! I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys true crime. I would also recommend it to those who aren’t sure about true crime and want to dip in their toes. As the murder occurred in 1935, there is some distance from the story, and it is more focused on the people and less on providing graphic details.

Deadly Triangle is available October 2022. Thank you Dundurn Press for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Castleton Massacre by Sharon Anne Cook and Margaret Carson

By Erica Wiggins

Content warning: femicide, abuse, domestic violence, stalking

The Castleton Massacre tells the story of the massacre committed by Robert Killins in Ontario, Canada. Robert Killins was a well-educated man working as a minister and went on to kill every woman in his family but one on a night in 1963. Sharon Anne Cook is a university professor and the author/editor of twelve books on Canadian women’s history. Her father is Robert Killins’ brother. Margaret Carson is a retired college instructor and the only female to survive the massacre.

I have always been drawn to true crime books. My pull towards these books was the “why.” Why did this happen, why did they do it—does their brain work differently? The Castleton Massacre caught my attention because I had never heard of it and live only about 4 hours from where it happened and it’s written by family members also trying to make sense of “why.”

“Dad and I are flying to Ontario today to be with your cousins, Peggy and Brian. We anticipate being back in about ten days, but we will call you long-distance when we know more. A terrible thing has happened. Your Uncle Bob has murdered his family, Florence, Gladys, Pearl and little Patsy.”

The authors took the time to carefully research and interview those touched by this story and compiled the information into a succinct timeline. They began with Robert’s family in the 1900s and moved through the years. They carefully included illustrations that help to clarify the details and create a personal connection to this family.

Reviewing true crime stories can be challenging, as the details are generally well known. In this story, the authors use this tragedy to shine a light on how women were treated at the time and how they are still treated. Killens was abusive to this family, verbally, and physically. His wife, Florence, left him and was unable to divorce him. She moved across the country and Robert followed. When she moved in with her new partner, he would build shacks near where they lived to keep an eye on the family. Florence stated on multiple occasions that she was scared for her life. Reading the progressively erratic behaviour that Robert exhibited was terrifying. You can see it escalating, and it is unfathomable that this behaviour was acceptable. Even after the massacre, he was highly spoken of, and it was suggested that Florence “brought it on” by living with a new partner. It was eye-opening, distressing, and heartbreaking to read the account of how these women lived and died.

The statistics in this book are horrifying, and it is a difficult read. I would set it down only to be drawn back in with the hope that my question of “why” would be answered. I felt more of a personal connection to this story, as it came from a survivor and family member of Killens. In telling their story, they shed light on domestic violence, stalking and the lack of resources, especially in rural communities. This is such an important topic and caused me to pause and reflect. I don’t want to say that I enjoyed this book, as this topic is so challenging, but I am coming out better informed and aware of changes that still need to be made. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading true crime.

One final note, while this story is incredibly shocking, I found hope that the two young survivors were taken in by a stable family and able to be supported in adulthood. While this night will never be forgotten, there is a light in them reflecting and creating this book.

Thank you, Dundurn Press, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: Blood Orange Night by Melissa Bond

By Erica Wiggins

In Melissa Bond’s memoir, the journalist and poet describes her journey through addiction to benzodiazepines. A mother to two young children, Bond suffers from terrible insomnia, compounded by losing her job as a magazine editor and the fact that she is growing apart from her husband. She visits her physician and is prescribed a benzodiazepine to help her sleep. Bond takes these pills each night, and as her insomnia continues, her physician increases them until her body starts to fail. Only then does she learn the dangers of taking and stopping this medication.

“The blood orange night turns red and screams through my eyes. The room tilts around me. Consciousness shuts again. Velveteen black. Silence. Time stretches and disappears.”

Bond describes her journey in an open, honest, and accessible way. The story starts off with the birth of her son, born with Down syndrome, followed by a quick second pregnancy with her daughter. This is when Bond first begins having trouble sleeping. After many sleepless nights she sees her doctor, putting her trust in medical professionals the way that many of us do.

I found myself putting this book down and thinking about what I just read, picking it back up and re-reading sentences and paragraphs. Bond drops you into her life. You walk alongside her in her sleepless nights, her fatigue and brain fog. Even just reading about the effects that benzodiazepines can have is completely terrifying. She takes her journey and uses it to shine a light on this family of drugs and what can happen from taking them.

“Among benzodiazepines, Ativan has a relatively high physical addiction potential and is recommended for short-term use, up to two to four weeks only.”

“I’ve been taking Ativan every night for over a year and a half.”

This is such an important topic because these medications are prescribed often, and the serious potential side effects are not well communicated. While this is a memoir of Bond’s journey, she uses the opportunity to teach her readers about this class of drugs, its effects, and how it can be misused. She describes the risk of addiction, the effects of withdrawal, and the difficulty in stopping this medication. She explains her journey of decreasing her dose over time, which can and often does take months, even years. She creates a glimpse into this world, vividly describing losing feeling in her leg, having no energy, experiencing strange smells, and generally feeling unwell. While we are focussing on her journey, there is no choice but to also describe how it affected her relationship with her husband and children, as well as her extended family, who had difficulty understanding this struggle.

It feels hard to describe this book in a way that does it justice. Bond shows vulnerability describing her lowest moments and a strength and resiliency that is admirable. She not only struggled through this journey but also made it public by publishing her story with a goal to spread awareness.

While this story is difficult at times to read, it is so worth it. Thought-provoking and moving, it will leave you better informed and more open to discussing this topic. I would recommend it to anyone who has dealt with addiction or who just wants to learn more. This book will leave you with renewed hope that with more information we can safely use these medications for their intended use.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Darkness in the Light by Daniel Kalla

By Erica Wiggins

Content warning: suicide, drug use, mental health concerns, sexual assault

The Darkness in the Light is the latest novel from international bestselling author Daniel Kalla. Kalla is a practicing emergency medicine physician from Vancouver, British Columbia. He uses his medical background and experiences to write authentic fiction about current world issues. I have been reading Kalla’s novels for years. They are thoughtful, insightful, and I always walk away feeling like I am more educated on the book’s topic than when I began. 

The Darkness in the Light begins in part one with Dr. David Spears, a psychiatrist. Spears lives in Anchorage, Alaska, and is living and working through the COVID-19 pandemic. He has been conducting his counselling online with local patients, but also with several in remote locations. Spears’s patients start dying by suicide, and with the most recent loss of his patient Brianna O’Brien, he begins to question what is happening and how he could be missing the signs. Twice a year, he heads to the remote community of Utgiagvik to check on his patients in person. The timing could not be better; one of Brianna’s friends is showing signs of crisis. When Spears arrives, Amka is missing, and he is determined to find out what has happened to her. These patients have all been prescribed a new antidepressant—could this be the problem, or is it something more sinister? Spears begins working with Taylor, the local social worker, along with police and the local doctor to find Amka. In part two, we switch to Taylor’s perspective. As the investigation continues, we are left to wonder who to trust and what is happening in this small remote community.

This book was incredible. I am in awe of the way this author writes about real-life issues in such a caring and compassionate way. Kalla paints a picture of the new remote world we are living in and shines a light on depression, anxiety, and the constraints of treating patients through the pandemic. I was immediately drawn into this story and read it one sitting. It reads like nonfiction. I love David’s character. I love that he is struggling with his own mental health concerns and is working through them to continue helping others.

This author is special and writes from a place of experience. I have never read anything quite like his stories. They are relevant, compelling, and utterly heartbreaking. The Darkness in the Light was hard to read at times. I felt such grief and sadness for the characters in this story. It can feel like the topics in this story can sometimes be ignored and are only amplified in these small remote communities. It has twists and turns that had me saying “WHAT?” out loud. It had everything that I was looking for and is a story that will linger with me.  

As you can tell, I loved this story and would give it an easy five stars. I would highly recommend it if you love medical mysteries/thrillers. Please be mindful of the content warnings and proceed with caution.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: An Unthinkable Thing by Nicole Lundrigan

By Erica Wiggins

Content warning: murder, sexual assault

An Unthinkable Thing is the eighth novel by Canadian author Nicole Lundrigan. I have been a fan of this author for quite some time and had the good fortune of being able to meet her at an event and listen to her speak. It only increased my love for her novels, and I was obviously excited to dive into this one.

An Unthinkable Thing begins with Tommie Ware, a young boy living with his aunt. In the summer of 1958, Tommie’s life is upended when his aunt doesn’t come home after work one night. When she is found murdered, there is no other choice but for Tommie to return to the mother that gave him up. Tommie has just turned eleven, and his mom is working as a “live-in” housekeeper. The family gives Tommie’s mom, Esther, permission for him to stay until the next steps are sorted out.  But things at the Henneberry Estate are not as they seem. By the end of the summer, a horrific crime has been committed, and we are left to ask if an eleven-year-old could really be responsible.

“When I was a young boy, my aunt often told me a lie makes things worse. But she never explained that the truth can, too. I learned that lesson on my own during the summer of 1958, when I was eleven years old.”

This story shifts between June 1958 and the trial of Tommie in March 1959. The trial is conveyed through newspaper articles, excerpts of testimony, evidence reports, and other court and transcript documents. I loved this shift between the timelines and the different styles. It made for a very quick read, and I found myself turning page after page. This is a book you will need to set time aside for when you start—you will not want to put it down.

I really enjoyed Tommie’s character. He cared deeply for his aunt and was happy living in their apartment with very few things. When he moves in with this mother, his discomfort is palpable, and it permeates the story. Lundrigan does an incredible job of bringing the Henneberry family to life. Right off the bat, you get a creepy vibe from them and wonder if they are just eccentric or if there is really something wrong with this family. I really disliked the character of Martin. He is overall a terrible person—sneaky and manipulative, and this plays into the story perfectly. My favourite part was all the clues and red herrings in this story. I started thinking I knew exactly what was going to happen, but I was not at all prepared for that ending! IT WAS INCREDIBLE!

I loved this book! If you love a good suspense with surprising twists, check this story out. Once you love this one, she has a backlist of stories just waiting to be read. I will be over here just waiting for her next book to arrive.

Thank you, Penguin Random House Canada, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Holiday Swap by Maggie Knox

By Erica Wiggins

The Holiday Swap is the international bestseller from the incredible writing pair Karma Brown and Marissa Stapley. Both are Canadian and independently successful authors. This is their first novel writing as a team.

The Holiday Swap is a feel-good romance set in the few weeks before Christmas. The story follows twins Charlie and Cass Goodwin. Charlie is a successful chef who works as a judge on a reality television baking show in Los Angeles, while Cass has stayed in the small town they grew up in and runs the family bakery. One day on set, Charlie hits her head and ends up with a concussion. This leads her to lose her ability to smell and taste. Wondering how she will be able to judge food and save her job, she reaches out to Cass. Can they switch places like they did when they were kids? Cass agrees and they make their plan: they will switch for ten days. Cass will take Charlie’s role as judge to help secure her job and Charlie will go home and run the family bakery. What could go wrong?

This book is sweet and adorable and although it is set at Christmastime, it really can be read any time that you need a dose of holiday joy and romance. There are also some incredible-sounding desserts that will leave you drooling!

I loved both Charlie and Cass and all their quirks. These twins have grown apart a bit and living in the other’s life is challenging. This challenge only increases as the two sisters meet potential love interests.  Enter Jake, the super hot firefighter and Miguel, the brilliant physician’s assistant. How do these women manage their love lives while staying in character?  As they settle into their new roles, each one starts to learn more about their twin and in turn more about themselves. This switch and change of scenery allows both women to determine what they truly want in life. Can these sisters get on track and reveal the truth of the swap?

Did I pick it up and read it one sitting? You bet I did!

Did this remind me of Hallmark movie? Yes!

Did I love it? Absolutely!

Sometimes you just need a great rom-com that you know is going to have a happy ending. This really hit the mark for me. It had me smiling and laughing and rooting for Charlie and Cass. If you love rom-coms with some great food and a little holiday joy sprinkled in, check out this book. I cannot wait to read anything else from this incredible writing duo.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Review: The Candy House by Jennifer Egan

By Erica Wiggins

The Candy House is the sixth fiction novel by American author Jennifer Egan. Her book A Visit from the Goon Squad won the Pulitzer Prize and the National Book Critics Award. This is my first book from Egan, and I like to start a new author without gathering too much information about them. In this case, I wish I had done a little more research. After finishing the story, I checked out more about this book and learned that The Candy House is the continuation of A Visit from the Good Squad. I learned that many characters cross over, and I wonder if reading this first book would have given more context to this story. 

The Candy House picks up with Bix Bouton, who owns a successful tech company called Mandala and is well known to everyone. Bix is on the hunt for the latest technology when he finds a group experimenting with “externalizing” memories. Soon Bix creates “Own Your Unconscious.” This technology allows you to access and share your memories. The idea of this book had me intrigued and got me thinking about the implications of technology like this and having my memories just out there for anyone to access. 

“By uploading all or part of your externalized memory to an online “collective,” you gained proportionate access to anonymous thought and memories of everyone in the word, living or dead, who had done the same.”

This genre is outside the wheelhouse of what I would normally read. The story is told in a variety of formats—writing, emails, tweets, and even formulas. It is a challenging story to review. Each chapter deals with different characters, different ideas, and jumps between generations and through time. The quick shifts between characters/timelines felt confusing at times. It was as if each chapter encompassed its own story. I took notes and began to make connections between the characters, but with so many, it was hard to know who to pay attention or who was critical to the story.

About halfway through, and with the help of my notes, the story did become a little clearer. I am typically a quick reader, but this story required a slower, more methodical approach to understand everything  going on. I do think that reading the first book would have given more context to the characters and made this story easier to follow. 

I really loved the idea of exploring what would happen if this technology was released into the world. I could see the pros and cons and watched as the characters struggled with whether to upload and access their memories. I enjoyed the contrast of the characters working against this program as well. 

This story is well written but is very complex. While this story wasn’t for me, I think it is perfect for those that love intricate, complex, and through-provoking novels. I am a firm believer that there is a book for every reader, but not every book is for every reader. I would encourage readers to check out other reviews as there is a lot of love for this series.

Thank you, Simon and Schuster Canada, for the complimentary copy in exchange for an honest review.