Mar 23, 2024

Three Novels: Japanese Mystery; Family Drama; Ecuadorian

 Books in the mail



The Night of Baba Yaga by Akira Otani (translated from the Japanese). July 2, 2024, Soho Crime

This is an unusual novel. It's my first time reading a book described as a queer mystery thriller from Japan. It's listed under these genres in Goodreads:  ThrillerQueer JapanLGBT Romance Adult Mystery

Description: 

A fierce mixed-race fighter develops a powerful attachment to the yakuza princess she’s been forced to protect in this explosive queer thriller: Kill Bill meets The Handmaiden meets Thelma and Louise

Tokyo, 1979. Yoriko Shindo, a rugged, brawny outcast, is kidnapped by the Naiki-kai, a branch of the yakuza. Having brutally beaten nearly every member of the gang in an attempt to escape, Shindo is permitted to live if she will become the bodyguard and driver for Shoko Naiki, the obsessively sheltered daughter of the gang’s boss. 

Originally disdaining her ward, Shindo soon finds herself more invested in Shoko’s well-being than she expected. But every man around them is blood thirsty and trigger happy. Shindo doubts the two can survive unless something changes. 

Akira Otani’s explosive English-language debut moves boldly through time and across gender, stretching the definitions and possibilities of each concept. Translated by International Booker–shortlisted Sam Bett, this lean, mean thriller proves that bonds forged in fire are unbreakable.

Thanks to Soho Crime for an ARC of the book, which comes out July 2, 2024.


Sunset Lake Resort by Joanne Jackson, June 1, 2024, Stonehouse Pub  Genre: Saskatchewan, adult fiction, family drama

Description:

When Ruby's father passes away, but fails to leave her the millions some expected, Steve, her husband of 35 years, moves out. Alone, Ruby is torn between panic and relief. When she investigates the remote beach cabin her father had left her instead of his estate, she discovers a dilapidated beach resort in a remote location, seemingly untouched since its former owner died under mysterious circumstances.

 Despite the condition of the property and rumours it is haunted, Ruby decides to move to Sunset Lake Resort, determined to find out why her father bought it, and why he left it to her.

About the Author

Joanne Jackson is an award winning Canadian author of three novels. 'A Snake in the Raspberry Patch, '  'The Wheaton'  and her forthcoming novel, 'Sunset Lake Resort', due spring of 2024. 


Thanks to Wiley Saichek of Saichek Publicity for an ARC of this book.



Reading from NetGalley

 


Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio, July 23, 2024, One World, NetGalley

Description:

A year in the life of Catalina Ituralde, an Ecuadorian American. A student at Harvard, she "navigate(s) an opaque past, an uncertain future, tragedies on two continents, and the possibilities of love and freedom.


The first part of Catalina was enjoyable to read. Catalina's personality was captivating and her points of view unique. However, I found that the plot became cumbersome, began to lack focus with too many disparate events and ideas thrown in. I'm still reading it and skimming, hoping it will pick up again in interest. 


These are my new books this week. What are you reading/watching? 

Memes: The Sunday Post hosted by The Caffeinated BookreviewerAlso, It's Monday: What Are You Readingand Sunday SalonStacking the ShelvesMailbox Monday

22 comments:

  1. I'm adding "Sunset Lake Resort" to my reading list. Thanks for these reviews.

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  2. I've just started 'Waiting for War - Britain 1939-1940' by Barry Turner, about the so-called 'Phony War'. After that will be 'The Late Monsieur Gallet' by Georges Simenon, the 2nd Maigret mystery.

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  3. It's nice to try a book that might be a little different from our usual reads, like The Night of Baba Yaga, I think. Sunset Lake Resort sounds promising. I'm sorry Catalina grew tiresome in the middle; hope it picks up.

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  4. Too bad about Catalina. Maybe the Lake Resort book will be better. It sounds a bit spooky.

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  5. Interesting list of books. Have a wonderful Sunday, Harvee!

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  6. I've just started Beach Read by Emily Read that, like Sunset Lake Resort, begins with a father leaving a lake shore house to a daughter. Interesting to see what two authors do with that same premise.

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    1. I think Beach Read is a rom com with two individuals, both writers, slowly falling in love in their beach abodes. Sunset Lake Resort seems more like a real mystery.

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  7. Sunset Lake Resort sounds really good. They all sound good. Have a great week!

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  8. Oooo Sunset Lake Resort looks so good!!

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  9. Huh Baba Yaga sounds interesting!

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  10. I am 75% into The Fraud by Zadie Smith. I am so disappointed. It is my first by the famous author and it is a real slog. Bummer.

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  11. Interesting variety for you this week. I hope the Catalina book picks up for you. Happy Reading!

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  12. Interesting books this week. Nice cover on the Sunset Lake Resort. Hope you enjoy your books.

    https://thebookconnectionccm.blogspot.com/2024/03/its-monday-what-are-you-reading-and_01233654525.html

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  13. Three interesting reads. Sunset Lake Resort appeals to me the most.

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  14. Sunset Lake Resort has an intriguing premise. Hope you enjoy these!

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  15. Nice looking assortment of books. Sunset Lake Resort sounds especially good. Come see what I'm reading here. Happy reading!

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  16. Each of these sounds really interesting.

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  17. Sunset Lake Resort looks interesting! I love any book where the main character is digging into the past for any reason. Enjoy your reading and have a great week!

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  18. Catalina looks very interesting! I hope you enjoy your books, have a wonderful week!

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  19. The Night of Baba Yaga definitely sounds intriguing, I'm going to have to look into that!

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  20. The Night of Baba Yaga looks so cool! I hope you have a lovely week!

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