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 Bookreviewer. Also, It's Monday: What Are You Reading, and Sunday Salon, Stacking the Shelves, Mailbox Monday