Currently Reading
The Likeness by Tana French - I've accidentally been reading this Dublin Murder Squad series out of order (#1, #5, and now #2). It doesn't make a huuuge difference (none of the characters from #1 are in #5 for instance), but The Likeness follows up not too long after the events of In the Woods, with some familiar faces. Cassie struggled after In the Woods' events, but is slowly getting back on her feet working in domestic violence. That is, until her former alter ego shows up dead. Early in her career, Cassie went undercover as Lexie Madison and now, a girl wearing Cassie's face and using the name Lexie Madison has turned up dead. Reluctantly, Cassie allows herself to dive back into the undercover world in order to find Lexie's killer. Unlike the first book in the series, I had trouble getting into The Likeness. But about halfway through, I was hanging on every word, trying to figure out who dun it. French writes relationships with such brilliance,I sometimes forgot I was reading fiction.
The Farm by Tom Rob Smith - Two parents who have raised you, held you, loved you equally. Who would you believe? When Daniel gets a phone call from his father claiming that his mother is sick, he finds himself in this exact predicament. His mother comes to him looking completely out of character, but very calmly and very precisely presents her story to him, complete with evidence. Her story contains crimes, cover-ups, and a campaign to silence her. She, of course, is suspicious of his father and considers him part of the conspiracy against her. Which parent is right? Which story is the truth? Daniel must discover for himself. Dark and mysterious, Smith kept me guessing right until the end.
This Town by Mark Leibovich - I went to see Mark Leibovich speak (at the Northeast Branch of the DC Public Library) months ago and am finally getting around to reading his book. In person, Leibovich was personable, witty, and kind, which is why I wish I was enjoying his book more. In short, it discusses "The Club" that exists within DC, made up of a few hundred movers and shakers (worst phrase ever) who essentially own the Beltway. And while I think Leibovich is spot on with his observations, I just can't bring myself to be interested. A small, very rich group of people are greedy, self-obsessed, and seek out friends who they can use to get ahead. This doesn't surprise me. The book is well-written, extremely funny at times, and a peek into a life that we don't often get to see. However, I don't think these subjects need any more attention.
The Supernatural Enhancements by Edgar Cantero - About halfway through this book, I have no idea where it will end up and I love that. A. discovers that he has inherited a house from a distant relative, so he picks up and leaves Europe with his companion, the mute Niamh, to head to Virginia and Axton House. Almost immediately, A. and Niamh discover the house to be haunted and the distant relative to have many secrets. There are ghosts and suicides, local legends and secret societies. Told through A's diary, his dream journal, Niamh's notepad, and various other excerpts from books and the like, the story is unfolding in an extremely pleasurable way. I can't wait to see what happens next.
Thanks for the recommendations!
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