Heir of Uncertain Magic by Charlie Holmberg

 

Keeper of Enchanted Rooms was a recent favorite read, with a fun and creative setting that stuck in my mind for a long time. What a treat to return again to Holmberg's reimagined Rhode Island of the mid 1800s, where boats and other vehicles are powered by magic. The soul of a young boy that was trapped in the walls of Whimbrel House in the first book is now in a dog and makes for some amusing antics, while also tying the household together emotionally. What started as a supposedly haunted house is now a home for an unconventional family that is still learning about themselves and where they fit in the world.  While many authors do a fine job of world-building, Holmberg always injects hers with a little something extra, which in this case I can only think of as being 'homey charm.' Thanks to Netgalley and 47North for this engaging ARC.

The Couple at No 9 by Claire Douglas

 

This has been out for a while but I just got around to reading it. Another good one from Claire Douglas. I appreciate getting it from Netgalley before it was archived. It's twisty and has multiple narrators who may or may not be reliable. There were a few too many characters who tripped me up a couple of times  but overall it was a solid suspense story that held my interest. Also I learned a new British phrase, "memory care homes." In the US we just call these nursing homes or assisted living, but memory care home sounds more compassionate, at least to me.

Malice House by Megan Shepherd

I guess I forgot to review this, but better late than never. Megan Shepherd got all the things right in this book that I wanted but didn't get from Madman's Daughter. I was pulled into the story quickly and connected with the characters and world-building. This is the way to do gothic horror in a contemporary setting without being silly or overly gory. There is some gore, but it's not Mexican Gothic level gore. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review. [4 Stars]