Horror

 The Survivor by James Herbert

                                        Genre: Horror, Fiction

                                        Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★1/2 (4.5 stars)

James Herbert’s Survivor is a wild, spooky ride that starts with an absolute bang. Pilot David Keller walking away completely unscathed from a horrific plane crash that claims over 300 lives immediately hooks you.

As David tries to rebuild his life in the quiet town of Eton, things quickly take a dark turn. Herbert does a fantastic job building an eerie atmosphere, weaving horrific visions and supernatural happenings into the local community and tying it all to a creepy old graveyard.

While the pacing dips a bit in the middle as it leans heavily into the psychological toll on the townsfolk, the payoff is worth it. It’s not quite his scariest work, but Herbert delivers a solid, suspenseful ghost story that keeps you turning pages. If you love classic British horror with a supernatural mystery, it’s definitely worth a read!

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The Rats by James Herbert

Genre: Horror

                               Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★1/2 (4.5 stars)

If you’re looking for a gnarly, old-school horror read, James Herbert’s The Rats definitely delivers the goods. The premise is brilliantly simple: after millions of years of humans staying on top, the power dynamic shifts, and ordinary rats mutate into man-eating monsters terrorizing London.

Herbert’s writing is fast-paced, gritty, and relentlessly bleak, perfectly capturing that grimy 1970s British horror vibe. It doesn't hold back on the gore, so squeamish readers beware! While some of the character development feels a bit thin and typical of creature-features from that era, the sheer suspense and relentless pacing make up for it.

It’s definitely a B-movie in book form—undemanding, wildly exaggerated, and a whole lot of fun if you love creature features. Grab a snack, turn off the lights, and try not to listen too closely to the scratching in your walls!

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Bellamy by Darcy Coates

Genre: Horror

                               Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★1/2 (4.5 stars)

If you’re a fan of atmospheric, slow-burn horror, Darcy Coates’s Bellamy is definitely worth adding to your shelf. The premise is haunting: Leanne returns to the site of her brother’s childhood tragedy—an abandoned asylum—hoping for closure, only to realize the building hasn't let go of its past.

Coates excels at building genuine dread, and the crumbling setting feels like a character all on its own. While the pacing is a bit deliberate in the middle, the payoff is genuinely creepy. I would have loved a little more backstory on the asylum’s history to heighten the stakes, but the tension kept me turning pages late into the night. It’s a solid, unsettling read that perfectly captures the feeling of being watched in a place you’re meant to be alone. If you want a spooky, immersive ghost story, this is a great pick.

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The Fog by James Herbert

 

Genre: Horror

                                            Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★1/2 (4.5 stars)

Just finished James Herbert's The Fog, and wow, what a premise! The idea of a peaceful Wiltshire village suddenly hit by a completely inexplicable disaster, with a yawning, bottomless crack spewing out this truly unique, terrifying fog, is super compelling. Herbert definitely dials up the misery and horror, painting a vivid picture of chaos and societal breakdown that's hard to shake.

My main constructive thought is around that without reason or explanation part. While it adds to the initial dread and mystery, I sometimes found myself craving a little more insight into the fog's origins or nature. It's brilliantly atmospheric and grotesque, but a touch more world-building around the phenomenon itself might have elevated it further. Still, it's a chilling, relentless ride that sticks with you, a classic Herbert horror for sure.

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Thriller

Dark Alley To Power by Travis Casey

                                         Genre: Thriller, Fiction

                                         Rating: ★ ★★ ★

This book is a gritty, fast-paced dive into the murky depths of Southern politics, and honestly, it’s a wild ride. Yvette Tyson is the kind of fierce, take-no-prisoners underdog you can’t help but root for, even when she’s playing dirty. Pairing her up with Cory Logan, a retired boxing icon turned reluctant kingmaker, gives the story an awesome dynamic.

That said, the plot gets a little convoluted once the blackmail and backroom deals start stacking up. A few subplots feel rushed, and I would have loved a bit more breathing room to let the tension really simmer. Still, if you like high-stakes thrillers where nobody’s hands are clean, this is definitely worth picking up. It keeps you guessing until the very end!

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No Halo Required by Travis Casey

Genre: Thriller, fiction

Rating:  ★ ★★ ★

No Halo Required by Travis Casey is a gripping, fast-paced thriller that dives deep into the dark side of ambition and public image. Isaiah Hightower seems like a saintly high school principal, but his wife, Yvette, is the real driving force, obsessively polishing his halo for a prestigious award. When a tragedy pulls them back to Savannah, Isaiah’s past starts catching up with him, and the tension between the couple becomes palpable.

Casey does a fantastic job building suspense, especially with the shifting power dynamics between Isaiah and Yvette. The pacing is tight, though some of the secondary characters could use a bit more development to truly flesh out Savannah's gritty backdrop. Still, the psychological cat-and-mouse game between husband and wife keeps you hooked until the very end. It's a highly recommended read for anyone who enjoys tense, character-driven domestic dramas!

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Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

Genre: Thriller, supernatural

                               Rating:  ★ ★ ★ ★1/2 (4.5 stars)

If you’re looking for a supernatural thriller with a heart of gold, Dean Koontz’s Odd Thomas is an absolute must-read. The story follows a humble short-order cook in a quiet desert town who possesses the eerie, reluctant ability to see the dead. While the premise sounds dark, the voice of the protagonist is incredibly charming, witty, and grounded.

Koontz does a fantastic job of balancing the high-stakes tension of an impending catastrophe with deeply human moments, especially the beautiful connection between Odd and his soul mate, Stormy. While the plot moves at a breakneck pace toward the end, the character development makes every twist feel earned. It’s a compelling, bittersweet fable that manages to be both suspenseful and profoundly hopeful. Whether you’re a long-time Koontz fan or a newcomer, this book is a captivating ride that stays with you long after the final page.

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Contemporary, Chicklit

 Flying The Nest by Rachael Johns

Genre: Contemporary, Chick-lit. Romance

Rating: ★★★★1/2 (4.5 stars)

I really enjoyed Flying the Nest by Rachael Johns. 

It’s a heartfelt, relatable look at how life shifts when a marriage hits a wall—literally, in the case of "nest parenting." 

Ashling is a character you can’t help but root for, and the contrast between her chaotic home life and the peaceful, restorative vibe of Ragged Point makes for a great page-turner. 

While I occasionally found the transitions between her two lives a bit repetitive, the beautiful setting and emotional growth kept me hooked. It’s a perfect, cosy read for anyone navigating life’s unexpected changes.

Statures With No Limitations by Judith Fournie Helm

Genre: Contemporary, women's fiction

                      Rating: ★★★★

Statures of No Limitations by Judith Fournie Helm is a really thought-provoking read that tackles workplace discrimination in a unique way. We follow Heather as she brings together two incredibly talented female attorneys – one a dwarf, the other morbidly obese – who've been hidden away because of their looks.

Embarking on their own law firm, their journey is a tsunami of failures, which really highlights the harsh realities of "bodyism" they face. What truly stands out is the formidable bond of friendship that fuels their fight and provides much-needed humour amidst their struggles. While the initial plan seems a bit far-fetched, the subsequent professional obstacles feel very authentic. It’s a powerful story about resilience, celebrating unique strengths, and the vital support of true connection. It definitely makes you reflect on societal biases.

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Non Fiction

 Marketing For Entrepreneurs by Beverly Cornell

Genre: Non Fiction

Rating: ★★★★1/2 (4.5)

I just finished Marketing for Entrepreneurs by Beverly Cornell, and it truly feels like having an experienced mentor by your side. With her 25 years of expertise, Cornell expertly blends core concepts with thought-provoking questions. I loved the manual format—each chapter ends with actionable worksheets that force you to actually apply what you’ve learned. While seasoned pros might find the basics familiar, her fresh take on storytelling makes this a worthwhile read.

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From Monday I'll Stop by Mark Ryder

Genre: Non fiction, self help

                                Rating: ★★★★

Mark Ryder’s From Monday I’ll Stop is a deeply relatable and moving read for anyone who has ever felt like they’re just holding it together. We follow Alice, who looks perfect on the outside but is drowning in anxiety and alcohol.

What makes this book stand out is that it isn't a typical rock bottom story; it focuses on the quiet exhaustion of being the person everyone relies on while neglecting yourself. I loved the introduction of the 97-year-old mentor and the teacher—they provide such grounded, soulful guidance. It really makes you realize that the harsh inner critic isn't who you actually are.

The shift from the I’ll start Monday loop to a more compassionate now is incredibly empowering. If you’ve ever felt like you’re quietly breaking while appearing fine, this book offers a beautiful path toward real change. Highly recommended!

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Memoirs, Fiction - A Book Review

Barking Orders: A Dog's Diary of Chaos & Squirrel Surveillance by Roxy the Cattle Dog 

Genre: Memoir, Fiction

                                    Rating: ★★★★1/2 (4.5)

Alright, let's talk about Barking Orders by Roxy the Cattle Dog. From the sound of it, this isn't just another pet book; it's a deep dive into the true hierarchy of a modern household, told by the actual boss.

Overall Impression: If you've ever suspected your dog is secretly running the show, Barking Orders sounds like a confirmation delivered with a healthy dose of wit. The premise alone – humans thinking they're in charge, bless their hearts – is enough to make any dog owner chuckle knowingly. Roxy, a Black Heeler and self-proclaimed "professional," apparently lays out her official report on managing her Toronto-based human staff, which sounds like an absolute riot.

What to Expect (and Love!): The book promises a hilarious, sensory, nose-first look at domestic life through Roxy's very serious eyes, and that's incredibly appealing. We're talking short, sharp chapters covering classic dog-owner scenarios: the attempted squirrel invasion (a daily battle, I'm sure), the dreaded vacuum monster, the quick pee that expands into a full perimeter sweep, mysteriously disappearing unattended food, and the utterly baffling human invention of the fake throw. Honestly, if you own a dog, you've lived these moments, and seeing them from the dog's perspective is pure gold.

The cast of characters sounds perfectly relatable too: the human Roxy chose to adopt (and train), the wife who has rules until Roxy breaks them, and even a "colleague" named Cooper. And let's not forget the household's myriad enemies, which apparently include weather, delivery drivers, and anything that dares to exist too close to the hydrangeas. This specific detailing paints a vivid picture of Roxy's world and her priorities, which revolve around security, snacks, and supervision – exactly what you'd expect from a canine overlord.

Where It Could Shine (A Little Constructive Bark): Given the short, sharp chapters format, the key to its success will likely be in balancing the episodic nature with a sense of continuous narrative or character development. While standalone anecdotes are great, a subtle progression in Roxy's management style or her relationship with her staff could add an extra layer of engagement. Does she learn anything from their human foibles? Or do they ever almost get it right in her eyes?

Also, while the humour sounds fantastic and utterly relatable, maintaining that hilarious tone consistently without it becoming repetitive will be crucial. The description hints at a very strong, distinct voice for Roxy, which is promising. If she can keep delivering fresh insights into the mundane chaos of human life, drawing from her working breed professionalism, it'll be a winner. Hopefully, the "sensory, nose-first" elements are integrated naturally, adding to the dog's perspective without feeling forced or overly detailed to the point of distraction.

Who's This For? If you've ever felt the piercing judgment of your dog's stare, been audited by their relentless presence, or followed to the bathroom as if you're about to escape, then this book is absolutely for you. It taps into that universal truth for dog owners: you don't own a cattle dog; you work for one. And honestly, it sounds like a job worth signing up for, especially if it involves reading Roxy's official reports.

In short, Barking Orders sounds like a wonderfully charming, laugh-out-loud perspective on modern domestic life, perfectly pitched for anyone who loves dogs and suspects their furry friend is the real mastermind. I'm definitely intrigued to see Roxy's full management strategy unfold!

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