Criminal (Will Trent, #6) by Karen Slaughter

Criminal by Karin Slaughter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is my first Will Trent book, so I do not really know what he is like--that said, I did not like him (even though he has ghosts and a past) and his boss, Amanda, throughout the whole story. Even more, I have read other Karin Slaughter books --but the way she depicts the abhorrent sexism in the police force at the time, really turned me off. Also, the way these girls were killed sickened me time and time again as they discover/uncover the murders. Even the end did not do much for me.

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The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy (Montague Siblings, #2) by Mackenzi Lee

The Lady's Guide to Petticoats and Piracy by Mackenzi Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Moira Quirk's narration of Mackenzi Lee's 2nd book in the Montague Siblings was beyond enjoyable, awesome, and mesmerizing. I just could not stop listening to prickly Felicity, fiercely funny Monty, sweet Percy, best friend Johanna, and pirate Sym as they confront and confound the morals and sexism in 18th century Europe. The continuing deep abiding love between Percy and Monty made my heart glad while Felicity always fights to become a doctor, be visible in the world as a woman, and carve a place for herself in the world. Author Lee uses humor, adventure, and the marvel of little known sea dragons to reconnect Sim, Joanna and Felicity as strong women and strong friends. A must read!

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A Gentleman's Guide To Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I listened to this amazing audiobook narrated by Christian Coulson as part of the 2018 HUB Reading Challenge and this book also won Best Fiction & Stonewall awards! Oh did I love this book!!! Monty, Percy, and Felicity were the best and strong protagonists in this 18th century adventure that shines a light on sexism (poor Felicity) racism (Percy and the pirates) and violence and abuse (toward Monty). Monty can't wait to tour Europe for a year - lots of drinking, women and men and the time to think over and over again how much he loves his best friend, Percy. Having grown-up with each other they have spent all of their time together. But as Monty gets into trouble- kicked out of Eaton- his father makes sure this will not be their FUN TOUR and sends a guide along to babysit them and make them endure all the culture and none of the fun. I loved seeing spoiled, brash, self-centered Monty step up- he really does take risks for others, while I did not like to see him so thoroughly drunk all the time because then he would do and say things that got them all into trouble. But when Monty learns Percy has kept a secret from him, he does not give up in trying to keep Percy with him, trying to save him, and also in the process becoming a new, improved Monty. I loved his optimism and joy of life and his can do spirit. A roaring great read/audiobook. I am so looking forward to the next book in the series about Felicity!!!

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A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena

A Girl Like That by Tanaz Bhathena
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read this book for a twitter chat book club, #yabookchat which will be discussed Sunday 4/8 at 9PM EST. This book devastated me, Zarin and Porus' life in Saudi Arabia, especially Jeddah was hell. Zarin is a strong female character (did I like her???, not really, but after they way she is treated by everyone, except Porus I saw her as a totally marginalized teen) who lives in a sexist, racist, judgmental world (school and home) that does not allow any freedom for teens in most aspects of life. The only character I truly loved and felt for was Porus. He is kind, has been raised right with a gentle father he desperately loves (and loses) and a revered mother. All of his goodness does unfortunately does not work for the love he has for Zarin. Time and time again, she is rude to him, with her mean, angry words she tries to push him away - she smokes, skips school and has a reputation (unearned) with guys resulting in her constantly being bullied by the girls in her school. She suffers physical abuse at her aunt's hands her whole life and her uncle turns a blind eye and eventually turns against Zarin when she will not tell anyone about the drugging and sexual violence by a classmate. There was no character (except Porus) that had any redeeming qualities, the religious police did not allow any normal teen relationships and society judged Zarin based on gossip, lies, and her own secrecy. I ached for this teen and when I finished the book, in the Author Note, Tanaz Bhathena summed up the awful life that existed for teens in Saudi Arabia in 2014, she revisits her own past over and over to write the book "My own story is different from Zarin's and Mishal's, Yet it does not make their stories any less true, not does it diminish the reality of living in a world that still defines girls in various ways without letting them define themselves. This book is a love letter to them all."
A must read but a devastating one nonetheless.

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