My Tiny Corner of the Universe

I've somehow attracted more followers lately, which is a surprise and a delight, but I thought I might need to give an overview of how my ratings work on books.

5 stars ~ to my mind, as perfect as I could expect. A perfect storm of characters, plot, and application. Think A+

4.5 stars ~ damn close to perfect, but missing that special something. Still a fabulous read that will put the author on my "must read more" list. Think A

4 stars ~ great read that is definitely a recommend. Think B+

3.5 stars ~ good read, could've been better, but still fun. Think B

3 stars ~ a decent read, nothing spectacular, but still worth my time. Usually weak in character or plot, not both. Think C

2 stars ~ Yuck. Missed the mark on so many levels. Definitely wouldn't recommend. Think D

1 star ~ No. Nope. Not a chance in hell. Rarely finished, may get a DNF in addition to the star if I read at least half of the book. Will never probably give the author another chance. Think F

DNF ~ No star rating if I couldn't even make it through the first half of the book. Usually bad writing and/or extremely offensive. Think a zero on your paper.

There are obviously nuances that are almost impossible to explain, even to myself at times. If you ever have questions about why I gave a particular rating to a book and my review doesn't quite explain it, feel free to ask me why.

As to what I read, if you haven't already guessed, pretty much everything, with particular emphasis on science fiction lately. I also read adult, young adult, and the occasional middle school books. I'm after stories and characters that I believe I will like and/or enjoy. The publisher's age category is their problem, not mine.

I will say that about 90% of what I read is backlist, so be prepared for older publication dates.

This ARC is courtesy of Penzler Publishers and NetGalley with a scheduled release day of July 7, 2026. Fifteen short stories that were first published between the 1930s and 1950s, considered the Golden Age of Mysteries and Suspense.

I always enjoy Otto Penzler's collection and this one is no exception. They point me to authors and stories I've never experienced before and re-introduced some long forgotten gems. One surprise to me was learning that Pearl S. Buck wrote mystery short stories. I was only aware of her seminal work, "The Good Earth", and sequels. It was a tightly plotted story with interesting characters, everything I love about fiction. Some other favorite stories included "Murder for Two" by James A. Kirch and "The Dog Died First" by Bruno Fisher.

I highly recommend this collection to mystery readers or even just for those who would love shorter fiction to read.

The author read and reviewed a selection of American history textbooks to use across the United States' school systems. What he discovered were whitewashed (literally) texts, out of date information, and blatant lies. While textbooks are supposed to be read by not only school board members, but by educators before approval is given, the reality is few have the time or inclination to do so. Too often the books are simply rubber stamped.

Loewen shares what the truth is compared to what is found in the textbooks, if mentioned at all. Some of the historical characters and events discussed include Woodrow Wilson, Christopher Columbus, the conflict in Vietnam, and much more. In a time of increasing book bans and the targeted removal of history that makes certain white males "uncomfortable", it has become essential to teach beyond approved curriculum. Students and educators booth need training in critical thinking, giving them the tools to recognize bias in what they hear and read.

I highly recommend this book to everyone. Be prepared to get lost in the curated bibliography that will correct and expand your knowledge of what we've always been told. I urge all adults to give a copy to the children and teens in their lives. Perhaps give one to a teacher instead of a mug or candle for Teacher Appreciation Day or those end of the school year gifts.

Lucky Starr 1

3.5 out of 5.

This ARC, courtesy of Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley, is actually a re=release of a 1952 book. The release date was May 12, 2026. (I didn't receive the ARC until May 22nd due to my being late to request it.)

David Starr had been raised by two members of the Council of Science after losing his parents during a pirate attack. Years later he has a degree and has joined the Council, the youngest member to date. While waiting for one of his former guardians at a newly opened restaurant, David sees a man suddenly die. The death wasn't the first, although the Council has tried to keep them a secret. The only thing the events have in common is that each victim had eaten food from Mars shortly before dying. A boycott of Martian food not only could destroy the planet's income, but put Earth in danger of starvation.

Is it sabotage? And, if so, why? David Starr goes undercover on Mars to find out the truth. What he finds is something more than anyone could've expected.

I remember reading this when I was about ten or eleven years old, although I no memory of the details. When I saw this pop up on my NetGalley listing, I had to give it a chance. After all, it is written by Isaac Asimov under a pseudonym.

2 out of 5

This ARC is courtesy of NetGalley and Severn House, an imprint of Canongate Books Ltd., UK. Anticipated release is 5 May 2026.

This hit all my hotspots based on the genre, the cover, and the summary. Archaeology, Peru, Incan civilizations, kidnapped and returned natives. And then I started reading. Okay, Ruth Baker didn't come off as likable, but I can live with that. However, the portrayal of a white American rudely interacting with others in a foreign country? No. We really need to get past the Ugly American trope ever if it is sometimes accurate. And how she thought of others in disparaging ways? Yeah, big problem.

There were issues with the story itself, which seemed to veer a bit too much, going from fairly intriguing and interesting to a slog as if the author was either bored or too far out of her comfort zone. It appears to be her first science fiction story. And, sadly, I can tell.

Then we come to the end of the story. Nope, didn't work. Weak and inadequate. There may be a hint of a sequel, but I would recommend not going there. If Myers wishes to continue with this genre, she needs a mentor and an editor who will be more involved in tightening up her prose and premise.

2.75 rolled up to 3 out of 5.

Game Changers 1

It started when Scott Hunter's on-ice slump ends after drinking a fruit smoothie made by Kip Grady. Unwilling to change anything that could break his streak, Scott returns to the smoothie shop over and over again. Their relationship moves from friendship to more. But with the playoffs approaching, not to mention worry over someone finding out he's gay and how it might affect his career, Scott wants to hide Kip and their love affair.

Because I am obsessive about reading series in order, I picked up this book along with "Heated Rivalry", the second in the series. Honestly, I found the book slow, awkward, and boring. The Young Adult category is supposed to include 12 to 18 year old, which has always seemed surprising wide-ranging. Although not sold as YA, this book reads like it was meant for the 12 to 15 year old group. Only with sex scenes. I was also surprised at how few descriptions there were. It wasn't until the last quarter of the book that it got better. Somewhat.

Kip, a college graduate, is remarkably immature. Don't get me wrong, I like the kid. But that's just it, he seems more like a teen. I also like Scott. But Scott and Kip as a HEA couple? That's a reach.

City Spaces 1

4 out of 5 stars.

All twelve year old Sara Martinez wanted when she hacked into the New York City foster care system was to expose her latest foster parents as the cheats and crooks they are. Instead she's arrested, facing thirty months in juvenile detention, and possibly a ban on computer access past her sentence.

Then a well-dressed man with a smiling face offers her a chance for a new start. Soon Sara finds herself part of a team of other pre-teens and teens who work for MI6, the British Intelligence Service.

I like that Ponti doesn't dumb down the story or the characters. If it wasn't for the ages of the main characters, this could easily fit into the younger end of young adult. While not overly graphic, the author also doesn't pull any punches in regards to child abuse and neglect, corruption, or completed relationships.

I believe adult readers can also enjoy the story once they get past the creepy factor of an adult man in charge of multiple minors, male and female. No government oversite, no background check, nothing.

5 out of 5

In Death 62

Multibillionaire Nathan Barrister is discovered dead in his home office next to an open vault filled with treasures. Roarke recognizes a few of the art and jewelry pieces as stolen. According to the deceased's wife and sister, they only recently discovered the vault due to remodeling. They were trying to find a way to return the stolen merchandise quietly, hoping to avoid the scandal of Nathan's late father knowingly collecting stolen items.

Lieutenant Eve Dallas must decide if the murder was linked to the vault's items or directly linked to Nathan for some unknown reason. Was it greed, revenge, or a case of the thief panicking when discovered in the act? As if that investigation wasn't complicated enough, Roarke's past makes an appearance twice over.

I joined the Eve Dallas train after the fifth published book, devouring them before passing them on to a coworker who also became hooked. While a few works gave me concerns over the years, both for the sexual crimes depicted as well as the writing smacking of a ghostwriter, the majority were at least four star reads for me.

I might've came for the romance, enjoyed the mysteries immensely, I stayed for the characters and the world building. The layers, the chemistry, and how people grow just keeps me coming back for more. These are people I've come to know so well.

3 out of 5.

(Unnamed series) 1

When a series of train robberies end in murder, Arizona hotel owner Fred Harvey hires the Pinkerton Detective Agency. The Agency sends their newest agent, twenty-two year old Clare Wright. Well-educated and a master of disguise, she goes undercover as a waitress at the Harvey House restaurant. As she moves through western society, high and low, Clare must be careful not to reveal why she's snooping about.

This ARC is courtesy of NetGalley and Head of Zeus publishing company, an imprint of Bloomsbury Publishing. Anticipated publication date is March 5, 2026.

There's a large cast of characters from real life, some well-known, others less recognizable. Perhaps too many reality based ones. For the start to a new series, I'd prefer more focus on the main characters in order to let the reader come to know them. Without a doubt, Stabenow has a way with descriptions of her characters' environment, done in such detail as to make you feel as if you're there. Unfortunately I found her characters themselves to be somewhat flat. For me, it is always the people in a story that sell it to me. I can forgive a weak plot, but weak characters? No.

5 out of 5.

The investigation into the disappearance of Dels Billy, a beloved Indian Horse Relay rider, uncovers a disturbing series of unsolved abductions of Native American women from various tribal lands in Oklahoma. it's up to Oklahoma City homicide detective Perry Antelope and her partner Sophia Burns to navigate the dangerous threats to themselves and their loved ones in order to find the truth before it's too late.

This ARC is courtesy of NetGalley and Bantam, an imprint of Random House. The anticipated publication date is February 24, 2026.

I was captivated from the start, both with the mystery and the many strong female characters. The author did an excellent job introducing both the characters and the situation without an overwhelming data dump. This ticked all my boxes, an engrossing mystery, strong characterizations, realistic depictions of Native American cultures, relatable professional and personal relationship, and remarkably badass women all made this book a massive winner for me.

3.5 out of 5.

Assassins Anonymous 1

Mark was one of the best paid assassins in the business. Until he didn't like what it was turning him into. So he finds a group of other killers-for-hire who are meeting ala Alcoholics Anonymous to stop killing through mutual support. Things are going moderately well for him until someone appears to want him dead. Now Mark must discover who is out to get him, avoid being killed in the process, and avoiding killing anyone himself.

This was a fast read that would make a really enjoyable film. There's just enough humor and sarcasm to make it interesting. Personally I think Jason Statham would make a great lead, don't you? snicker Or even Ryan Reynolds, if he can tone the Deadpool vibes down. C'mon, Amblin Entertainment, get going!

The Thorne Chronicles 1

3 out of 5.

Princess Rory Thorne is the first daughter born in the Thorne line in ten generations. Although no one actually believes the fairies still exist, the King's Vizier insisted on inviting them to bestow blessings on the female child (never done with the males). Eleven of the fairies bless Rory with the usual kinds meant to make her a capable queen. The thirteenth, slightly miffed that the party started before she arrived, lays a curse on the child that will always reveal the truth behind flattery and illusions. It is up to the twelfth to give the Princess a way to see a path through difficulties and the courage to take them.

Rory always expected to assume the throne and control the Thorne Consortium. Unfortunately shortly after her father is murdered, her mother gives birth to a son. Since sons always trump daughters, Rory finds herself bargained off into an arranged political marriage while still a teenager. Discovering her intended, Prince of a distant planet, is in danger from the current Regent, Rory makes plans to save him before it is too late.

I found this at my library, intrigued by the summary given as well as the cover and title. The first chapter was delightful. I wish that it could've continued that way, but the farther into the story, the less I was enjoying myself.

A little too much "telling" rather than "showing" in my opinion. The whole historical viewpoint given by the narrator became annoying very fast. As to the Multiverse mentioned in the title, it definitely isn't the multiverse of the MCU or science. Instead it appears to have been the conglomeration of various empires and corporations.

The destruction didn't really seem to have much to do with Rory's actions. Oh, they were probably a factor, but a very minor one. At best these empires and corporations must already have been teetering on the edge of disaster for years.

3.5 out of 5.

The Hardy Boys 1.

Frank and Joe Hardy's father, Fenton Hardy, is an internationally famous detective, first with the New York police department and now as a private detective. The brothers, sixteen and fifteen respectfully, want nothing more than to follow in their father's footsteps. They get their wish when their friend Chet Morton's car is stolen, leading to a dying criminal, a missing treasure of stolen jewelry and bonds, and the wrong man arrested for the crime.

This is the original 1927 edition. The books, as well as Nancy Drew and the Bobbsey Twins, were periodically rewritten over the decades to fit with contemporary sensibilities and modern items. I read the 1960s version of most of these books, so I was interested in the differences between the two. Mostly cultural differences, possibly more danger.

I can see why the originals many to keep younger readers' interests up to today, although I do believe the 1950s through the 1970s were their Golden Age. They aren't great literature, but they were and are fast reads filled with adventure and excitement. If you have middle graders in your life, consider buying the old hardbacks and not the more recent paperbacks.

DNF.

In 1972, a skeleton was discovered in the Chicken Hill area of Pottstown, Pennsylvania. Before it can be removed from the well where it was found, Hurricane Agnes sweeps away not only the skeleton and any possible evidence as to who it belongs to and what happened. What little was left of Chicken Hill, currently under gentrification, was also destroyed.

The story then switches to the mid-to-late 1920s to give the story of a mixed black and Jewish community whose life centered around the grocery store of the title. When authorities decide that a young deaf black child must be institutionalized, the people in Chicken Hill band together to rescue him.

I rarely read books recommended by Oprah, but "The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store" was also praised by President Obama. Add an intriguing premise and picking it up at a local Goodwill Bookstore at a discounted price, made it to the top of my TBR list.

What I found was too many characters, too many side stories, most of them having absolutely nothing to do with the primary characters or the plot. Page after page of backstory for everyone! So many times I had to flip back to figure out WTF was happening and who these people were. I even pulled out a notebook to jot down names. (I haven't done that since reading the Russian classics.) This style might've worked with Oprah, Obama, and the National Book Award. For me it was confusing, frustrating, and in the end not worth reading.

Inspector Frank Grasby 1

3 out of 5.

In 1952, as Christmas approaches, a dead man is found lodged in the chimney at Holly House in Elderby, Yorkshire. As Inspector Frank Grasby investigates, he uncovers long hidden secrets from as far back as the World War II, dangerous conspiracies, and deadly so-called friends.

The premise behind the storyline is interesting. A distant cousin discovers two crates of papers among the effects of their late parents. The papers belonged to Frank Grasby, a man rarely mentioned by family members beyond that he was a police officer in Yorkshire. Reading through the personal memoirs, casefiles, notes, and correspondence reveals a series of interesting criminal cases and colorful adventures that demand to be shared. While this is the first case to be published, it is not Grasby's first. Instead it is the case that turned out to be pivotal to both his career and future life.

If readers are looking for a murder mystery with a sense of humor, this might be the book for them. Grasby isn't stupid exactly, just naive and easily distracted. Considering his military service, this honestly didn't make sense to me. However the book makes it clear that strange and unfortunate incidents always seem to happen to or around him.

The story is peppered with the reports, letters, and notes from Grasby's papers, giving it a sense of realism. An interesting choice that was a great idea, in my opinion.

There's also a "Midsomer Murders" vibe to it with the various type of villagers and gentry Grasby meets and interacts with.