Whistle by Linwood Barclay
This horror novel is fairly new, but feels like one of those 80s paperbacks with a skeleton on the cover that you used to be able to pick up along with your weekly groceries. If you're nostalgic for those, you'll probably enjoy this one as much as I did. Annie's son finds an old train set in the shed behind the house they're renting and odd things begin to happen. I got easily caught up in the difficulties of Annie's life before the author moved on to other characters who happened to purchase trains. Eventually, we do get back to Annie and her son. It's entertaining and has some creepy moments, even if some of the horror was just plain silly. (Or maybe I'm a bit desensitized after reading so many of these books over the past forty or so years?)
A Cyclist’s Guide to Poppies & Predicaments by Ann Claire
I can safely say that I'll never be taking a real life bicycle tour, much less a bicycle tour of France. Instead, I'll happily enjoy things like that in travel-themed cozy mysteries, especially this series. Sadie Greene, owner of Oui Cycle, is hoping for a murder free tour with a bridal party. She can deal with an overbearing bride, lots of party games, and even her boyfriend's mother. It's the discovery of a body that has her scrambling. I jumped into this series with the third book and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I had to guess at some of the back story, but that wasn't a problem. The murder mystery and amazing setting made up for any little details I might've missed by not starting at the very beginning.
Disclosure -- The publishers provided me with advance review copies.
