Make Me Clean by Tina Baker

She will leave your surfaces sparkling. But she may well leave you dead... Maria is a good woman and a good cleaner. She cleans for Elsie, the funny old bird who's losing her marbles, with the terrible husband. She cleans for Brian, the sweet man with the terrible boss. She cleans for the mysterious Mr Balogan, with the terrible neighbours. If you're thinking of hiring her, you should probably know that Maria might have killed the terrible husband, the terrible boss and the terrible neighbours. She may also have murdered the man she loved. She didn't set out to kill anyone, of course, but her clients have hired her to clean up their lives, and she takes her job seriously - not to mention how much happier they all are now. The trouble is, murder can't be washed out. You can only sweep it under the carpet, and pray no one looks too closely…

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher Viper for my gifted ebook arc. 

I loved Tina’s first 2 books so I was eager to get this one when I could. This did not disappoint and was just as good as her previous books. I loved the main character Maria, I was rooting for her the whole time, and Elsie who sounds like such a laugh! Sounds like the kind of lady I’d love to sit down and have a cuppa with. I actually quite liked Balogan too, I picture him the whole time looking like Wilson Fisk from Daredevil.

If you like creepy, definitely read Tina’s books. Make Me Clean is just that, creepy, but suspenseful. Always making you think what’s going to happen next!

Looking For Jane by Heather Marshall

 

2017

When Angela discovers a mysterious letter containing a life-shattering confession in a stack of forgotten letters, she begins to look for the intended recipient. Her search takes her to the 1970s and 80s, when a group of daring women operated an illegal underground abortion network known only by its whispered code name: Jane . . .

1971

As a teenager, Dr. Evelyn Taylor was forced to give her baby up for adoption. Swearing she'll do everything she can to make sure other women have the right to choose, she joins the Jane Network to provide safe but illegal abortions. There, she crosses paths with Nancy, who was told that if she ever found herself 'in a position', she should ask for Jane. Nancy soon becomes the Network's newest volunteer, desperately trying to help others while family secrets threaten everything she knows to be true.

Over the years, Evelyn, Nancy, and Angela's lives intertwine to reveal the devastating consequences that come from a lack of choice, and the buried secrets that will always find a way to the surface . . .

I received a copy of this from the publisher Hodder and Staughton, and Netgalley in return for an honest review.

I read this with Kath as our November buddy read, although I really should apologize as I took ages reading this and Kath finished it way before I did. But that was down to me being tired, nothing to do with the book. 

The story was so good, I loved it. A heartbreaking and beautiful tale of 3 women, whose lives intertwine and connect. I loved learning about all 3 of them.

I wasn’t surprised at how hard things were back then for women and girls who needed an abortion, and how scary it was for them trying to find it. What I was surprised with though was realizing  that this was happening not so long ago. What those women and girls went through, the fear of being caught, I can’t even imagine. But also what the girls went through in those homes, the Sisters treating them the way they did, taking their babies without consent, giving them away and sometimes even selling them. 

But the Jane’s, well they were lifesavers weren't they. I’ve been researching them as I’m really interested in what they have done. Amazing women standing up for a much needed cause. They put their lives at stake to do what they did. 

I’d definitely recommend this book, it’s opened my eyes to just how scary and frightening this all was. I was about to say I’m glad things have changed and its different now, but honestly, in some places it still hasn’t.

Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finley Boylan

 

Olivia fled her abusive marriage to return to her hometown and take over the family beekeeping business when her son was six. Now Asher is over 6 feet tall and in his last year of high school, a kind, good-looking, popular ice hockey star with a tiny sprite of a new girlfriend who Olivia loves. Then Lily is found with a catastrophic head injury at the bottom of the stairs - and Asher is arrested on a charge of murder... what was the truth of their relationship?

I received a copy of this from the publisher Hodder and Staughton, and Netgalley in return for an honest review.

I love Jodi Picoult and had my eyes on Netgalley for this one popping up early, so I was pretty excited to get approved for it! I’ve never read any of Jennifer Finley Boylands books but I will be on the lookout now!

This one reminded me of Jodi’s old days, back to her original style of shocks and twists. I loved it, every page. The twist halfway through is something that neither me or my buddy readers (some of the girls also got it approved and we read it alongside each other) guessed what was coming. I wont say any more as to not give anything away.

I loved the characters, I really felt like I knew them, which is the way Ms JP always makes me feel in her writing. I learned a lot about Beekeeping and Bees in general while reading this, I love how there’s always something in her stories which make you want to learn more. And then this huge controversial topic which blows you away.

Honestly, just give this one a go, whether you’ve read either authors books before or not, I’d suggest you read this one. Also read the authors words after the book, I love the story of how thes two wonderful ladies came up with the idea for the book.

Thanks again to Netgalley and Hodder and Staughton for my advanced arc, obviously I went out on release day and bought myself a copy :)

Nobody But Us by Laure Van Rensburg

 

Steven Harding is a handsome, well-respected professor. Ellie Masterson is a wide-eyed young college student. Together, they are driving south from New York, for their first holiday: three days in an isolated cabin, far from the city.

Ahead of them, the promise of long, dark nights - and the chance to explore one another's bodies, away from disapproving eyes. It should be a perfect, romantic trip for two.

Except that he's not who he says he is. But then again, neither is she…

I was really excited to be on the tour for this one, I went into it not knowing much about the book, or the storyline really, and I’m glad I did! 

This book was, as I described it immediately after finishing, bat-shit crazy. I don’t even want to go into too much about it here as to spoil anything for anyone, but the twists and turns this one takes is mental. Two liars, a remote cabin, no phone signal, no neighbors, and a lot of secrets… what could go wrong!

If you like psychological thrillers with a bit of blood and gore too, I would recommend you check this one out!

Thanks so much to Penguin Random House for my gifted physical copy of this book, and for asking me to be on the tour. 

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

 

Set in a small Irish town and following a coal and timber merchant confronted by the past, this magnetic tale of determination and quiet heroism from the author of Foster is as hopeful as it is haunting.

It is 1985, in an Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant, faces into his busiest season. As he does the rounds, he feels the past rising up to meet him - and encounters the complicit silences of a people controlled by the Church.

This book has been on my radar for a little while so I decided to jump in a few nights ago. This book is lovely, I loved the descriptions of Furlongs work day, his home life. Honestly the book was set in 1985, but it gave off feels of being able to be set anytime from then to now. Claire Keegan writes with such beauty, I could feel myself walking along through the snowy streets, feel the cold, and feel the sense of community in their little town. 

The story is short but packs a punch, and the end made me feel quite happy and sad at the same time. It’s hard to believe the things that were going on weren’t so long ago, in fact the year I was born, 1985.

No wonder it was shortlisted for awards, and won the Orwell Prize for Political Fiction.

The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin

Life is short.

No-one knows that better than seventeen-year-old Lenni. But as she is about to learn, it's not only what you make of life that matters, but who you share it with.

Dodging doctor's orders, she joins an art class where she bumps into fellow patient Margot, a rebel-hearted eight-three-year-old from the next ward. Their bond is instant as they realize that together they have lived an astonishing one hundred years.

To celebrate their shared century, they decide to paint their life stories: of growing old and staying young, of giving joy, of receiving kindness, of losing love, of finding the person who is everything.

As their friendship deepens, it becomes vividly clear that life is not done with Lenni and Margot yet.

An extraordinary friendship. A lifetime of stories. Their last one begins here.

I buddy read this one with Emmie, our first buddy read together! I also sent it to Emmie for her birthday so it made it an extra special buddy read.

Wow can I just say this book is amazing. I can’t believe I waited this long to read it. So I think it’s my favourite read so far this year. 

You need a warning before you read this book though, you can’t read it without having a box of tissues close by! It is unbelievably sad in so many ways, but the last few chapters left me with a tear soaked pillow, a headache, and a broken heart.

This is the story of 17 year old Lenni, and 83 year old Margot. Together they make 100. And so comes the story of them both, telling the stories of their lives though paintings and spoken word to each other. I loved the idea of the paintings, 17 from Lenni and 83 from Margot. Marianne has written this amazingly, I could see the pictures so clearly.

Their friendship is beautiful, such a natural bond between these two ladies so different but quite alike. Lenni’s character was brilliant, such a funny charismatic girl. I liked how outspoken she was and didn’t have filter before saying things her relationship with Father Arthur was a lovely one too, an unexpected one. Margot was amazing, the stories she had, the things she’s been through in her life. I loved reading about her and he husband, lying watching the stars at night.

There are so many lovely things about this story but I shall leave you to read them for yourself. Please grab this if you can, but bring the tissues, you will need them!

The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

 

It is an ordinary Thursday, and things should finally be returning to normal. Except trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club are concerned. A local news legend is on the hunt for a sensational headline, and soon the gang are hot on the trail of two murders, ten years apart.

To make matters worse, a new nemesis pays Elizabeth a visit, presenting her with a deadly mission: kill or be killed…

While Elizabeth grapples with her conscience (and a gun), the gang and their unlikely new friends (including TV stars, money launderers and ex-KGB colonels) unravel a new mystery. But can they catch the culprit and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?

I was so excited to get my hands on this when it was released, and dived in as quick as I could! I love The Thursday Murder Club gang, and was happy to see them back again.

The new additions were very welcome, and I hope to see more of them in the future books (YES Osman has signed for 3 more Thursday Murder Club stories!!!!). I think this one was the best one yet, so I have high hopes for the next one. 

I love Elizabeth, she’s so matter of fact and to the point isn’t she. I was glad to see her acing a little more turmoil than usual (yeah you’d think that wouldn’t be possible wouldn’t you), but the kill or be killed mission was a hell of a mission. I loved it, I love the whole gang, and can just imagine them really sitting trying to figure out old unsolved murders.

Read it, you ll love it I’m sure! 

The Safe House by Louise Mumford

 

Esther is safe in the house. For sixteen years, she and her mother have lived off the grid, protected from the dangers of the outside world. For sixteen years, Esther has never seen another single soul.

Until today.

Today there's a man outside the house. A man who knows Esther's name, and who proves that her mother's claims about the outside world are false. A man who is telling Esther that she's been living a lie.

Is her mother keeping Esther safe - or keeping her prisoner?

I was very excited to get a spot on the tour for this one though InstaBook Tours!

This is the first of Louise Mumford’s books I’ve read and really enjoyed it. It had very easy to read and quick chapters which I love, it means I can grab a chapter or 2 in before I fall asleep at night.

I really liked Esther, I was rooting for her throughout, and was really excited when she saw the man outside the house! It was very cult like to me, Mother making her repeat the whole ‘Who keeps us safe….’ mantra every night. But I was also interested in how mother kept everything ‘safe’ as she put it. So many things Esther didn’t know about. 

It was a good story, with a good ending. I’d definitely read more of Louise’s books. Thanks so much to InstaBook Tours for my advanced e-arc, and for my spot on the tour.

Finding Me by Viola Davis

 

Finding Me is Viola Davis' story, in her own words, and spans her incredible, inspiring life, from her coming-of-age in Rhode Island to her present day. Hers is a story of overcoming, a true hero's journey. Deeply personal, brutally honest, and riveting, Finding Me is a timeless and spellbinding memoir that will capture hearts and minds around the globe.

I got this book as a Sky VIP gift, an audiobook which I downloaded but put aside as I’m not a fan of audiobooks. Well I must have been listening to the wrong type of audiobook as I couldn’t put this one down, and absolutely drank it in over 3 days.

I think Viola Davis is an absolute Queen, and this book, her story, is amazing. And as its Black History Month too, this was a brilliant one to read.

The first line is probably the best first line I’ve read. ‘C**ksucker Motherf***er! And in my opinion, it has to be listened to to get the full impact.

I loved listening to her voice, and her talking about her parents. How they grew up, they weren’t poor she says, they were Po’.Listening to her talk about the relationship between her mother and father was hard, she talks about the beatings, the arguments, and one really scary memory of her father trying to break her mothers legs. I can’t even imagine what it was like growing up like that, so no one can understand fully why she still loved her daddy so much until the very end. I did however, kind of get it, and loved hearing of her parents being so proud of her career and seeing her perform.

She has a great relationship with her whole family, including siblings, and some really good friends. But she was also so lonely a lot of the time, plenty of people around, but lonely all the same. Hearing what she went through as a black child growing up around different skinned folk. Being called the worst names, beaten for her skin colour. My heart broke for that little girl.

She broke into the industry on her own merit, she pushed and pushed until she got what it was she wanted. And what she very much deserved. I liked listening to her stories about other actors she met, other brilliant women she acted alongside. But mostly, how important it was to her to play the right kind of roles. 

Viola is an amazing, beautiful, strong black woman. And I really would recommend everyone read (or listen) to her story.

Thank you Viola.

This Much Is True by Miriam Margolyes

 

Award-winning actor, creator of a myriad of memorable characters from Lady Whiteadder to Professor Sprout, Miriam Margolyes is a national treasure.

Now, at last, at the age of 80, she has finally decided to tell her extraordinary life story. And it's far richer and stranger than any part she's played.

Find out how being conceived in an air-raid gave her curly hair; what pranks led to her being known as the naughtiest girl Oxford High School ever had; how she ended up posing nude for Augustus John aged 17, being sent to Coventry by Monty Python and the Goodies and swearing on University Challenge (she was the first woman to say F*** on TV). This book is packed with unforgettable stories from why Bob Monkhouse was the best (male) kiss she's ever had to being told off by the Queen. With a cast list stretching from Scorsese to Streisand, Leonardo di Caprio to Isaiah Berlin, This Much is True is as warm and honest, as full of life and surprises, as she is.

I read this with my reading buddy Kath in September, and my god I loved it! 

Miriam has always been a cracking lady, but reading her book I realised just how much more amazing she really is. You can’t go into this book without knowing what you’re going to be face with. Anyone who knows Miriam knows this book is going to be full of swearing, sex, and a lot of shocking moments. And boy it did not disappoint!

I loved reading about young Miriam, from starting school she was an absolute little tinker. She wasn’t naughty, but done silly things like dressing up as a french woman and pretending to be a new students mother. I can imagine her being such a funny girl. It was nice to read about her home life growing up, and finding her own way in the world as she got older. The hilarious stories carry on throughout the book, and the one with The Queen was brilliant. I noticed how much has changed since this book was written, which wasn’t that long ago. She talks about how much she admires The Queen, her husband Prince Phillip, and how Charles will make a good King one day. Well, this is all different now, with The Queen and Prince Phillip no longer with us, and King Charles now ruling. 

There is so much sex in this book. I love how truthful and honest Miriam is, she gives herself big props as the best person around to erm ‘service’ a man, and how she often did this for anyone who asked. 

This lady is wonderful, she’s had a brilliant life so far, and I hope she still has a good few years in her yet.

The Girls Who Disappeared by Claire Douglas

 

THREE GIRLS MISSING

Twenty years ago: One rainy night, Olivia Rutherford is driving three friends home when a figure in the road causes her to swerve and crash. Regaining consciousness, she finds herself alone in the car - her friends have vanished.

THEY ARE NEVER SEEN AGAIN

Now: Journalist Jenna Halliday visits the close-knit community of Stafferbury to persuade Olivia to talk and solve the mystery of the girls' disappearance. But Olivia won't speak.

What happened?

Is Olivia hiding something?

Why are the people of Stafferbury so frightened?

How many secrets can one small town hide?

I received a copy of this on Netgalley from the publisher Michel Joseph, Penguin Randomhouse, in return for an honest review. 

This was our Tsundoku Squad September read, and I jumped straight in. I was glued, if I hadn’t been so tired lately, I would have read more than a few percent each night, taking me 10 days to read it. But that was tiredness, nothing to do with the story, which by the I thought was brilliant.

I loved Olivia, and Jenna, and was shocked with the different twists tat happen in the book. I did not expect the answers to be the answers, if you know what I mean. I don’t even know what else to say without breaking into some kind of spoiler!

 

I would recommend this to everyone who likes. Good mystery/thriller, and I’m really looking forward to reading another of Claire’s books (I have The Couple at No 9 to read).

Thanks again to Michael Joseph for my ebook arc :)

The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse

The boy, the mole, the fox and the horse are four friends who share a deep, unshakable bond. Through a series of brief but profound conversations, Mackesy teases universal truths and rich wisdom from the mouths of his characters, celebrating warmth and empathy in all its myriad forms. Exploring kindness through exquisite, sensitive artwork and delicate calligraphy, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse is a moving study in friendship and the perfect gift for those people that you hold closest to your heart.

This book has been on my want list for ages now, and I was so happy to spot it in a Charity shop for £3! We’ve all seen Charlie’s drawings and illustrations by now, they are so sweet, and really heartwarming. Well the book is no different, and is such a lovely story of friendship and love, with the most beautiful drawings to go alongside. 

Seriously, if you haven’t got your hands on a copy of this yet, please do, it will make you feel warm and snuggly inside.

Thank you Charlie, for all that you do.

TAG - How I Read My Books

The fabulous Luke Harkness tagged me in this post a little while back, and I was excited to join in! Make sure you check out Luke’s post over at LukeHarkness.com.

DO YOU HAVE A CERTAIN PLACE AT HOME FOR READING?

No. I usually read in the living room on the sofa, or in bed, but I’m not particular about a certain place.

CAN YOU JUST STOP READING OR DO YOU HAVE TO STOP AFTER A CHAPTER/A CERTAIN AMOUNT OF PAGES?

I much prefer to stop at the end of a chapter, which is why I love short chapters. But I have been known to fall asleep halfway through a chapter, and have to pick up where I left off the next day.

BOOKMARK OR RANDOM PIECE OF PAPER?

I have a fab bookmark collection, but I’m also lazy so if I don’;t have. Bookmark to hand, I grab the nearest thing to me! I’ve used receipts, clothes tags, sweet wrappers etc. I do love a good bookmark though.

MULTITASKING: MUSIC OR TV WHILE READING?

Not at all. Well if someone else is watching the TV or has music on it doesn’t bother me, my husband sometimes plays his Xbox while I read. But I couldn’t do both.

DO YOU EAT OR DRINK WHILE READING?

Almost always have a drink with me while reading, usually tea or coffee. I sometimes snack while reading, but mostly just have a drink.

READING AT HOME OR EVERYWHERE?

Anywhere really. I love taking a book out with me places, I always have one when I have hospital appointments etc. I always take one to the diabetic clinic with me and realise after I get my eye drops in that I can’t read a thing, so end up just holding it!

ONE BOOK AT A TIME OR SEVERAL AT ONCE?

 I used to be a one at a time girl, but since joining Bookstagram and my Book Group, I always have at least 2 on the go. Right now I am reading 2.

READING OUT LOUD OR SILENTLY IN YOUR HEAD?

Silently. If I read out loud I get muddled up and say words wrong lol.

DO YOU READ AHEAD OR EVEN SKIP PAGES?

NO! But I have been known to let me eyes wander down the page when something exciting is going on and spoil things for myself.

BREAKING THE SPINE OR KEEPING IT LIKE NEW?

Like new if I can, which is why I prefer hardbacks sometimes. They’re easier to keep looking new. But I do think that a fully broken spine is the sign of a well read book. Like my daughters Harry Potter and The Philosophers Stone book, she read it to death!

DO YOU WRITE IN YOUR BOOKS?

No. Well, the only ones I have written in are cookbooks, and that’s to work out the sugars and calories in half recipes etc. I don’t like writing in my other books.

Thanks for looking at my post, and thanks so much to Luke for tagging me! Make sure you check out Lukes post on his blog. Also follow him on Twitter and Instagram! 

Blog: LukeHarkness.com

Twitter: @luke_harkness

Instagram: @luke_harkness

Sixty Years in Winter by Ingrid Chabbert

 

A subtle and touching tale of liberation, following a protagonist on the path to self-discovery.

On the day of her sixtieth birthday, Josy refuses to blow out the candles on her cake. Her bags are packed. She’s come to a decision: she’s going to win back her freedom by taking off in her old Volkswagen minibus! Even if it means leaving behind her husband and family. In a state of shock, they all blame her for making such a selfish move. But is it really so selfish to listen to that little voice deep within? Josy soon finds support among new friends who have faced similar scorn and incomprehension from family and society… But will that be enough to stop her from leaving once more? Perhaps a newfound love can help her find her way…

I received a copy of this on Netgalley from the publisher Europe Books in return for an honest review.

Josy realises on her 60th birthday that she isn’t where she wants to be, so packs a bag and leaves everything else’s (and everyone) behind.

I really liked this graphic novel. I felt for Josy so much throughout the story. It’s such a lovely story of finding out who you really are, and I’m so glad Josy took the plunge and left. She meets some lovely people along the way, and I just wanted her to be who she wanted to be. I don’t want to say any more and ruin the story, but please give it a go.

Which Would You Rather by Graeme Puckett

 

A black comedy NN where the hero is an incompetent psychopath. Brian is a troubled and easily irritated man with flexible morals. Passionate about film, he sees film references in everything. As an artist, a surrealist, his love of art, and colour in particular, tend to guide his judgements and decisions. Many of Brian's challenges in life are a result of an inept social awareness and some fairly politically incorrect ways of thinking. Consequently, these challenges usually lead to even greater dilemmas involving an array of new crimes and misdemeanours for him. Killing three of his neighbours - albeit in record time, of which he is extremely proud - do nothing to help Brian's situation. Inclined to lie and cheat his way out of, and into, trouble, his options increase once he has become a killer and the murders have been committed. Now, in Brian's mind, any lesser crime has become acceptable and free to use in his bid to escape detection.

Thanks so much to Literally PR for my gifted review copy.

I was rather intrigued by this book when I saw it on Literally PR’s proof list, so I jumped at the chance to review it. So it starts off quite quickly with the murders happening quite near the start. To say they happen in quick succession is an understatement, I remember being shocked at the end of each killing, if you read it you will know why.

Brian’s way of thinking is so different. He’s obviously a murderer, so you know we don’t like him, but we also are very intrigued by him. There is a part in the book which mentions On The Spectrum, and being a mother to 2 children with Autism I can see this completely (not the being a murderer part mind you, just the literal way of thinking, and seeing things beyond what they look like on the surface). He’s actually a very interesting person in a way, and it made me want to read more. The way he plays everything out as a movie scene in his head, it got to the point where I could actually see what he was seeing.

I devoured the book over 2 days really and weirdly enjoyed it! Also, Arse Paste made me actually laugh out loud to the point my husband asked why I was laughing.

Definitely an interesting one, give it a go!

Thanks again to Graeme, and Literally PR for my proof and asking me to be on the tour.

The Appeal by Janice Hallett

 

In a town full of secrets... Someone was murdered. Someone went to prison. And everyone's a suspect. Can you uncover the truth?

Dear Reader - enclosed are all the documents you need to solve a case. It starts with the arrival of two mysterious newcomers to the small town of Lockwood, and ends with a tragic death. Someone has already been convicted of this brutal murder and is currently in prison, but we suspect they are innocent. What's more, we believe far darker secrets have yet to be revealed.

Throughout the Fairway Players' staging of All My Sons and the charity appeal for little Poppy Reswick's life-saving medical treatment, the murderer hid in plain sight. Yet we believe they gave themselves away. In writing. The evidence is all here, between the lines, waiting to be discovered. Will you accept the challenge? Can you uncover the truth?

I wish I had jumped into this book sooner! It’s been on my shelves for a while and I just thought why not try it. Well by gosh was it good! I was addicted after reading the first few pages. The book is written so different to anything I’ve ever read before. It’s all documents, emails, and conversations, and you have to really read into them to figure out what’s going on and who done what. But its so cleverly done too, I had no idea what the ending was going to be at all, and no I did not figure it out! There are so many different ways you could go after evading the correspondence, but I guarantee you’ll have fun trotting to guess.

If you haven’t already read this one. I suggest you do. I went out the day after I finished it and bought Janice’s second book The Twyford Code! Massive 5 stars from me on this one.

Paper Towns by John Green

Quentin Jacobsen has always loved Margo Roth Spiegelman, for Margo (and her adventures) are the stuff of legend at their high school. So when she one day climbs through his window and summons him on an all-night road trip of revenge he cannot help but follow. But the next day Margo doesn't come to school and a week later she is still missing. Q soon learns that there are clues in her disappearance . . . and they are for him. But as he gets deeper into the mystery - culminating in another awesome road trip across America - he becomes less sure of who and what he is looking for.

I read this with my buddy reader pal Kath. We’ve read a few together now and this was our second John Green novel, the first being Looking For Alaska. 

We both enjoyed this one, and we kept on chatting throughout about what was happening. We both agreed on the ending being not what we expected, and a little disappointing. But overall we enjoyed the story. It gave me ‘Looking For Alaska’ vibes, the kids running around, sneaking away from the grown ups and doing random stuff they shouldn’t have been doing.

I like Q, and I liked his friends. Margo was a bit hit and miss for me, sometimes I liked her, sometimes I didn’t. 

If you like John Greens books I’d recommend it.