Schatje's Shelves
@dcyakabuski.bsky.social
Book blogger, traveller, amateur photographer
This short psychological drama proved to be a real gem. See my review of MR. WINTERBOURNE by Clara van Houten: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/10/revi...
Review of MR. WINTERBOURNE by Clara van Houten (New Release)
4 Stars This short psychological drama proved to be a real gem. The novel, set primarily in London, spans 25 years, from 1997 to 2022. De...
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This book did not resonate with me, but I’m certain it will for other readers. See my review of FAIR ONES by Lydia Millet: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/10/revi...
Review of FAIR ONES by Lydia Millet (New Release)
3.5 Stars This novel follows the lives of two friends, Mara and Jen, after the sudden, violent death of a third friend, Claire. Now in the...
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This is an emotionally complex novel which examines the messy truth of feelings and relationships. See my review at schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/10/revi...
Review of EVERY STORY IS A LOVE STORY by Imbolo Mbue (New Release)
4 Stars This is an emotionally complex novel which examines the messy truth of feelings and relationships. When the novel begins, Wolo L...
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I met the “wine-swilling, wise-cracking, world-travelling, winsomely gay, half Irish, half Ukrainian, ex-cop, ex-farm boy, Canadian prairie PI,” and I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent with him. See my review of QUANT by @anthonybidulka.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/09/revi...
Review of QUANT by Anthony Bidulka (New Release)
4.5 Stars I finally met Russell Quant, the “wine-swilling, wise-cracking, world-travelling, winsomely gay, half Irish, half Ukrainian, ex-...
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The Two Rivers series featuring Detective Inspector Matthew Venn is getting better and better. schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/09/revi...
Review of THE DYING LIGHT by Ann Cleeves (New Release)
4 Stars This well-crafted police procedural is the fourth in the Two Rivers series featuring Detective Inspector Matthew Venn. Venn and ...
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This book explores a number of environmental, social, and political issues. See my review of DOG DAYS OF PLANET EARTH by Theresa Shea: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/09/revi...
Review of DOG DAYS OF PLANET EARTH by Theresa Shea (New Release)
3.5 Stars This book explores a number of environmental, social, and political issues. In 1985, Trevor Westmore, a former veterinarian, is...
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The book is entertaining, topical, and thought-provoking. See my review of BAD INFLUENCE by Will Carver from @orendabooks.bsky.social : schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/09/revi...
Review of BAD INFLUENCE by Will Carver
4 Stars This is a psychological thriller with lots of social commentary. Alyssa and Less (Alessandro) are college students living in Los ...
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This novel explores parallel worlds, specifically two versions of life in the United States following its collapse. See my review of EXIT PARTY by Emily St. John Mandel: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/09/revi...
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This is the sixth book in the Forbidden Iceland series and, like the others, a compelling read. See my review of THE LAST TENANT by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/09/revi...
Review of THE LAST TENANT by Eva Björg Ægisdóttir (New Release)
4 Stars This is the sixth book in the Forbidden Iceland series and, like the others, a compelling read. The remains of a young woman and...
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I loved the book. Perhaps some of my enjoyment derives from reading about a woman who, like me, is “caught in the wretched web of aging.” See my review of THE CORRESPONDENT by Virginia Evans: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/09/revi...
Review of THE CORRESPONDENT by Virginia Evans
4.5 Stars I kept coming across this title but didn’t pay too much attention until I learned it won the 2026 Women’s Prize for Fiction. As...
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I’m not a fan of romance novels, but this poignant love story won me over. See my review of LOVE, AFTER ALL by Ewald Arenz from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/09/revi...
Review of LOVE, AFTER ALL by Ewald Arenz
4 Stars I’m not a fan of romance novels, but this poignant love story won me over. Clara Wagenbach, in her late forties, is a photographe...
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People who enjoyed the author's previous novel, The Berry Pickers, will like this one as well. It has much to recommend it. See my review of THE BIRTHING TREE by Amanda Peters: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/08/revi...
Review of THE BIRTHING TREE by Amanda Peters (New Release)
4 Stars This novel, by the author of The Berry Pickers , is rooted in Mi’kmaq culture, specifically birthing trees. Women gave birth outdo...
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This is the last book of the Cold Case Quartet featuring William Wisting, a series I certainly recommend. See my review at schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/08/revi...
Review of A QUESTION OF GUILT by Jørn Lier Horst
3.5 Stars This is the last book of the Cold Case Quartet featuring William Wisting. Wisting is on vacation but he receives anonymous note...
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This novel explores the damaging power of jealousy and the lasting impact of secrets and lies. See my review of THE TRUTH ABOUT RUBY COOPER by Liz Nugent: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/08/revi...
Review of THE TRUTH ABOUT RUBY COOPER by Liz Nugent (New Release)
3.5 Stars I really looked forward to reading this novel since I very much enjoyed previous books by the author such as Little Cruelties a...
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This is a chilling read appropriate for a hot summer day. Even at the end, there is a lingering unease which will send a chill down one’s spine. See my review of THE SUBSTITUTE by Nicole Lundrigan: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/08/revi...
Review of THE SUBSTITUTE by Nicole Lundrigan
3.5 Stars The psychological suspense novels of Canadian author Nicole Lundrigan have become my go-to books when I’m looking for an audiobo...
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This is a gentle, comforting read. See my review of WHISTLER by Ann Patchett: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/08/revi...
Review of WHISTLER by Ann Patchett
4 Stars This is a gentle, comforting read. During a museum visit, Daphne Fuller reconnects with her former stepfather, Eddie Triplett. Th...
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Another wonderful visit with the Skelf women! See my review of GHOST NOTES by Doug Johnstone from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/08/revi...
Review of GHOST NOTES by Doug Johnstone
4 Stars This is the seventh book in the Skelfs series which follows a multi-generational family of female funeral directors and private in...
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I enjoyed this novel. Its comments about life are as relatable as is the character of the flawed but admirable Asha. See my review of ASHA IN HER GARDEN by Anita Rau Badami: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/08/revi...
Review of ASHA IN HER GARDEN by Anita Rau Badami (New Release)
4 Stars I’ve read all of Anita Rau Badami’s novels ( Tamarind Mem , The Hero’s Walk , Can You Hear the Nightbird Call? and Tell it to the...
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This, the third book of the Nordic noir series the Cold Case Quartet featuring William Wisting, is perfect for an entertaining summer read. See my review of THE INNER DARKNESS by Jørn Lier Horst: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/08/revi...
Review of THE INNER DARKNESS by Jørn Lier Horst
3.5 Stars This is the third book of the Nordic noir series the Cold Case Quartet featuring William Wisting. A serial killer, Tom Kerr, ha...
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This psychological suspense novel set in Iceland has some typical weaknesses of a debut novel, but it is entertaining. See my review: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/08/revi...
Review of FREYJA by Margrét Ann Thors (New Release)
3.5 Stars This psychological suspense novel is set in Iceland. In 2018 Unnur is a single mother to seven-year-old Lilja. She lives a qui...
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The prose is beautiful but the fragmented and vague plotline, the colourless characters, and the abrupt ending left me unsatisfied. The entire book just felt flat. See my review of SEND FOR ME by Lauren Fox: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/07/revi...
Review of SEND FOR ME by Lauren Fox
3 Stars This book is historical fiction but based on the author’s family letters. Klara and Julius own a bakery in Feldenheim, Germany. T...
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The book is a brisk, entertaining read, perfect for the summer. See my review of GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER by Shari Lapena: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/07/revi...
Review of GETTING AWAY WITH MURDER by Shari Lapena (New Release)
3.5 Stars This is another domestic suspense novel by an author considered by many to be a master of the genre. Jill and Ted Westcott love...
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I prefer my audiobooks to be escapist, and this one fit the bill. See my review of AN UNTHINKABLE THING by Nicole Lundrigan: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/07/revi...
Review of AN UNTHINKABLE THING by Nicole Lundrigan
3.5 Stars I prefer my audiobooks to be escapist, and this one fit the bill. Beginning in 1958, the story is narrated by 11-year-old Tommi...
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I have difficulty appreciating humour in written form. My rating, therefore, is intended to show that I recognize that it may not be the book that is deficient but this particular reader. See my review of UNDER THE BLAZING SUN by Jenny Lund Madsen: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/07/revi...
Review of UNDER THE BLAZING SUN by Jenny Lund Madsen
3 Stars I had the same issues with this novel as I did with the first book in the series, Thirty Days of Darkness ( https://schatjesshelv...
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The best aspect of this novel is its portrayal of the interior life of a teenaged girl. See my review of IN WONDERLAND by Joyce Maynard: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/07/revi...
Review of IN WONDERLAND by Joyce Maynard (New Release)
3.5 Stars This is a coming-of-age story set in 1986 in Maine. Fourteen-year-old Frances is hired by Regina and Forrest Emerson to be a mo...
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This novel made me think of the conflict between passion and reason and even reminded me of Romeo and Juliet and their rash decisions. See my review of CONVICTION by Elizabeth H. Winthrop: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/07/revi...
Review of CONVICTION by Elizabeth H. Winthrop (New Release)
3.5 Stars This novel made me think of the conflict between passion and reason and even reminded me of Romeo and Juliet and their rash deci...
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This is a mystery with some elements of Southern Gothic, especially its use of a key trope: the oppressive presence of the past. See my review of THE SINS OF SUMMER DAUGHTERS by Lo Patrick: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/07/revi...
Review of THE SINS OF SUMMER DAUGHTERS by Lo Patrick (New Release)
3 Stars This is a mystery with some elements of Southern Gothic, especially its use of a key trope: the oppressive presence of the past. ...
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This is classic Strout – a character-driven novel, focused on an ordinary life, with psychological depth. See my review of THE THINGS WE NEVER SAY by Elizabeth Strout: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/07/revi...
Review of THE THINGS WE NEVER SAY by Elizabeth Strout
4 Stars This is classic Strout – a character-driven novel, focused on an ordinary life, with psychological depth. Fifty-seven-year-old Ar...
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This is a fast-paced breezy read. It is very cleverly plotted with a good smattering of clues and red herrings. These keep readers engaged as they form their own theories. See my review of STOP DEAD by Katrín Júlíusdóttir from @orendabooks.bsky.social: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/07/revi...
Review of STOP DEAD by Katrín Júlíusdóttir
4 Stars This is the second in the Iceland Mysteries series, set three years after Dead Sweet which I reviewed in 2024 ( https://schatjess...
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This audiobook accompanied me on my morning walks, but it was not the most entertaining of companions. See my review of MURDER TAKES A VACATION by Laura Lippman: schatjesshelves.blogspot.com/2026/06/revi...
Review of MURDER TAKES A VACATION by Laura Lippman
2 Stars This audiobook accompanied me on my morning walks, but it was not the most entertaining of companions. Murial Blossom is going on...
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