Tuesday, January 07, 2020

Books from the Backlog & Can't Wait Wednesday: A Superior Death/Bitter Falls/Diamond City/Cartier's Hope


The Old(er) 
I have an embarrassing number of unread books sitting on the shelves in my personal library. Carole of Carole's Random Life in Books has given me the perfect excuse to spotlight and discuss those neglected books in her Books from the Backlog feature. After all, even those older books need a bit of love! Not to mention it is reminding me what great books I have waiting for me under my own roof still to read!


A Superior Death (Anna Pigeon #2) by Nevada Barr (Berkley, 1994)
Park ranger Anna Pigeon returns, in a mystery that unfolds in and around Lake Superior, in whose chilling depths sunken treasure comes with a deadly price. In her latest mystery, Nevada Barr sends Ranger Pigeon to a new post amid the cold, deserted, and isolated beauty of Isle Royale National Park, a remote island off the coast of Michigan known for fantastic deep-water dives of wrecked sailing vessels. Leaving behind memories of the Texas high desert and the environmental scam she helped uncover, Anna is adjusting to the cool damp of Lake Superior and the spirits and lore of the northern Midwest. But when a routine application for a diving permit reveals a grisly underwater murder, Anna finds herself 260 feet below the forbidding surface of the lake, searching for the connection between a drowned man and an age-old cargo ship. Written with a naturalist's feel for the wilderness and a keen understanding of characters who thrive in extreme conditions, A Superior Death is a passionate, atmospheric page-turner. [Goodreads Summary]
I bought a copy of A Superior Death in 2005 from Barnes and Noble. I had read the first book in the series and liked it, but was not sure if it was a serious I wanted to continue. I thought I should give it a second chance. It still has not gotten its second chance, I am afraid. I love the idea of a mystery series featuring a female park ranger. I may have to revisit the first book and give this one a try finally!

Have you read this series? If so, what did you think? Does it sounds like something you would like?


The New
Can't-Wait Wednesday is a weekly feature hosted by the marvelous Tressa at Wishful Endings to spotlight and discuss upcoming release we are excited about that we have yet to read.


Bitter Falls (Stillhouse Lake, #4) by Rachel Caine
Release Date: 01/21/2020 by Thomas & Mercer
She’s investigating a cold case no one else could—by going places no else would dare.
In spite of a harrowing past still haunting her, Gwen Proctor is trying to move forward. Until a new assignment gives her purpose: the cold-case disappearance of a young man in Tennessee. Three years missing, no clues. Just Ruth Landry, a tortured mother in limbo. Gwen understands what it’s like to worry about your children.
Gwen’s investigation unearths new suspects…and victims. As she follows each sinister lead, the implications of the mystery grow more disturbing. Because the closer Gwen gets, the closer she is to a threat that looms back home.
In a town that’s closed its ranks against Gwen; her partner, Sam; and her kids, there’s no bolder enemy than the Belldene family—paramilitary, criminal, powerful, and vengeful. As personal vendettas collide with Gwen’s investigation, she’s prepared to fight both battles. But is she prepared for the toll it could take on everyone she loves?  [Goodreads Summary]
Why I want to read this: I have yet to read any of the books in the series, but it is one I have wanted to start for some time now. I have enjoyed other books by Rachel Caine, and look forward to giving this one a try!


Diamond City (Diamond City #1) by Francesca Flores
Release Date: 01/28/2020 by Wednesday Books
Good things don't happen to girls who come from nothing...unless they risk everything.

Fierce and ambitious, Aina Solís as sharp as her blade and as mysterious as the blood magic she protects. After the murder of her parents, Aina takes a job as an assassin to survive and finds a new family in those like her: the unwanted and forgotten.

Her boss is brutal and cold, with a questionable sense of morality, but he provides a place for people with nowhere else to go. And makes sure they stay there.

DIAMOND CITY: built by magic, ruled by tyrants, and in desperate need of saving. It is a world full of dark forces and hidden agendas, old rivalries and lethal new enemies.

To claim a future for herself in a world that doesn't want her to survive, Aina will have to win a game of murder and conspiracy—and risk losing everything.

Full of action, romance and dark magic, book one of Francesca Flores' breathtaking fantasy duology will leave readers eager for more!
[Goodreads Summary]
Why I want to read this: There's just something about a fantasy novel where the protagonist is an assassin that gets me curious every time. Aina appears to have had a hard life and is doing what she can to survive. This sounds like it will be on that keeps me turning the pages.


Cartier's Hope by M.J. Rose
Release Date: 01/28/2020 by Atria Books
New York, 1910: A city of magnificent skyscrapers and winding subways, where poor immigrants are crammed into tenements while millionaires thrive in Fifth Avenue mansions. Vera Garland is a thirty-two-year-old journalist, fighting alongside hundreds of women for a place in society, only to meet hurdles around every turn. Most female journalists are delegated to the fashion and lifestyle pages but like her hero, Nellie Bly, Vera is a fighter.
When news of the Hope Diamond—a jewel whose infamous legends and curses have captured the world’s attention—arrives in the city, Vera is fast on its trail. She’s certain the fabulous jewel will help jumpstart her career but she’s determined to seek revenge against her current employer, a magazine owner whose greed and blackmailing schemes led to the death of her beloved father.
Set against the backdrop of New York’s glitter and grit, this enchanting historical novel explores the very human desire for truth, equality, and retribution. [Goodreads Summary]
Why I want to read this: I enjoy historical fiction featuring women who take on nontraditional roles. Vera Garland sounds like just one woman--or at least she's trying to be. Add in a bit of intrigue and mystery, and I cannot resist.


Do any of these upcoming releases interest you? What upcoming releases are you looking forward to? 

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50 comments:

  1. Cartier's Hope sounds interesting, I hope you get to read it soon!

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  2. I agree, an assassin as a protagonist gets my attention every time too! THis is such a diverse range of books!

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    1. Verushka - There's just something about assassins, isn't there? Thank you for visiting!

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  3. Rachel Caine is an author I keep getting books by... And then not reading. I really need to better on that. I have only ever read her Morganville series and then I started to dislike it and haven't read her since!

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    1. Kelly - I enjoyed her Weather Warden books, but haven't yet read anything else by her. I hope if you try something else by her, you enjoy it. I do have authors like that tough--ones I collect, and then the books sit there unread . . . Thank you for stopping by!

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  4. I read Stillhouse Lake and found it really creepy - but then, I'm a wuss:). I hope you get to all these read and enjoy them, Wendy:))

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    1. Sarah - I need to read Stillhouse Lake still. Thank you for visiting!

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  5. they all look great, but nevada barr really caught my eye
    sherry @ fundinmental

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    1. Sherry - It does sound like a good series, doesn't it? Thank you for stopping by!

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  6. I haven't read Rachel Caine yet but I've been meaning to.

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    1. Mary - I have only read one of her older series. I am anxious to read more of her work. Thank you for visiting!

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  7. I have way too many books, too. I really need to go through them. I agree with Sherry - the Barr book looks good to me.

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    1. Kathy - So many books . . . At least we won't run out of anything to read. :-) Thank you for stopping by!

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  8. I think all of these look and sound great which is just what I need - more books to read :) I do need to look into that Barr series though. Sounds right up my alley.

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    1. Barb - Right?! We all need more books to add to our already overflowing TBR mountain piles. Thank you for visiting!

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  9. Diamond City sounds like something I'd really enjoy. I always find protagonists who are assassins so interesting to read about. Thanks for sharing! :D

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    1. Ashley - I think it sounds good too. We'll see. I have a friend who wasn't too fond of it. :-( I'll still see for myself though. Thank you for stopping by!

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  10. I've read a few books from Rachel Caine so I might have to check out The Stillhouse Lake Series. Your other are new to me and they sound really good!

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    1. Jenea - I've heard it is good and am anxious to try it. Thanks for visiting!

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  11. I've enjoyed a few books by M.J. Rose so Cartier's Hope looks especially good to me. :)

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    1. Lark - Me too! I hope this new one will be good. Thank you for stopping by!

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  12. I have been trying to read the Rachel Caine series since the first book came out! I need more hours in the day!😢

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    1. Susan - I think we both share that complaint. More time for books! Thank you for visiting.

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  13. I have just started Diamond City and it seems promising so far! These other ones on your list are new to me. Bitter Falls does sound like it is going to be fantastic. I hope that you enjoy all of these titles! :)

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    1. Lori - I am glad to hear you are enjoying Diamond City. I hope you continue too! Thank you for stopping by!

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  14. I do need to get caught up with the Rachel Caine series. I enjoyed the first two and hope to be able to get to this one along with the third one by the end of the year. I haven't read Nevada Barr yet but it sounds like an interesting series. I hope you enjoy these!

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    1. Carole - I am glad to hear you enjoyed the first two of her series. I still need to get to them! Thank you for stopping by!

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  15. The Nevada Barr book looks good to me since it's set in Michigan. Isle Royale and Lake Superior- I'm intrigued!

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    1. Greg - If you give it a try, I hope you like it! Thank you for visiting!

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  16. Diamond City sounds good to me. I hope you enjoy them all when you get to them, Wendy.

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  17. I used to read the Nevada Barr series and have probably read almost all of it over the years. It's one I've been considering reading again. I did like it very much when I was keeping up with it. Barr herself was a park ranger and she was still in that profession when she started writing. Each of the earlier books are set in a different park and that made things interesting. Good luck with your choices!

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    1. Kay - I remember that was part of the draw of the series for me in the beginning. I usually try to give a series a three book try before setting it aside, but for some reason I didn't with this one. I might actually enjoy it more now. That happened with J.D. Robb's series too. But for that one, it was the audio that works better for me. Thank you for visiting!

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  18. I'm right there with you on books where the main character is an assassin. Draws me in every time.

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    1. Suzanne - I can't resist an assassin fantasy. Thank you for stopping by!

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  19. I loved that Nevada Barr! I think the series went off the rails a bit later but that one was really good. I really need to read Rachel Caine too. Her books always appeal to me.

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    1. Katherine - I will definitely have to give the Barr series another try. Thank you for visiting!

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  20. I've always wanted to start that Nevada Barr series. Hope it goes better for you the second time around.

    Cartier's Hope sounds fabulous.

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    1. Sophia Rose - I hope so too! Thank you for stopping by!

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  21. Diamond City sounds like a great read.

    Here is our Top Ten Tuesday. Thanks for stopping by earlier.

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  22. I really want to read the Stillhouse Lake series as well! And I like adore this cover! I hope you'll enjoy all the books you've mentioned!
    Have a wonderful week and happy reading!

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    1. Lynn - Bitter Falls does have a beautiful cover, doesn't it? Thank you for stopping by!

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  23. Cartier's Hope really interests me. Sounds like a good historical! Have you read M. J. Rose before? I'm pretty sure I have but it's been a while.

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    1. Iliana - Cartier's Hope does sound good, doesn't it? I am looking forward to it. I have read M.J. Rose before, but more of her earlier work before she became more popular. Thank you for visiting!

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  24. Guess I put them all on my wishlist *smile*. They all sound good and I simply cannot decide which one - so all it is *lol* Thank you for sharing and happy reading.

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    1. Vi - I hope you enjoy whichever you decide to try! Thank you for stopping by!

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