This novel reads like a stream of consciousness, and not in a good way. I suppose there are people who will enjoy this, but I'm just not one of them.

Example:

'I thank God, if He has not by now entirely acquiesced to the rural cause, that we ventured east and not west, as Mr. Greeley would have liked it, because I doubt I would be here to complain had the opposite occurred. That we chose to head south, though, is a blow no God who retained even the smallest affection for His American subjects would have dealt us, and that we settled in so useless a stretch of the kudzu is a masterstroke no combination of Jeffersons could feasibly have arranged.'

I must admit, I threw in the towel about half way through the book. I just couldn't read anymore.
So, if the example sounds like something you would enjoy, knock yourself out. I'm moving on to better novels.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.

A deceptively simple and deeply complex novel. Meet Ove, a recent widower who wants nothing more than to die and join his wife. The first part of the book details the many ways in which Ove attempts and utterly fails in his efforts to commit suicide. Ove is a grouchy, rigid and completely unsocial man who wants nothing more than to be left alone to kill himself. His efforts at this are thwarted at every turn and his life turned completely upside down when a new family moves in next door. The complex interplay between Ove and his neighbors is in turns poignant and uproariously funny. This is so much more than just the story of Ove. It is a novel of love, loss, loyalty and friendship. A great read. 

I received this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.

The premise of this book sounded so good. The unsolved murder of a young boy last year on the grounds of a posh girls boarding school; new evidence that points to one of eight girls at the school. Unfortunately, the potential was far greater than the finished product. While the writing was at times beautiful and even lyrical, I found myself slogging through the book hoping it would get better. While it eventually did, it wasn't until 3/4 of the way through the book. The victim is never really fleshed out, and the eight teenage girls seem to be more cardboard caricatures then flesh. The only reason this book rates 2 stars rather than one is for the author's ability to paint some beautiful descriptive verses. Borrow from a library or friend, otherwise don't waste your money. 

An unlikely detective, a murder, a teacher suspected of having sex with a student, and a fire from the past shrouded in mystery. What a combination, and what a ride! 
This book belongs on my shelf of 'can't put it down' books. 
This is the first in a series by the author featuring detective Cab Bolton. To say that Bolton is not your typical detective, is an understatement. He's quirky, rich and does not play well with others. 
There are plenty of twists and turns that will keep you guessing all the way to the end. 
Brian Freeman's other books will definitely be added to my to-read list.

This book is so hard to describe. Reading it is like watching a flower slowly open. At first the colors are perfect and bright. Then as it opens further, you notice some of the petals are a little faded and some have some dark diseased parts. The question becomes whether or not the diseased parts will kill the entire flower.
Big Little Lies slowly opens and reveals parts at a time. There are secrets and lies, both little and large. Each of these are revealed a little at a time until the reader is confident in knowing the deceptions each character harbors, until the final explosive secret is revealed.