Book Review: Murder in the Mystery Suite (Book Retreat Mysteries, #1) by Ellery Adams

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Murder in the Mystery Suite (Book Retreat Mysteries, #1) by Ellery Adams is the first book in the Book Retreat Mysteries series and is set in western Virginia at a charming resort called Storyton Hall. This unique resort is designed specifically for book lovers who want to escape, unwind, and immerse themselves in their favorite stories. The resort’s manager, Jane Steward, decides to host a themed “Murder and Mayhem Week” inviting mystery enthusiasts to gather, role-play, and solve fictional crimes. However, the event takes a dark turn when one of the guests is found dead in his suite and a valuable prize goes missing. Jane must uncover which guest is responsible for the murder before the retreat is ruined . Before picking up this novel, I had only read one other book in the series. I decided to start from the beginning as part of my New Year’s resolution to finally read books I purchased years ago. I’m so glad I did. Starting with the first installment allowed me to fully appreciat...
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Book Review: Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

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Book Club Book Review of Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman opens with the people at an apartment viewing being taken hostage after a bank robber fails at trying to rob a bank. 

I was extremely excited to read Anxious People and got the ebook on sale. However, I never got around to reading the book until one of my book clubs decided to discuss it for the month of June. I am saddened to say that I was extremely disappointed in the story as it wasn't what I was expecting.

First and foremost, I found the book to be too long and thought it could have easily been shortened without it affecting the story. Additionally, I struggled with finishing it because it was painfully slow and boring. I found myself wondering if the author was ever going to get to the big reveal. It seriously felt like required reading for school, and if I wasn't reading Anxious People for book club, I wouldn't have finished the book.

There was so much hype about this novel, and I'm not quite sure why. It just wasn't for me, and I don't foresee myself reading any other of the author's books. With that being said, you may absolutely love it, so give it a whirl, and let me know what you think.

I rated Anxious People by Fredrik Backman three out of five stars. The author redeemed himself a bit with the ending because I was originally going to give it two stars. 

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