Book Review: Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney

 

The New York Times bestselling Queen of Twists returns…with a family reunion that leads to murder.

After years of avoiding each other, Daisy Darker’s entire family is assembling for Nana’s 80th birthday party in Nana’s crumbling gothic house on a tiny tidal island. Finally back together one last time, when the tide comes in, they will be cut off from the rest of the world for eight hours.

The family arrives, each of them harboring secrets. Then at the stroke of midnight, as a storm rages, Nana is found dead. And an hour later, the next family member follows…

Trapped on an island where someone is killing them one by one, the Darkers must reckon with their present mystery as well as their past secrets, before the tide comes in and all is revealed.

With a wicked wink to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None, Daisy Darker’s unforgettable twists will leave readers reeling.

My Thoughts

What a twist at the end! I didn't see that one coming at all. Unexpected twists are what make me even more excited about books and Daisy Darker did not disappoint in this regard.

Daisy Darker was born with a broken heart (literally) which made her feel unseen in her family. With the exception of Nana, her grandmother, Daisy often felt alone and unloved.

On Nana's eightieth birthday, the entire family was invited to Nana's seaside mansion for the weekend. The family thought that Nana was going to read her will since she was somewhat wealthy having written successful children's books with Daisy as her inspiration.

The reading of the will was a disappointment but then things started taking a deadly turn as members of the family kept dying every hour. The person behind this you will be amazed to see....

In all I loved the suspense.

Book Review; The Lion's Den by Iris Mwanza

 

A missing boy. A corrupt system. A case that could change everything…

When young queer dancer Wilbess “Bessy” Mulenga is arrested by corrupt police, fresh-from-the-village rookie lawyer Grace Zulu takes up his cause in her first pro bono case. Presented with a freshly beaten client, Grace protests to the police and gets barred from accessing Bessy, who then disappears from the system—and the world—without a trace. As she fights for justice for Bessy, Grace must navigate a dangerous world of corrupt politicians, traditional beliefs, and deep-seated homophobia.

With the help of a former freedom fighter and the head of her law firm, who’s rallying for one last fight as AIDS takes its toll on him, Grace brings together a coalition of unions, students, and political opposition to take on the corrupt administration of President Kaunda. But will justice prevail in the face of such overwhelming odds?

The Lions' Den is a gripping and enduring novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end. With unforgettable characters and a thrilling plot, Iris Mwanza has announced herself as a major new talent in fiction.

My Thoughts

Simply Put, a decent read.

Set in Zambia in the early 1990's, we follow Grace Zulu a young, bright attorney who has her first big case, one that is controversial as she is defending Willbess Mulenga, a young man charged with lewd homosexual acts. As the case unravels, we also get an insight of Grace's journey to become a lawyer which was of course not a smooth path.

I always like stories that helps readers understand the main characters by delving into their past for us to understand the present. This author did that expertly in this novel. Although the topic dealt with heavy issues, I would say this was definitely a well written novel.

Wonder by RJ Palacio

 

About

I won’t describe what I look like. Whatever you’re thinking, it’s probably worse.

August Pullman was born with a facial difference that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. Wonder, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others.

My Thoughts 

You are probably wondering whaaaat? Yeah I read a middle grade book and absolutely loved it. This book was my school book club pick for January 2025 and I cannot wait to see what the kids think about it..

In Wonder, we meet August a ten year old, who was born with a rare condition that left his face somewhat odd. Having had a series of surgeries in his early childhood, Auggie (as he was called) had to be home schooled.

Now, at the cusp of fifth grade Auggie is about to start school for the very first time. What will his classmates think when they see his face? As he navigates this new experience, this book takes us through an emotional rollercoaster.

This book was indeed amazing and it is one of those stories that I think that is good for children to learn about empathy and kindness in spite of differences. I look forward to the book discussion and I highly recommend this book.