Book Review: Blackthorn Key, by Kevin Sands


YA Mystery, 5+/5

Thrust into the dangerous streets of 1700 London by the murder of his master, apothecary’s assistant, Christopher, must use puzzles his master left him to solve the crime. Packed with great characters, authentic detail and a fast-paced plot, this book was right up my alley.

Book Review: Yellowface, by R. F. Kuang


Upmarket Fiction, 5+/5

Struggling white novelist, June, steals a dead Chinese-American’s unseen draft novel and publishes is as her own, with ripples upon ripples of fallout. This fast-paced, gripping novel critiques the publishing industry and social media, and as an author myself, I found the settings and events familiar, but eye-opening.