Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees (Review)

 

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees is a thrilling who-dun-it murder mystery. EXCEPT, here's the catch...the main character is a bear serial-killer who just happens to live in the town that's being terrorized by horrible murders not of her making. I won't add too many details, but this graphic novel has a little of bit of everything. It's a great read, with fun dialogue, entertaining characters and a very twisted world that's a mashup of Dexter and a town filled with happy go lucky furry animal people! It's clearly inspired by the popular tv show, and produces fun and chilling plot twists that make it worth reading,

This is a volume comprised of an epic six issues; the illustrations are wildly detailed with such a sinister and creative design that draws you in. This graphic novel is fit for MA-mature readers. It has gore, violence, death, and graphic content not suitable for those under the age of 16+. It borders on horror, with a slight comedy aspect entwined within its story. It's offbeat and wicked, with a strong page-turning effect. It really delivers in its short tale, and quite honestly, it's awesome for all of the above.

I read this book in under 90 minutes without pause, and I definitely recommend adding to your collection. It also has a sequel that I'm going to be scooping up soon! If you're expecting frilly nilly the reality is it's a creepy, odd and a misfit gem of a read. The moral of the story is that it doesn't have any, so it pushes the boundaries in a fantastically dark cultivated world. 

BUY NOW (LINKS)! GOODREADS | B&N | AMAZON !

Mystery Thriller Tuesday (Feature #5)

 

#1 Better Than Revenge by: Bea Fitzgerald

#2 The Second Honeymoon by: McGarvey Black

#3 Drowning in Paper Flowers by: E.L. Westbury

#4 Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees by: Patrick Horvath

(CLICK EACH TITLE FOR LINKS TO ADD / CHECKOUT ON GOODREADS!)

Honestly, this week I have a heck of a list! All these titles look and sound phenomenal! These are current mystery/thrillers that I just added to my longggg growing TBR pile. Who doesn't love discovering more books? Well, these are all mystery-thrillers that I personally evaluated based on synopsis, cover image, and unique enough to standout from other titles in this expansive genre. ✌☝

Better Than Revenge is fresh of the press here, it releases in a week and some change on August 18th so there's time to get excited for it!! It's LGBQ friendly and has a vendetta against the neighbor theme which is bound to be a twisted story. Not to mention its rivalry is between two women who are both actresses which their feuds been ongoing since their schooldays. However, one day their antics and obsession turn into a murder and now it has changed the game for both of them. I love a tantalizing and steady suspense, and I think this is going to nail it! Stoked for it.

The Second Honeymoon offers very little to go off via its synopsis, but it only leaves me wanting to read this book more! It's about a married couple who ARE seemingly happy with each other and go on a second honeymoon–a cruise (which doesn't sound sus as all 😉). Everything's proclaimed as perfect, but perfect in what way? Sounds like the husband is itching to leave his baggage in the middle of the ocean, for a fresh start. THE INUENDO'S of murder, and suspense. Let's all applaud the very transparent nature describing the murder-plot. I still very much want to know why? & Have many burning questions!! I feel like when the house is empty and I want to dive head-first into a book in the Fall seasons this is just going to be the mood-read I am looking for! 🍂

Next is Drowing in Paper Flowers, which is oddly the best title I've heard in a while as far as book titles go. It was an instant like upon read situation, not to mention the cover image is beyond stunning! It starts with a lie and ends with a truth. The fragility of the statement and its imagery lends to its epic potential credibility. It's about an unhappy married woman named Ruby, who wishes she was the perfect mother, who wishes she had the perfect life, but what she really has is a life of wishful lies. Her kids suffer from traumas, and she hates her husband, and then comes the infidelity & murder, and the unraveling of secrets that threatens to either completely destroy her life or at this point make it better? Another awesome book to add my collection! And to make matters better it releases TODAY so there is no waiting game! ☺

Beneath the Trees Where Nobody Sees - Hello amazing book title! Also, the letterer (illustrator) Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou has worked on another novel I read and loved (Chef's Kiss). Purely coincidental and purely amazing. I believe this is a collection of shorter stories that are compiled into this debut graphic novel. NOW, onto whyyyyy it stood out! Guys, this states its Dexter meets Scarry's Busy, Busy Town. DUDE look up the last one and you will literally be like what the actual f**k! Because it's too good not to share part of the Goodreads description check it - "Don’t murder the locals—this is small-town serial killer, upstanding citizen, and adorable brown bear Samantha Strong’s cardinal rule. A sea of potential victims is in the city just beyond the forest, but when you’ve worked as hard as Sam to build a cozy life and a thriving business in a community surrounded by friendly fellow animal folk, warm decor, and the aroma of cedar trees and freshly baked apple pie, the last thing you want is to disturb the peace.". It released in 2024, but I just heard of it for the first time, which makes no difference because it looks epic!!

Seriously impressed with this week's mystery thriller discoveries! 🔥💀❤

Does any of these titles spark interest, if so, drop a comment or post YOUR recs!! You can also follow me on Instagram for post updates and more! @dearrestlessreader (I follow back everyone!!) Till next week's plot twists...✌✌

Fantasy Fiction Friday #3 (Feature)

 

It's Friday, and when I have the availability, I select newer published novels to get excited for! This week turned out to be coincidentally full of titles with blue covers. Also, these books are all science-fiction-y, or fantasy related which is two of my favorite and most-read genres. ❤

Novels:

1.) Ode to the Half-Broken by: Suzanne Palmer

2.) Multitude by: Marie Vibbert

3.) Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by: Ben Reeves

Graphic Novels:

4,) Warriors by: Erin Hunter

(Click* for Goodreads links for their details!)

This week I've found some newer books that hit the market recently, that caught my glance and looks like great reads! First off, Ode to the Half-Broken is a super cool dystopia science fiction novel about an old robot, I mean, that alone just sounds like a crazy hook. That's why I scooped it into my TBR because it sounds like wild ride, and the title throws some serious vibes!!

Next, Multitude, is straight up Science Fiction story, it's about aliens! This is actually a novella so it's a short read perfect for limited-time busy readers. Upon reading the Goodreads synopsis it almost seems like an oddity the way that it's from the perspective of the aliens who hear a song and follow it to the planet. Definitely out of the ordinary pick but that's why it seems like it's going to be cool to get into!

Moving on we have Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt. Wow what a freaking fantastic title, And, this one is from the perspective of Death!! The Goodreads snippet reads, "He’s young and handsome, despite who he is. Each death he witnesses is meaningful to him; he listens, never judges, and most importantly, never tries to change anyone’s fate. He knows that every life must eventually end to maintain the balance of the universe and he respects the cycle.". Sounds like an introspective dive into what it's like to perceive life from the other side. I love novels that are so unique, they offer more than the regular standard tropes. This one is obviously in the fantasy realm which again I love good fiction, and the cover image is so clever and simple it drew me to it with both the title, and it's beautiful presentation. This actually might be at the top of the list for this week's most exciting new sci / fi fantasy reads!!

Finally, I decided to add a graphic novel this week. I am a huge fan of talented artists and illustrators who are creative storytellers so Warriors looks SO good, albeit cute too. I mean, dude it has a cat. If you're an animal lover I'm sure it has got your attention, I do want to note this is in fact a Middle-Grade read so if you have kids who are bookworms this series has been like a best-seller and I mean who doesn't love cats who are warriors going on some crazy adventures. I also know this one is a bit older, 2024 series, but Disney+ just acquired interest in adapting this into an animated series for 2028 which is why it's definitely relevant and cool to consider adding for middle-grader parents, or those who love reading all age book like me ☺

This week's Friday picks are a mixed bag but a good one, if you have any recs or want to contribute your thoughts on these, drop a comment! 👇💙😎

Chef's Kiss (Review)

 

My Review: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Look out, this graphic novel is bold, hearty, and will have you savoring each page!

Alright, hear me out, the cover design made me buy it, BUT guess what? This book delivers the goods. It's ridiculously fun, light-hearted, and most of all cute. The illustrations are vibrant, quirky, and stunning. It's about a guy named Ben who's just discovering himself and trying to find his place in the world. The story is crafted with life-lessons that are extremely relatable. It's even got a few unconventional twists that involve cooking, a very intellectual pet pig with a fine palette, and a chef that is hotter than the dishes he makes that adds an extra layer of spice and peculiarity to the story.

The story is insanely solid, the characters are all very well-drawn, distinctive, and is creatively developed from start to finish. One of the most satisfying standalone novels I've read, because it doesn't pressure you to a series commitment and it wraps up with a fine conclusion which is really what everyone wants from narrative especially one as delectable as this one.

In addition, the leading chef Liam is a true heartthrob with only good intentions, and it really pushes the connection between Ben and him. Liam is a selfless character who vouches for Ben upon encountering the harsh-spoken owner, who tests and challenges Ben to meet the standards of his restaurant. Ben's trusty roommates are also involved in his journey to unfolding where his true passion lies and they complement and balance his character out with unique personalities and perspectives.

What a terrific little read, finished it within 2 hours, and wish that there were leftovers (pun obviously intended!). YET, cool-enough, there is bonus art at the end along with fun bios of each character which was a truly great plus to the whole thing. OH, and the author even shares the recipes they make in the book for anyone daring to try to chef it up and create the fun dishes.

My Synopsis:

Ben is a shy, talented writer and avid reader who is looking for his first real job in the writing field. Low and behold life decides to throw lemons at him, and so he learns to make lemonade. After many interviews who all expect him to have a plethora of professional experience he stumbles across an opportunity, the only one he can find before he has to call his parents and move back home. He finds himself torn between learning how to cook up some crazy dishes or pursue the dreams he's had of being an employed writer. The kitchen as it would seem has many challenges, especially when the chef is as good-looking as the desserts the restaurant serves up. 

Overall, this is the kind of graphic novel to end reading funks, makes you feel happy, blush a little, and laugh a little harder. GRAB IT and ADD IT to your TBR!!

Disclaimer: It's LGBT, with some expletives and innuendos, certainly not suitable for anyone under the age of 17. 

LINKS: GOODREADS | AMAZON | B&N !

Book Sale Haul Edition (Feature)

 

One of the best things in life are books, especially those that are discounted, and tons of them! I stopped in at the Bethlehem Library Book Sale which happens periodically throughout the year and it's one of the best sales in my area. I spent less than $15 on 10 gently used books that were donated. Some titles I just scooped up on a whim, but I am far from disappointed!! I love adding to my ever-growing collection and having more options than I could possibly ever need 🙃

Which am I most excited to read?? Well, the top book on the pile is Chef's Kiss which I fell in LOVE with the cute cover, and the illustrations. I'm SO excited! It is a LGBT standalone novel, which makes it even more of a steal - I love stories that transcend and elevate our reading perspectives! Big facts.

& Chew is a longtime favorite graphic novel series I have truly cherished reading, but I never finished the series, so I got a few of the next couple volumes I needed to continue my reading journey. 

I do have to shout out the Bethlehem Area Public Library for hosting such a superior and organized book sale. They maintained lines for fairness and offered a small capacity wait to keep the space from being too cluttered and kept every aspect of the sale orderly. This sounds structural but guys there's nothing worse than trying to shop around book titles with 100 people breathing down your neck!

Fantasy Fiction Friday! (Feature)

 

Creating a new Friday Feature of the week! I love fantasy/fiction and there are so many truly great reads that I want to dive into. This week I've selected 5 books to showcase in my TBR. Also, please click the image above to enhance the covers!!

Novels:

#1. The Book of Doors by: Gareth Brown

#2. The Tainted Cup by: Robert Jackson Bennett

#3. The Book Witch by: Meg Shaffer

Manga/Anime and Graphic Novels:

#4. The Apothecary Diaries Vol, 1 by:Natsu Hyuuga / Nekokurage and Touko Shino

#5 Spy X Family Vol. 1 by: Tatsuya Endo

Goodreads links above! ✌❤