Welcome to the forty-second book review of fifty-three. As you know, I used to provide freelance book reviews to several review companies. It was a great experience that introduced me to new authors and their wonderful books. Each week this year, I’m opening my Weekend Coffee shares with a link to a review I’ve provided. Reviews are three stars or higher. The genres range from picture books to fiction and nonfiction titles.
The Girl Who Survived
The author is Lisa Jackson
Published in April 2023
The publisher is Kensington
Available in Audiobook, eBook, Hardcover, and Paperback (400 pages)
Police Procedurals (Books) | Suspense (Books) | Crime Thrillers (Books)
If we were having coffee, I would share that I didn’t write a review for The Girl Who Survived. I gave it 4 stars out of 5 on Goodreads. The story opens with a lot of action, and my interest as a reader was through the roof. However, I found that the middle section of the book dragged a bit. Perhaps this is just a side effect of such a hooking opening. Lisa kept me guessing about who the killer was, and she ended the book with a few shocking twists. It is an interesting read.
If we were having coffee, I would share that I finished my first 3,000-piece puzzle, and it wasn’t easy. I started this puzzle in the spring, took a puzzle break over the summer, and restarted in September. It has a lot of false fits, particularly in the border, which is where I like to start. I learned that larger puzzles need a different approach. When I do another 3000-piece puzzle (which won’t be for a few months), I will start by sorting the pieces into colours and shapes. I might not start with the border, but with a prominent part of the image. Anyway, here is a picture of the one I finished. The Ravensburger box says it has 3168 pieces and approximately 47 2/3 by 31 1/2 inches.
If we were having coffee, I would share that last weekend’s Author Showcase event was a lot of fun. I met a lot of wonderful new authors from my area, and I look forward to doing events with them again. Big thank you to the bookstore that hosted us, Lindsay Coles. Another big thanks to everyone who came out to offer support.
If we were having coffee, I would share that I tried dill pickle pizza for the first time. No, that isn’t a typo. I tried dill pickle pizza, and I liked it! I will eat it again. Next time, I will try to remember to get a picture to share. Have you tried dill pickle pizza?
By Shari Marshall (2026)
