I’m sharing another instalment of my Mini Review Mondays, the most recent of which was the other week. In case you haven’t seen any of my previous posts, I do ‘mini’ reviews of books that I’ve previously read and am now ready to share my full thoughts about.
First up, I’d like to talk about The Hive by Anna February. Thank you to Chicken House Books for sending me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Justice is merciless in the Hive, a monarchy of tomorrow, where young bodyguard Feldspar awaits execution, guilty of being alive when her charge is dead.
The girl has one defender – Niko, a royal maverick. Together they have three days to prove the impossible. Three days to question everything Feldspar knows about the world that raised her and discover who the real murderer is.
Publication Date: 10th April
CW: murder, death, violence, classism, torture, gore, injury, manipulation
My Thoughts:
The Hive is an inventive and intriguing YA debut marking February as an exciting new voice in the genre.
I loved the way it brought the classic murder mystery set-up to this dystopian space. The world-building is fascinating and well-seeded throughout. From the power system and hierarchy to the casual mentions of horrific violence that pepper the pages, February has constructed a rich and terrifying world. I loved the way it mimicked aspects of our world in the nature but was twisted from what we know. The political system is fascinating and I would love to read more of its inception. For me, it is the banality and acceptance of this eradication of life that is particuarly chilling.
This specific murder is only of note because it threatens the established way of life. There is a throughline about whose lives are considered to matter where the implications are horrible and certainly alter Feldspar’s view of the world. Even the concept of the bonding and shields is interesting and sickening, as literal human shields for the privileged few. The actual mystery is great too with plenty of twists and turns. February keeps the tension thick and oppressive with a clock counting down to Feldspar’s execution.
She is fighting against the assumption of guilt and the stakes are sky-high with the ripple effects felt throughout this society and within the glimmering elite. Feldspar is a great protagonist who has had her entire world shatter before her eyes. She is smart and fiercely loyal but has to grapple with everything shifting before her in an instance. Her voice is distinctive and compelling, making you root for her to succeed against the odds.
The Hive combines chilling dystopian with an engaging murder mystery to deliver a thought-provoking read with plenty to say about power, climate change and working to fight unjust systems.
Next up, I’d like to talk about This is Not a Game by Kelly Mullen. Thank you to Century for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
A Gibson martini garnished with three silverskin onions is 77-year-old Mimi’s favourite cocktail. It is best served with a crossword puzzle, not as an apéritif at Jane Ireland’s extravagant auction party. But given Mimi has been blackmailed into attending Jane’s event, at a grand old mansion on Mackinac Island (Michigan’s answer to The Hamptons), there are worse drinks she could spend an evening sinking.
Thankfully for her, she’s roped her granddaughter, Addie – who is escaping the heartache caused by her manipulative ex-fiancé – into accompanying her. While Addie spots celebrities and socialites in the manor’s labyrinth of dark rooms and Mimi wonders how to confess the real reason for her presence at the soiree, a scream pierces the air. Jane is dead.
And when a second body turns up, Mimi and Addie soon become the unlikeliest of sleuths in a race to narrow down the suspects. In a house that contains as many secrets as the people within it, it’s going to take more than a Gibson to survive the night…
Publication Date: 10th April
CW: murder, death, violence, injury, blood, cheating, manipulation, gaslighting
My Thoughts:
This is Not a Game was a full throttle locked-room mystery with a really interesting gaming angle that intersected perfectly with the plot. Add into the mix two engaging protagonists and plenty of secrets and you have yourself a recipe for success.
I loved the intergenerational feel of this book with the Gibsons drawn together by blackmail and eventual violence. Both Mimi and Addie have a lot going on in their lives which is magnified by the fateful events of Jane’s party. Their relationship is the beating heart of the book and makes it stand out amongst locked-room mysteries, especially as they both come under fire. Their investigation is as much to clear themselves as it is to find out the truth.
Mimi is sometimes unlikeable, snarky and slightly bitter, but incredibly observant about people and persistent in her sleuthing. She pushes against the Miss Marple gentle type of investigating often associated with older characters in the genre – she is brazen and nosy and takes no prisoners. Addie on the other hand takes a softer tact often but needs to grow her inner confidence, dented by the actions of her manipulative ex. Her background adds a meta layer to the plot as she developed a hugely popular detective game. It adds a layer to proceedings as she interrogates the conventions of the genre and relates it to her gameplay.
The actual mystery is well-constructed with plenty of twists and turns in store. It feels like a game unfolding before your eyes, but one where you get involved too. Mullen bursts out the gates with a bold and captivating debut. The writing has a cinematic feel to it, drawing on Mullen’s background, and would lend itself well to an adaption.
This is Not a Game is a love letter to classic locked-room mysteries with a meta twist and two protagonists that find a space in your heart. Count Mullen as one to watch.
Finally, I’d like to delve into The Summer I Ate the Rich by Maika Moulite and Maritza Moulite. Thank you to Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Brielle Petitfour loves to cook. But with a chronically sick mother and bills to pay, becoming a chef isn’t exactly a realistic career path.
When Brielle’s mom suddenly loses her job, Brielle steps in and uses her culinary skills to earn some extra money. The rich families who love her cooking praise her use of unique flavours and textures, which keep everyone guessing what’s in Brielle’s dishes. The secret ingredient? Human flesh.
Publication Date: 24th April
CW: murder, death, cannibalism, violence, abusive relationship, gaslighting, manipulation, racism, misogny, classism, ableism
My Thoughts:
The Summer I Ate The Rich is a wickedly sharp satirical YA horror that must be on your summer TBR.
This is eat the rich done right. It has a deep seated anger that it actually allows its central protagonist to delve into. This is a dark and brutal read at times with an unflinching look at ableism, classism, racism and particularly the US healthcare industry. It reminds you that a capitalist society sees you as just another body, so why should Brielle not do the same. There is an edge of dark humour to proceedings that balances that scarcely contained fury. The scenes where Brielle does get to unleash are a much needed catharsis. I love narratives that examine the inner world of the privileged and how this can be unpicked. This is a strong offering of that – offering a uniquely twisted peek into this elite world. There is just so much to love here.
Brielle has such an arresting voice. Right from the first few pages, you are hooked. It is such an interesting take that infuses the pages with Haitian mythology. The horror is on full display with both our realm and that of the supernatural. It is all about power and control with certain acts of violence pushing across this. I really enjoyed Brielle as a protagonist with her fierce determination, smart wits and secretly deeply caring heart. She ultimately will do whatever it takes to help her family thrive and she relishes in it. For me, this was such a refreshing change – to have someone fully own their capabilities and power unashamedly. There is plenty of muddly morality here but you root for Brielle through it all.
The Summer I Ate The Rich is a fantastic YA offering from two authors you should keep a firm eye on – rich characterisation and a story that pulls you in and will not let you go. One to devour.
A Short Book Lover 
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