Kelly's Reviews

There are two sides to every story, and this unique take on Cinderella offers an empathetic version of Agnes, the evil stepmother who looms so large in the fairy tale. Agnes recounts her own life of hardship and misfortune long before meeting Ella, and shows how their destructive relationship is rooted in more than just spite. Lushly written and so much more than a simple retelling, this will surely delight fans of Wicked and Uprooted. - Kelly

Justy Flanagan is a young Irish lawyer returning to his adopted home of New York City (still in its post-Revolution infancy) with the hope of solving his father’s suspicious death. Wall Street is a cutthroat and sinister part of town, and more bodies quickly pile up. In Justy’s campaign for truth, he comes up against a secret so terrible it may cost him his own life to uncover it. You’ll be gripped to the page until the stunning—and satisfying—conclusion. - Kelly

Fans of Mike Mignola (Hellboy) will no doubt devour his latest book, illustrated by the incomparable Troy Nixey and colored by Eisner winner Dave Stewart. With such talents at work, Jenny Finn is sure to be beautifully crafted and promises a generous dose of Mignola’s trademark Lovecraftian horror: a plague that leaves bodies covered in tentacles, a serial killer slashing women at night, and a séance that reveals a horrible curse… - Kelly

Reading this novel is truly a visceral experience. The story is about (of course) loss—of a parent, of a cultural identity, of innocence, of love—but even though it focuses on such palpable grief, you are never left hopeless. Each vignette of our narrator Thandi’s life is so raw and so real that I initially assumed it was a memoir! This debut is surely just the beginning of Clemmons’ literary stardom. - Kelly

This comic is completely bonkers and has everything you could want: old-timey hobos, hobo slang, tramps, bums, magical maps, sidekicks, regular kicks, and a heavy dose of hilarity that doesn't quit. It's like O Brother, Where Art Thou? meets Deadly Class. On trains. Trust me—it’s amazing. - Kelly

This lovely literary debut takes you back to Portland in the 90s in all its raw and messy glory. It is an unconventional love story with one major twist: A lesbian has an affair with a man that leaves her pregnant and possibly ostracized from her insular community. The plot is simple yet powerful, deftly shining light on issues of belonging, what family means, and how to expect the unexpected—all with humor and care. - Kelly

An absolute must-read for any true crime fan or armchair sleuth, this horrifying account of a decades-long unsolved California crime spree is the definition of “gripping.” The compassion and bulldog advocacy McNamara brought to the story is truly a new standard for this genre, and even though the case remains cold, the bittersweet ending is more than satisfying. Be warned that this intense read will have you locking your doors and windows at night! - Kelly

This reimagined take on the doomed Donner Party blends supernatural horrors with historical facts to create a fun and chilling tale. It was more than just brutal weather and an impossible route that terrorized the Party—something hungry, lurking in the shadows, was picking off members in gruesome and frightening ways. This tightly-wound plot is easy to devour, if you can stomach the fear. - Kelly

Want to dive into the Instagrammable world of embroidery but feeling like a basic stitch? Grab this book for a super approachable guide to everything you need in your sewing kit to create sassy, #resist-ready masterpieces. The beautiful photos, easy-to-follow instructions, and ready-to-go patterns will turn you into a crafty superstar. - Kelly

While longtime admirers of Stevie Nicks won’t find any new revelations within these pages, the book is still a lovingly crafted biography about the goddess of rock. Respected music biographer Stephen Davis (who cowrote Fleetwood with Mick Fleetwood) follows all the heartbreaks, drama, drugs, and magic that fueled Nicks and her songwriting. Gold Dust Woman documents how Nicks used her talent to create the life of fame and success in which she continues to reign. - Kelly