Book Review: The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal by Chris French, Narrated by Michael Langan

 The Science of Weird Shit: Why Our Minds Conjure the Paranormal by Chris French, audiobook narrated by Michael Langan, is an introduction to the world of paranormal beliefs and bizarre experiences. Ghostly encounters, alien abduction, reincarnation, talking to the dead, UFO sightings, inexplicable coincidences, out-of-body and near-death experiences. Are these legitimate phenomena? If not, then how should we go about understanding them?  Chris French investigates paranormal claims to discover what lurks behind this "weird shit" and provides authoritative evidence-based explanations for a wide range of superficially mysterious phenomena, and then goes further to draw out lessons with wider applications to many other aspects of modern society where critical thinking is urgently needed. Using academic, comprehensive, logical, and, at times, mathematical approaches, The Science of Weird Shit convincingly debunks ESP, communicating with the dead, and alien abduction claims, among other phenomena. All the while, however, French maintains that our belief in such phenomena is neither ridiculous nor trivial; if anything, such claims can tell us a great deal about the human mind if we pay them the attention they are due.

The Science of Weird Shit is a great listen, and I am sure a wonderful read. The narration is very well done and well worth this listen for audiobook fans. I thought this book was well balanced, there is some levity here but never at the expense of those with claims of experiencing something they felt was unexplained. French explains the scientific, phycological, and physiological explanations for some claims, explores the mathematical aspects of chance and how they contribute as well. The lens of science and exploration instead of just the idea of proving people wrong or foolish is a delightful change from some other books on the topic.  I love that French describes in detail how the experiments he shares are designed and carried out- and the reactions to the results. I also love the fact that the book also makes the point that while so much has been explained, and proven about specific things, that there is so much left in the world to figure out that one day we just might find some aspect of the world that is currently viewed as paranormal or weird just might have something to it that we can measure and study to better understand the world around us, and ourselves.

 

Book Review: Black Witch Magic by Mila Nicks

Black Witch Magic by Mila Nicks is a paranormal romance and mystery, and the start of a series. Selene Blackstone spends her days camped out in library corners with her nose glued to books. In a town like Brimrock, where she’s an outcast, she prefers her book friends to her real-life enemies. They’re a lot less judgmental. The rest of town believes she descends from a family of witches—including her evil witch grandma, Luna. In this case, the truth is stranger than fiction. She is a witch, and she’s cursed for all of eternity. Good thing her to-be-read list is pretty long. Prickly Paranormal Investigator Aiden O’Hare speaks two languages: sarcasm and more sarcasm. He travels the country—and sometimes even the world—investigating strange phenomena with his best friend, Eddie. Their investigations bring them to a cozy New England town called Brimrock, home to fabled evil witch Luna Blackstone. Armed with his dry wit, his bibliophilic love for books, and far too much free time, he’s determined to find out just what happened to Luna. When Aiden meets Selene, he decides he must get to know her. When Selene learns Aiden is in town investigating her grandma, she knows she must stop him. He’s out to expose the truth. She’s out to keep it a secret. Neither expects to fall under each other’s spell, but sometimes love is supernatural.

Black Witch Magic is a good example or a paranormal romance that has a good balance of danger and mystery along side the getting to know the characters as they get to know each other. I really liked Aiden's character, and his self awareness of his social awkwardness and introverted nature. He is well aware of how his bookish tendencies and sarcastic replies can come across and does his best to be himself without causing hurt feelings or misunderstandings. I felt for him as he tried to avoid the holiday festivities without causing problems or making himself miserable.  Selene is just trying to get by in a town that hates her for no other reason than the family she was born into and things outside her control. I was frustrated on her behalf and so glad that she did have a support system to help her deal with it all. I liked both characters and found their interactions to be fun and sweet. I really liked the mystery set up, and I honestly thought someone else would be the culprit when the big reveal was made. I thought the build up was well done, and the world building for that little town was complete. I rather hope that as the series continues that we get to see some of the characters play a role, particularly the friends that were such a big part of both Aiden and Selene's live before they met. 

Black Witch Magic is as much about the magical mystery as it is about the romance between Selene and Aiden. I am interested to see where the series goes next.

Book Review: Till Death do us Tart (Bakeshop Mystery) by Ellie Alexander

Till Death do us Tart is the eight book in the Bakeshop Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. I have not read the previous books in the series. I think those that have followed the series will have a more satisfying read, but even coming in this late to the series I was able to catch up and enjoy the read.

Jules Capshaw has too much on her plate—and she’s feeling the pinch: the whole town of Ashland, Oregon, is in on the surprise Elizabethan-themed wedding she’s planning for her mom and soon-to-be stepdad. But is her secret scheme half-baked? She’s hiding racks overflowing with sweet treats while Torte is topsy-turvy with a major remodel and the return of Jules’s estranged husband, Carlos. And until now, Jules had no clue about the bitter family feud that has her friend Lance frazzled and suspicious. But when a party crasher takes someone out with a serving of poisoned wine and Jules discovers the deadly cup was intended for her, it’s time to turn the tables on a killer.

Till Death do us Tart is as much about Jules growing as a character as it is the mystery. I liked that Juliet's sleuthing with her friends was well paced and had a good number of twists and turns along the way. There was much more going on than I expected, and was pleased with the resolution. It was cool to see the changes and growth in Jules, her relationships, and her business as the story went on. I can think of many interesting ways her future might go, and some of the people that might be involved in future mysteries. I was a little annoyed with how she just kept leaving Carlos and his son alone in her house with no note or information about where she was going. While this might be just how they have always been together and this sort of thing explained earlier in the series, it really bothered me. If I was running around trying to solve a murder or two I would make sure people knew where I was. On the other hand, I liked the inclusion of the recipies at the end, and I fully expect to try two of them on my next day off.

Till Death do us Tart is a delightful read, for the mystery and the characters. While I think fans of the series will enjoy it more than I, it still was engaging read.

Book Review: A Panicked Premonition (Psychic Eye Mystery) by Victoria Laurie

A Panicked Premonition is the fifteenth book in the Psychic Eye Mystery series by Victoria Laurie. I read many of this series, but am certain I missed some along the way.  I think most fans of the author, even if they missed a book or two, will be able to catch on quickly. However, some newcomers to the series might get lost in the relationships and quirks of the series.

Professional psychic and FBI consultant Abby Cooper has used her inner visions to get her out of many a scrape—and solve many a crime—but she’s about to face a murder scene that will put all her powers to the test. Abby’s husband Dutch has a side business providing security and building panic rooms for wealthy clients. One morning, one of Dutch’s partners, Dave, goes missing on his way to meet a client. Abby’s intuition tells her something terrible has happened to him.  Then two of Dutch’s clients are found brutally murdered inside their brand new panic room, and most of the evidence points to Dave as the killer.  With the authorities racing to find and arrest him, Abby's got to use all her intuitive prowess to get to Dave first, discover the real killer, and save her husband's business. This is one case where Abby is positive there’s far more to this mystery than meets her inner eye.

A Panicked Premonition holds up well in the genre of cozy mysteries. I found that Abby and her friends continue to grow and change as the world around them effects them. I like that they so obviously care about each other, and tell each other the truth- even when it might be hard. I also like that the mystery is multi layered, and while I quickly decided that it was not the obvious culprit- the final reveal left me stunned on a few small details. I liked the way the psychic flavor was worked into the story, definitely playing its role without coming in as campy or solving the entire case with out overcoming actual detective work. I loved seeing the interactions between Abby, Dutch, and the rest of the crew as they settle into life as married couples, and working together in their own way. The characters and the solid mystery kept me eager to see what would happen on the next page, and how Abby might react. I did feel like I might have missed a book or two, or perhaps it has just been too long since I read the previous book, because I did not remember some little things mentioned or alluded to in the book. 

A Panicked Premonition is a wonderful continuation to the series, and had me guessing until the very end. The characters and writing style have stayed consistent, and the mysteries seem to have gotten more complicated and compelling.