Review: Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Published: June 2021

The Riva family has long been known throughout Los Angeles and the world. It started with Mick Riva, the estranged father of the clan. The next generation finds Nina, Hud, Jay, and Kit. Four kids are mostly forced to raise themselves until they are old enough to be on their own. Nina the oldest, makes sure everyone is taken care of even if it means she has to go without. Hud is hiding a big secret from his brother, Jay, who has a secret of his own. Kit is trying to prove to everyone that she's better than the rest of her siblings on the surfboard if they would only give her the chance.
On the night of their annual party, their whole lives are unended. Will this be a positive or a negative change and how will it affect the rest of their lives.

This is the first book I've read by Taylor Jenkins Reid and if I had to base reading the rest of her books on this one, I would not read anymore. But, I've been told by quite a few people that this is the worse of the bunch.

What I liked about this book was the family drama part. It was a lot of back and forth between the past and the "present" which was the 80s. I liked getting to know each character on a personal level and deciding who I liked and didn't. I could really relate to Nina because I am the person in my family who is always taking care of others before myself.

I've heard The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is the next book of hers I should give a try.
What do you recommend?

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Review: The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith

The Cuckoo's Calling by Robert Galbraith aka J.K. Rowling
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Published: May 2013

Cormoran Strike is a Private Investigator, who has just been hired by John Bristow to investigate the death of his sister Lula Landry. Lula is a model in England and she has had her share of issues, but no one expected her to commit suicide. Cormoran hasn't been very lucky in life himself as of late, and this case is exactly what he needs to get a jump start. The police have been all over the evidence and there is nothing to support any other outcome for this case, but Cormoran is determined to find out the truth. Will he be surprised by who the killer is or will he find out quickly? With the help of his temporary assistant Robin, the case with all it's secrets will reveal the true killer.

I was not a very big fan of Harry Potter so I was excited when J.K. Rowling decided to try other writing. I'm glad she chose a pseudonym, because I don't think I would have read the books as J.K. Rowling.

When I first started listening to this book, I got quite confused. Each section starts with a Latin phrase. I had to be sure I had the right book. But I will say I was drawn in from the very beginning.

Everyone knows who Lula Landry is and everyone was affected by her death. Her brother doesn't believe she would have committed suicide even though she has serious depression. Her friends don't think she would have done it either. But if she didn't jump from her balcony and no one saw anyone else with her, then what happened? Cormoran interviews everyone who was involved with Lula and some of them twice. He enlists the help of his temporary assistant Robin, who proves to be quite useful.

I think from the beginning Cormoran had an idea of who the killer was. There are little things that happen throughout the story that give you that idea when it's all said and done. I'm very interested to know what is going to happen next in Cormoran's life and what other adventures he and Robin will find themselves on.



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