Book Reviews – Page 9 – Sassy Reviews

January 15, 2026

The Laundryman

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Laundryman 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dwayne Brenna ✍️
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The Laundryman is set in late-19th-century Canada. The novel follows two North-West Mounted Police officers tasked with investigating the murder of a Chinese laundryman in the small frontier town of Prince Albert.

The novel’s perspective, largely filtered through Surgeon Virgil Montgomery, offers a compelling moral lens. Montgomery’s observations contrast sharply with the brutal realities he encounters. His uneasy partnership with Corporal Belvedere adds depth to the narrative.

Beyond its crime-fiction framework, The Laundryman confronts uncomfortable historical truths. The story is well paced without any dull moments in it. The twists and turns in the story made it a gripping read.

The Laundryman is a haunting, intelligent novel that blends mystery with historical realism and moral inquiry. The storyline kept me hooked till the last page. The narration is smooth and strong. I am definitely interested in reading more books by the author in the future.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 15, 2026

The Moth and Other Tantalizing Tales

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: The Moth and Other Tantalizing Tales 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: James L. Hill ✍️
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The Moth and Other Tantalizing Tales is a thought-provoking collection that blends speculative fiction, horror, and social commentary into a series of unsettling yet deeply engaging stories.

In stories like “Cold Storage,” the author confronts themes of immortality, medical ethics, etc using vivid imagery and a haunting narrative voice to question whether survival is always a blessing.

The titular story, “The Moth,” stands out for its eerie atmosphere and symbolic depth. Hill demonstrates a strong command of suspense, allowing dread to build gradually.

Stories like “Antibody” and “The Path to Freedom” feel especially timely, drawing on themes of pandemics, government control, and societal breakdown.

Overall, The Moth and Other Tantalizing Tales is a compelling collection for fans of dark fiction, science fiction, and psychological horror. The author has done a great job in this book. The language used is easy to follow with a smooth narration. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 15, 2026

Aisha’s Secret

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Aisha’s Secret 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Zachary Hagen ✍️
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Aisha’s Secret is set in the vibrant city of Easima in Makan Alsahir. The story follows Aisha, a skilled thief known as the “Oiled Hand,” whose life on the margins is shaped by loss, poverty, and an unbreakable bond with her loyal dog, Habibi.

From the opening pages, the novel pulls readers into a sensory world filled with jeweled aristocrats, bustling bazaars, desert winds, and whispered dangers. Aisha is a well written protagonist. She is resourceful, sharp-witted, and emotionally grounded. Her motivations are never rooted in greed, but in survival and love.

The plot takes a fascinating turn when Aisha accidentally frees Qadira, a djinn bound by ancient laws and limited magic. What follows is not a simple wish-fulfillment fantasy, but a thoughtful exploration of consequences. Each wish carries weight, revealing that magic cannot easily erase grief, injustice, or social inequality.

Overall, Aisha’s Secret is a well written, character-driven fantasy that will appeal to readers who enjoy magic with limits, strong female leads, and stories where emotional truth matters more than spectacle. I am impressed by the author’s vivid imagination in world building.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Book is available on Amazon

January 15, 2026

Thurmond

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Thurmond 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Esther Davis ✍️
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When Stephanie returns to Thurmond after ten years away, what should be a brief, painful visit quickly becomes something far more sinister. She met Ethan, her first love and first heartbreak. When she visited her childhood home, she realized that her parents had kept her childhood intact. She feels seventeen again in her childhood room, but also twenty-seven, carrying ten years of grief, distance, and loss.

The author has done great work in the backdrop setting. Thurmond itself feels alive, wrapped in quiet menace and unspoken history. Davis excels at slow-burn tension, allowing dread to build naturally through subtle details, uneasy interactions, and moments where “nothing happens” yet everything feels wrong.

The characters are compelling and emotionally layered, especially Stephanie and Ethan. Their shared history adds depth to the mystery, blending unresolved love, guilt, and suspicion in a way that feels raw and believable. The storyline was gripping and kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page.

The novel explores how small towns protect their secrets. I had a great time reading this story about obsession, control, etc. Fans of psychological thrillers and small-town mysteries would have a great time reading this book. I loved the writing style of the author. I am excited to get my hands on more books by Davis in the future.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 13, 2026

A Second Chance

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: A Second Chance 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Asher Frend ✍️
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A Second Chance by Asher Frend explores faith, friendship, trauma, and the fragile line between destiny and choice. The story is set in the early 2000s. It follows Mikaila, a teenager navigating family instability, mental illness, and the complexities of growing up until a life-altering event changes everything.

Mikaila’s bond with her best friend, Chara, is the emotional anchor of the story. When a tragic accident occurs, the narrative takes a powerful spiritual turn, raising questions about sacrifice, free will, and what it truly means to save someone.

The characters feel authentic, each carrying their own wounds and hopes. The portrayal of mental health struggles within a family is handled with care, showing both the pain and the resilience that coexist in difficult circumstances.

Faith plays a central role in the novel. Readers who appreciate spiritually driven narratives will find depth and meaning here, while others may still connect strongly with the universal themes of loss, forgiveness, and second chances. Go ahead with this book without any second thoughts.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 10, 2026

B-Unstoppable

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: B-Unstoppable 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Errol Fonseca ✍️
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B-Unstoppable is not just another motivational book. It is a raw, grounded, and practical guide to reclaiming personal power and building a life of purpose, confidence, and long-term impact. Drawing from his journey from extreme hardship in Mumbai to leading global organizations as a CEO, Errol Fonseca delivers a powerful narrative rooted in lived experience rather than theory.

At the heart of the book is the UNSTOP Code, a clear and repeatable framework designed to help readers break out of survival mode and step into intentional leadership. Fonseca addresses themes many readers silently struggle with like scarcity thinking, self-doubt, fear of visibility, burnout, and the habit of shrinking to stay safe.

The structure of the book is particularly strong. Divided into five parts from Breaking the Survival Cycle to Legacy in Motion, the content flows naturally from mindset shifts to habits, leadership, money, and purpose. The chapters are packed with practical reflections, real-life examples, and exercises that encourage immediate application.

Fonseca’s reflections on identity, discipline, self-respect, and ownership are especially impactful for professionals who feel stuck despite outward success.

What truly elevates B-Unstoppable is its emphasis on long-term thinking and legacy. This is not a book about quick wins or surface-level success. It challenges readers to ask deeper questions. Go ahead with this thought provoking read. I am glad to get my hands on this book.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 9, 2026

I Think It’s a Sign That the Pun Also Rises

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: I Think It’s a Sign That the Pun Also Rises 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Mark Leslie ✍️
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I Think It’s a Sign That the Pun Also Rises by Mark Leslie is a lighthearted read and a tribute to the art of the pun, the dad joke, and the well-earned groan. Leslie leans fully into silliness, inviting readers to relax and enjoy language at its most playful. The book’s strength lies in its sheer enthusiasm for wordplay. Every joke feels like it was shared with a grin.

Organized into themed sections such as meta jokes, one-liners, reflections, and observational humor, the collection offers constant variety while remaining easy to read in small doses. Readers can open the book at random and still find something amusing within seconds.

More than anything, the book succeeds because it understands its purpose: to bring joy, spark laughter, and encourage sharing. Leslie’s humor feels inclusive and warm, making it suitable for readers of all ages who appreciate clean, clever comedy. I Think It’s a Sign That the Pun Also Rises is an ideal pick-me-up book. It is perfect for coffee tables, gift-giving, or those moments when a good laugh (or groan) is exactly what’s needed.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 9, 2026

Anasazi Vision

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Anasazi Vision 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: True North ✍️
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Anasazi Vision penned by the author True North is a powerful read that follows True on both a physical and emotional journey through memory, land, and identity. Central to the story is the presence of True’s Mama, whose influence lingers long after her words were spoken. Her voice, teachings, and silences shape True’s inner world, making the journey feel deeply rooted in family and inherited wisdom.

The Four Corners desert plays a vital role in the narrative, almost functioning as a character itself. Its vastness mirrors True’s internal search, while its stillness allows space for reflection and grief. The author’s prose is restrained and thoughtful, letting the landscape and emotions speak. Each scene feels intentional, inviting the reader to pause and absorb its meaning.

This is a novel for readers who appreciate literary fiction driven by atmosphere and introspection. Anasazi Vision is less about external conflict and more about understanding where one comes from and where one truly belongs. It’s a gentle, contemplative read that stays with you long after it ends.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 8, 2026

Through the Windshield: Drive-by Lives

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Through the Windshield: Drive-by Lives 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: D. B. Sayers ✍️
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Through the Windshield: Drive-by Lives by D. B. Sayers is a compelling anthology of short fiction that makes for a gripping read.

“Sinbad’s Sofa” is a touching and intriguing story about a cat named Sinbad who wanders into Jerry’s Standard station one night in search of refuge. The narrator offers him shelter and a comfortable sofa, which soon becomes a place of quiet comfort and emotional connection. The cat’s presence leaves a lasting impression but what happens when Sinbad suddenly disappears?

“The Village Boneyard” follows Bryan, who takes a job at the municipal cemetery he refers to as the village boneyard. The work becomes unsettling when he is tasked with burying Karen Mooreman, a former classmate from his graduating year. Things grow even stranger when Bryan comes across a cluster of three headstones. He never mentioned them to Keith Connaught, a man he was working with. What path will Bryan walk in his life? Will he meet Keith again?

Each story kept me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself binge-reading one after another. The author’s writing style is engaging, the narration is strong, and the cover design is visually appealing. I was so absorbed in this anthology that I completely forgot about the world around me for a while.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

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January 8, 2026

Happy as Larry

𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸: Happy as Larry 📚
𝗔𝘂𝘁𝗵𝗼𝗿: Dr Larry Culliford ✍️
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Drawing on decades of clinical experience and personal introspection, Dr Larry Culliford explores a deceptively simple yet profoundly important question: What truly constitutes mental health?

This is not a conventional self-help book, nor a purely academic text. Instead, Culliford offers readers a lived inquiry, one rooted in real encounters with patients, families, mentors, suffering, burnout, and healing. From the opening chapters, it becomes clear that the author’s understanding of mental health goes far beyond the absence of illness. For Culliford, wellbeing is an ongoing process of growth, self-awareness, compassion, connection, and spiritual maturity.

One of the book’s greatest strengths lies in its storytelling. Clinical encounters are rendered with sensitivity and humanity, never reducing patients to diagnoses. Whether describing a young woman grieving an unacknowledged loss, a traumatised adolescent engaging in self-harm, or families trapped in destructive emotional patterns, Culliford consistently centres the reader’s attention on the person rather than the pathology.

These stories are not used for dramatic effect; they are offered as learning moments, illustrating how healing often arises from presence, listening, and kindness rather than technical intervention alone. The memoir aspect of the book is equally compelling.

At its heart, Happy as Larry is a hopeful book. It suggests that even after trauma, emotional neglect, or professional burnout, growth remains possible.

𝗠𝘆 𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5

Buy book on Amazon