I’m fascinated by true crime and I've read a wide range of topics and cases, but it’s not often that I’ve been able to experience it from a legal point of view (outside of famous trials). I was excited to receive the opportunity to read Randy E. Barnett’s memoir.

Criminal prosecutor Randy Barnett shares decades of experience in court, based in Cook County (Chicago, IL). Although this is, at its core, a memoir, it’s also a collection of various true crime cases told from his perspective. With this, the reader also gets a glimpse at the political side of law (local politics in particular).

I enjoyed the compilation of the various cases. As a linear autobiography, it felt a bit choppy due to most of the chapters being short and focused on the case itself, but that's also what made the book stand out to me. It was a unique read, and I liked being able to read a more intimate account of not only the inside of law offices, but also a part of the country I’ve never visited. Also, the inclusion of pictures was a nice touch, which was placed in correlation with the text (nothing graphic).

A huge thanks to Books Forward for sending me a free ARC of the book!

Short but inspiring (and a great book to pick up during Lent).

A unique look at a pivotal time in Russia’s history through the eyes of foreign nationals. I liked that this didn’t focus on the exchange of powers, but rather what people were experiencing on the streets.

This is the second book about Charles Manson that I’ve read and it was perhaps more horrifying the second time around. The first one I read (Chaos by Tom O’Niell) had more emphasis on the 1960s and the government as a whole, while this one focused more on Manson, his followers, and his victims.

Journalist and investigative reporter Ivor Davis shares his encounters with the Manson Family, their crimes, their trial, and his perception of the individuals. The beginning of the book also takes a look at the life of Charles Manson and how he came to be the infamous figure of the 1960s that we know today.

I liked that this book was, in many ways, a firsthand account. Of course, this closeness added to the eeriness. I like that the focus wasn’t only on Manson but also on those who followed him and what their response was to the crimes. Unsettling to say the least, but well put together by the author.

Even as a little kid, I was obsessed with Amelia Earhart's story (shoutout to Jay Jay the Jet Plane). I circle around to her every so often, and I was excited to see this book title pop up in an email not long after falling down a YouTube rabbit hole of Amelia Earhart content.

Though I would say that, predominantly, this is a biography of Amelia Earhart, it weaves in various speculations about her disappearance. As the (full) title suggests, there is emphasis on three of the most popular theories, such as her and Fred Noonan being captured by the Japanese (pre-the country’s involvement in World War II), crashing somewhere in the ocean, and getting stranded on a deserted island. Each theory is explored with tact, not settling on one or another as the definitive answer.

If you’re already familiar with Amelia Earhart’s story and the discussions surrounding her disappearance, this will likely be a quick read for you, but still fruitful. For people wanting to learn about her, this is a great, unintimidating place to start.

Thanks to National Geographic and NetGalley for providing me with a free digital ARC to read and review.

Cinderella was my favorite Disney Princess when I was little, so naturally, whenever I come across retellings or new adaptations, my interest is piqued. I've never come across a retelling based on Lady Tremaine outside of the Disney universe.

Etheldreda will do anything for her daughters, and for years, she mollifies her spoiled step-daughter. When Elin gets invited to the Prince's ball and not Rosalind and Mathilda, she poises herself to perfect the act she's been putting on since not one, but both of her husbands' deaths, even if it means having to call upon old acquaintances.

Elin is the Cinderella figure in the story and far from the quiet, ash-covered girl we're used to seeing. She's quick to faint, lives obnoxiously by a book of rules with a firm belief that it will guide her through every phase of her life, pushing her step-family's affections away all the while. Ethel has given up on placating the girl and resolves to teach her the harsh realities of life, especially what happens when you shirk your responsibilities.

Past and present ebbed and flowed wonderfully as the story and characters were being introduced. I found that it maintained a good pace throughout, even when the tone of the story shifted into more of a thriller in the last third of the book. Through predictable, I was still left on the edge of my seat as it all played out. I also enjoyed the gothic atmosphere, which I hadn't expected but appreciated.

I listened to the audiobook, which added to my enjoyment. Bessie Carter does a wonderful job capturing the characters' voices without going over the top.

I'd been a little nervous about picking this up because I am so fond of more traditional tellings of Cinderella, but I am so glad I gave it a try because I relished my time with the book. Since finishing it, I've missed not having it to return to.

Thanks to Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for allowing me to read a free ARC of the audiobook!

(Given I listened to the audiobook, I will have to check some of the name spellings when I'm able. I will correct them ASAP.)