Book Review Tuesday: Guns of Perdition @JessicaBakkers, What We Forgot to Bury, Marin Montgomery

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Warm and cozy window seat with cushions and a opened book, light through vintage shutters, rustic style home decor. Small cat on window seat, along with coffee cup by pillow, Words Book Review Tuesday superimposed over imageHappy Book Review Tuesday! It’s July, which means pool time for me, and plenty of reading. I’m happy to share two exceptional books, the first of which held me enthralled for two straight days. I may have finished it one if I didn’t need to sleep…

Gun of Perdition
by Jessica Bakkers

For a debut novel, this author knocked it out of the ballpark. I’m not much for kick-ass heroines, mainly because they come across as, well…contrived, but Grace Dyer is in a league of her own. Not only is she is a strong protagonist, but she’s backed by a number of equally strong, unique, and highly memorable characters.

Jessie is a clean-up boy in a saloon, minding his own business, when Grace strides in off the dirty trail and turns his world upside down. From that first explosive confrontation, the reader is sucked into the story, caught up in one astounding encounter after another. Soon, Jessie is hunting nightmarish creatures at Grace’s side as she searches for the conniving and sadistic “darksome gunman.” Joined by a wolf companion (who is far more than he seems) and a handful of others they encounter on their way, Grace and Jessie’s path leads them through towns where innocents are not always innocent an evil-doers, not always evil.

There are plenty of grays in this grim world which entwines the grit of the Old West with Biblical prophecy, Native American folklore, beastly creatures, poker hands, and battle lines drawn between good and evil. It’s a melting pot that grabs you right from the start and never lets go until the mind-blowing, staggering conclusion.

Of special note is the author’s grasp of period dialect, so perfect you can almost feel the spit and vinegar of trail dust falling off every word. Jessie’s character undergoes an amazing story arc, but each of the unique characters has their own moments to shine. As much as I loved Grace and Jessie, Kaga was the standout for me. To discover what made him–and the others–so special, you need to read this wildly colorful and entertaining story. One of my best reads of 2020!

5 Whopping Big Stars

AMAZON LINK
Genre: Dark Fantasy > Dark Fantasy Horror > Western Fantasy Horror

Book cover for What We Forgot to Bury shows single family home isolated on field of loose soilWhat We Forgot to Bury
by Marian Montgomery

This book is told between the alternating viewpoints of the two lead characters. Elle is troubled teen, close to flunking out her senior year of high school. She has a terrible home life, living in a filth-infested apartment with a drunk foster parent who gambles away her assistance checks. Elle’s father, a man with a history of domestic abuse, is in prison for a crime he says he didn’t commit.

Charlotte has a beautiful home in a gated community. Her workaholic husband is often absent, and her own dark past has left her wary of others. During a horrible storm, Elle knocks on Charlotte’s door for shelter. She knows all about Charlotte’s past, convinced that it contributed to ruining her life. Once Charlotte allows Elle into her house and her life, the reader is treated to both sides of the coin, and no one is who they seem.

Charlotte and Elle dance around each other, never fully trusting, while maintaining all the earmarks of a growing friendship. Soon Elle is left questing everything she thought she knew. In addition, she finds herself in an unexpected situation that leaves her vulnerable, her future uncertain. Again, Charlotte is there to help, solicitous, while still maintaining an underlying edge of distrust.

Occasionally, the behaviors of both characters require a stretch of the imagination, but the plot is twisty and engaging. There are HUGE surprises in store at the end. My only quibble is that when the revelations come, they strike like a thunderbolt—quick and done. I wish there had been more build up to the final cards being played. It all happens so fast. That aside, this was an inventive and suspenseful read and the ending was jaw-dropping. Well done!

5 STARS

Amazon Link
Genre: Domestic Thrillers

I love when books deliver surprises and twists at the end. Both of these novels did that in abundance. Kudos to the authors for keeping me entertained!

50 thoughts on “Book Review Tuesday: Guns of Perdition @JessicaBakkers, What We Forgot to Bury, Marin Montgomery”

    • Jessica did an amazing job with GOP, Harmony. It’s definitely dark, but it is SO good. And she nailed the dialogue, transporting me to that dark and gruesome west. I think you will love it. And while What We Forgot to Bury is an entirely different type of story, it held me riveted as well. Happy reading!

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  2. Sounds like you read two winners. It’s been a long time since I heard enthusiasm like yours for Guns of Perdition. That tells me she has a winner on her hands, which makes me really happy for her. Thanks for sharing.

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  8. Okay, I love monsters and urban fantasy. This sounds like cowboy fantasy and you sold me. Just bought it and can’t wait to read it. Glad you found a book you loved this much. Both books sound great. Love your reviews.

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    • I hope you enjoy it, Judi. It definitely plays to the the dark side, but the character and the plot itself are so freaking good, I was hooked from page one. Happy reading. I can’t wait for book two!

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    • It is definitely dark, Jacqui, I used to read a lot of horror in my younger days, but lately I shy from it. I just don’t have the stomach for it any longer.

      This one, however, worked for me. Maybe because much of it involved creatures rather than people. It could have also been that strange mashup of the Old West (I’m a western fan and know you are too), with strains of folklore, prophecy and more. I’m looking forward to book two!

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  15. I love reading dark stories and Guns of Perdition sounds like it will more than fit the bill. That’s an outstanding review, one any author would be truly proud to receive. “What we forgot To Bury” also sounds intriguing. I can hear my TBR list groaning already. Thanks for introducing me to two authors I haven’t read before.xo

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    • LOL! I can so relate to that groaning TBR, Soooz. Mine is the same way, And for every book I read, two more pop up. It doesn’t help that I’m currently involved in reading a series with 15 books, number 16 coming next week.

      With your love of dark, I think you would really enjoy GoP. The thread of Biblical prophecy is very cool too 😉

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  16. Wow, Mae! Thank you so so much for featuring Guns of Perdition, and for the ringing words of endorsement. I’m so thrilled you enjoyed it 🙂

    Thanks to all your readers too for their lovely comments! Very overwhelming for a newbie author to read all that support 🙂

    What We Forgot to Bury sounds very intriguing, especially coupled with that delicious title! I love a dance between two mysterious characters. Might have to check this one out!

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    • What We Forgot to Bury was a highly entertaining read Jess. If I remember correctly, it was one of my Amazon Prime First Reads. And as for Guns of Perdition….well, I was mesmerized. It amazes me that you captured the American West so well, given you are an Australian native. And I positively loved the blend of Biblical prophecy, Native American folklore, and all those creatures. You know how I like my creature, LOL. I can’t wait for book II!

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  20. Awesome reviews, Mae. The ending of Guns of Perdition is a shocker, isn’t it? I don’t think I took a breath for pages. (Sorry if this is a repeat comment – my first one disappeared). Congrats to both authors on the great reads. 🙂

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    • The end of GoP definitely came as a surprise, Diana—especially after the journey the characters took. I can’t wait for book 2 to see what happens next.
      Thanks for checking out the reviews!

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  22. I know I’m WAY late for this, but I’m still running behind on everything, so I apologize. I’m finally here, though and I enjoyed both reviews very much. I already have Guns of Perdition on my Kindle and it is now moving UP in the virtual TBR pile. I’m 75% finished with Peace Talks (OH, MY!) and will immediately be resuming my normal reading in another day or so, and am really looking forward to this one. 🙂

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    • And I know who has you tied up with reading right now, Marcia. I can’t wait to get to Peace Talks but I have several more books before that.

      I just know you will enjoy Guns of Perdition, too. The mashup of western, creatures and horror (and, yes, there is horror) is so well done!

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      • Peace Talks will be ready when you are, Mae. (That’s one of the best things about books.) Personally, I’m dying to see what you think of Ghost Story! 😀

        And your great review has me feeling CERTAIN I’m going to enjoy the heck out of Guns of Perdition. 😀 VERY soon! 😀

        Liked by 1 person

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