Tips for Tuesday - Books: Joy Moody is Out of Time & The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective; Podcast: Killer Genes

We may have been given complimentary copies and/or access for review purposes to any books, products, and/or any other visual or audio media mentioned below. Any and all opinions expressed here are our own.

Books:  Joy Moody is Out of Time & The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective

Today, we recommend Joy Moody is Out of Time by Kerry Mayne. Cassie & Andie have grown up mostly isolated with their mother, Joy, working beside her in their family-owned laundromat, Joyful Suds. They have never had formal schooling, have no birth certificates or records of any kind that show they exist, and know very little about their past except that their mother has always told them they come from the future, and on their 21st birthday, they will have to return there to lead a revolution. When Andie starts to think their mother has been lying to them and orders a DNA test, and Joy suddenly dies on their birthday, shocking secrets come to light, and the girls are thrust into a world they are not prepared for.

This is a quite unconventional, but captivating book. Although the story may sound crazy from the description, and it is, it also makes perfect sense when you read it. The plot is very clever and incredibly unique. The characters are unusual but endearing. The story is full of surprises, and even when you think you know everything, there is one last shocking revelation left to come. Although there is at least one element that may be hard to digest, especially for more sensitive readers, it is still an extremely worthwhile read.  If you are looking for a fun, offbeat, original mystery full of unbelievable twists but also full of heart, this book is an excellent choice. 

Today, we recommend The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective by Jo Nichols. When a murder occurs on the grounds of the Marigold Cottages, sweet elderly Mrs. B. puts herself on the line to prove that their newest resident, ex-con Anthony, is not responsible. Whether or not they think Anthony is responsible, her tenants won't let any harm come to their beloved landlady, so they band together to find out the truth. 

This book is packed with engaging quirky characters, starting with the adorable but feisty grandmotherly Mrs. B. The mystery is interesting, but that is secondary to getting to know these lovable characters and basking in the warmth of the family-like vibes they share. Chapters told from alternating views allow the reader to enter the minds of various characters and really feel for them. Those told from the point of view of the character Sophie, a young playwright, are written as if they are scenes in a script, which adds a unique and interesting element to the story. If you are looking for a cosy mystery filled with lovely found family vibes and a generous helping or two of romance as well, you can't go wrong with this book. 

Podcast: Killer Genes 

Today, we recommend Killer Genes. This is a true crime podcast hosted by Emmy-nominated journalists, Melissa McCarty and Kelly McLear, both of whom have numerous years of experience in the field. This unique podcast is not just another rehashing of the most well-known crime stories, which everyone is likely to be familiar with; instead, it delves deeply into various cases that are likely to be unfamiliar to most listeners. Their thorough examination of each case includes interviews with witnesses, attorneys, and others connected to the case, including, even, at times, the convicted. They are also not afraid to cover the same case through more than the usual one or two episode standard. No matter how many episodes they spend on a case, which in at least one case was four or five episodes, each episode remains equally exciting and interesting. There are also special episodes with fellow journalists and others who are uniquely familiar with a case. If you are a fan of true crime, you will love this enthralling podcast.

And that's our view. Joy Moody is Out of Time and The Marigold Cottages Collective were published last Tuesday, August 19. Killer Genes is available on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Tune in tomorrow for Where-To-Go Wednesday. 

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