The Lost Man by Jane Harper

The Lost Man
by Jane Harper
narrated by Stephen Shanahan

Published: 2019
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Hardback: 340
Genre: Mystery, Thriller, Australia
Goodreads
Website
Rating: 5

First sentence(s):
From above, from a distance, the marks in the dust formed a tight circle.

They are at the stockman’s grave, a landmark so old, no one can remember who is buried there. But today, the scant shadow it casts was the last hope for their middle brother, Cameron. The Bright family’s quiet existence is thrown into grief and anguish. Something had been troubling Cameron. Did he lose hope and walk to his death? Because if he didn’t, the isolation of the outback leaves few suspects…

My two-bits:
Men's roles are in focus in this story with a country setting.

I liked the storytelling style. The mystery was revealed with experiences rather than investigation and questioning within a family.

~*~
* weekly theme: Australia - outback

* Listened to audiobook version.

Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

Nine Perfect Strangers
by Liane Moriarty
narrated by Caroline Lee

Published: 2018
Publisher: Flatiron Books
Genre: Chick-lit, Australia
Hardback: 464 pages
Rating: 4
Goodreads
Website

First sentence(s):
"I'm fine," said the woman.

Zombie sighting:
Masha's left arm rose stiff and zombie-like above her head.
chapter 1

Nine people gather at a remote health resort. Some are here to lose weight, some are here to get a reboot on life, some are here for reasons they can’t even admit to themselves. Amidst all of the luxury and pampering, the mindfulness and meditation, they know these ten days might involve some real work. But none of them could imagine just how challenging the next ten days are going to be.

Frances Welty, the formerly best-selling romantic novelist, arrives at Tranquillum House nursing a bad back, a broken heart, and an exquisitely painful paper cut. She’s immediately intrigued by her fellow guests. Most of them don’t look to be in need of a health resort at all. But the person that intrigues her most is the strange and charismatic owner/director of Tranquillum House. Could this person really have the answers Frances didn’t even know she was seeking? Should Frances put aside her doubts and immerse herself in everything Tranquillum House has to offer – or should she run while she still can?

It’s not long before every guest at Tranquillum House is asking exactly the same question.

My two-bits:

This started off with unlikable characters for me, but as the story unfolded each one transformed into likable (despite flaws) individuals.

Got me thinking of wellness related resorts and retreats.

~*~
* weekly theme: Australia - contemporary

The Bookshop of the Broken Hearted by Robert Hillman

The Bookshop of the Broken Hearted
by Robert Hillman

Published: 2019
Publisher: G.P. Putnam's Sons
Genre: Historical, Jewish, Australia
Hardback: 304 pages
Rating: 5
Goodreads
Website

First sentence(s):
She didn't stay long as far as marriages go, jut a year and then months.

Zombie sighting:
"… She has been six weeks at my apartment. Not a word. A zombie."
-chapter 35, page 280

Can one unlikely bookshop heal two broken souls?

It is 1968 in rural Australia and lonely Tom Hope can't make heads or tails of Hannah Babel. Newly arrived from Hungary, Hannah is unlike anyone he's ever met--she's passionate, brilliant, and fiercely determined to open sleepy Hometown's first bookshop.

Despite the fact that Tom has only read only one book in his life, when Hannah hires him to install shelving for the shop, the two discover an astonishing spark. Recently abandoned by an unfaithful wife--and still missing her sweet son, Peter--Tom dares to believe that he might make Hannah happy. But Hannah is a haunted woman. Twenty-four years earlier, she had been marched to the gates of Auschwitz.

My two-bits:

Loved the portrayal of books and the bookshop in this story.

Loved the Tom character and his gentle and loving ways.

Loved the description of how to make trifle.

~*~
* weekly theme: Australia - country

Summer Skin by Kirsty Eagar

Summer Skin
by Kirsty Eagar

Published: 2018
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Genre: New Adult, Romance, Australia
Paperback: 352
Rating: 5
Goodreads
Website

First sentence(s):
Jess Gordon reached the third story of Gallagher Wing and paused for breath on the landing, taking the opportunity to tie the laces on her high tops, pull up her tube socks.

Zombie sighting:
Each room she searched on T-floor was both deserted and a shambles; like some great catastrophe had happened during the day, the zombie apocalypse, rather than just a music festival.
chapter 28, page 225

Jess Gordon is out for revenge. Last year the jocks from Knights College tried to shame her best friend. This year she and a hand-picked college girl gang are going to get even.

The lesson: Don't mess with Unity College girls.

The target: Blondie, a typical Knights stud, arrogant, cold . . . and smart enough to keep up with Jess.

A neo-riot grrl with a penchant for fanning the flames meets a rugby-playing sexist pig―sworn enemies or two people who happen to find each other when they're at their most vulnerable?

It's all Girl meets Boy, Girl steals from Boy, seduces Boy, ties Boy to a chair, and burns Boy's stuff. Just your typical love story.

My two-bits:

Fun, spunky, head strong gal meets her match. Loved the push and pull moments between this couple as well as their relationship growth.

Got a nice introduction to college life in the land down under.

~*~
* weekly theme: Australia - college scene

Books and Burgers

My foodie self is in search for the top three best burgers in San Francisco.

Based on my taste buds of an overall burger bite, my basic criteria includes:

beef patty
cheddar cheese
1000 island dressing (optional)

Note: descriptions are primarily from the venue menu

Rating scale:
yay - most definitely a win
kay - in a pinch will satisfy the craving
nay - don't bother

Location: Ella's American Kitchen (Presidio)
Description: Ella's Burger
ground brisket, lettuce, tomato, pickles, cheddar, tomato aioli, potato bun
comes with fries
Rating: kay
On the side: The Years by Annie Ernaux

Location: WesBurger 'N' More (Mission)
Description: The All-American
6oz patty with lettuce, tomato, onion, special sauce and cheddar cheese
side order: tots available (instead of fries)
Rating: kay
On the side: American Spy by Lauren Wilkinson

Location: 1428 HAIGHT Patio Cafe & Crepery (Haight)
Description: Lovin Haight
wisconsin sharp cheddar, crispy lettuce, sliced tomatoes & red onions
comes with fries
Rating: kay
On the side: Molokai by Alan Brent

Location: Eat Americana (Outer Richmond)
Description: Burger Time! All Beef Patty
cheddar cheese, 1000 island, lettuce, shaved red onion, brioche bun
comes with fries
Rating: nay
The flavor of the meat was off as it seemed to soak up juices from the grill cooking nearby - like bacon. Also, the bun did not work for me in regards to flavor as well.
On the side: Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty

the search continues…

~*~
*image source: books and burger