2/15/26 — Christina Critiques

THE BLOODY BRICK ROAD: A Wizard of Oz Retelling

By: Maude Royer

Release: 1/6/26

Page count: 320

KU: No           Hoopla: No

Synopsis: Dorothy losses her job, boyfriend, and not only witnesses a terrible car crash, but is one of the injured. Twenty-four years later, the past is coming back to haunt her.

First line: “It’s the hormones, Dorothy told herself as she parked in from of an old brick house in downtown Montreal.”

Favorite line: “Kansas? That’s unusual. Is that a real name?” “Why? You afraid they’ll tease him at school?”

Thoughts: Now, don’t start this novel believing it’s a plot by plot of the Wizard of Oz, or you will be disappointed. BUT!, if you love a slasher/whodunit with sprinklings of the original story, this is for you. Plus, a guy fucks a shoe, so there’s that. I hope this author gives us more from this world.

Rating: 4.5/5

Other recommendations: PETER PAN, HANSEL AND GRETEL

Find it here: https://a.co/d/09pvx8tH

OF BEASTS

By: M. Jane Worma

Release: 2/9/26

Page count: 120

KU: No          Hoopla: No

Synopsis: Jude and Dante have a very unconventional relationship dynamic - one is a local pastor, the other may just bring about the end of the world.

First line: “Dante was ducking the local pastor.”

Favorite line: “Rebuke me, Jude.”

Thoughts: Talk about a gut punch of a novella. I’m not sure how long it will be before I recover from this one. And layers? Baby, this is a french onion soup of layers. A taboo relationship told in a heartbreaking, soul crushing manner while begging the question - how much can you truly love someone?

Rating: 10/5 (first one of the year)

Find it here: https://a.co/d/0c65bKUd

IN THIS CITY, WHERE IT RAINS

By: Lyndsey Croal

Release: 2/3/26

Page count: 119

KU: No       Hoopla: No

Synopsis: Maggie can see the dead when it rains. Sadly, it’s always raining! Because of a tragic accident, she developed the sense but years later the past has come for its pound of flesh.

First line: “It was raining again, but it always rained in the city.”

Favorite line: ”Sometimes you’re born into family, sometimes it finds you.”

Thoughts: Croal gives us ghosts, familial secrets, lost love, revenge, and a sentient house. What’s not to love? Even though Angus isn’t a main character, he’s one of my favorite in this story. Definitely the perfect story for a rainy day… just watch for shadows.

Rating: 4.5/5

Find it here: https://a.co/d/0f9lyJWR