Xepherus Reads

    Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,          Not a Happy Family is written by Shari Lapena and is published by Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House. In it, we are introduced to Sheila and Fred Merton. They have invited their family to Easter dinner at their large home in the affluent neighborhood of Brecken Hill.    By the next day, they lie murdered in their home.    As family members and acquaintances are introduced and questioned, it is clear that one of them has murdered the Mertons. And what they will do to keep their secret may cause the death of another.   Not a Happy Family was a day-read for me. It is fun, fast-paced, and delivers twist after twist. I loved the family drama interlaced throughout the story. Lapena understands how to craft a mystery that has the reader stumped. As I was introduced to the cast of characters I enjoyed their backstories. They gave me plenty of suspects to choose from. When ...

  Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,      It is time to begin sharing my  2026 Xepherus Reads  Reading Challenge results.    The challenge dates are January 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026  Book Challenge books read: 3/50) Books Read Not in a Category: (00) Total Books Read: (03)   Updated 01/20/2026   Xepherus Reads Challenge categories (in alphabetical order):                 A 2025 Goodreads Choice winner- A banned book- A biography of a celebrity- A book a Netflix show was based on- A book by a debut author- A book by your favorite author you have not read- Not a Happy Family by Shari Lapena (****) A book featuring your favorite character- A book from your childhood- A Book of the Month Club Book- A book over 500 pages- A book published during the 1970s- A book published in 2025- A book purchased at a book fair- A book purchased at a thrift store- A book recommend...

  Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,          The Last Word by Taylor Adams comes in hot off the success of No Exit. It is published by William Morrow, and imprint of Harper Collins Publishers. In it, we are introduced to Emma Carpenter. She is grieving a terrible loss and has become introverted, leaving society behind. With her dog, Laika, she makes money housesitting. When she accepts a job taking care of a house on a remote beach, she is content. Her neighbor is a old man named Deek, who loves to communicate via a wipe-off board and a telescope. She walks the beach and enjoys the solitude. To pass the time Emma reads voraciously any thriller she can get for her e-reader.    But when a particularly badly written thriller is read by her, she leaves a one-star review. Afterward she moves on. The author does not. A series of terrifying encounters at night, has her convinced author H.G. Kane has tracked her down to make her the latest victim...

  Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,      Cozy books are a great way to break up constant horror or thriller reading. At times a book may be a heavy thing to move on from. I love to pick up a book that warms my heart and resets my reading.    Jenny Colgan is an excellent author to look into. Her brand of romance and drama in small towns and villages never fails to make me smile.   This series introduces us to Polly Waterford. She has lost her relationship, business, and home. With little to lose, she embarks on reinventing herself using her favorite hobby, baking. Renting an apartment over an abandoned baker, Polly begins baking and soon becomes a star in the small tidal village of Mount Polbearne.   Romance, baking, a little mystery, and lots of laughs makes this a great cozy series to enjoy. Click on the book covers below for my past reviews of the first three books in the series.       Let me know  what you are readi...

    Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,         I am clearing out my book shelves to make room for new books. I have added new books to my eBay Store  that you may want to get.        Follow me on social media by visiting my  Linktree . I am preparing my debut novel for publication. Check out the  official website  for clues, crowdfunding, and previews.  Enjoy shopping with me at my  eBay  store and visit my Print-on-Demand sites for t-shirts, mugs, and more!    I am a proud affiliate of  Book of the Month . Check out their amazing selection and save by clicking above.    Because there is always time to read,   Xepherus3   All written content Copyright  (c)  2026 by Thomas Bahr II All store and debut novel ads are designed and Copyright  (c)  by Xepherus Studios Days to Die is (c) Copyright 1990-2026 by Thomas Bahr II (T.L. Bahr) All Rights R...

  Hello, Fellow Book Worms and Book Dragons,          It all begins with a job interview. John "Jack" Torrance has hit rock bottom and needs an alternative income stream. His position as a professor has ended, his alcoholism is out of hand, and his relationship with his wife and son is deteriorating. A job interview at Colorado's Overlook Hotel is what he needs to make money, write, and patch up his family.    Miles away, his young son, Danny, is plagued with visions of evil at the Overlook. After months of living in isolation in Colorado, Jack attempts to murder Danny and his mother, Wendy. Using his psychic abilities, he contacts Dick Halloran, another person with the Shine, to help them. This sets the stage for a bitter struggle between Danny and the forces of darkness.  It is a story of sobriety, healing, and terrifying encounters.    This set of books is the kind of read that keeps you up all night with the lights on. In Doctor...