Tell me about the person behind the blog?
I’m Sam, a twenty something high-school English teacher, with a serious book-a-day addiction! Residing in Ontario, Canada, I like to snuggle with my dog (Ellie), purchase books on release day that will sit on my shelf for two years and drink iced caramel macchiatos all year (with extra caramel…because it’s delish).
When did you start blogging and why?
I started blogging in September 2016. I was looking for a hobby and was trying to figure out what I could do. I have always been a follower of many different types of blogs and one day, while browsing social media, I came across a bookstagram. That led me to several others and, before you know it, I had stumbled across this whole underground world of books and book blogging that I never knew existed! I have always been a reader so, I said to myself, “Hey! I could probably do this” and Clues and Reviews was born (it was obviously a little bit less neat than this re-telling, there was some self doubt and worry involved as well!!).
What are your proudest moments or achievements todate as a blogger?
I have had the opportunity to interview several of “auto buy” authors and feature them on my blog; that was awesome!
If you had to breakdown the components of your ideal perfect book, what would they be?
A fast paced, intricate plot has to be the first thing that comes to mind. I love anything that is quick and keeps me on the edge of my seat; short chapters help! I also love witty dialogue between characters and lots of “SAY WHAT” moments. Anything that comes out of left field and really shocks me always keeps me a happy reader.
What is your favourite genre to read?
For the most part, I read mystery and thriller books. I struggle a bit with police procedural novels, but I am a sucker for a psychological or domestic thriller.
Which 3 books do you always recommend?
Okay so I always recommend The Surgeon by Tess Gerritsen. The first book in a series following a female detective and medical examiner. Had me on the edge of my seat and reading with the lights on. Humerous dialogue, likeable characters and a stellar plot! Next is Brother by Ania Ahlborn. I usually tend to lead for scare your pants off type thrillers and this one is just that! Suspenseful, fast paced and the edge of your seat. The twist in this one blew my mind. I lend out my copy of this one continuously. Lastly, The Kind Worth Killing by Peter Swanson. I read this one after I hadnt read in a while and it was the book that made me fall in love with books again! Unreliable narration makes this one unputdownable.
Finally, tell me more about your blog and why we should subscribe.
Clues and Reviews does focus on the mystery/thriller genre but I occasionally branch out into other genres; I sometimes do need a palette cleanser! I am by no means a book critic, all my reviews are honest and are written the way I would describe a book to my friend. If I don’t like a book, I will tell you why but I always try to remain respectful. Writing a book takes lots of blood sweat and tears, and just because it wasn’t for me, doesn’t mean it won’t be for someone else! I also try to feature other bloggers regularly through my Behind the Blog series and incorporate Author Q&A’s into my regular posts.
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