The Shining Girls by Lauren Beukes is a re-read for me. As is often the case with a really well written book, it’s even better the second time. The ending hit me harder, the inherent heartbreak in it.

It’s a time-travel serial killer story—so, a sci-fi psychological thriller. I don’t always love time travel, but Beukes makes it work seamlessly, and, in the world of the novel, believably. Plot basics, spoiler alert — in Depression-era Chicago, con man loser Harper Curtis discovers, literally, a key to time travel. He is compelled to seek out and kill “shining girls.” The anachronistic clues he leaves with each body are enough to put one of his planned victims, journalism student Kirby Mazrachi, hot on his trail.

I’m a bit behind in posting these—this is from May 5. I was at The Brick Bistro & Brew in Festus, Missouri, where Tim had one of the first outdoor gigs of the year. Considering the date, I had a margarita.

At Twelve Oaks Vineyard, I had a flight because I couldn’t decide. Since I was reading Lethal White by Robert Galbraith / J.K. Rowling, I snapped a shot with a bottle of their Cayuga White. I love Cormoran Strike and Robin Ellacott, and Galbraith tells a good story. I’m usually in suspense all the way to the end. I’m becoming impatient with the love interest side of things—either get them together or have them address why it won’t work (if it wouldn’t work). Still, I’m invested in the characters so I’ll ride out the series.

Share your own #nerdinabarwithabook if you like!

#nerdinabarwithabook