Summary: Welcome to the final stop on our Summer Road Trip Series, friends! Today, Holly and Devin sip some tea while sheltering from the Seattle rain in Washington State. With cozy vibes that can quickly turn sinister, this state is ripe with potential for stories in either wheelhouse for our hosts. Culturally and literally this state is rooted in nature and the natural world, which can highlight the most epic loves or the darkest, chilling terrors. We’re so delighted you joined us for our road trip and are excited to dive into Spooky Season with you next!
Topics Discussed:
The Heart (4:08): Devin discussed Written in the Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur, a sapphic romance following Darcy Lowell and Elle Jones after a disastrous first date turns into a fake-dating relationship of convenience. Both trying to escape pressures from family, the no-nonsense actuary Darcy and the earnest astrologer Elle agree to play the part of lovers through the holiday season, but fate (and the stars?) have a different plan for them. Devin’s key takeaways are:
This novel takes place in Seattle and everything about it from the location descriptions to the characters themselves speak to that quirky, offbeat but sincere culture. Things are a bit slower, the rain creates a vibe, and everyone is more in-tune with their feelings in this neck of the woods.
Astrology is a major player in the entire trilogy by Bellefleur. The book has fun astrological tidbits woven throughout (what song are you based on your astrological sign, etc.) and is a huge part of Elle’s career, life etc. and how Darcy ends up authentically connecting with her.
This story was one of Devin’s favorite “opposites attract” and “fake dating” trope stories she’s run into for the last several years. Elle and Darcy are both so authentic, their issues so valid and their situation so feasible feeling that it’s impossible not to buy in.
The Dagger (16:27): Holly discussed The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean, a crime fiction story centered around Ellie Black - a 19 year-old who stumbles out of the Washington State woods and back into the world from which she disappeared when she was kidnapped two years prior. Detective Casey Calhoun works with Ellie and is determined to get to the bottom of what happened to her, but has a hard time getting straight answers. With personal investment in uncovering the truth, Calhoun must discern if it’s trauma or if Ellie is hiding something. Holly’s key takeaways were:
The concept and tropes in this book aren’t groundbreaking–disappearing girls, seasoned detective determined to solve it–but somehow Jean made the story feel fresh with fantastic execution. Jean deeply established the characters themselves, which balanced well with the story that unravels in alternating POVs and timelines.
Jean examines themes like misogyny and misplaced affection; Ellie’s perspective is told as though she’s speaking to someone, although we’re not sure who, if it’s the detective or someone else. It goes back and walks the reader through what she experienced while kidnapped, which is pretty chilling.
There was a decent sense of place as being in the Pacific Northwest, especially when experiencing the vastness of the woods that Ellie is held within and from which she emerges.
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