|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
my rating |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9798212437486
| B0BRRSFKPX
| 4.18
| 581
| Aug 22, 2023
| Aug 22, 2023
|
really liked it
|
While on vacation in Las Vegas, a businessman wakes up in a strange hotel room to find a dead woman in the bathtub. Panicked, he runs. But before he ca While on vacation in Las Vegas, a businessman wakes up in a strange hotel room to find a dead woman in the bathtub. Panicked, he runs. But before he can get far, a pair of detectives stop him. Desperate, he tells them that he’s innocent. That there’s no way he killed the woman. That he’ll do anything not to go to prison. That’s when they offer him a way out. But there is no way out—as the detectives will soon learn. I have to admit upfront that The Killing Room wasn’t the type of thriller that I would normally read. Just the same, when all of my friends and colleagues with Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse started clamoring over this one, I knew that I had to read it, no ifs, ands, or buts. And while my first statement is still definitely true, the action-packed thrills and chills were utterly addictive. Despite the fact that the plot had a definite “dad book” vibe, this thriller loving fiend still inhaled it from beginning to end. With a fast-paced, propulsive storyline that just never let up, the claustrophobic feel simply oozed from the pages. But the twists were the true winners for me. Time after time, I was entirely blown away by a new unexpected link or surprising revelation. And as they quickly blew apart every one of my guesses, the action movie-like plot rolled on with adrenaline-pumping speed. Needless to say, there wasn’t much not to love. The characters ran the gamut from cold-hearted villains to possible heroes. At the same time, they were all finely layered. Unlike a Marvel type film, they all had their good sides—and their bad. Up to and including our narrator. What I particularly liked, however, were the multiple POVs. Through it, I got a glimpse into all of their psyches. While perhaps not all that deep, each persona was on the cusp of fully fleshed out. Especially our hero. Now I look forward to learning more about him and his past in the sequel, Enemy of the State, which comes out in August. All in all, while I wouldn’t have typically picked up this novel given the general vibe, I’m so glad that I did. With one epic game of cat-and-mouse and no end to the slights of hand, this was one book that truly kept me guessing. And with a conclusion that both deftly wrapped up the plot but also set it up perfectly for the sequel, there’s every chance that I’ll be diving straight into the next book in the series. So even if it sounds somewhat outside of your wheelhouse, give this crime thriller a try. It just might surprise you. After all, it certainly did so for me. Rating of 4 stars. Thank you to Robert Swartwood and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: Out now (Enemy of the State comes out on August 20, 2024) Trigger warning: gun violence, police corruption, mention of: domestic violence, human trafficking ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Jul 08, 2024
|
Jul 09, 2024
|
Jul 08, 2024
|
Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 1250875471
| 9781250875471
| 1250875471
| 3.98
| 577
| Oct 01, 2024
| Oct 01, 2024
|
really liked it
|
If you haven’t read The Plot yet, STOP READING NOW! While I’ve done my best to avoid any spoilers, there will inevitably be a few substantial hints th
If you haven’t read The Plot yet, STOP READING NOW! While I’ve done my best to avoid any spoilers, there will inevitably be a few substantial hints that would ruin the first book in this series. A masterful follow-up to The Plot, The Sequel happily took me back into the twisty world of Ms. Korelitz’s mind. This time, however, the main character was even more compelling, addictive, and utterly all-consuming. Picking up pretty much right after the conclusion of book one, I was over the moon to finally get Anna’s much wanted perspective. After all, the epitome of an anti-heroine, her viewpoint was the one piece of the puzzle that I had missed the last time around. Let me back up just a bit, though. I mean, this story had all of the winning attributes that I look for in a book. And the fact that it was yet another work of metafiction with book within a book additions? It just couldn’t have been better. Granted, it was somewhat of a long, slow burn until the last one hundred thrilling pages. A brilliantly combined mix of drama and suspense, the slow buildup nevertheless led to high stakes and a tense game of cat-and-mouse that won me over hook, line, and sinker by the perfectly plotted conclusion. As much as I loved this second book in the series, though, I do have to say that it didn’t quite blow me away as much as The Plot. That’s not to say that there weren’t plenty of twists that had my jaw on the floor here as well, because there unquestionably were. What was done better, however, was Anna. One truly villainous protagonist, her fully fleshed out persona and deep background pulled me in deep. All told, I rallied behind her—despite (or because of) some truly despicable deeds. All in all, I was duly impressed. Original and yet oddly realistic, I never would have guessed where this one was heading. From the adrenaline-fueled climax to the well-written satire, my only hope is that there’s still room for a third book in the series. Perhaps The Epilogue would be fitting? After all, I would revel in another finely layered plot with more deftly obscured clues and morally gray characters. All I know is that this is not one to be missed. Just don’t go into it before first reading The Plot. In my estimation, that would be one doozy of a mistake. Rating of 4.5 stars. SYNOPSIS: Anna Williams-Bonner has taken care of business. That is to say, she’s taken care of her husband, bestselling novelist Jacob Finch Bonner, and laid to rest those anonymous accusations of plagiarism that so tormented him. Now she is living the contented life of a literary widow, enjoying her husband’s royalty checks in perpetuity, but for the second time in her life, a work of fiction intercedes, and this time it’s her own debut novel, The Afterword. After all, how hard can it really be to write a universally lauded bestseller? But when Anna publishes her book and indulges in her own literary acclaim, she begins to receive excerpts of a novel she never expected to see again, a novel that should no longer exist. That it does means something has gone very wrong, and someone out there knows far too much: about her late brother, her late husband, and just possibly... Anna, herself. What does this person want and what are they prepared to do? She has come too far, and worked too hard, to lose what she values most: the sole and uncontested right to her own story. And she is, by any standard, a master storyteller. Thank you to Jean Hanff Korelitz and Celadon Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: October 1, 2024 Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list. Trigger warning: drugging, kidnapping, blackmail, gun violence, mention of: suicide ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Sep 21, 2024
|
Sep 22, 2024
|
Jun 22, 2024
|
Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 1835254470
| 9781835254479
| B0D4S1QCP7
| 3.86
| 681
| unknown
| Aug 16, 2024
|
really liked it
|
Knowing my love for this author, I went into her newest book completely blind. After closing the cover, I have to say that doing so was a blessing. Wh
Knowing my love for this author, I went into her newest book completely blind. After closing the cover, I have to say that doing so was a blessing. While the synopsis wasn’t stuffed full of spoilers, it also would’ve lessened my love for this book. So, if you’re willing, go into this one unawares. I promise it will be worth it. If, however, you’re one of those people who can’t, you’ll find the blurb at the end of my review… I can’t tell you how overjoyed I was to learn that Paul Strom was back in the picture. After first meeting him in Best Day Ever, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I would be in for quite the ride within the pages of this sequel, The Second Mrs. Strom. After all, one of my favorite tropes just so happens to be that of the villain narrator. But add to that delicious bag of tricks the fact that Paul is a sociopathic narcissist? For this thriller lover, it truly couldn’t have been better. The plot and the characters, of course, had a delightful unhinged quality that I always equate with Kaira Rouda. Gifted at crafting scenes and personas that are perfectly unstable, they also somehow retain a true-to-life essence. Naturally, this book was no exception. Well-plotted and written with care, the ballooning suspense and sense of impending disaster just ratcheted higher and higher right along with the page count. Even better, however, were the multitude of twists that caught me entirely unawares. Needless to say, they were jaw-droppers for sure. Done and dusted, the unlikeable characters, epic mind games, and questionable morals won me over hook, line, and sinker. Now I just pray that this second book in the Paul Strom saga isn’t the last that we hear from him. Poised perfectly for a follow up, I’m throwing myself on Ms. Rouda’s mercy. As for you, fellow readers, if you haven’t discovered the perfection that can be found within these quick, easy reads, be sure to check them out ASAP. After all, those of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse simply can’t stop talking about Paul, Cecilia, and this killer tale of domestic suspense. Rating of 4.5 stars. Thank you to Kaira Rouda, Bookouture, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: August 16, 2024 Trigger warning: controlling relationship, infidelity, adoption As promised, here is the publisher provided synopsis: If you had met me a year ago, you wouldn’t have noticed me. A beautiful woman, but a struggling nobody in a tiny apartment, invisible… Meeting Paul changed that. And now here I am in Paris, after a whirlwind courtship and a stunning beach proposal I smile at my handsome husband, my eyes shining in the candlelight, my huge diamond ring sparkling on the starched white tablecloth. Other women look at me in envy. They see a couple completely in love. They’re wrong. Despite this incredible luxury vacation, my husband and I can’t escape our problems. I can’t get over what he did with that woman just after our wedding, and my bright smile can’t hide the hardness in my heart. I wonder if Paul knows the truth. That our first meeting, when we fell in love, wasn’t the coincidence he thinks it was. That what I want from him has nothing to do with his money. And now that he’s wronged me, I’ll stop at nothing to get it… ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Jun 25, 2024
|
Jun 25, 2024
|
May 31, 2024
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1737360799
| 9781737360797
| 1737360799
| 4.15
| 1,239
| Jun 24, 2024
| Jun 24, 2024
|
it was amazing
|
Tok, Alaska. Cameron Prescott hopes the past stays buried. After believing her murderous husband is finally dead, the fierce survivor longs to start o
Tok, Alaska. Cameron Prescott hopes the past stays buried. After believing her murderous husband is finally dead, the fierce survivor longs to start over with her state trooper boyfriend. But her illusion of peace shatters when she hears of a fresh killing that resembles her late husband’s grisly signature. Horrified to learn the evidence points to a member of law enforcement, Cameron questions how well she knows her new man. And as the lies and bodies pile up, Cameron is convinced she's being stalked by a killer. Is trusting anyone just a path to a cold tomb? Oh. My. God. Having read—and loved—The Final Hunt, I knew I was in for quite the treat with its sequel. Needless to say, I wasn’t let down in the least by the brilliance that I found within The Last Hunt’s spine-tingling pages. With compelling characters, an atmospheric setting, and a fast-paced, addictive plot, I got pulled into this book from the very first page. After all, the prologue threw me straight into the deep end in all of its action-packed glory. And that was before I encountered even one of its jaw-dropping reveals. What kept me thoroughly engaged, however, were the dynamic characters who came alive on the page. Growing in depth from the last book, both of the narrators struck a chord with me even more so than the first time around. In fact, I was shocked to discover that I loved this continuing saga even more than book one. With heart-pounding action, a healthy dose of foreboding, and plenty of red herrings, it was a thriller lover’s dream from beginning to end. All in all, from the palpable tension to the well-developed plot, there simply wasn’t a thing not to love about each and every piece of this finely tuned mystery. Cole truly went above and beyond to deliver a superlative novel with non-stop suspense and precise plotting that left me fully immersed in Cameron’s newest crisis. Now I just have to hope, pray, and maybe even beg for a book three in this unputdownable, explosive, binge-worthy, mesmerizing series. As for every thriller lover out there, you simply HAVE to get your hands on these books. And please, start at the beginning. You’re not going to want to miss a minute with Cameron. Rating of 5+ stars. *One final note: While this could potentially be read as a stand-alone, I wouldn’t recommend it. In addition to the spoilers you would encounter, you might find yourself lost here and there as details are slow-dripped into the plot. Plus, as I’ve already said, you’re not going to want to miss out on a minute with these magnificent characters. Thank you to Audrey J. Cole for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: June 25, 2024 Trigger warning: abduction, breaking and entering, strangulation, gun violence ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Jun 24, 2024
|
Jun 24, 2024
|
May 13, 2024
|
Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 166251137X
| 9781662511370
| B0CJWDTBM9
| 4.28
| 1,077
| Sep 10, 2024
| Sep 10, 2024
|
it was amazing
|
Wow. Just wow. Both a gripping tale about the lasting damage of childhood trauma and a nuanced, acute, suspense-filled novel, The Truth You Told was j
Wow. Just wow. Both a gripping tale about the lasting damage of childhood trauma and a nuanced, acute, suspense-filled novel, The Truth You Told was just another example of Brianna Labuskes’s virtuoso-like skill. With a finely layered, complex plot and twists that legitimately caused my jaw to drop, there was no getting away from the fact that this newest addition to the Raisa Susanto series was an utter home run. Quite frankly, it managed to outshine the first book, which is saying something as it too was simply sublime. While the plot was everything that I wanted and more, the characters easily got my gold star for the day. Multi-dimensional, flawed, and beyond realistic, they both pulled at my heartstrings and also helped drive unbridled suspense. I especially loved how we got to know Callum Kilkenny even better. Poignant and revealing, I’m already eagerly awaiting what this impressive character combo will be doing next. I mean, it’s just so rare to find personalities that are so real that they could walk right off of the page. Okay. Now onto the best bit by far. I know what I said above, but this plot was downright addictive. Told from dual alternating timelines and POVs, the cliffhanger chapters and explosive revelations had me repeatedly shouting “Wait, what?!” as I was shocked yet again. Of course, much like the first book in the series, I had to pay close attention to what was going on. Without that, I could’ve easily gotten lost, but when the last puzzle piece was revealed it just didn’t matter. After all, my mind was 100% blown. I do have to warn you that this is hardly an action-packed thriller. More of a slow burn suspense novel mixed judiciously with crime fiction, it had surprising depth that doubled down on Raisa’s recent trials. I also wouldn’t recommend reading this as a standalone. While it’s certainly possible to understand what was going on, there are continuing sagas and overlapping characters that weren’t thoroughly explained. Additionally, of course, you’d miss out on one heck of a spellbinding tale filled with delicious drama, tantalizing intrigue, and in-your-face deceit. All in all, already one of my auto-buy authors, Ms. Labuskes has clearly done it again. Her last series easily ranked among my favorites, but this one is quickly catching up with this newest addition. Thanks to an intricate plot, binge-worthy characters, and an unputdownable premise, it easily hit all of the sweet spots for me. Needless to say, I’m in love with the book in all of its serial killer focused glory. So if it wasn’t already obvious, I wholeheartedly recommend grabbing both this and The Lies You Wrote now. A dynamite duo, they undeniably had me from hello. Rating of 5 stars. SYNOPSIS: Forensic psychologist Callum Kilkenny lost his wife, Shay, to the very serial killer he’d hunted for five years. When Nathaniel Conrad—known as the Alphabet Man, for his love of tattooing codes onto his victims’ bodies—was condemned to death row, Callum thought the game of cat and mouse was over. But just before execution, Nathaniel drops a bombshell: he’s not the one who murdered Shay. After analyzing the killer’s taunting, coded letters to authorities—one for each victim—FBI forensic linguist Raisa Susanto believes him. The discrepancies bear it out. So was it a copycat? A partner in crime? Or something more sinister? If Nathaniel knows the answer, Raisa fears he’ll be taking that closely guarded secret to his grave. As Raisa and Callum are pulled into an investigation to solve Shay’s murder, it reopens old traumas that cut deeper than they could imagine. Before someone else dies, Raisa must decipher the unbelievable truth in an ever-twisting case built on a foundation of lies. Thank you to Brianna Labuskes and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: September 10, 2024 Trigger warning: child abuse ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Sep 07, 2024
|
Sep 08, 2024
|
Apr 28, 2024
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 9798212638135
| B0CST6G21J
| 4.47
| 79
| unknown
| Aug 20, 2024
|
really liked it
|
Taking action-packed to a whole new level, Enemy of the State had my fingers flying through the pages as my eyes whizzed across the words. The second
Taking action-packed to a whole new level, Enemy of the State had my fingers flying through the pages as my eyes whizzed across the words. The second book in the Killing Room series, it was no surprise that my colleagues at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse have been shouting about this one from the rafters. After all, the dynamite characters, jaw-dropping twists, and explosive pacing meant that I read it in just a handful of hours. You heard me, despite the near 400 pages, I found myself almost skimming so that I could find out the spine-tingling whos, whats, and whys. The plot began from the moment The Killing Room ended. With nary a lull, the action movie-esque feel continued right on cue. With a well-plotted, deftly layered storyline that twisted and turned, this newest novel even delivered several humdinger twists. The kind where I gasped in delight as I shouted “Wait, WHAT?!” with unadulterated glee. Trust me when I say that this was like a finely tuned climax from beginning to end. One where you absolutely don’t want the carnage to stop no matter what. As for the characters, while Daniel easily reminded me of a more likeable Jason Bourne, I found myself rooting for not only him, but his compatriots as well. For that reason, I actually liked this sophomore work better than the first in the series. Add into the mix a smattering of villains that ran the gamut from evil overlord to merely gullible, and I was firmly in their thrall as they raced to catch their wanted man—wherever he was. The only piece to the puzzle that didn’t win me over hook, line, and sinker was the conclusion. A blatant cliffhanger ending, it seriously made me want to hurl my tablet across the room. Of course, that’s mostly because I’m that irritating type of reader who loves finales with neat, pretty, little bows. So if you don’t mind an unresolved plot line or two, you’ll definitely be over the moon when you reach the last heart-seizing page. All in all, from the riveting game of cat-and-mouse to the well-crafted multiple POVs, I was utterly spellbound by Swartwood’s newest novel. I mean, I honestly don’t normally go for “dad book” type plots, but somehow this one ended up being a winner for me. So even if you aren’t an out-and-out fan of action/spy/crime thrillers (it has a bit of all three), I definitely recommend trying out this propulsive series. And don’t worry, if you’d rather start with this one instead, it can certainly be read as a stand-alone all things considered. Rating of 4.5 stars. SYNOPSIS: The world believed Daniel Burke was dead. At least, the few people in the government who knew he existed did. Once part of an elite black op team, Burke faked his death so he could avenge his brother. Now that those responsible have been brought to justice, he plans to leave the country and start a new life. But before Burke can even get on the plane, his old team has tracked him down The CIA believes Daniel Burke is a traitor—an enemy of the state—who must answer for his crimes. But others in government simply want him dead. Knowing he's been set up, Burke is the only one who can track down and expose the real traitor--before it's too late. Thank you to Robert Swartwood, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: August 20, 2024 Trigger warning: gun violence, kidnapping, torture, espionage ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Jul 14, 2024
|
Jul 14, 2024
|
Apr 23, 2024
|
Paperback
| |||||||||||||||
| 1662511647
| 9781662511646
| 1662511647
| 4.39
| 1,275
| Jul 16, 2024
| Jul 16, 2024
|
it was amazing
|
Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of
Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of the road―alone. It was as if her parents and younger sister, Ella, had simply disappeared. One year later, Alice is still dealing with nightmares and unanswered questions when she and her friends find Ella’s bloodstained backpack in the basement of an abandoned home. As Detective Jess Lambert investigates, she uncovers dark secrets that put her on a collision course with her past. Jess’s only witness is haunted by her own ghosts―ghosts that might ultimately be connected to Jess. Jess will do anything to find out what happened to the Harpers―no matter how deep she has to dig. Because neither the living nor the dead are giving up their secrets easily. OHHHEMMMGEEE! How does Christina McDonald manage to craft books that just get better and better? In the first book in the series, These Still Black Waters, she pulled the rug right out from under me in the best possible way. Now, with What Lies in Darkness, I couldn’t keep the s*** eating grin off of my face. From the magically interwoven plot to the well-developed characters who had me in the palm of their hands, there wasn’t a thing not to love. Even better, though, was McDonald still managed to shock me all the way to my core. The plot itself alternated back and forth between dual timelines and multiple POVs. In fact, it was so intoxicating that I lost track of time. Despite clearly remembering the earth-shattering twist from book one in the series, this time around there was also even more of a heartbreaking element. Through thought-provoking quotable quotes and plot charging emotion, I felt this storyline deep in my bones. That’s not to say there wasn’t non-stop suspense and palpable tension. I promise that that was also there in spades. Like most characters in a series, Jess has blossomed from the prequel to book one and now book two. The more I learn about her, the more realistic she becomes to the point where I almost feel like I know her by now. Yet again, though, she wasn’t the only character real enough to walk right off the page. From her stand-in partner to her witch of a boss, they each fit their roles to a T. All I can say is that I can’t wait to see where they all go from here. And I’m not the only one. All of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse feel exactly the same way. Done and dusted, this newest addition to the Jess Lambert saga hit all the sweet spots for me. With a twisty, atmospheric plot, an unstoppable yet flawed heroine, and a killer conclusion, this psychologically acute thriller was beyond a slam dunk. A masterclass in suspense, McDonald has done it yet again. Already an auto-buy author for me, her sharp writing meant I felt immersed in this story. Take it from me, you have got to get your hands on this series. And please, start at the beginning. You’re not going to want to miss a minute with Jess. Rating of 5+ stars. Thank you to Christina McDonald and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: July 16, 2024 Trigger warning: threatening messages, embezzlement, alcoholism, mention of: infidelity ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
May 30, 2024
|
May 31, 2024
|
Mar 01, 2024
|
Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 1982179643
| 9781982179649
| 1982179643
| 3.84
| 517
| Feb 27, 2024
| Feb 27, 2024
|
really liked it
|
Nearly ten years ago, Toronto homicide detective Daniel Kennicott’s brother was shot and killed. The case was never solved—and the lack of answers has
Nearly ten years ago, Toronto homicide detective Daniel Kennicott’s brother was shot and killed. The case was never solved—and the lack of answers has plagued Daniel ever since. Occurring just before he was set to travel to the small medieval town of Gubbio, Italy, Daniel has always suspected it had something to do with Michael’s death. But not wanting to face the truth, Daniel has refused to follow in his brother’s footsteps in the hopes of uncovering any clues. After all, he might not like what he finds. Just like every year, Daniel is set to to meet with his police force mentor, Detective Ari Greene, about Michael’s case. Little does he know, however, that this year is going to be different. At their scheduled appointment, Greene brings with him Daniel’s first partner, Nora Bering, who has risen the ranks to the chief of police. Without his knowledge, they’ve both been investigating Michael’s death as well as the car accident that killed Daniel’s parents twelve years ago. And they’ve learned something new. Bringing him up to date, Greene and Bering suggest Daniel take that long put off trip to the hillside Umbrian town. But they warn him that he must be careful as he sees the idyllic sights. Why? What is there to learn that he doesn’t already know? Just the same, he packs his bags and takes off for Italy, where he quickly sees that the stunning vistas disguise a horrifying past. One that brings up Nazis and the resistance as well as plenty of unforgotten wartime crimes. Does this history have something to do with Daniel and the losses he’s had? And if so, does it mean danger for his own life as well? Right up until the end the very last page, What We Buried was the epitome of perfection. A genre crossing blend of historical fiction, thriller, and just a dash of police procedural, the slow burn first half quickly exploded into a flurry of action. Even better, it was thick with ever ratcheting suspense and deep foreboding. Trust me when I say, I simply raced through the pages, yearning to find out what happened to each of the characters. The plot itself leaned heavily on its historical fiction elements. Telling the heartbreaking story of a very real event during World War II, it was overlaid with the dynamics of Nazis, Jews, the Holocaust, and other wartime atrocities. Poignant and gut-wrenching, it brought this Jewish descendent to tears. At the same time, there was no lack of action, especially once the second half stepped up the thrills and the chills, with a car chase, an abduction, and even a shooting. Then there were the characters who brought the plot to life. Told from multiple POVs and two continents, they were refreshingly layered and complex. With intriguing peeks into both of the main characters backgrounds, I was stunned by their genuine natures and realistic reactions. Even better, however, the rest of the cast had diverse perspectives that transcended typical police type stereotypes, as rest joined forces into the best kind of crime fighting team. Now for the bad news, however, I was fully engaged and utterly spellbound to the pages until I realized that they were dwindling down without any resolutions in sight. Sadly for me, an ardent lover of all things tied up with a neat, little bow, this book was shockingly missing just that. While we know the who’s, the what’s, and the why’s, it was missing the payout of justice. Hopefully this will come in a future book, but, IYKYK, I don’t love waiting—not even a little. All in all, I still loved this stellar trip into the past. Composed of short chapters and alternating perspectives, it kept me on the edge of my seat. Yet it was the cross-generational horrors and unresolved history that drew me in deep. Just the same, not having realized that this is book seven in a series, I’m now eager to get to know the two main characters better by diving into Rotenberg’s backlist ASAP. So be sure to look up his crime fiction books as well as giving this one a try. After all, I’m so very glad that I did. Rating of 4 stars (downgraded from 4.5 stars thanks to the lack of a conclusion). Thank you to Robert Rotenberg and Simon & Schuster for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: February 27, 2024 Trigger list: death of parents and sibling, the Holocaust, a shooting, mention of: fatal car accident, war atrocities ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Feb 18, 2024
|
Feb 19, 2024
|
Feb 18, 2024
|
Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 1738518418
| 9781738518418
| 1738518418
| 4.05
| 616
| unknown
| Mar 19, 2024
|
it was amazing
|
Jess Lambert and her husband, Mac, have just moved to Black Lake, looking for a quieter, more peaceful life. Until one morning Jess befriends a strang
Jess Lambert and her husband, Mac, have just moved to Black Lake, looking for a quieter, more peaceful life. Until one morning Jess befriends a stranger—beautiful and glamorous Annie Parker—who’s also just moved to town. Only a few hours later, Jess finds Annie wandering naked and in shock along the lake. And at Annie’s house she encounters a gruesome scene that shows a violent attack. But then Annie disappears. As Jess is pulled deeper into the mystery of what happened to Annie, she learns about the house’s chilling past. And she begins to wonder: who was Annie really? Is she a witness, murderer, victim? But it’s dangerous hunting down old ghosts. And Jess becomes increasingly unsure if she’s the hunter, or the prey. Who is the stranger at Black Lake? Hot damn! A quick, easy read that really packed a punch, The Stranger at Black Lake was a welcome addition into the growing saga of Jess Lambert. A prequel to a pre-existing series (or what will be once the second book, What Lies in Darkness comes out in July), it was everything that I wanted and more. From adding to Jess’s characterization to providing one heck of a rollercoaster ride, the pulse-pounding plot kept me on the edge of my seat. A thriller through and through, McDonald only further proved her virtuoso-like skill at crafting propulsive storylines that pull you in and don’t let go for a second. Take it from me, this is one series you just have to read. I do recommend, however, starting with the first book in the series, These Still Black Waters. You need to know Jess before encountering her backstory, all things considered. By the time I reached the last perfectly placed word, I was fully convinced that this novella couldn’t have been better. And, given my penchant for honest reviews, that’s saying a lot. Rating of 5 stars. Thank you to Christina McDonald for my complimentary copy and to Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for introducing me to this dynamite series. PUB DATE: Out now and available on Kindle Unlimited! Trigger warning: chronic illness, being held hostage, fatal stabbing, mention of: child abuse, rape ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Mar 23, 2024
|
Mar 23, 2024
|
Feb 07, 2024
|
Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 0063037084
| 9780063037083
| 3.45
| 2,078
| Mar 12, 2024
| Mar 12, 2024
|
liked it
|
Jordan Manning is an investigative journalist with Channel 8 News out of Chicago. Recently prompted to lead crime reporter, she’s been graced with a s
Jordan Manning is an investigative journalist with Channel 8 News out of Chicago. Recently prompted to lead crime reporter, she’s been graced with a show entitled Justice Jordan. After all, her skills have led to the apprehension of several murderers. Given her own background in forensics, she is well equipped to search out the truth. Known to do whatever it takes to get answers, she’s far more than a typical TV reporter—and the public has started to notice. Shelly Biltmore is just one of those people. After fleeing her emotionally abusive husband in Kentucky, Shelly’s sister, Marla Hancock, came to stay with her in rural Indiana with her children in tow. Not long after she arrived, however, Marla vanished into thin air, leaving her two small kids behind. Positive that the doting mother would never do such a thing, Shelly is positive something awful has happened. The only problem is, no one believes her. The police in the small Indiana town won’t listen and Shelly has nowhere to turn. So she calls Jordan. Intrigued by the case, Jordan digs into Marla and her estranged husband as quick as can be. Before she knows it, she’s uncovered plenty of dark secrets and a few well-hidden lies. The more she learns, however, the fewer people Jordan thinks she can trust. Not only is her investigation threatening to garner one heck of a story, but it’s putting her in danger as well. What happened to Marla? Did she run away like the police believe happened? Or has something far more sinister occurred? One things for sure. Jordan’s on the case and she won’t rest until all is revealed. While I definitely found myself wrapped up Watch Where They Hide, it wasn’t necessarily the most gripping investigation to have a ringside seat for. That being said, I was in love with Jordan and her no-holds-barred search for the truth. Could it all have had a little bit more driving suspense or wicked twist and turns? For sure. But by the end of the 246 pages, I was intrigued by what was going on and couldn’t wait to find out what happened to Marla. As for the characters, the only two to get any significant focus were Jordan and Shelly. With the former an aggressive, smart tactician who not only wanted to get the story but also some answers, she quickly had me wrapped around her little finger. Shelly, on the other hand, irked me quite a bit. Bombastic and over-the-top, it was hard to decide whether it was the writing or her persona that was the problem. In the end, however, she seemed a nice foil for Jordan, so I gladly suffered through her behavior. The plot itself started out pretty darn slow. Taking the best part of one hundred pages before Jordan really started to investigate what happened to Marla, it was hard to focus at times. That said, when the first twist arrived, it did turn the case on its head. I just wish it had been delivered with a bit more drama and suspense. From there, secrets and lies began to unfurl, but at times I felt rather lost. Quite frankly, it wasn’t until the final revelation when I finally put everything together. By the time I closed the cover, I was mostly won over by this quick, easy read. It was evident throughout that Hall poured her journalism knowledge into the text as it range wholly true-to-life. I just wish that the plot itself felt the same way. I do have to say, though, that I read this one without realizing that it was the second in a series. While it was fine as a stand-alone, I do wonder what I may have missed. So, all said and done, I recommend this one—but just barely. Rating of 3.5 stars. Thank you to Tamron Hall and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. Trigger warning: missing sibling, mention of: alcoholism, addiction, infidelity ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Mar 12, 2024
|
Mar 12, 2024
|
Feb 07, 2024
|
Hardcover
| |||||||||||||||
| 1662515316
| 9781662515316
| 1662515316
| 4.19
| 2,021
| Apr 02, 2024
| Apr 02, 2024
|
it was amazing
|
After walking away from her life as a child protective services agent, Nora McTavish has started a new business as a family advocate. This new directi
After walking away from her life as a child protective services agent, Nora McTavish has started a new business as a family advocate. This new direction of hers sets Nora up perfectly for the surprising call she gets from an old, long-lost friend, Tess Grayson. In the midst of an ugly custody case, she’s in desperate need of a helping hand. Given that Nora once thought of Tess as the sister she never had, she’s happy to help. Just maybe her skill set will make an already tense situation just a little bit better. After all, it is all rather dire. Recently accused of the violent murder of one of his former college students, Tess’s ex-husband, Neil, has since been let out of jail following the now dubious nature of the evidence against him. Needless to say, however, Tess doesn’t want him anywhere near their nine-year-old daughter. Happy to help in any way that she can, Nora begins to dig into the circumstances around the couples’ split and the murder case that took center stage. The more she learns, however, the more she wonders if Tess’s account is the truth—or if there’s decidedly more to the story. What Nora isn’t expecting is to expose secrets and lies not only about Tess and Neil’s marriage, but her own past as well. The more that she learns, the more danger she seems to be in. And when yet another person is murdered, Nora finds herself at the mercy of a crafty—and dangerous—individual. Is Neil guilty after all? Or is there someone else in the shadows pulling the strings? One thing is for sure, this time around it’s not just Nora’s job and reputation on the line—it may very well be her life. Holly guacamole! If I thought that the first book in the series, Where They Lie was good, Never Come Back merely upped the stakes even more. A fast-paced plot that delivered two thoroughly addictive storylines, I was driven to read just one more page more times than I could count. Even better, however, were the superb cast of characters and the originality of the premise. All together, it could not have been better. As the second in the Nora McTavish series, I was expecting deep character development for the startlingly strong persona of Nora herself. Boy, was I pleased when I got that and more. Relatable and pleasingly resilient, her characterization was pure perfection as she became an even more determined proponent of protecting children no matter the cost. Even better, however, Nora was the only individual I could trust as the everyone else had my suspicious eye twinkling. Well, all except the adorable pup, Merrill. The plot was simply sublime in all of its hairpin glory. Propulsive and with ingenious twists and turns throughout, the driving foreboding was palpable in the best possible way. Reeking with true-to-life verve, most scenes came to life as though I were watching them on a screen. It was the depth and poignancy of the plot, however, that truly made the story come alive. I can’t forget, of course, the ratcheting suspense and pulse-pounding climax, both of which preceded the soul-satisfying conclusion. By the end of this thoroughly bingeable crime fiction slash thriller combo, I was fully in love. Rife with plenty of dark truths, nasty motivations, and hard-to-look at revelations about life, the well-layered plot utterly bristled with an authenticity few books can muster. Ultimately, I’m now an ardent lover of Mr. Hart and his quick, easy reads and I plan on spree reading his backlist for sure. So if this series has yet been on your radar, be sure to add them to your TBR ASAP. Better yet, grab a copy of Where They Lie immediately. Rating of 5 stars. Thank you to Joe Hart, Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: April 2, 2024 Trigger warning: blackmail, ableism, custody dispute, stalking, a shooting, mention of: suicidal ideation, depression, infidelity ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Mar 02, 2024
|
Mar 03, 2024
|
Jan 31, 2024
|
Paperback
| ||||||||||||||
| 1662511949
| 9781662511943
| B0CF3Z1WSP
| 3.92
| 671
| May 21, 2024
| May 21, 2024
|
really liked it
|
After a disastrous family yacht trip, Ted’s estranged wife, Paige, has taken over the helm of Kingsley Global Enterprises as president. Reorganizing t
After a disastrous family yacht trip, Ted’s estranged wife, Paige, has taken over the helm of Kingsley Global Enterprises as president. Reorganizing the company and their direction, she has arranged for a weekend retreat in Laguna Beach for the executive board. Surrounded in opulence but also her sly, conniving family members, the next two days are guaranteed to be nothing if not interesting. Unluckily for Paige, however, her now estranged husband, Ted, and his brother, John, are hardly happy with her new rise to power and are intent to try and grasp it for themselves. Hoping to keep them at bay, she welcomes their wild child sister, Sibley, and Richard’s ex-wife, Serena, to the party. Little do the men know, but these three women have become fast friends and, through their alliance, they have learned a few secrets. Secrets that they can and will use to their advantage. Just like the last time the family was all together, though, things quickly get out of hand. Whether it is the harsh Santa Ana winds that are driving the angst or the fact that the Kingsleys are all together once again, they’re soon at each others’ throats. After all, this family has never exactly been about love and affection. There’s one question, however, waiting to be answered—just how far will each of them go to get what they think they deserve? Phew! What a wild ride! Kaira Rouda sure knows how to craft a deviously cunning yet wildly dysfunctional family. And just like the first in the series, Beneath the Surface, Under the Palms had me eagerly watching who was trying to outsmart who in what was a devilishly good read. All I can say is that this action-packed ride of thrills and suspense was even, if possible, a step up from the last book. And, if you know Rouda, that’s quite the statement. Right from the get-go, the plot was one shocking twist after another. Never knowing who was going to win in the end, I was totally blind as the plot unwound before me. Told through nearly all of the characters via multiple POVs, what could’ve been confusing was anything but. Instead, it felt more like an omniscient perspective that allowed me to see behind the curtain. Did that help me figure out who was the worst in the bunch? Happily, it definitely did not. As for the characters, they were each thoroughly unlikeable, but only in the best possible way. Devious and manipulative, they all tried anything and everything to win in the end. Were they over-the-top in a delicious soap opera way? Absolutely, and I enjoyed every scandalous moment. Even better, there were plenty of characters I loved to hate and just a few that I would’ve done almost anything to have come out on top. Did they? Well, I guess you’ll just have to read this one to find out. While I loved the first in the series, which was a decidedly more low key tale of domestic suspense, this thriller totally blew it away, in my opinion. With a definite Succession-like vibe with some far more dangerous plot twists thrown in, this despicable family has yet again earned my undying love. If you love a good melodrama complete with all of the required tantalizing scandals, but also want a good death or two, this should definitely be on your TBR. One truly epic rollercoaster of a ride, it was the perfect popcorn thriller for this suspense loving gal. Rating of 4.5 stars. Note: This series should definitely be read in order. This is no stand-alone, as you’d both be lost and missing out on quite a good time. Thank you to Kaira Rouda, Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: May 21, 2024 Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list. Trigger warning: threatening notes, choking to death, fatal stabbing, blackmail, wildfire, fatal shooting, mention of: infidelity ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Dec 19, 2023
|
Dec 20, 2023
|
Dec 20, 2023
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 9798987197752
| B0CKNXPXLM
| 4.17
| 6
| unknown
| Dec 01, 2023
|
really liked it
|
Deena has never liked Sydney. Ever since she strolled into Rock Narrows two years ago, the true-crime writer has rubbed her the wrong way. Sydney, how
Deena has never liked Sydney. Ever since she strolled into Rock Narrows two years ago, the true-crime writer has rubbed her the wrong way. Sydney, however, has found herself a permanent place in their small town with the handsome Jake Swann. Now married and with a young daughter, she’s become a fixture to the area—a fact that doesn’t make Deena like her even an inkling more. When disaster strikes Deena one day at the pool, however, Sydney is the first one to offer her help. Feeling beside herself with regret for how she’s treated the woman since she arrived, Deena wonders if she’s misjudged the interloper a little too harshly and offers to lend a hand while Sydney is out of town. For Deena, she just hopes that helping out with a little childcare will make her guilt-ridden heart feel a little less grim. Keeping her eyes peeled on the Swann’s home front, Deena is alarmed to notice a good looking, too young blonde named Tierney hanging around Sydney’s husband, Jake. Right from the start, it sets her suspicions alight. Known for his attraction to beautiful blondes, Deena fears the worst. Little does Deena know, however, that sexual attraction is the last thing on Tierney’s mind. What exactly is she up to, then, socializing with a hot married man? The more Deena notices, though, the more her anxiety leads to suspicions. Not just about Jake, but others in town as well. It seems accidents have been happening a little too often around Rock Narrows and to her they seem anything but random. As she starts to dig into the occurrences, Deena finds a treasure trove of evidence—facts that harden the reality of the situation right in front of her. There is a dangerous individual in town and it’s fallen to Deena—and Deena alone—to stop a monster before she is caught in their deadly trap herself. Holy cow! A blindingly good follow-up to Crackshell, which was the first book in the Rock Narrows Suspense series, Green Peeler quickly had me under its thrall. What I wasn’t prepared for, however, was how truly epic this psychological suspense novel would turn out to be. A twisted tale of a monster looking to settle some scores, I raced through the pages just dying to find out how it was all going to end. And take it from me, but this one was a ride and a half. From the top, I was over the moon to be back in the small Eastern Shore town of Rock Narrows. Filled with true-to-life people and evocative descriptions, the entire plot walked a fine line between being driven by both lifelike, quirky characters and the magical development of the plot. Just as with the first book, however, the down-to-earth people were what won me over hook, line, and sinker. Without them, this novel would’ve been successful, but not the dynamite triumph that I just read. As for that plot, there were twists and turns aplenty from beginning to end. While the beginning was decidedly more of a slow burn, once the drama-filled introductions were over, I was swept up by one suspenseful twist after another. Trust me when I say that the foreboding was real and led straight into one barn burner of a climax. Even better, the conclusion was perfect and now has me eager to learn what happens to the Swann family next. The only slight hiccup I found was the thick Eastern Shore slang that several of the characters used. While not hard to understand in the slightest, it did take some getting used to just the same. Was it enough to turn me off of this book even the slightest? Absolutely not. Still, I felt obligated to mention that this one isn’t exactly written in perfect English. The language did, however, give a deep sense of authenticity to the whip-cracking plot. All said and done, though, this second book in the series was easily my favorite. Complete with short chapters, easy to follow multiple POVs, and enough vivid descriptions to make me long for me college days on the Chesapeake Bay, it was a total home run. Now I just have to sit back and impatiently wait for the next book in the series to (hopefully) come out. So if you’re looking for a brilliant indie author to try, Lizzie Qnert is where it’s at. After all, she’s quickly become one of my favorites. Rating of 4.5 stars. Thank you to Lizzie Qnert and Nordhoff Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: December 1, 2023 Trigger warning: drug overdose, drowning, domestic abuse, mention of: rape, fatal drunk driving accident, a hostage situation, electrocution ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Nov 21, 2023
|
Nov 22, 2023
|
Nov 06, 2023
|
Kindle Edition
| |||||||||||||||
| 1662512651
| 9781662512650
| B0BNQWJLXG
| 4.03
| 16,439
| Nov 01, 2023
| Nov 01, 2023
|
it was amazing
|
Currently #1 in Crime Thrillers and Women Sleuths on Amazon! After a successful career as a professional soccer player, Kate Green has managed to reinv Currently #1 in Crime Thrillers and Women Sleuths on Amazon! After a successful career as a professional soccer player, Kate Green has managed to reinvent herself at the end of her time on the field as a sports reporter. Ten years later, following a disastrous televised interview, she may be on the cusp of losing the very job she loves so much. Currently suspended, Kate wonders how much more difficult her life can get when the rug gets pulled out from under her following the heinous murder of NBA superstar Kurt Robbins in his very own home. As the investigation into who could’ve been behind the renowned sports hero’s death gets underway, all sights seem to be set on none other than his longtime wife—and Kate’s best friend—Yvette. Admittedly, her marriage was anything but smooth sailing, but every time Kate had seen them together, the love was as plain as the nose on her face. No matter what, Kate just can’t align that image with her friend slaying her husband—no matter what the rumors might say. Believing that the police have gotten it all wrong, Kate sets about to investigate the murder herself. But as she works to rescue Yvette from the clutches of prison, Kate is horrified to watch her own life begin to circle the drain. With her already injured career up in the air, she’s alarmed to see her own name printed blatantly in the gossip columns of the New York Post’s Page Six. Even worse, however, are the very real battles her children are facing and the fact that her estranged father has just reappeared in her life. Assigned to assist the relatively inexperienced Greenwich Police’s homicide department, her NYPD detective father is to be front and center in Kurt’s murder investigation. As Kate’s carefully constructed world begins to fray, plenty of devastating secrets, well hidden lies, and ulterior motives start to bubble to the surface. If she chooses to help Yvette, just what might Kate lose? After all, every choice comes with a cost. Will hers be even greater than even she can imagine? Holy cow! I absolutely love finding books that manage to knock my socks off and Lights Out, Elise Hart Kipness’s debut novel, did just that! From its attention grabbing start to the heart stopping climax, I was well and truly won over hook, line, and sinker. And the fact that this was just book one in a brand spanking new series? Well, sign me up because I’m totally game! A compelling mix between crime fiction and thriller, this is one story that should be shortlisted for any fan of either one. After all, with a plot that delivered one riveting twist after another, it kept me on the edge of my seat until a mind-blowing climax that had my fingers racing through the pages. On top of all of that, however, the storyline was well-written and easy to follow as well as wonderfully addictive from the very first word. But what really had me from hello was the impeccable character of Kate Green. From her strong-minded attitude and clever investigative skills, I, for one, would not want to be between her and the truth. An original character who was exceptionally well-developed, I look forward to seeing how her future continues to unfold in book two. That’s in addition, of course, to my curiosity about what she’ll manage to investigate next. While there was certainly plenty of crime fiction bits and pieces including the following of hunches and tracking of clues, this one also had plenty of plot curveballs and rising suspense sure to please any thriller lover through and though. I mean, I couldn’t, for the life of me, work out who the killer could possibly have been. Everyone, and I mean everyone, had my suspicion at some point. Even, dare I say, the very trustworthy Kate herself. A masterfully devised story full of the perils of female friendship, deftly hidden secrets, and the evils that perpetrate even the most wealthy of neighborhoods, Kipness has easily added herself to my auto-buy author list. And that was all before the shocking turn of events right there in the very finale. All I can say is that if you haven’t seen this one around just yet, don’t wait until you see it out on store shelves. No, you should definitely pre-order this puppy today. After all, it’s simply not one to be missed. Rating of 5 stars. Thank you to Elise Hart Kipness, Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: November 1, 2023 ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Sep 24, 2023
|
Sep 25, 2023
|
Sep 24, 2023
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 006327907X
| 9780063279070
| 3.86
| 43,003
| Oct 17, 2023
| Jan 30, 2024
|
it was amazing
|
After his family’s deadly reunion, Ernest Cunningham publishes a true crime novel recounting the treacherous events of that weekend. Following its pub
After his family’s deadly reunion, Ernest Cunningham publishes a true crime novel recounting the treacherous events of that weekend. Following its publication, his agent seals the deal on a second book. This time, however, they want a fiction novel. A brand new world for Ernest, he realizes that he needs a little inspiration. Hopefully, his invitation to the Australian Mystery Writers’ Festival will be just what the doctor ordered. Taking place aboard the famed Ghan train, which runs through the desolate Australian outback between Darwin and Adelaide, Ernest settles in with his girlfriend Juliette in their luxurious cabin. Before he knows it, however, ill will has raised its ugly head amongst the invited writers. After all, in the small world of the who’s who of crime fiction, there’s plenty of secrets hidden in the history amongst the invited few. Shockingly, however, within only twenty-four hours, one of their party is dead. It seems to Ernest that he’s back in his role of amateur detective. This time around, though, he’s got five crime writers to assist. Running the gamut from eagle-eyed psychological expert to legal scholar, together they should know how to get to the truth. Granted, that expertise could also be of some assistance to help one of them kill. True crime writer. Forensic science wordsmith. Classic mystery bestseller. Legal thriller author. Psychological suspense scribe. And, last but not least, literary penman. Between them, they all hold the skills to get away with murder. Surely one of them can also work out who perpetrated the terrible crime. After all, they’re on a train in the middle of nowhere. It’s only a matter of time until someone else could be killed off as well. Holy cannoli! What a fun, humor-filled book! After reading (and loving) Everyone in My Family Is a Murderer, I just knew that the sequel, Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect had to be at least equally brilliant. After all, the snarky narration and nod to Golden Age classic mysteries made the first one a definite hole in one. What I wasn’t prepared for, however, was how I would love this one even more. How is that possible? Well, read on, my book besties… First off the characters were simply divine. A mix of clever and obtuse, unlikeable and engaging, as a whole, the cast won me over hook, line, and sinker. Throw in the fact that the dialogue was giggle-worthy in the extreme, and, well, I don’t know who wouldn’t fall in love with this book. But, in the end, it was Ernest as narrator that made this one sing. Breaking down the locked room mystery into its requisite parts, it gave me ample opportunity to solve the deftly layered puzzle. Did I succeed? Happily, not a chance. As for the plot, Stevenson’s newest work was just as action-packed as the first in the series. Don’t get me wrong, there was plenty of sleuthing by not only Ernest, but the rest of the group of crime fiction writers, making the very modern mystery an intriguing amateur detective whodunnit. On top of that, both the adrenaline-fueled climax and apt conclusion were perfectly spot on. So much so that I first gasped and then laughed in the very last chapter. Even better, everything was tied up with a neat, little bow slash happily ever after. Well, sort of in regards to that final assertion… While reminiscent of Agatha Christie, this addictive and unputdownable novel didn’t take itself quite so seriously. Just the same, this metafiction tale was a shining success as twist after twist and lies piled upon secrets exposed a well-written and thoughtfully laid out plot. Complete with one heck of a memorable dénouement that flawlessly resolved multiple subplots, I was utterly blown away. After all, it will take me awhile to get over the superbly done first-person narration and finely drawn parody. All in all, Stevenson’s clearly done it again, so be sure to grab your copy today. Rating of 5 stars. Thank you to Benjamin Stevenson and Mariner Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DAY: January 30, 2024 Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list. Trigger warning: poisoning, mention of: stabbing, rape, fatal train versus bus accident, plagiarism ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Jan 06, 2024
|
Jan 07, 2024
|
Sep 20, 2023
|
Hardcover
| |||||||||||||||
| 0385548958
| 9780385548953
| 0385548958
| 3.69
| 82,140
| Oct 17, 2023
| Oct 17, 2023
|
liked it
|
Fifteen years after fleeing Memphis in the dead of night, Mitch and Abby McDeere are finally back in the United States living in Manhattan. After spen
Fifteen years after fleeing Memphis in the dead of night, Mitch and Abby McDeere are finally back in the United States living in Manhattan. After spending some time flitting from island to island, they landed in London where Mitch took a job with the renowned law firm, Scully & Pershing, where he’s now proud to say he’s a fully fledged partner in the New York office. One of the world’s largest international law firms, they represent clients from all over the globe, including a few that take him far from home. So when his boss asks him meet with the head of their Italian division, Mitch is happy to jet off to Rome without a second thought. It is there, however, that a huge request is made. Will Mitch do an old man a favor and take over a case for him based in the perilous deserts of Libya? Eager for a little adventure, Mitch agrees and finds himself in the middle of a land held by an unpredictable regime and warlords who circle like carnivores licking their chops. Not twenty-four hours after entering the country, however, Mitch is in the hospital and his colleague has been kidnapped by a shadowy enemy. Suddenly, and without his knowledge, he’s been caught in the net of a nefarious plot. And much like his time at Bendini, Lambert & Locke, Mitch realizes that he and everyone around him are in very real jeopardy. Of course, he’s been in this position before—but will he be able to outsmart yet another dangerous opponent? Or has he met his match in the ultimate chess game that could leave his life in peril once more? Unlike The Firm, which had ratcheting suspense and an epic climax followed by a near perfect conclusion, The Exchange instead felt more like John Grisham was simply phoning it in. Don’t get me wrong, it had his characteristic flair for building suspense, but that was only found within the first third of the book. From there on out, the plot was one meeting after another where very little seemed to get done. But let me start with the pluses first, though, shall I? First of all, I was swept up right from the start by the international intrigue and overhanging threat of doing business in Libya. Fast-paced and well-written, I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop. When it finally did, I was on the edge of my seat flipping pages faster and faster—for the first third, that is. And the fact that it was told via multiple, omniscient POVs? Well, it couldn’t have been better. Another aspect I thoroughly enjoyed was the inclusion of Mitch’s past in Memphis. Personally, I would’ve preferred for the saga that started in The Firm to continue into this sequel, but then, you can’t get everything you want, can you? Frankly, however, the direction in which the plot was headed was gripping and filled with tension, but, unfortunately, it just didn’t last. Now onto what didn’t quite work, starting with the lack of any big twists or even any kind of resolution to who was behind the abduction plot to begin with. I mean, when I reached the final page, I actually said, “Wait, that’s it?” as it felt as though a final chapter was missing from the book. In all honesty, this one felt much more like a dry version of a crime fiction novel where the internal work is being done than anything like a legal thriller at all. All said and done, this Grisham novel just didn’t do it for me. There were so many opportunities for a thoroughly epic game of cat-and-mouse, yet instead it all felt sadly anticlimactic and underwhelming. At the same time, parts of the plot were entirely plausible as individuals attempted to raise monies from unwilling sources. However, with little action and almost no character development, my disappointment was palpable. That being said, if you’re a lover of Grisham’s prior novels, I would still give this one a go, just don’t expect a heart-pounding, hair-raising journey around the globe. Rating of 3 stars (due in large part to the first one hundred pages). Thank you to John Grisham and Doubleday Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: October 17, 2023 ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Oct 08, 2023
|
Oct 10, 2023
|
Sep 09, 2023
|
Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 0062329820
| 9780062329820
| 0062329820
| 3.90
| 799
| Jul 11, 2023
| Jul 11, 2023
|
it was amazing
|
The morning after Midsummer’s Eve, Adele Friar is alarmed when her older sister, Maddie, vanishes without a trace. Living on the outskirts of a forest
The morning after Midsummer’s Eve, Adele Friar is alarmed when her older sister, Maddie, vanishes without a trace. Living on the outskirts of a forest filled with rumors of evil happenings, she’s terrified that Maddie’s disappearance could be linked to their dark, shadowy depths. After all, she’s far from the first woman to go missing from town. The locals have long since rumored that the unusually high number of missing people in the area could be something as mundane as girls running away from home or hikers getting lost in the forest. Others even lay stock in the local bogeyman long since coined the Cinderman, a man said to roam the deepest parts of the forest searching for those he can claim as his own. For Laughton Rees, however, a forensic specialist who often partners up with the police, folklore is far from reality. Instead, she places her faith in cold, hard facts. So when she learns of the long trail of missing people, many of whom have been women, she’s determined to figure out what real life monster could be behind the phenomenon. With the help of Maddie’s sister and DCI Tannahill Khan, she sets out to banish the Cinderman’s grip on the area once and for all. Once on the scene in the sleepy town of Cinderfield, Laughton has to admit that there is something decidedly odd about the place. With the police negligently refusing to investigate what has happened to Maddie—or anyone else—Laughton can’t quite work out what’s going on. After all, they’re not the only ones strangely silent about the matter, as even the townspeople want nothing to do with the search for the missing girl. What if the myths have, in fact, been covering up a very real killer who has been hiding out in the forest all of these years? Refusing to let a few grumpy townsfolk put them off the search for Maddie and the truth, Laughton and Adele dig into the case. But as their questions take them from a forest community deep in the woods to the dilapidated manor of the local Earl, they begin to sketch out the horrifying facts of what has really been going on year after year. What they find is a truth that is far more sinister and dangerous than anyone could have ever imagined. Can Maddie be saved? Or has her fate already been sealed? Simon Toyne, you are simply a master of the written word. I honestly don’t know of a better way to start my review of The Clearing than that statement. A dark yet also surprisingly easy read, I found myself flying through the pages from the very first word. In fact, the prologue itself spoke of both of those details. Filled with evocative prose that crafted pictures in my head as if my magic, the topic was also equally hard to stomach. At the same time, it wasn’t graphic in the least and merely pushed me onto the next chapter with speed. Just like the first book in the series, Dark Objects, I was stunned yet again by the brilliance of the main character, Laughton Rees. Strong and intelligent but also harboring what could be a paralyzing disorder, she tackled Maddie’s disappearance in a way only she could. In this newest installment, however, Toyne took her up a notch through a burgeoning love affair with DCI Khan. That and her love for her daughter humanized her and took what could have been a hard character and made her instead into someone I cheered on from the sidelines. But it was the plot that had me ripping through the pages. With a somewhat slow burn buildup typical of crime fiction (that felt decidedly more like a thriller), the suspense ratcheted higher and higher in an inchmeal fashion until the gasp-inducing twist revealed an altogether pulse-pounding climax. From there on out, it was all I could do to simply inhale each page faster and faster. Shrewd and well-written, the multiple POVs and deftly hidden clues kept me firmly in the dark. A fact that I was ever so happy about. Then there were those twists and turns. One of which felt entirely out of left field, but only in the best possible way. Maybe a better armchair sleuth could’ve sniffed it out, but somehow I doubt it as it was so well hidden within the plot that it literally caused by jaw to drop. That was just the first one, though. Unfortunately, while just as well done, I had just the teeniest, tiniest inkling about one of the following revelations. But instead of ruining the book, it merely made me pat myself on the back for seeing anything coming in this complex and intricate plot. Atmospheric but also proving to be one heck of a ride, I just could not get enough of this one. Thanks to several misleading red herrings, an eerie and sinister setting, and a truly epic cat-and-mouse game, my love for Toyne has grown leaps and bounds. In fact, all said and done, he has firmly managed to ensconce his name on my auto-buy author list. By the way, while this one could be read as a stand-alone, I definitely don’t recommend it as the first book in this series was just as good plus you’d miss out on some truly top-notch character development. Ultimately, I simply cannot rave about The Clearing enough and beg of you to rush out and grab your copy today! Rating of 5+ stars. Thank you to Simon Toyne, William Morrow, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. Note about the TW: while it is a lengthy list, none of them were particularly graphic. So unless you’re particularly triggered by any of them, I wouldn’t worry about reading this book. Scroll down for a potentially plot spoiling trigger list. Trigger warning: disappearance of a family member, kidnapping, forced captivity, stalking, death of a sibling, threatening driving, arson, mental illness, police corruption, mention of: homelessness, social services, child abuse, sex trafficking, suicide ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Aug 28, 2023
|
Aug 29, 2023
|
Aug 28, 2023
|
Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 1496738594
| 9781496738592
| 1496738594
| 3.60
| 2,516
| Dec 26, 2023
| Dec 26, 2023
|
really liked it
|
As a child, the only dream Esmé Foster ever had was to become a professional ballerina. At the age of eighteen, she reached that goal and left her sma
As a child, the only dream Esmé Foster ever had was to become a professional ballerina. At the age of eighteen, she reached that goal and left her small town of Graybridge in order to dance. Eleven years later, however, Esmé finds herself back in her hometown after a career ending injury. On her return, she knows she’ll be facing a desperately ill father and her somewhat distant younger brother. What she doesn’t expect, however, is to learn that one of her childhood best friends, Kara Cunningham, has been found murdered—in Esmé’s very own backyard. Between the shocking crime and the memories that being back home have brought to the surface, Esmé finds herself tense and worried, reliving the car accident that killed her mother. But it’s what happened after the crash that haunts her dreams even now as a strange man showed up at her car window snarling that he was going to kill her too. After the fact, however, all of Esmé’s family and friends insisted that he’d been a mere figment of her imagination. Nevertheless, Esmé is now consumed with the fear that that very same man is behind Kara’s murder. Could he have murdered the wrong girl by mistake? After all, she and Kara have always looked so much alike. Meanwhile, Detective Rita Myers is on the case. Having worked in the small town for over two decades, she knows the many trials that have befallen the area. From the death of a young girl at the hands of her sister to the more mundane tribulations, however, many other secrets are often kept close to the vest. Especially to the likes of Rita—the outsider. And now that a murderer is in their midst, Rita can’t help but wonder whether any of the people involved in the case are to be trusted. For if she is to be truly honest with herself, even they seem to look at one another with guarded suspicion. Finally back in Graybridge’s fold, however, it is Esmé who starts to unearth information about the very people being investigated by Rita, otherwise known as Esmé’s friends and family. As secrets and lies start to rain down around her, she begins to realize that the only way to find the culprit is to look in the darker places that few want to search. Who is responsible for Kara’s death? Is it one of Esmé’s friends or a member of her own family? Or is it that shadowy figure who still shows up in her nightmares? When all is said and done, even Esmé might not be prepared for the answer. Phew! What a dark and twisted tale. From the beginning, What Waits in the Woods presented an intriguing view into Esmé’s re-entry into her former life in her hometown. Trying to find her spot in her remaining family and now adult friend’s lives, she struggled to find her place once again. It was there that this novel truly shined, even if the intricate plot felt decidedly slower than Parlato’s debut novel, All the Dark Places. I do have to say, though, that the ever ratcheting suspense and questionable motives still made for quite the enjoyable read. As for the characters, their deep backstories and thorough development were simply sublime. Told in dual alternating POVs, both Rita and Esmé provided the backdrop to a cleverly interwoven mix of domestic suspense and police procedural. With genuine, authentic voices and behaviors, each persona felt true to the events, and made me lose myself in the story. Even better, I could feel Esmé struggling to fit in to her suddenly rearranged world as her paranoia threatened to take over. The only fly in the ointment that I found as I read this spellbinding book was the conclusion. Seeming to come out of left field, there was no predicting that adrenaline-fueled finale. While I usually love that in a book, this one required a definite suspension of disbelief that wasn’t required up until then. Because of that, it felt out of sync with the plot and left me scratching my head as I closed the book. Don’t get me wrong, in hindsight, there were some deftly obscured clues scattered about, but they still somehow missed the mark, in my opinion. Still, as I closed the cover, I was left stunned yet again by this humdinger of a book that Ms. Parlato has crafted. Throwing in plenty of insights about what growing up, moving away, and then returning just might feel like, I was impressed by the depth of the novel. Add in the fact that this had plenty of creepy, creepy topics as well as a definite atmospheric feel and I was won over hook, line, and sinker. So if you haven’t heard of this slow burn novel of suspense just yet, be sure to pre-order this puppy today. Rating of 4 stars. Note: While this was the second novel following Detective Rita Myers, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. Thank you to Terri Parlato and Kensington Books for the complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: December 26, 2023 Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list. Trigger warning: alcoholism, death of a parent, getting drugged, abduction, mention of: fatal car accident, opioid abuse, voyeurism, infidelity ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Dec 07, 2023
|
Dec 08, 2023
|
Aug 28, 2023
|
Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| 1662511914
| 9781662511912
| B0BH95ZBYR
| 3.63
| 1,602
| Sep 05, 2023
| Sep 05, 2023
|
really liked it
|
Richard Kingsley, the billionaire CEO of Kingsley Global Enterprises, has called his two sons, Ted and John, and their wives to join him and his fifth
Richard Kingsley, the billionaire CEO of Kingsley Global Enterprises, has called his two sons, Ted and John, and their wives to join him and his fifth wife on their multi-million dollar yacht for a quick getaway to Catalina Island. Always with something up his sleeve, both Kingsley heirs have joined their father in the hopes of securing the top job at the family business once Richard retires. They are, however, well aware that the patriarch of the Kingsley family is prone to playing his children off of one another, turning even this most important decision into a dire game. Leaving the dock, the two headstrong men start to duke it out right from the start. Everything changes, however, when Richard’s estranged wild child daughter, Sibley, shows up via helicopter. Not to be left out of the fun, she’s determined to be included in any decisions that could mean securing her future. Even if it means upsetting a few delicate egos and getting down and dirty in the mudslinging department. As the Kingsleys get down to business, however, the changing game board means even more aggressive schemes. After all, if the past is anything to go by, this family will do almost anything to win. And considering that the pot of gold at the end of this weekend is the biggest one yet, it’s no surprise that their plotting is at an all-time high. But just like the approaching storm, not everything is under control. Someone will win and others will lose. Just how far will each go to be the victor? What a twisted, twisted family! From the very start of this slow burn, wickedly clever suspense novel, Beneath the Surface was a captivating trip into the world of posh people behaving badly. Thrilled by the backstabbing behavior and deftly layered secrets and lies, I knew before they even left the dock that this trip was far from smooth sailing. After all, as this weekend from hell got underway, I was well aware that there was much schadenfreude on the horizon. The characters, however, were where this story shined. From their first world problems to their constant griping, this to die for cast of unlikeable characters meant one truly dysfunctional family. Were they somewhat over-the-top? Well, yes, but only in the way that the best soap operas happen to be. You know the type—they happen to populate many of Bravo TV’s most popular shows. Tack on the fact that this family was ruthless to their very core and I became hopelessly riveted to discovering all of their most dastardly traits. As for the plot, it was decidedly less action-packed thriller and more family drama mixed with delicious suspense. And just when I got lulled into a false sense of security, the climax rolled around and threw a big old case of shock and awe into the mix. Following that up was a conclusion that both managed to nicely wrap up the plot with a neat, tiny, little bow, but also left the door wide open for even more delightful disasters in book two, Under the Palms. The only piece to this addictive read that wasn’t a home run success, though, was how few twists and turns there seemed to be. Perhaps partially down to the fact that it was billed as a thriller, I was expecting, well, more. More intrigue, more shocks to the system, and more action. In hindsight, however, had it been labeled a suspense novel, I would’ve easily been pleased as punch from beginning to end. I guess I was just waiting for the plot to pick up and, when it didn’t, I felt marginally let down. After closing the cover of this quick, easy read, however, my reverence for Kaira Rouda kicked up yet another notch. The queen of all things scandalous, this book merely raised the bar. I mean, the sibling rivalry, underhanded behavior, and out-and-out good time was one to behold. Besides, this was a dynamite demo of my favorite trope—locked room mystery. So if you’re intrigued by the idea of a rollicking ride of multiple POVs, an ominous setting, and just a bit of snarky humor, this is the book is most definitely for you. Rating of 4 stars. Trigger warning: fatal heart disease, blackmail, infidelity, mention of: gambling addiction ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Nov 14, 2023
|
Nov 15, 2023
|
Aug 08, 2023
|
Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| B0BPF68RST
| 4.17
| 434
| Jul 27, 2023
| Dec 05, 2023
|
really liked it
|
One night while preparing for a date with her boyfriend, Police Sergeant Tom Molloy, Benedicta ‘Ben’ O'Keeffe gets a startling call from her parents’
One night while preparing for a date with her boyfriend, Police Sergeant Tom Molloy, Benedicta ‘Ben’ O'Keeffe gets a startling call from her parents’ neighbor, claiming that they’ve seen a handful of strangers living in their home. After calling multiple times and getting no response, she and Molloy race down to Dublin hoping that everything is okay. Arriving at their doorstep, Ben is thankful, and disturbed, by the fact that the only person in the house besides her parents is their mysterious boarder. Not exactly a man Ben is a fan of, she’s relieved the next morning to learn that he’s fled in the night. At the same time, however, she’s uncomfortable leaving her parents alone—until she gets a handle on what’s going on, at the very least. Back in Glendara, the town is in the midst of getting ready for the annual literary festival, Glenfest. This year is going to be extra special as the local bestselling albeit reclusive writer, Gavin Featherstone has agreed to participate. A boon to the event, it’s sure to bring attention to their little pocket of the world and everyone is excited for the weekend to get underway. But at Featherstone’s first interview in twelve years, things quickly go downhill despite a dazzling start. After all, when the illustrious writer stands up to give a brief reading from his upcoming book, he collapses right there on the stage. Rushed to the hospital, it is with great shock and sadness when he’s pronounced dead, but for Molloy his suspicion is instantly aroused. Was it really a fluke heart attack or was something much more sinister at play? Meanwhile, Ben discovers that Featherstone’s will was prepared by her predecessor leaving the estate now in her own capable hands. From the outset it appears a cut and dry case, but quickly turns into a battle between the deceased man’s family and his resident assistant. But as the investigation unfolds and a postmortem is done, the already complicated matter only gets worse. For it seems that Featherstone did not, indeed, die a natural death—it was murder—and a killer cannot profit from their crime. The sixth book in the Inishowen Mystery series, Death Writes brought me back to the endearing characters and mesmerizing setting of Glendara, Ireland. Much like the first five books, the well-written Agatha Christie-esque plot took me for quite the ride all while easily interweaving both crime fiction and mystery. Already a diehard fan of Andrea Carter, I was unsurprised by how at home I felt as I settled down to rejoin this delightful, quirky cast of characters. One of my favorite aspects to this series has always been the evocative descriptions, specifically regarding Inishowen. Captivating to the extent that I could easily see it all in my mind, this book was no different. With stunning illustrations of the shore and small town, it left me desperately wanting to visit this fictional Irish village. If only I could plant myself in the corner of Phyllis’s bookshop or grab a pint at Tony’s pub… But, alas, they were all magically plucked from Carter’s rather impressive mind. The plot itself, however, was somewhat slower than I’ve grown to expect from Carter. Slightly more of a long, slow burn, the deftly interwoven dual storylines had my attention from the very start, just the same. Between the drama with Ben’s parents and the murder of a famed writer, there was no short supply of red herrings and perfectly poised suspicion. While the pace didn’t really pick until quite near the end, my eyes never once wandered from the page. After all, the direction in which this was headed totally evaded my attention and I was well and truly shocked by the final revelation. The characters themselves, however, were undeniably the best piece to this winning novel. From the blossoming relationship between Molloy and Ben to the various townspeople who I’ve grown to love over the years, their development was steady and true. While they did, at times, perhaps have a classic mystery vibe, they also came across as true-to-life to my eye. Bravo, Ms. Carter, on crafting profoundly unforgettable personas. All in all, while the pace of this novel was a bit of a letdown in comparison to the prior books, I still inhaled this quick, easy read from beginning to end. If you’re a fan of Deborah Crombie or Agatha Christie herself, you won’t go wrong grabbing a copy of this heartwarming yet compelling murder mystery. A tangled web of secrets and lies, I challenge you to try to work out the truth before the end. I, for one, didn’t stand a chance. Rating of 4.5 stars. Thank you to Andrea Carter and Oceanview Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DAY: December 5, 2023 Trigger warning: drug overdose, gaslighting, attempted suicide, adoption, mention of: infidelity, alcoholism, cancer ...more |
Notes are private!
|
1
|
Nov 04, 2023
|
Nov 05, 2023
|
Jul 31, 2023
|
Kindle Edition
|
Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme)
>
Books:
book-series
(112)
|
|
|
|
|
|
my rating |
|
|
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
| 4.18
|
really liked it
|
Jul 09, 2024
|
Jul 08, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 3.98
|
really liked it
|
Sep 22, 2024
|
Jun 22, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 3.86
|
really liked it
|
Jun 25, 2024
|
May 31, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.15
|
it was amazing
|
Jun 24, 2024
|
May 13, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.28
|
it was amazing
|
Sep 08, 2024
|
Apr 28, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.47
|
really liked it
|
Jul 14, 2024
|
Apr 23, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.39
|
it was amazing
|
May 31, 2024
|
Mar 01, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 3.84
|
really liked it
|
Feb 19, 2024
|
Feb 18, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.05
|
it was amazing
|
Mar 23, 2024
|
Feb 07, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 3.45
|
liked it
|
Mar 12, 2024
|
Feb 07, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.19
|
it was amazing
|
Mar 03, 2024
|
Jan 31, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 3.92
|
really liked it
|
Dec 20, 2023
|
Dec 20, 2023
|
|||||
|
| 4.17
|
really liked it
|
Nov 22, 2023
|
Nov 06, 2023
|
|||||
|
| 4.03
|
it was amazing
|
Sep 25, 2023
|
Sep 24, 2023
|
|||||
|
| 3.86
|
it was amazing
|
Jan 07, 2024
|
Sep 20, 2023
|
|||||
|
| 3.69
|
liked it
|
Oct 10, 2023
|
Sep 09, 2023
|
|||||
|
| 3.90
|
it was amazing
|
Aug 29, 2023
|
Aug 28, 2023
|
|||||
|
| 3.60
|
really liked it
|
Dec 08, 2023
|
Aug 28, 2023
|
|||||
|
| 3.63
|
really liked it
|
Nov 15, 2023
|
Aug 08, 2023
|
|||||
|
| 4.17
|
really liked it
|
Nov 05, 2023
|
Jul 31, 2023
|
Loading...
