Last year, Finlay's EVERY LAST FEAR was one of my favorite reads, so I've been looking forward to reading this one since I first heard about it. I wasLast year, Finlay's EVERY LAST FEAR was one of my favorite reads, so I've been looking forward to reading this one since I first heard about it. I was delighted that Agent Keller features again here - though chronologically this is not a sequel, but instead a prequel as it takes place in 1999 and 2014. The titular night shift at a Blockbuster in Linden, NJ is decimated with only survivor and fifteen years later, similar killings take place during the last shift at an ice cream shoppe. The time difference between the crimes makes it a little easier to correctly guess the killer's identity (I figured out a lot of the plot about halfway through). There are still some surprises along the way, though and it is, of course, satisfying to be right.
Just like Finlay's first book, I couldn't put this one down. It's a real page-turner with fast-pacing and a truly great heroine. The vlog snippets work well here and I really appreciated the epilogue. And I also felt relieved that this was set prior because otherwise, I would have wanted to re-read EVERY LAST FEAR first, which isn't necessary. I really enjoyed reading this and it is exactly the book that I wanted to read. I really enjoy Finlay's characters and I hope that this isn't the last appearance of Agent Keller. It's an entertaining and exciting read - and the Blockbuster nostalgia really added to the fun. I can't wait to read whatever Finlay writes next!...more
Based on a real post-WWII serial killer in London, this book opens in 1949. In addition to the killer's perspective, the author offers a few other voiBased on a real post-WWII serial killer in London, this book opens in 1949. In addition to the killer's perspective, the author offers a few other voices in the jazz nightclub scene - from Queenie, a singer, her friend, Joy, and Terence, a drummer with a secret life of his own. The relationships between them adds to the overall drama, as their lives brush against that of the killer.
Well-performed, this is an engaging listen - although it's overall rather depressing. The added characters more thoroughly depict the historical setting which feels well-researched. The conclusion comes a bit off-sides, making this overall not quite as satisfying as I had hoped. I was unfamiliar with the real case, so I do wonder how it will be received who are more familiar with the real details. I just wish that the ending had been a bit more showing and less of a summary. The characters do come to life, though they are certainly not all likable. The performance particularly from the killer's voice is genuinely creepy and the knowledge that these crimes are rooted in truth only adds to that. It's a good listen to usher in the spooky season!...more
I've been excited to read this one ever since I first heard of it - and when it was selected as one of the December Book of the Month club options, I I've been excited to read this one ever since I first heard of it - and when it was selected as one of the December Book of the Month club options, I was even more excited to read it! And it's solidly entertaining - and certainly a strong debut noel. Chloe Davis narrates here - a psychologist with her own practice, a wedding coming up in a few months - and the 20th anniversary of the crimes that put her father in prison for life. Soon Chloe feels overwhelmed by the past when girls start going missing again in an uncanny echo of the murders and disappearances from 20 years earlier. The stresses of the past bring back unhealthy coping mechanisms, making Chloe a somewhat untrustworthy - and unlikable - narrator. I am not sure that the ultimate twist will surprise every reader, but I am sure every reader will be satisfied with the way the pieces fit together. I wish that the ending had a bit more to it.. Chloe's character growth is left a bit unfinished... and there were a few scenes that I expected that the ending did not deliver. But, I appreciated the Baton Rouge setting. I can see why this was a BOTM pick - I think it's sure to start some lively discussions! I do sort of wish that I had kept a tally though of how many times the word "flicker" appeared in the text though! I am curious to see what Willingham will write next!...more
With a catchy title, haunting cover and a tons of pre-publication buzz (including a promo quote from Stephen King!), this one immediately caught my atWith a catchy title, haunting cover and a tons of pre-publication buzz (including a promo quote from Stephen King!), this one immediately caught my attention and hit the top of my wishlist of books I wanted to read. Needless to say, I was genuinely thrilled when the publisher reached directly out to me and invited me to read this book! It definitely lived up to its hype! I loved it!
Set in the late 1980s and formatted like a true crime book (complete with a forward by a true crime writer, and photos throughout), this book immediately hooks the reader right in. With obvious love and nostalgia for his own hometown of Edgewood, Maryland, Chizmar tells the story of the Boogeyman from his own perspective which only adds to the overall authenticity that the format lends this book. After graduating college, Chizmar returns to his hometown and lives with his parents until his upcoming winter wedding. But that summer, terror strikes the town (even a Jaws quote gets pulled in here!) when a young teenager's body is found. Chizmar builds the tension so well here and the details along with the book's structure makes this a completely convincing read that feels so genuine! It definitely gave me some legitimate chills and actual goosebumps while reading it. And it had me up quite late into the night because I just couldn't put it down!
It's pre-publication buzz is well-deserved! This novel is very well done! It's my first experience with Chizmar's writing, but I am quite sure that it won't be my last! I really enjoyed reading this - though I do wish that there had been a bit more to the ending. I suppose that's more of a sign that I just didn't want the book to end, though! That's my only complaint - otherwise, I totally loved this and it's definitely one of my favorite reads of 2021 so far! The attention to detail is consistent throughout and it really builds into a creepy, creepy read! I am definitely looking forward to more from him now! ...more
Before reading this book, I had never heard of Dr. Cream - and frankly, after reading this, I am quite surprised! This serial poisoner has a surprisinBefore reading this book, I had never heard of Dr. Cream - and frankly, after reading this, I am quite surprised! This serial poisoner has a surprisingly local connection to me - as my aunt and uncle used to live in Garden Prairie and my mom now lives in Belvidere - where Cream was first convicted of murder! I really wasn't expecting to see a map highlight such small towns in Illinois! Jobb's book brings Cream's life, crimes and victims to light here in this fascinating narrative nonfiction. It reads like a fictional thriller, honestly, and I had a hard time putting this one down!
Impeccably researched, Jobb also offers plenty of detail to set the scenes and really shows how investigations in the Victorian era worked - and how many advantages that killers really had. It's a genuinely fascinating read - and I always know when a nonfiction book is especially absorbing because I find myself chasing down my husband to read the interesting bits to him. I really enjoyed this one - though I wish that there had been a bit more insight into the motivations. And I feel awful that the Illinois penal system failed so terribly to retain him considering he wasted no time at all in picking back up with his murderous ways.
I also appreciated Jobbs' focus on the victims as well. Plus, the Jack the Ripper connection only added to this one. I am really glad that Jobbs took the time to explore that as well. The additional supporting materials - like the photos, letters, drawings and maps really added a lot to this one, too! I really enjoyed this and am definitely curious to check out more from Jobbs in the future!...more
This is a fast listen - I definitely found myself listening at every opportunity! Set in the titular small West Virginian town, it's anything but paraThis is a fast listen - I definitely found myself listening at every opportunity! Set in the titular small West Virginian town, it's anything but paradise for the four main characters that the story follows. Henry and Jane are siblings and reviled teenagers around town since the arrest of their father for being the serial killer dubbed the "Blind Spot Slasher." Another teen, Otis, recently moved to town and begins investigating Henry and Jane's father, wanting to help them uncover the truth. Another newcomer to town, Detective Garcia, investigates the missing women around town and isn't quite sure what exactly the town is hiding.
Fast-paced and well-performed, I did enjoy listening to this one quite a bit! The characters - as well as the rather grim setting - all really comes to life. I sort of wish that the audio had more than one performer though because that usually adds to the fun, but I did appreciate the way this narrator handled the accents. The book does leave a few things dangling in the end - which bothered me a bit, but overall I really liked this one and would definitely read or listen to more. from Rufus in the future!...more
I read and enjoyed this duo's AWAKENED trilogy - originally drawn to them not only because I adore a good creature feature, but also because one of thI read and enjoyed this duo's AWAKENED trilogy - originally drawn to them not only because I adore a good creature feature, but also because one of the authors is "Murr" from IMPRACTICAL JOKERS. Their latest, this serial killer thriller, is a bit different but no less entertaining. I admit that I had hoped that Murr would perform the audio - but the female narrator fit the perspective much better. It's a gripping listen that really reels in the reader from the very start when the main character, Maria, is on a jury for a serial killer case. The trial's ending leaves the jury becoming famous in their own right. Continuing to be haunted by the case, psychologist Maria eventually takes a leave of absence from her work. With her twin children and her fiancé, they embark on an Atlantic cruise. But what's supposed to be a pleasurable escape soon becomes a locked room mystery on the high seas.
The plot takes a few genuinely surprising turns - and definitely has some horrific violence. The ending suggests that this might not be the last we see of Maria, too, which is exciting as I grew to quite like her. The police on the cruise ship are also well developed. I really enjoyed listening to this one and especially loved the inclusion of the interview with the authors at the end of the audiobook. I liked listening and definitely always found myself eager to pick this one back up. It's fast-paced and I imagine would be best enjoyed while actually being on a cruise! A great summer thriller!...more
This is a fast-paced and straightforward serial killer thriller. Set in a remote village in Northern China, the main character is an inspector with thThis is a fast-paced and straightforward serial killer thriller. Set in a remote village in Northern China, the main character is an inspector with the police, just below the chief after he was promoted away in exile from the nearest city, Harbin. Lu is an honorable and almost classic investigator, determined to find the truth when a local woman is brutally murdered.
What really makes this book shine is the setting. Intended for Western audiences, Klingborn does a good job of mixing in the facts of society, the legal system and political policies without ever crossing the line into the dreaded "info-dump" territory. Plot-wise, I did guess the killer's identity a bit early on, so while nothing really surprised me, it was still satisfying to be proven correct. The romantic subplot hints at perhaps more to come in future installments, so this set-up works well here, too. I am definitely curious to see where the rest of the series will go. Some of the characters are more likable than others and overall, this is a solidly entertaining read. It's a bit gorier than a cozy mystery, but is overall rather simple and quick!...more
I quite enjoyed this impressive and thrilling debut novel! The podcast frame really adds to the fun - I can't resist a multimedia format, honestly. ElI quite enjoyed this impressive and thrilling debut novel! The podcast frame really adds to the fun - I can't resist a multimedia format, honestly. Elle's latest season dives into Minnesota's serial killer with the moniker, "The Countdown Killer" or "TCK" who terrorized Minneapolis in the late 1990s. Elle investigates this one - and seems to be following a path towards the truth after so many years.
Plot-wise, this one doesn't really hold many surprises. But, the predictable paths don't really detract too much from this one (plus, in some ways being proven right adds to the fun). The pacing and format, especially when combined with the likable characters, makes this one hard to put down from start to finish! I am looking forward to seeing what Clarke will follow this one up with! It's a fast, engaging and exciting read!...more
I've been a big fan of Stevens' writing since reading her debut novel ten years ago. I think that this one, her latest, just might be my favorite yet!I've been a big fan of Stevens' writing since reading her debut novel ten years ago. I think that this one, her latest, just might be my favorite yet! Based loosely on a real highway in Canada where women have died or gone missing from since the 1970s, the book unfolds mainly in two voices. Hailey, grieving the sudden loss of her father, moves in with her aunt and her husband. A sergeant with the local police, Hailey clashes with him from the start. But his unsettling reactions heightens the tension. No one will listen to her suspicions that Vaughn may be far worse than just the cop that the local teens all hate. Cold Creek is a town plagued with missing posters and corpses.
Events also bring Beth to Cold Creek - and she narrates the other half of the novel. It's an exciting read and one that I really loved. I had a hard time putting it down for any reason at all. I especially loved Wolf, the Wiley sheepdog who reminded me so much of my own Australian Cattle Dog. I just loved his bond with Hailey. The plot and its twists really makes this a genuine page turner! It's an exciting read and I am really looking forward to seeing what Stevens writes next! ...more
With an attractive cover and an intriguing premise, this one drew me right in. The book opens when Heather returns to her mother's house after her sudWith an attractive cover and an intriguing premise, this one drew me right in. The book opens when Heather returns to her mother's house after her sudden death. The two hadn't been close in years, but when Heather arrives, she uncovers a box of letters that her mother had been sending for nearly her entire life - letters to a serial killer both before and after his incarceration.
Wanting to learn more about her mother, Heather begins putting her journalism skills to use as she learns more about the murders of the past - and the eerily similar new string of murders just starting to take place. It's a fast-paced read with some real surprises to the plot as it moves in both a "Before" timeline around the original murders and Heather's present. The characters, for the most part, come to life - although I must admit that Heather herself is not always very likable. I do wish that the ending had a bit more closure to it as well. and while I wish the there had been more room for Heather to grow in her own relationships. But, otherwise, it is an entertaining and quite engaging read - there are some twists that definitely took me completely by surprise!!...more
This debut novel makes for quite a riveting mystery/thriller! Set in a small, interior town, Moorabool, at the end of 1966 and start of 1967, the storThis debut novel makes for quite a riveting mystery/thriller! Set in a small, interior town, Moorabool, at the end of 1966 and start of 1967, the story unfolds from both 12-year-old Hal's perspective and Mick Goodenough's - currently a probationary constable, a severe demotion from this detective job in Sydney. While Hal's family struggles with their new location, Mick can't stop applying his skills to even the mundane police work of this small and rural town. But soon the titular Night Whistler begins to menace Hal's family. The rest of the police force don't take these incidents seriously, but in them Mick sees the budding work of a serial killer.
There's a lot of animal violence here (it opens up with a dead and mutilated dog), but the setting and the very Australian feel to this sets it up as a rather unique read. The racial tension is evident here as well, which adds another dimension to what would otherwise be a rather straightforward serial killer thriller. Plus the pacing and tension builds in a truly excellent way - I really couldn't put this one down! I am definitely curious to see what Woodland follows this one up with. I think that there's plenty of foundation here for a sequel and can see this as a start to an excellent series!...more
This is a quick read! Della is an English teacher narrating a present and past storyline. In her present, an off-putting new student arrives. Zoey seeThis is a quick read! Della is an English teacher narrating a present and past storyline. In her present, an off-putting new student arrives. Zoey seems popular with the other teachers and soon the students, too, but Della finds Zoey to be disturbing - reminding her of her past, when again she had been the only one to truly see the darkness within someone close to her. The past sections detail those experiences.
The book is engaging - with a straightforward plot that moves along at a fast pace. It sort of feels a bit like the equivalent of watching a Lifetime movie - entertaining but not terribly deep. Della is sympathetic - even when it seems like no one else believes her fears are truly warranted. And while the present storyline with Zoey isn't quite as strong the tale of Della's past, it's an engaging and summery sort of read - I would definitely read more from Smith in the future. ...more
I have been a fan of O'Brien's for a few years now - he's a talented writer with a good grasp on pacing, plot and characters. Needless to say, I am alI have been a fan of O'Brien's for a few years now - he's a talented writer with a good grasp on pacing, plot and characters. Needless to say, I am always keeping an eye out for his books - both the earlier titles that I missed and his newest. Though not really marketed as such, this latest one is actually something of a sequel to last summer's thriller, The Betrayed Wife. You don't have to read that one first (though O'Brien quickly sums up the pertinent points which will spoil the action for those who haven't read it - my bad memory greatly appreciated the reminders, though!).
This one focuses on the O'Rourke half-sisters, Hannah and Eden. They have received scholarships to a small, private (and fictitious) university on the North Shore of Chicago - in Delmar (squeezed in around Lake Bluff and Lake Forest). The author's own familiarity with the area really shows - and I greatly appreciated the details of the geography that all added up so flawlessly - seriously, everything just felt spot-on from the Metro stops, the correct highway exits and grocery stories (sometimes those details aren't correct in other Chicago-based books and it drives me crazy!). The authenticity really added to my overall enjoyment of this one!
The book moves along at a fast pace, with multiple perspectives, and multiple strings of the plot - from echoes of 1970s murders at the college, to suspicious characters and plenty of intrigue. A few of the plot's turns are more expected than others, but there are some real shocks here, too! Plus, the book addressed many of the open threads that were left unaddressed in its predecessor. This time, though, the epilogue seems to indicate that this is the end for the O'Rourke family - but I secretly hope that it isn't! I really liked all of the characters! I really and genuinely had fun reading this one from start to finish! I can't wait to see what O'Brien will write next! ...more
I was so excited about this book as soon as I first heard about it! Being a doglover, and having spent most of my life living in and around Chicago, tI was so excited about this book as soon as I first heard about it! Being a doglover, and having spent most of my life living in and around Chicago, this one seemed tailor-made for me! The main character, Mason or "Mace" Reed trains dogs, particularly cadaver dogs and the series begins with his new partnership with a very special golden retriever.
It's a fast-paced and engaging read, involving a nefarious serial killer, Mace and his dogs and I had a very hard time putting this down! I do wish that there had been a little bit more realism to some of the locations (Egg River rest stop?!) and I am surprised that Mace doesn't take more flak for being a Cubs fan on the Southside... but otherwise, this didn't strike me as inauthentic the way some book set in Chicago do. And I am sure that some less well-known suburbs will be glad to have a shout-out as well!
Burton offers different perspectives - from both the villain and the heroes - and though this does somewhat detract from the mystery of it all, it doesn't really negate any of the suspense. In some ways this allows for a short-cut sort of approach to include more details, which I did appreciate. Mace is a bit remiscient of Andy Carpenter, though he's not quite as funny. Still, this definitely makes for a solid foundation for a new series - and I definitely do plan on following this series in the future! ...more
Though I already own one of Pochoda's earlier novels, this is actually the first time that I have read any of her books - and I can't wait to read morThough I already own one of Pochoda's earlier novels, this is actually the first time that I have read any of her books - and I can't wait to read more!! I really loved this book! Told in multiple voices, Pochoda really brings each of these women completely to life! The perspectives are all quite distinct, all revolve around serial murders around the South Los Angeles area. The majority of the victims are sex workers of some sort - but it soon becomes clear that there is a connection between the past and the 2014 present. It's such an impressive and well done novel. The setting really feels well-detailed and authentic, too. And while some of the perspectives are more stylized than others, as a whole this just really works! It's shockingly visual and totally fresh - not to mention just completely original (all the more surprising since serial killer stories don't usually feel all that new!). And while the plot points in a clear direction, it's almost interactive in the way that it allows the reader to piece it all together - ahead of the characters themselves. I would've liked a bit more to the end - but really, this is very satisfying and very fast-paced. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish and I really can't wait to read more from her soon! Impressively done! ...more
I really enjoyed this third installment of Kore's series that features "Steps" and his partner, Jimmy. This one immediately thrusts them into a new myI really enjoyed this third installment of Kore's series that features "Steps" and his partner, Jimmy. This one immediately thrusts them into a new mystery that makes use of Steps' ability to read the "shine" left by each person as a unique signature. Here, they start off tracking a man who was stopped with a woman in his trunk. The woman is saved, and when the suspect is finally cornered, it leads to only more questions about what was actually happening. This turns into more victims and an even larger mystery.
Unlike the second book that bopped around quite a bit, this one sticks all within Washington state. The pacing is quick and this one is hard to put down. It's definitely more plot-centric and I enjoyed it. The mystery takes some surprising turns (though some readers may see a few more familiar turns coming). The series continues to slowly build up more on the Leonardo killer - which I must admit, was what I originally thought that the focus of this book would be. Again, like its predecessor, there's not a real need to read these in order, so you can start here, but I would, of course, recommend reading them in order. And I am definitely excited to see what the fourth book will bring! ...more
As always, I am thrilled to be reading the latest Lisa Gardner book!! She has been one of my favorite authors for quite a long time!! I am up-to-date As always, I am thrilled to be reading the latest Lisa Gardner book!! She has been one of my favorite authors for quite a long time!! I am up-to-date on the D.D. Warren series, but I am one book behind still on the Kimberly Quincy series, so I really appreciated that in this mash-up with three of her heroines working together - D.D., Quincy and my personal favorite, Flora Dane - Gardner inserts reminders for these characters' backstories. The newly introduced characters are really great here, too.
This is an exciting read which is genuinely hard to put down! The plot definitely takes some unexpected and quite surprising turns. There are a few twists that I did suspect, but it's nice to be able to follow the clues along with these great detectives! I thoroughly enjoy Gardner's writing and it's so nice to see all of her heroines working together here. I especially liked Flora's role - and her growth here as even more of Jacob Ness is revealed. I am a little concerned that there isn't too much more to learn about Ness, so I am worried that Dane will fade out of the books - but I certainly hope that this isn't the case, because she is definitely my favorite! And though D.D. isn't usually my favorite character, this book reveals a bit of a new side to her as well that I did appreciate. And now I am left anxiously awaiting to see what will happen next!! I hope the wait isn't too long!! ...more
Ever since first glimpsing this cover and title of this debut thriller from North, I have been dying to get my hands on a copy! Unfortunately, all tooEver since first glimpsing this cover and title of this debut thriller from North, I have been dying to get my hands on a copy! Unfortunately, all too often, that amount of anticipation can lead to disappointment, but I am happy to say that this is not the case here at all! I quite thoroughly enjoyed this! It genuinely gave me the creeps on numerous occasions - and I can hardly remember the last time that has happened! There were literal goosebumps raised by the specter of the titular Whisper Man. Not to mention a few scenes that I sincerely hope don't haunt my nightmares!
The plot took me by surprise and though some pieces fell more neatly into place than others, I really loved reading this! There is a supernatural element, but the real horror is from the characters themselves and the horrific murders of young children. It's a dark and thrilling novel that I had a hard time pulling myself away from - but a few times, I had to because I was actually frightened. And I am not sure if I have ever needed to pause a book like that before for being too scary! My ankles were tingling, that's for sure! I expected to enjoy this, but I can't stress enough how blown away I was with how much I enjoyed this. I am thrilled that this was chosen as one of the Book of the Month Club's August picks. And I absolutely can't wait to see what North follows this one up with! ...more
I have read and enjoyed Cummins' series, starting with The Collector. And initially, I expected this to be a part of that. But, this is a standalone tI have read and enjoyed Cummins' series, starting with The Collector. And initially, I expected this to be a part of that. But, this is a standalone title - one that was actually published earlier in the UK under the title "The Neighbour". Unfortunately, my disappointment over this not being a continuation of the series did somewhat spoil the beginning to me. But by the second half of the book, my spoiled expectations were long forgotten as I started to genuinely enjoy this quite a bit in its own right!
Set on the Avenue in Essex, this little street is surprisingly full of secrets. Just about every household on the block harbors some sort of hidden activity or past. The book shifts from various perspectives starting from the day the Lockwood family moves in - and alternates between the "Now" where a serial killer knows his spree is up and is preparing for the police to arrive.
The plot keeps the reader guessing, as there are multiple plausible possibilities for the killer's identity- there's the creepy older man who makes dolls, the vulgar one with the telescope, the postman who seems to only ever be delivering mail on their street... The sort of omniscient writing style does take a little bit of getting used to - and I definitely love the prophetic role of the Magic 8 ball here! It's an entertaining novel and one that I really did enjoy - despite my reluctance at first. I saw some of the twists coming, but there were plenty of surprises that I didn't expect, too! I am looking forward to seeing what Cummins will write next! Hopefully next time there isn't such a lag between the UK and US publications! ...more
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