3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Setting ~ New York & Maine Publication date ~ May 30, 2023 Publisher ~ Harlequin Trade Publishing Est Page Count ~ 298 (3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Setting ~ New York & Maine Publication date ~ May 30, 2023 Publisher ~ Harlequin Trade Publishing Est Page Count ~ 298 (43 chapters) Audio length ~ 8 hours 28 minutes Narrator ~ Brittany Pressley POV ~ single 1st & dual 3rd, present tense Featuring ~ missing girls and old men
Kira's 19 year old daughter, Brooke, is missing. 1st person POV Grace went missing when she was a teenager, but escaped. 3rd person POV Aden's 73 year old father is missing. 3rd person POV
Why with the POV's this way? I prefer consistency. There's a bit of amateur sleuthing going on that gets a little crazy at times. Kira acted like I'd expect of a frantic mother searching for her child.
Overall, it's not at all shocking really, but I found it to be really fast paced after a bit of a slow build up.
I was able to listen to a copy as well. I had a foster puppy over for a few days that I had to bring to the vet over an hour away, so me and the pupper super sonic listened and got a good chunk done. She doesn't have any thoughts to add.
Narration notes: It's Brittany...enough said.
Another old one checked off the list, whoop whoop!
Happy publication day! 3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction, family drama Setting ~ England Publication date ~ July 15, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 330 (p+ 53 chapHappy publication day! 3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction, family drama Setting ~ England Publication date ~ July 15, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 330 (p+ 53 chapters) Audio length ~ 8 hours 18 minutes Narrator ~ Kristin Atherton POV ~ single 1st & multiple 3rd Featuring ~ multiple timelines, murder, secrets
Sister and brother, Anna & Tim are living in their old house with Anna's 10 year old daughter, Cassie.
Sister and brother, Lily & George Taylor were best friends with Anna and Tim growing up, until one tragic event caused a rift between George and Tim. Lily's POV is the only 1st person one.
Now the beloved Dr. Taylor is found murdered. Who stabbed him and why?
I'm not a fan when a child thinks they know what's best and doesn't listen to their parent, even if they're not given a good reason for why things are the way they are. There's also a lack on police presence when it was warranted, which I found odd.
Hiding because we learn this later on and it's definitely a (view spoiler)[Dr. Taylor molested Anna when she was around the same age as Cassie is, so I'm wondering why Anna allowed her daughter to hang around him? (hide spoiler)] and it makes no sense and I'm a bit sickened by it. But I suppose that's a twist for ya. I was originally rounding up, but the more I thought about it, I've gotta go with down because I just can't get behind this type of behavior. (view spoiler)[It's not even like we get flashbacks where the 'good' doctor is threatening her with something to keep her mouth shut (hide spoiler)], so again makes no sense.
But I was pretty engaged for most of it. I wouldn't say it was a thriller, or suspenseful, really, but there was a little action that got my heart racing for a hot minute. Gotta love an elderly neighbor that sees and hears everything. I'll probably be like Mrs. McKay one day. The 10 year old secret was not a surprise, but the last zinger was a nice one and I'm not sure if I like the open-endedness of it.
I have read this author before and rated it exactly the same. It seems like she might have a theme she likes for her wow factor.
Narration notes: She did do a good job differentiating her voices, but I really wish there was a male narrator. Also, I felt like Lily's tone sounded quite mean.
Happy publication day! 3⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Setting ~ Scotland Publication date ~ June 25, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 276 (before+ 13 chapters +afteHappy publication day! 3⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Setting ~ Scotland Publication date ~ June 25, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 276 (before+ 13 chapters +after) Audio length ~ 8 hours 37 minutes Narrators ~ Lorna Bennett & Kat Rose-Martin POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ remote cabin with no cell service, old secrets, slow burn, long chapters
Estranged, total opposite, sisters, Catherine & Anna, are off to Scotland to try to reconnect. It's not proving to be too easy when weird things begin happening at the cabin. Add in no cell service and the creep factor for them is intensified.
This was a super slow mover and the secrets and twists weren't exactly mind blowing. Some chapters were very long, like over 40 minutes and one was even over an hour, which is way too long in my opinion. I did enjoy the creepy vibe of the location and the very end. All in all, fine, but I can see other's enjoying it more than me, especially if they read and not listen.
Narration notes: I'm not sure which narrator was for who, but I felt like Catherine's was yelling at me the whole time. She seemed very grumpy with her gruff tone, which I guess maybe was fitting since she didn't really want to go on the trip in the first place. She took me out of the story a bit. The other did a perfectly fine job.
3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological mystery Series ~ Broken Vows #1 Setting ~ Florida Publication date ~ June 13, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 297 (p+ 43 chapters +e) Audi3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological mystery Series ~ Broken Vows #1 Setting ~ Florida Publication date ~ June 13, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 297 (p+ 43 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 26 minutes Narrator ~ Laurence Bouvard POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ revenge, past secrets
Brynn is getting ready to marry the man of her dreams, Nathan. She's planning the wedding on her own practically while he is at a high profile murder trial.
We hear from 'the woman' that clearly is trying to sabotage the wedding. But why and who is this mystery woman? There are quite a few possibilities.
Alright so I liked the few twists we got, one was a real nice zinger, but Brynn going back and forth trying to figure out who was doing the sabotaging was a bit annoying. The things that were being done were things that you'd expect in order to get the bride in a frenzy.
Overall, it was fine, a bit slow moving, but I enjoyed the writing well enough that I'm interested in seeing where the next book takes us.
Side note ~ no matter where the author is based, or their nationality, I feel like if the book is based in the USA then proper terms should be used and vice versa. For instance we don’t really call people cows over here, or say chemist.
Narration notes: She sounded a little young, but did a nice job differentiating other characters' voices. I could have gone for a little more emotion at times.
Series notes: The story somewhat continues, so it would be best to read this one before The Missing Bridesmaid.
4.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ North Carolina & Nevada Publication date ~ May 21, 2024 Page Count ~ 379 (p+ 77 chapters) Audio length ~ 9 ho4.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ North Carolina & Nevada Publication date ~ May 21, 2024 Page Count ~ 379 (p+ 77 chapters) Audio length ~ 9 hours 19 minutes Narrator ~ Vivienne Leheny POV ~ multiple 3rd Featuring ~ 6 part story, dual timeline ~ past and present Sloan is adopted and has never wanted to find her birth parents. As part of her research assignment she takes a DNA test. The results are unbelievable and set forth a roller coaster of a ride as we try to piece together how Sloan was once known as Baby Charlotte.
Eric is the sheriff in Nevada trying to get answers about his father, Sandy’s, death 30 years ago. Sloan just might be able to help him get the answers and closure he needs. I don't love romance in my thrillers, but I was actually hoping for a little with these two.
In the past we hear from Sandy and learn more about the early investigation into the Margolis family when Charlotte and her parents went missing. In the present we have a true crime podcaster, Ryder, that is annoyingly helpful.
The dual timelines and multiple POV’s were very easy to follow along with and totally built up the suspense nicely. I was on the edge of my seat throughout waiting to see how Baby Charlotte ended up being Sloan and I was not disappointed. A little implausible with how the pictures came about, but overall this was an utterly shocking and grippingly gripping read.
I was lucky enough to have both the ebook and an audio copy. Both ways worked perfectly well. Narration notes: Vivienne did a fabulous job giving each character a distinct voice.
3⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ London Publication date ~ November 29, 2022 Page Count ~ 286 (34 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 25 minutes3⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ London Publication date ~ November 29, 2022 Page Count ~ 286 (34 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 25 minutes Narrators ~ Rosie Akerman, Helen Day POV ~ single 1st & 3rd Featuring ~ gaslighting, infidelity
Nell is married to Ruby (18) & Poppy's (26) father, Oliver. These girls are not too happy about this and do their best to try to break them up. I'm calling them girls and not women because they act like teenagers with their antics.
A quick and easy read that's told by Nell in the 1st and Ruby in the 3rd that certainly had some predictability to it. I figured out the who, but not the why, so that was nice. Also, had a nice twist at the very end. It wouldn't be a proper thriller this day and age without some gaslighting and lies of course. Can't say I was a fan of any of the characters really. Overall, middle of the road.
*shout out to hoopla for the bonus borrow, so I didn't have to use one of my credits*
Narration notes: I was happy with both narrators. Ruby's sounded age appropriate.
Maureen & Paul's 17 year old daughter, Meghan, was murdered 10 years ago. Now a mysterious someone has invited everyone that was close to Meghan to a dinner party because they have something to say about what really happened the night she died.
The attendees are: Sam & Alice ~ Meghan's younger sisters. Rebecca ~ Paul's new wife. Cal ~ Meghan's boyfriend who went to prison for the murder. Uncle Jeff doesn't have any chapters told by him, but he's Paul's best friend who has always been a big part of the family, so he's invited, too.
Overall, it's quite predictable, but I was still kept engaged with the full on locked room feel. There's a raging storm with no electric or cell service to help build up the suspense. There was a nice last little zinger that bumped up my rating.
Hubs in depth review: Figured out who did it in the first 13 minutes, however pleasantly surprised by the twists and turns throughout. Overall, enjoyed it.
I was able to listen to a copy as well. Narration notes: You can never go wrong with Brittany as a narrator. She really knows how to build up the suspense.
3⭐ Genre ~ Psychological Suspense Setting ~ New England Publication date ~ February 6, 2024 Page Count ~ 360 (35 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours 28 min3⭐ Genre ~ Psychological Suspense Setting ~ New England Publication date ~ February 6, 2024 Page Count ~ 360 (35 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours 28 minutes Narrator ~ Emily Ellet POV ~ single 3rd Featuring ~ debut, locked room, flashbacks, gaslighting, awful men
No named characters is unique, but weird.
This started off super intense and I was scared to listen when I was home alone at night, but then it sort of petered out for me. There still was some action, but not as grippingly so as it was in the beginning, and there's a blizzard because why not. The flashbacks slowed it down. All the men were pretty awful with the 1st place trophy going to her father in law and coming in 2nd were the detectives. The ending was good. Fine for a debut.
Previously published in 2017 as Undercurrents. I have no idea if any content has changed.
Phoebe has just moved into a new house right along some raging water near Anna. They sort of become friends, but Phoebe can’t shake the feeling that Anna looks just like her dead sister.
Phoebe is super unreliable, which made this a good psychological thriller that messed with my mind, isn’t that the best kind? It was a little slow to start, but after Anna goes missing the pace really picks up creating the suspense. Always thrilled when there’s a nice twist I wasn’t expecting, too. Overall, decent.
I was able to listen to a copy as well. Narration notes: I would have preferred at least 2 narrators, but overall she did a fine job.
Happy publication day! 4⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ Illinois Publication date ~ July 23, 2024 Est Page Count ~379 (95 chapters) Audio lenHappy publication day! 4⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ Illinois Publication date ~ July 23, 2024 Est Page Count ~379 (95 chapters) Audio length ~ 13 hours Narrators ~ Vas Eli, Emana Rachelle, Lee Osorio, Natasha Soudek, Philip Hernandez POV ~ single 1st, present tense & multiple 3rd Featuring ~ multiple timelines, short chapters/page breaks, murder, gangsters, espionage, mentions of human trafficking and cancer
Leo is an attorney accused of murder. He might have a way to stay out of prison if he helps the FBI. I mostly enjoyed his character. He was a bit much with his love of prime numbers, but he provided enough humor that I could overlook that. One thing is for sure, he will protect his brother, Trace, at all costs.
Chris is a FBI agent and a cancer survivor.
Andi is a former cop, now a deputy director of security. She's also Leo's ex-girlfriend.
We hear from Marilyn, Leo's mom, a few times.
There is a lot going on and you can try to pay attention, but there are twists after twists after twists. Luckily they were doled out nicely and not wam wam wam smacking me in the face all at once, which I liked. The multiple timelines are easy to follow along with. It’s a bit repetitive and on the longer side, but I appreciated the short chapters and page breaks to keep the pace steady. I'd recommend it if you like an action packed thriller with some espionage and a character that strives for justice.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference. Seems like it would be good with a full cast of narrators.
4⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Series ~ Spectrum Series #4 Others in the series#1-4 Setting ~ Italy, North Carolina Publication date ~ December 11, 20234⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Series ~ Spectrum Series #4 Others in the series#1-4 Setting ~ Italy, North Carolina Publication date ~ December 11, 2023 Page Count ~ 299 (36 chapters + interviews) POV ~ multiple 3rd Featuring ~ multiple timelines
Tracey is our serial killer, and in this final book we finally get the conclusion of what becomes of him. Will he get caught or continue to live his glamorous life with this wife and baby daughter?
We hear from Penelope and Figg (Detectives), Jane (the interviewer) and Tracey, along with his family and friends in 2014 & 2015, which kept the story flowing at a great pace.
There was quite the doozie of a twist that I did not see coming, so high five to that. Seriously, I don't think I would have ever guessed it. The final chapter was interestingly set in 2035 which gave us a nice glimpse of what all the characters are up to. Overall, this a great wrap up for a solid series.
Series notes: Absolutely not a standalone, each book has to be read in order.
*Thanks to the author's for sending me a copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Setting ~ multiple states Publication date ~ January 2, 2024 Est page Count ~ 348 (26 chapters) Audio length ~ 9 hours 16 3⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Setting ~ multiple states Publication date ~ January 2, 2024 Est page Count ~ 348 (26 chapters) Audio length ~ 9 hours 16 minutes Narrator ~ Saskia Maarleveld POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ adult debut, multiple timelines, parent with cancer, murder
I'm going to make this brief since it's super duper popular. Is that because of Reese?
Evie is a con artist and we get introduced to a lot of her alias's from over the years to keep track of, which honestly confused me at times. I don't like to be confused. I got Charlie's Angels vibes.
Overall, I did like~ish it. It was fast paced, and didn't take me long to listen to, so I'll mid of the road it. I found it to be well thought out, but it just didn't give me the wow factor that so many others felt.
Narration notes: Saskia did a wonderful job. I have no complaints of her performance.
4⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ Seattle, Washington Publication date ~ March 5, 2024 Est page Count ~ 357 (p+ 67 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 ho4⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ Seattle, Washington Publication date ~ March 5, 2024 Est page Count ~ 357 (p+ 67 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours 45 minutes Narrator ~ Sarah Borges POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ dual timeline ~ now & 4 to 3 years ago, murder, jealously, revenge, stalking
Madeline narrates in the past her life with Benjamin and her "friends" up until she falls off a cliff. Rebecca narrates in the now her plans to avenge Madeline's death.
This is what I'm talking about with a revenge plot! Unfortunately, I had every last twist figured out early on, but that did not take away from my enjoyment at all. It was suspensefully fast paced with a perfect ending.
Y'all my legs ache and I need a nap just thinking about all the running these characters did. Oh hey lets meet up for a 7 mile run every day this week, yeah sure...oh wait it's a beautiful day, so lets do 10 miles. Sure I've run,..fine jogged,..fine walk/jogged 10 miles before, but more like over a 6 month period, not at one time. I did actually have a nice afternoon brisk walk with my pup today just so you know. Kudos to those that do love to run.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Series ~ Mrs. Parrish #2 Others in the series ~ The Last Mrs. Parrish Setting ~ Connecticut & Texas Publication date ~ Ju3⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Series ~ Mrs. Parrish #2 Others in the series ~ The Last Mrs. Parrish Setting ~ Connecticut & Texas Publication date ~ June 18, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 336 (57 chapters) Audio length ~ 12 hours Narrators ~ Raquel Beattie, Scott Brick, Suzanne Elise Freeman, Erin Bennett POV ~ single 1st & multiple 3rd Featuring ~ unlikable characters, manipulation
Amber is married to Jackson and their parts are told in the 3rd person. They are truly AWFUL people and probably the most unlikable I have ever read. She's a gold digger that thinks everything should be just given to her. He's a manipulator that thinks he's the cats meow. It was kinda fun watching them try to one up each other and I was rooting for the demise of both of them equally.
Daphne is the former Mrs. Parrish, mother to Jackson's daughters, and her parts are told in 1st, present tense. She doesn't make the best choices. The 13 year old daughter, Tallulah, was pretty unbearable for most of the book.
We hear from Daisy Ann from Texas in the 3rd and her obsession with bringing down the person that killed her father 3 years ago. Even though she was a little much with said obsession I liked her character the most.
These rich people know how to waste the moolah. Even if I was a bazillionaire I would never spend $3k a night on a hotel suite. Don't get me started on all her other dumb purchases.
I was originally going to give this 4 stars, but the more I thought about it the more I really hated just about every character at one point or another. Despite a slow start I still liked it well enough and thought the ending was perfect.
Series notes: I read the 1st book back in 2021, so obviously I don't recall much. I didn't really feel lost, but I do think it's best to read them in order. Also, I didn't realize there was a prequel The First Shot that gives more background on Amber.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference. I am pleased to see there are multiple narrators, though.
3⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction, drama fiction Setting ~ England & Italy Publication date ~ July 12, 2022 Est page Count ~ 381 (p+ 44 chapters) Audio leng3⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction, drama fiction Setting ~ England & Italy Publication date ~ July 12, 2022 Est page Count ~ 381 (p+ 44 chapters) Audio length ~ 13 hours 29 minutes Narrator ~ Ell Potter POV ~ single 3rd Featuring ~ dual timeline ~ now & then, toxic friendship, death, revenge
Rachel tells the story of the summer she spent in Italy before college 21 years ago. It's here that she'll meet Diana, Sebastian and Valentina. The introduction lets us know someone has died, but it's a while before we know the who and the why. But once you get into the story it's not that difficult to figure out.
Rachel comes off as a very insecure unreliable narrator. This is very much a slow burn story of jealously and trying to keep up with the Joneses so to speak. I like that it was told in dual timeline, which built up the suspense, but it took a little too long to get there for me. There's a toxic friendship and unlikable characters, especially, Diana, with a surprise ending.
Overall, it was a decent psychological drama. I'd read this author again.
I was able to listen to the audiobook, too. Narration notes: She did a fine job.
*Thanks to the author, Harliquin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Setting ~ Vermont & Woodstock, NY Publication date ~ October 3, 2023 Est page Count ~ 317 (p+ 42 chapters) Audio length ~ 3⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Setting ~ Vermont & Woodstock, NY Publication date ~ October 3, 2023 Est page Count ~ 317 (p+ 42 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours 12 minutes Narrators ~ Hillary Huber, Kitty Hendrix POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ ailing estranged parent, cancer, bird death, paranormal
Alison has agreed to let her estranged, dying mother, Mavis, move in with her and family, and live out her last days.
I didn't know what I was getting into with this one. I don't read too much in the paranormal genre, but I thought it was well done on that aspect. I didn't find it overly horrory, though. A bit predictable, yes. I wasn't too fond of Alison or Mavis. Husband, Mark, on the other hand was very supportive and his love of Christmas was over the top, but cute.
This was not a favorite for me, but fine overall. There's a good amount of love for this one, so don't listen to me. It was a Nominee for Best Horror in 2023, so maybe that'll tell you all you need to know.
Side note ~ another area I am acquainted with. There are mentions of Woodstock NY, which is a neighboring town to the one I lived in for years. I did not visit it to often, so I cannot attest to the authenticity of how it was depicted.
Narration notes: Mostly told by Hillary, who always does a great job. Kitty only read a few pages and she was fine.
*There is plenty of high praise for this one, so my review will have little effect on the overall rating for this super popular author. I'm here to be honest with my thoughts, so here is goes with possible spoilers*
That's quite a gripping prologue!
30 year old Eve is a Math teacher married to 38 year old Nate, the English teacher. 16 year old Addie is in both of their classes. One teacher can't stand her and the other likes her a little too much. Can you guess which is which?
Might I have liked this one a bit more if I wasn't a mother to a 16 year old girl right now? It's not like I have anything to worry about, and I know things like this probably really do happen more often than we know, but this is very inappropriate behavior. Although it still would not have been ethical, making the teenager 18 would have been slightly better. Out of curiosity I looked up the age of consent and in 31 states it's 16 in case you were wondering.
Regarding the bullying ~ I can see why Addie felt like she had to take it and couldn't stand up for herself. It's tough being a teenage girl and add in rumors from a scandal the previous year and it's even harder. So when someone shows a little interest in you it's easy to fall under their spell. I can also see why Kenzie was dishing it out because she was hurting too. If I wasn't already disgusted by how old Addie was it's way worse when we find out Kenzie's age. The manipulation and grooming is really sickening.
Look there is no doubt this author knows how to give us a shocking twist, but this one is very much 'what's good for the goose is good for gander' and I just couldn't believe it. There's a crazy plot hole at the end with the car rides, too, but I won't give anything away with that.
So, I'll just chill over here in outlier land, which is perfectly fine because I enjoy hanging out with my delightful self. Anyway, if I do read this author again I am going to make absolutely sure every character is over 18, maybe even 21 for good measure. I mean I don't even want a couple with a baby just in case.
Narration notes: Leslie did an outstanding job for both female characters. She gave them both a voice and Addie sounded properly aged. Her emotions were on point. Danny doesn't have as many chapters, but he did a fine job too.
2⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Publication date ~ book ~ October 21, 2021, audio ~ May 31, 2022 Est page Count ~ 288 (p+ 40 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 2⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Publication date ~ book ~ October 21, 2021, audio ~ May 31, 2022 Est page Count ~ 288 (p+ 40 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 6 hours 5 minutes Narrator ~ Deirdra Whelan POV ~ single 1st, present tense Featuring ~ multiple timelines, cheating, revenge, murder, references to suicide
Simone/Mary Simone has an interesting career, she helps women confirm their significant other is cheating and then helps them seek revenge. Something went wrong 2 years ago and now she goes by Mary.
This was just okay for me. Maybe it was the present tense or the back and forth with the timelines, it's not that I was confused, but I just wasn't liking the way this was set up. It's more of a tell and not a show. I had a feeling how it would all play out and I was mostly correct in my assumption, so that did take a little away from my enjoyment. And eh with the whole set up for Kiernan ~ just because she's wearing 4" stilettos and a short skirt automatically means he's going to notice her in a crowded pub? I guess she thinks quite highly of herself, which really made her unlikable.
I am a Hurst fan, so I'll continue to read what he pumps out, but maybe I am just liking his newer work more.
Narration notes: I thought Deirdra did a great job. No complaints.
Rosie & Chad are thrilled to inherit his uncle's apartment after his death. She's a true crime writer eager to write a bestseller, so living on site will give her a closer look into the history of the ghosts at Windermere. We hear from Willa in the 1963 timeline. She and husband, Paul, lived in the same apartment and their demise is slowly revealed.
This was so slow moving for me and took me over a week to read it. I like the idea of a haunted building and I enjoyed the secrets and history within Windermere, but it was pretty predictable. Overall, fine if you like a gothic paranormal setting with a side of unlikable characters.
Side note ~ I'm loving the eerie vibes of the cover.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author, Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Setting ~ Washington DC Publication date ~ August 6, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 352 (68 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours 43 3.5⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Setting ~ Washington DC Publication date ~ August 6, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 352 (68 chapters) Audio length ~ 10 hours 43 minutes Narrator ~ Laura Benanti POV ~ single 1st, present tense Featuring ~ dead nanny, infidelity, secrets, mentions of loss of parent, childhood trauma, drug addiction
Stella is an attorney working with 9 year old, Rose, to determine which parent she should live with after the divorce. Why a divorce you ask ~ well, shockingly, [insert eye roll], the husband was sleeping with the nanny, Tina. Tina falls to her death, Rose witnessed it and she hasn't spoken since.
All characters were unlikable, but I didn't hate that so much for this book. I thought Rose's character was well written. Let's just say it wasn't a bad idea to remove all the glass from the house.
Overall, this was just fine for me. There was a heart pounding hot minute at the end, but ultimately I found it to be pretty slow moving. Bringing so much of Stella's own childhood story gave us a whole second plot that could have been it's own book. And then her love interest at the end seemed surprising to me and even Stella herself.
I'm definitely in outlier land here as everyone is loving it ...more
Heather Adores Books
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