Happy publication day! 4⭐ Genre ~ police procedural Series ~ Kate Burkholder #16 Others in the series ~ #1-16 + .5's Setting ~ Ohio Publication date ~ July Happy publication day! 4⭐ Genre ~ police procedural Series ~ Kate Burkholder #16 Others in the series ~ #1-16 + .5's Setting ~ Ohio Publication date ~ July 9, 2024 Est Page Count ~ 320 (p+ 29 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 9 hours 31 minutes Narrator ~ Kathleen McInerney POV ~ single 1st, present tense Featuring ~ brutal murder, references to domestic abuse and assault
There has been another brutal murder in Painter’s Mill and Kate and her team are on the case. This time someone has been burned alive. Can’t get much more brutal than that. Was this a random attack on a snowy night? Or did Milan deserve it?
I wouldn’t expect anything but non stop action when Kate is involved and the action doesn’t let up. Kate seems to always get herself into dangerous situations and these were top tier in the danger department.
What I appreciate about Linda’s writing is that there isn’t any repetition. We get the information once and when it’s time to relay it to others she simply just tells us she filled them in or something to that effect. Way to save time and not bog us down.
Overall, another fabulous addition to the series.
Side note ~ I like the budding romance that seems to be developing within the team. I suppose since Kate and Tomassetti are finally married we need another couple to root for, and I’m all for these two.
I was lucky enough to have both the ebook and the audio. Both worked perfectly. Narration notes: She’s a bit robotic, but does a fine job. It's not the voice I picture in my head for Kate, but I’ve grown accustomed to it.
Series notes: I think you should read them all in order because they’re great, but I suppose it’s not absolutely necessary. Each book follows a different murder, but Kate’s life is progressing.
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
4⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ Australia Publication date ~ April 23, 2024 Page Count ~ 368 (60 chapters) Audio length ~ 9 hours 6 minutes Narr4⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Setting ~ Australia Publication date ~ April 23, 2024 Page Count ~ 368 (60 chapters) Audio length ~ 9 hours 6 minutes Narrators ~ Jessica Clarke POV ~ multiple 3rd Featuring ~ multiple timelines, child a use
Foster sisters Jessica, Norah & Alicia lived their teenage years with Miss Fairchild, who was not a nice person at all.
Now years later bones have been found at their old foster home and they're heading back to a place they never wanted to visit again.
The alternating POV's give us a good sense of each of these women in the now and in the past. We, also, get a few chapters of psychiatrist visits that gave me mixed feelings at the end.
Overall, fast paced in now and slower in the past, but gripping nonetheless and will surely be a best seller. I love when the author has done research and she tells us about it in the author's note.
I was lucky enough to have both an ebook and the audio. Both ways worked perfectly fine. Narration notes: Jessica did a great job even though there wasn't too much of a variation between the characters voices.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and Netgally for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
4⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Setting ~ New York City & Red Hook, NY Publication date ~ March 5, 2024 Est page Count ~ 352 (p+ 52 chapters) Audio length4⭐ Genre ~ psychological fiction Setting ~ New York City & Red Hook, NY Publication date ~ March 5, 2024 Est page Count ~ 352 (p+ 52 chapters) Audio length ~ 11 hours 24 minutes Narrators ~ Helen Laser, Karissa Vacker POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ 2 part story, multiple timelines, childhood friends, sexual assault, secrets, influencer, toxic friendship
Billie & Cassie became best friends when they were 11. Now they're in their 30's and have drifted apart. We begin on the day the baby was taken then head back 50 days before and then we're slowly coming forward to the present. And we also head back to where the toxic friendship began in 2000 and move forward to the present. I didn't find it as confusing as I just made it sound. We learn that jealously can lead to a spur of the moment decision that can change the course of what you thought you wanted.
You're just on the edge of your seat right along with Billie waiting to see when she'll get caught. They share a secret from the past, that while it is predictable I still enjoyed the suspense leading up to it being revealed.
I have family in Red Hook, so it's exciting when I am familiar with the location. Even where I went to college is mentioned. She gives a shout out to Holy Cow, which has the best milkshakes and ice cream cakes I've ever had, so if you're ever in the area you won't be disappointed if you stop there. I do have to say though that true Upstate New Yorkers say they're driving on the Thruway, not I-87.
I was lucky enough to have both a kindle and an audio copy to review. Narration notes: A well done job by both! They were both seriously perfect for the characters.
Overall, an enjoyable psychological read.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and ALC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
2⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Setting ~ England I think Publication date ~ February 6, 2024 Est page Count ~ 329 (27 long titled chapters + one year later) Au2⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Setting ~ England I think Publication date ~ February 6, 2024 Est page Count ~ 329 (27 long titled chapters + one year later) Audio length ~ 9 hours 17 minutes Narrator ~ Emily Spowage POV ~ single 3rd Featuring ~ characters in their 30's, ex soccer player, plus size woman, fake relationship, opposites attract, slow burn, some steamage, EXCESSIVE swearing, no communication
*possible spoilers ahead*
Content warning from the author ~ brief references to parental abuse, childhood poverty, and alcoholism, and an incident that includes fat-phobia, plus brief mentions at a few points of the effects that fat-phobia can have.
Mabel & Alfie Mable is ghostwriting Alfie's memoir, but then they find themselves in a fake relationship and obviously fall for each other.
Have you watched Ted Lasso? If not, here's your chance to meet one of the characters, Roy Kent, because I totally believe Aflie is based on him and you can't tell me otherwise. I didn't really find him to be overly grumpy though. I liked how he defended Mabel right from the start when people were talking about her weight.
But...Mabel, really? I'm kind of tired of the whole 'he'll never love me because I'm fat' crap. I could see he was genuine all the way over here in the USA, so open your eyes girl! Yeah fine you're in a fake relationship, so you think he's faking it, but for the love of all that is holy why can't grown adults communicate?! They are in their 30's for Pete's, not F's, sake!!
Okay, so listen, I've been known to swear a time or two or 16, but for the F word to be used 253 times is just overly excessive to me for a 329 page book. Over excessive even if it was a 1,329 or 3,290 page book. It just really turned me off. I did primarily listen to it, so maybe it wouldn't have been as noticeable to me if I had read it.
There were some funny bits, but even the banter got to be too much and I didn't really care for it. There was too much inner monologue and the repeating of phrases was really annoying ~ 'and she laughed, she did laugh,' 'like he had said he would, like he had told her,' 'even though he wasn't, he wasn't at all'...just to name a few. The whole grand gesture was fine I suppose, but one year later....nah, too far in the future.
In conclusion, I wasn't a super big fan if you couldn't tell.
I had both a kindle and an audio copy to review. Narration notes: I guess she was okay, but again when someone is swearing in your ear a bunch you tend to get bugged with them.
Side bar ~ the cover is super cute.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic drama Setting ~ England Publication date ~ February 20, 2024 Est page Count ~ 304 (p+ 67 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 14 minut3.5⭐ Genre ~ domestic drama Setting ~ England Publication date ~ February 20, 2024 Est page Count ~ 304 (p+ 67 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 14 minutes Narrator ~ Emily Joyce POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ secrets, unlikable characters
Iris and Gabriel are our narrators. They've just come home early from holiday to an unexpected guest. A guest that might very well outstay their welcome.
They met Laure & Pierre on holiday almost 20 years ago and have remained close since. They live in different countries, but have been known to stay in each others houses from time to time.
They meet Esme & Hugh, who live close by, and soon begin hanging out frequently. Joseph lives on their property and does the gardening for both families.
I didn't really like any of the characters really, especially Laure. I'm not one for extended house guests, or any house guests really, so she for sure overstayed her welcome IMO.
It's pretty much a drama and not a thriller. I wasn't sure how they would, but the side plots all came together nicely with the main one. And while I must say the super long (54 minutes and 15 seconds) epilogue did take me by surprise the leading up to it felt like it took an age. Overall, I can see this one being a big hit with mystery lovers.
I was lucky enough to have an ebook and an audio copy. Narration notes: Emily did an okay job. She was frantic when necessary, but I could have went for a male narrator, which is why I did prefer reading over listening. Her accent was a little difficult for me to understand sometimes as it always sounded like she was saying Law and not Laure. Maybe that's just my American ears.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ mystery Setting ~ Colorado, North Carolina Publication date ~ January 9, 2024 Est page Count ~ 281 (p+ 17 chapters + letters +e) Audio length ~ 4⭐ Genre ~ mystery Setting ~ Colorado, North Carolina Publication date ~ January 9, 2024 Est page Count ~ 281 (p+ 17 chapters + letters +e) Audio length ~ 8 hours 20 minutes Narrators ~ Dan Bittner, Eliza Foss, John Pirhalla, Patti Murin POV ~ multiple 1st Featuring ~ family drama, greed, domestic abuse, secrets, revenge, slow burn
Cam wants nothing to do with his inheritance or the infamous Ashby House. His wife, Jules, convinces him to visit the estate after another death in the family 10 years later. Ruby tells us her life story ~ the good, the bad and the ugly ~ through letters. These were my favorite parts of the book.
A juicy plot where secrets are plenty and family drama is high. It was a bit of a slow burn, but it kept me engaged and entertained and had a few nice zingers.
Side note ~ I don't know if I noticed this more because I listened to it with my daughter, but holy moly there is an abundance of swearing. F bombing to the max.
I was fortunate enough to have both a kindle and an audio copy, both were equally enjoyable.
Narration notes: Yay for 4! They all did a lovely job. I don't have any complaints.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
Alexis & Sam buy a million dollar fixer up cuz they wanna feel fancy shmancy in this prestigious neighborhood. Blair & Teddy live across the street. When Teddy turns up dead Alexis reaches out to Blair and they form a friendship.
None of the characters were particularly likable. Sam was not a prize husband by any means. And Alexis putting up with him made me not feel any sympathy for her.
Overall, it was a decent~ish, slow moving debut. I gotta say I didn't see the twist coming, so that's always exciting, but I was not a fan and I don't think many would be.
I was fortunate enough to have a kindle and an audio copy. Both were perfectly acceptable. Narration notes ~ Hillary is a well seasoned narrator and did a lovely job. I'm not sure if I've listened to Sarah before, but I thought she did a fine job too.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Publication date ~ September 13, 2022 Page Count ~ 332 Audio length ~ 11 hours 30 minutes Narrator ~ Stacey Glemboski POV ~3⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Publication date ~ September 13, 2022 Page Count ~ 332 Audio length ~ 11 hours 30 minutes Narrator ~ Stacey Glemboski POV ~ single 3rd Featuring ~ debut, grad school, characters in their 20's, scattered flashbacks, enemies to lovers, second chance, fade to black, miscommunication Content warning from the author ~ there is expressed fatphobia by characters and in flashbacks, including by a family member, and the story deal with death and loss
We begin with an author's note that tells us all about why she chose to write this book with a fat main character. "Fat people are more than their bodies. We deserve happily-ever-afters, both romantic and otherwise."
Allison & Colin are up against each other for a TA position, but it's not the 1st time they've competed with one another.
Although, I liked Allison's work ethic and how she loved herself and didn't care about eating donuts, sometimes you just need a donut ya know?, I didn't care for her character. In fact, I didn't like anyone really. Colin was a bit of a tool. Her mother was pushy. Her father was awful, but written well to make the reader hate him like we should, but what's up with what was said by his secretary? makes no sense.
I never really felt the connection between them either. I mean she kept his contact name in her phone as Unknown Number for the whole book, so what does that tell ya? Not meant to be in my opinion. We've got the typical miscommunication, which I'm come to expect when reading enemies to lovers, but I still hate it. They both have a lot of growing up to do, but they are in their 20's, so they'd better get cracking on that.
Overall, I was not a super big fan, but it was decent~ish as a debut.
I was able to listen to a copy as well. Narration notes ~ I don't have any complaints with Stacey's skills.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3⭐ Publication date ~ August 15, 2023 Page Count ~ 300 Audio length ~ 9 hours 56 minutes Narrators ~ Nathalie Buscombe, Sofia Engstrand POV ~ single 1st &3⭐ Publication date ~ August 15, 2023 Page Count ~ 300 Audio length ~ 9 hours 56 minutes Narrators ~ Nathalie Buscombe, Sofia Engstrand POV ~ single 1st & 3rd Featuring ~ tabloid reporters, suicide, se*ual assault, #metoo
Stella is a seasoned powerhouse of a reporter for The Globe and Jess is the rookie who wants to make a difference. They both have very different ways they go about their jobs.
I've been a reader of Sandie's for years and this one is coming in as my least favorite. It just didn't grab me at all and my ears were a drifting. I don't know if it was the slow pace or the plot, but I just wasn't feeling it. I didn't like how that poor lady was pushed to take her own life, however I do feel like this is something that probably happens more often than we realize, which gives it a realistic feel. Happy the chapters were short. The cover is vibrant.
I was lucky enough to have a kindle and an audio copy. I mostly listened, but either was as fine as it could be. Narration notes: I thought they both did a good job. They expressed proper emotion when necessary.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ police procedural Series ~ Porter Beck, #1 Setting ~ Nevada Publication date ~ July 18, 2023 Page Count ~ 310 (22 chapter) Audio length ~ 10 h3.5⭐ Genre ~ police procedural Series ~ Porter Beck, #1 Setting ~ Nevada Publication date ~ July 18, 2023 Page Count ~ 310 (22 chapter) Audio length ~ 10 hours 1 minutes Narrator ~ James Babson POV ~ single 1st & 3rd Featuring ~ dual timeline ~ now and the past (1957), espionage, spy, torture, murder
Beck is former military intelligence, and now the sheriff in a small town in Nevada. He's working on a case that brings FBI agent, Sona, in.
I thought all characters were well developed. I liked both Beck and Brinley, his sister. I could have done without the insta-love between Beck and Sona.
I was at 3 stars for most of the book, but decided to round up because I liked that I didn't see the twist coming. I'm not big on espionage thrillers, or historical fiction for that matter, but I do like dual timelines and I felt they were nicely tied together. I'm not sure if I'll pick up the next book in the series or not right now. It comes out in July 2024, so I have some time to decide.
I was fortune enough to have a kindle copy and an audio copy. Narration notes: He was pleasant to listen to.
*Thanks to the author, Mintour Books, St Martins Press, RB Media and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Publication date ~ May 30, 2023 Page Count ~ 304 Audio length ~ 11 hours 51 minutes Narrators ~ Dylan Moore & Lee Osorio POV ~ single 1st & single 3r3.5⭐ Publication date ~ May 30, 2023 Page Count ~ 304 Audio length ~ 11 hours 51 minutes Narrators ~ Dylan Moore & Lee Osorio POV ~ single 1st & single 3rd Featuring ~ 4 part story, lawyers, unreliable narrator, murder, postpartum depression
Natalie is a brand new mom having a tough time. Oliver won't stop crying and she's feeling the stress of lack of sleep. There is no doubt she is struggling and although her husband, Tyler, tries he just can't seems to help in the way Natalie needs and she begins to resent him. Paul is a stay at home dad in the neighborhood and weaves his way into Natalie's life with his understanding demeanor and stellar skills of calming Oliver down.
I totally think men and women can just be friends, but I think it's different if you'd already had that friendship before you were married then if it was developed during your marriage. Everyone will always make assumptions that something sinister is going on.
It's not a secret that Paul has something up his sleeve when he starts showing up when Natalie is taking strolls with the baby. I knew a crazy plan was up his sleeve, but I was surprised about the murder. Overall, this had definite slow points where I thought it was just all going to be about new motherhood, which is not super fascinating if you did it yourself, and probably if you haven't either. It takes a while for the pace to pick up, but it does so after the murder.
I was fortune enough to have both an audio and a kindle copy. I'd recommend reading over listening. Natalie's narrator was very stiff/robotic sounding, but I was able to listen to her at a faster speed. Paul's narrator had a nice voice, but I had to slow down his speed, so that was kind of annoying.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
2⭐ Genre ~ romance Setting ~ Chicago, Illinois Publication date ~ September 12, 2023 Page Count ~ 343 (30 chapters + e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 0 minutes Na2⭐ Genre ~ romance Setting ~ Chicago, Illinois Publication date ~ September 12, 2023 Page Count ~ 343 (30 chapters + e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 0 minutes Narrators ~ Raymond Lee, Tyla Collier POV ~ dual 3rd Featuring ~ debut, childhood friends to enemies to adult lovers, he falls first, some steamage
Aliyah & Daniel went to camp together when they were kids. There was a misunderstanding one summer, she left camp and never spoke to him again. Flash forward 14 years and they are working on a project together.
I could not stand Aliyah at all. Well that's a small lie, I did like her ambitions to be a museum curator before she turns 30, but that's about it. She was really mean to Daniel, both before they started sleeping together and even during. Don't even get me started on the 3rd act bs. I can honestly say I was rooting for them not to get together.
Daniel was sweet and deserved better.
Overall this one was not for me, but I feel like it's a decent debut for the right audience. Aliyah was half Black and half Jewish and Daniel was half Asian and half Jewish and I felt the cultural aspects of the story was well written. Aliyah's bff, Neen, is trans and I thought they were a great edition. They were always honest with her and let her know when she was being ridiculous, which is a great bff in my opinion.
Narration notes: I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the info above for reference.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
2.5⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Setting ~ California & Catalina Island Publication date ~ May 16, 2023 Est page Count ~ 345 (29 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 102.5⭐ Genre ~ romantic comedy Setting ~ California & Catalina Island Publication date ~ May 16, 2023 Est page Count ~ 345 (29 chapters +e) Audio length ~ 10 hours 57 minutes Narrator ~ Karissa Vacker POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ debut, influencers, podcast, enemies~ish to lovers, forced proximity, lack of communication, minimal steamage
*possible spoilers ahead*
Margo and bff, Jo, are 'celebrity' influencers with a super popular podcast. Jo breaks their own rules when she got engaged. Now they're off for all expenses paid trip for 2 weeks to Catalina Island for Jo's wedding. Margo isn't thrilled that the best man is Declan who she wasn't a fan of in high school.
I am not a fan of influencer centered books, so it's my fault for agreeing to read this one. It was too much with their follower count this and selfie that, and content this and what else can we promote to get for free that for me to really enjoy it. Margo was so mean, too. Making fun of Declan's job and his skin tone. Let's be hung up on things that happened 10 years ago while we're at it. I'm not a fan of the whole my parents had a failed marriage so I'm anti relationship crap either. The 3rd act is such a predictable disaster that could have easily been prevented with a little communication, or perhaps without setting out to be a horrible person to begin with. Luckily it was NOT a forgive and forget right away type of situation, so yay for that. Declan is likable and it would have been nice to have his POV.
I did like the island vibes and Margo and Jo's friendship, so there's that. Also, liked the first date that Margo planned that showed a different side to her, which helped me to warm up to her slightly for a few minutes, but it didn't overall redeem herself for me.
Overall, obviously I was not a super big fan, but I didn't hate it as a debut. There's a good amount of 3 and 4 star love for it, so seems like I'm on outlier (is)land.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press and NetGalley for the ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
I was able to listen to an audio copy as well. Narration notes: A well seasoned narrator that always does a great job, including her male voices.
4.35⭐ Genre ~ police procedural Series ~ Kate Burkholder, #15 Others in the series ~ Can't list them all, so here's the series link Publication date ~ Jul4.35⭐ Genre ~ police procedural Series ~ Kate Burkholder, #15 Others in the series ~ Can't list them all, so here's the series link Publication date ~ July 11, 2023 Page Count ~ 311 Audio length ~ 9 hours 25 minutes Narrator ~ Kathleen McInerney POV ~ single 1st & 3rd Featuring ~ murder, references to r@pe, se*ual assault
How is it that I've aged 14 years and Kate has barely aged at all ...more
3.25⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Series ~ Rachel Krall #2 Others in the series ~ The Night Swim Publication date ~ August 8, 2023 Page Count ~ 347 Audio3.25⭐ Genre ~ psychological thriller Series ~ Rachel Krall #2 Others in the series ~ The Night Swim Publication date ~ August 8, 2023 Page Count ~ 347 Audio length ~ 10 hours 45 minutes Narrators ~ André Santana, January LaVoy, Samantha Desz POV ~ multiple 3rd Featuring ~ podcast, social media influencer, serial killer, police procedural
Rachel is a true crime podcaster asked to assist the FBI in the disappearance of a social media influencer, Maddison.
Rachel, doesn't follow the rules very well and she doesn't come across as particularly likable. The bad guy isn't a mystery as there are chapters told from his perspective, as well as some from Joe the FBI agent.
Overall, this was fine, with some nice twists, but blah with the influencer angle...not a fan.
Series notes: I read The Night Swim quite a while ago, so I can't say I remember it enough to confirm, but I believe this would be fine as a standalone because there's a new set of side characters.
I was lucky enough to receive a kindle and an audio copy, but I primarily listened. Narration notes: All narrators did a lovely job. I especially liked that there were sometimes 2 different narrators within the podcast chapters, and there were nice sound effects as well.
(I might come back and write more, but I wanted to get something out on pub day)
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
4⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Publication date ~ July 18, 2023 Page Count ~ 367 Audio length ~ 12 hours 31 minutes Narrator ~ Megan Tusing, Suzy Jackson POV4⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Publication date ~ July 18, 2023 Page Count ~ 367 Audio length ~ 12 hours 31 minutes Narrator ~ Megan Tusing, Suzy Jackson POV ~ single 1st & 3rd Featuring ~ debut, dual timeline ~ now and 1 year earlier, murder, revenge, r@pe references, suicide references, alcoholism, drug use
There are so many people in the neighborhood to keep track of and a whole lotta drama going on. Our two narrators are mother, Alex (3rd), and daughter, Lettie (1st), which gives us an adult cast and teenager cast. Plus we have a chat forum that's full of gossip about those that live on Alton Road.
We know someone is dead, but as the 1 year earlier timeline slowly comes to the present we get a glimpse of a few possible victims and suspects. There are 2 separate revenge plots happening that came together nicely. A bit slow at times, but overall enjoyable as a debut. I did not guess what was going to happen, so that always excites me.
I was fortunate enough to have a kindle and an audio copy. Narration notes ~ Both did a fine job. Megan was the perfect choice for the teenage narration.
*Thanks to the author, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Publication date ~ July 11, 2023 Page Count ~ 336 Audio length ~ 10 hours 39 minutes Narrator ~ Patti Murin POV ~ single 3.5⭐ Genre ~ contemporary romance Publication date ~ July 11, 2023 Page Count ~ 336 Audio length ~ 10 hours 39 minutes Narrator ~ Patti Murin POV ~ single 1st Featuring ~ face blindness, slow burn, no steamage
Sadie is excited about some news that could change her life when she has a seizure that does change her life. She has brain surgery that results in face blindness, which doesn't bode well for her career as a portrait artist.
I fount it to be a bit on the slower side as Sadie had to try to figure out who was talking to her based on their voice and what she can recognize of something someone has worn in the past. While I'm sure this is quite disconcerting and something I never want to experience, and I know this is the main plot, but it got to be a little much for me. How many times can one person dupe her ~ and the duper was a doozie.
She has 2 possible love interests: Joe ~ the helpful neighbor who she mistakes for a sleaze. Dr. Addison ~ the veterinarian who tends to her beloved, Peanut. Who will she choose? I must say I am very happy with her choice ...more
4⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Publication date ~ April 4, 2023 Page Count ~ 331 Audio length ~ 7 hours 44 minutes Narrators ~ Barrie Kreinik, Jessica Dougla4⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Publication date ~ April 4, 2023 Page Count ~ 331 Audio length ~ 7 hours 44 minutes Narrators ~ Barrie Kreinik, Jessica Douglas-Henry ~ both fine POV ~ dual 1st Featuring ~ dual timeline ~ now and then & before and after, suicide, infidelity, mental illness, short chapters
Pippa narrates in the now and then. Pippa is known as the helper and husband Gabe the hero since he's saved 7 suicidal people from taking their life near their house that sits on a cliff. Until he doesn't save one...in steps Amanda as she narrates in the before and after, but talking as if dead ~ what's up with that? Not sure, but it worked well to slowly reveal, in a fast paced way, all the secrets and betrayal.
Sally is quite the storyteller giving us some nice twists. I was kept engaged and was able to bust it out at 2x in just one day.
Side note ~ this is one of my favorite covers.
*Thanks to Sally Hepworth, St Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the ARC and audio copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review*
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