Tom and Rachel Frazer and their 4-year-old son, Sam, have just moved into their new home off the coast of Cornwell. Tom has spent months r3.5 Stars
Tom and Rachel Frazer and their 4-year-old son, Sam, have just moved into their new home off the coast of Cornwell. Tom has spent months renovating the house while Rachel and Sam were in Manchester. They can afford this due to an inheritance from Rachel’s father. Tom was made redundant from his job as a banker, and Rachel works as a journalist.
On their first night together, a woman named Chloe lets herself into the house and walks in on them together. Tom says she works for the estate agents from which they purchased their home. He also admits that he knew her from the former banking firm he left. Although she seems lovely to Rachel, Tom claims she’s dangerous and to stay away from her. What about these two? It takes Rachel a while to suspect something is up— but what and why did Tom want to make this move?
The next day, Tom takes his son Sam to his new nursery—school. But the piece of resistance was the surprise Tom presented her with in their garden, which sent her spiralling back to the nightmare of her past. To Rachel’s utter horror, it was a swimming pool. Why would he do that to her?
Tom receives a chance for a two-week job in Scotland, and Rachel will look for journalist jobs. But Rachel is reluctant to see him go as she feels strange and unsettled about the house as if something isn’t right.
More sinister things happen, things appear, then disappear. Rachel begins to see people in her home, and she believes she knows who is behind all of this, but her accusations bring censure from others. However, until a genuinely frightening event happens, Rachel realizes who is behind these nasty things. Even figuring that out doesn’t mean she knows who is responsible. Nothing is as it seems. Many twists and turns kept me wanting to know what would happen next. That kept me invested and turning those pages late into the night.
I often screamed at Rachel to wake up and get a clue— your husband isn’t who you think he is! I found Rachel quite frustrating to read, especially her unwavering trust and devotion in her husband despite knowing he had already gone behind her about the swimming pool. I was desperate for her to find out the truth. One little thing bothered me: I found the author dragged out and was repetitive of Rachel’s fear. It didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment. I found Chloe not believable as an antagonist; she was OTT and annoying, needy, and whiney. I found Tom an odd and creepy character who lacked depth, wanted to isolate his wife, and didn't like Rebecca’s friends, none more so than her closest friend, Rosa, who is a nurse practitioner and had been Rebecca's best friend since nursing her father through his illness. Rosa finds Tom rude, and there seems to be no love lost between the two most influential people in Rachel’s life. I wasn’t expecting the shocking twist at the end. It was my first time reading Sue Watson, and I look forward to reading more of her books. It was my first time listening to Tamsin Kennard as a narrator; she did a fantastic job of emoting the whiny personalities of many of the characters and made the atmosphere vivid and realistic. I went back and forth on my rating from 3 stars to 3.5 stars. It would have been three stars if I read it without pairing it with the audio. I look forward to listening to more of Tamsin Kennard.
Thank you, Bookouture, Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley, for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All options are my own....more
The Paris Widow is an exciting mystery about the dark underbelly of the art world, stolen antiquities and second chances.
Stella has left h3.5 Stars
The Paris Widow is an exciting mystery about the dark underbelly of the art world, stolen antiquities and second chances.
Stella has left her old life behind and has finally found the love of her life. Her husband, Adam, is a handsome, charismatic, sweet, methodical thinker who deals in antiquities. When he goes missing after an explosion at the Parisian cafe they had just eaten in, Stella is in a state of shock. After digesting what happened, she realizes that too many details aren’t adding up.
As Stella searches for Adam and the answers surrounding the increasingly mysterious circumstances she finds herself in, Stella vows not to leave Paris without Adam, no matter what— In the days that follow, her life is in imminent danger. Still, she is fearless in finding the answers. And the more she finds out, the more questions arise— what has her husband been hiding from her? Our past always finds us—
This story is relatively short but immensely engaging and entertaining. There are layers of intrigue, betrayal, scheming, lies and tension, but also a more in-depth look at human motivation, the complexities of fully trusting and of love, and ultimately, second chances at life and the choices we make to set us on that journey.
I want to thank NetGalley Harlequin Trade Publishing, Park Row, for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine.
It's New Year's Eve 1999 when employees of a New Jersey Blockbuster are closing up for the night. An unknown assailant brutally attacks them, and only
It's New Year's Eve 1999 when employees of a New Jersey Blockbuster are closing up for the night. An unknown assailant brutally attacks them, and only one survives.
And then, the story fast-forwards fifteen years later when another group of teenagers employed at an ice cream shop are closing the store for the night. Once again, only one survived. Is it a copycat, or is the killer back?
The Night Shift is a compulsively readable thriller that checked all the boxes for me. With intriguing flashbacks, The characters were well-developed, flawed, easily relatable and realistic, except for one particular character, which I had to suspend my disbelief. I don't think any woman in her situation would repeatedly put herself in harm's way in her condition, nor would her employer or her husband. But I didn't let it distract me from flipping through the pages as fast as possible and staying immersed in the story. The chapters are short and end with a little cliffhanger that made me want more because the perspective would switch to another character's POV, which had me furiously swiping the pages on my iPad until dawn to find out what happened previously. I paired my Kindle e-book with the audio from the library. Britney Pressley and Cady McLain were the narrators. I enjoyed Presley. She is a favourite of mine and did a fantastic job narrating; however, I didn't enjoy McLain's narration. I found her voice to be monotonous. It was hard to separate the female characters she was voicing. There was a nostalgia factor for me with this story as a child of the 90s who frequently visited Blockbuster Video on many weekends with friends.
We follow three different protagonists' POVs as the story unfolds. Ella, the lone survivor from the Blockbuster murders; Keller, an FBI agent; and Chris, an assistant prosecutor who holds a connection to the suspected murderer. One of them is the survivor of the Blockbuster massacre, another is an FBI agent tasked with helping the local police, and a third is a public defender who has ties to the Blockbuster massacre. In addition to this trio, there are many characters to keep track of the victims' families: the school principal, police, and Jesse, the lone survivor of the ice creamery murders. It was a clever choice to have three narrators, which was great because we saw all sides of the two mysteries unfold throughout their separate storylines. The chapters are quick and end on a cliffhanger. The two separate murder timelines were easy to follow. Finlay seamlessly weaves the two timelines together, making it easy to follow. I enjoyed Ella and Jesse's report. They both suffered traumatic events in their lives and are both strong-willed women and survivors. And, of course, when the three storylines ultimately collided, it led to an explosive and satisfying outcome. I enjoyed that the ending didn't end abruptly; it ended with an epilogue to follow up on the characters.
The bulk of the mystery is easy to follow and figure out, but it was a wild ride to get there and was a very enjoyable one. There was just enough doubt that I was second-guessing if I was right. The story also has the perfect amount of twists and turns that keep me immersed in the story. I had difficulty putting this book down and finished it in one sitting. If you haven't read this yet, I highly suggest you do. Night Shift was the second book by Finley that I'd read, and I can't wait to read my ADC Of his latest release, If Something Happens to Me....more
Ru Pau’s The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir is a deep dive into RuPaul's life. But this isn't the book for you if you're looking for a book about Ru Pau’s The House of Hidden Meanings: A Memoir is a deep dive into RuPaul's life. But this isn't the book for you if you're looking for a book about the movies they are in, the celebs they know, drag races, or award shows. It is about sobriety, generational trauma, abuse, a very traumatic childhood and finding a way through that with nothing but belief in himself. I love that we get the backstory of how RuPaul and the legendary Lady Bunny became lifelong friends, but this book was very different than I thought it would be. It was a challenging, sad read, but I'm glad I made it to the other side. Ru's story will break your heart, but it also seems to inspire, especially with their constant search and celebration of love, light and joy.
A side note that this is not celebrity gossip; this is the life and the struggles Ru went through to be the RuPaul you see today. I paired my library copy with the audio, creating an emotional and immersive experience. I cried many times throughout the struggles he endured with addiction, and when he spoke of his childhood, that was heartbreaking.; you could hear the pain and joys he experienced in his voice. I highly recommend the audio....more
I've become a devoted fan of Helen Fields' work since I discovered and devoured the DI Callanach series and her stand-alone books. I eagerly anticipatI've become a devoted fan of Helen Fields' work since I discovered and devoured the DI Callanach series and her stand-alone books. I eagerly anticipated reading Profile K, which did not disappoint! It is a Masterpiece.!!! This compulsively dark and taut novel delivers with its horrificly violent and disturbing murders, presenting a gripping and dark narrative. The Killer is depicted as genuinely depraved and unsettling, making this book a spine-chilling read— unsuitable for the faint-hearted. From the opening chapter to the final page, it's a fast-paced and intense novel that kept me immersed from the beginning until the end, and It had me squirming on the edge of my seat and my heart racing.
Helen Fields shines through in her character development, which is a hallmark of her writing. The characters are fully developed, flawed, likeable and distinct, quickly drawing me into their lives. Fields has a talent for creating realistic and compelling characters, making them relatable and with whom readers can empathize.
In addition to the riveting corporate corruption and murder scenes, the narrative delves into Midnight Jones' relationship with her twin sister, Dawn, their absentee parents, and her unconditional love for her sister, regardless of the demanding responsibility she has had for most of her life. The emotional depth adds a poignant layer to the narrative, making it difficult not to be affected by their difficult circumstances. Doris, who brings much-needed light relief, becomes a beacon of hope when she befriends Jones and Dawn. Her presence adds a touch of warmth to the story, balancing the darker elements.
One of the strengths of Fields' character development is evident in Jones, the heroine. While some heroines' decisions may seem impractical and questionable in some thrillers, Jones' motivations are clear and validated. Fields' detailed character development allowed me to empathize with Jones and understand her deep concern and decision to become deeply involved in solving the serial killings in her community, even at the risk of her safety and others.
The portrayal of the technology company Necto is so vivid it almost feels like a character in itself. This depiction adds a layer of complexity to the story, highlighting corporate entities' impact on individuals and society. This aspect of the novel serves as a thought-provoking exploration of the implications of our increasingly tech-driven world. It reminds me of the consequences that powerful technological corporations can cause worldwide if they go unchecked. It is genuinely terrifying.
Overall, Profile K stands out as a brilliant thriller that offers a unique and gripping concept that sets it apart from other novels in the genre. Fields' skillful storytelling, compelling characters, and intricate plot development kept me fully invested and flipping the pages until 5:00 a.m. I highly recommend you read this book. Be forewarned you may wake up with a book hangover, which isn't a bad thing.
Please check authors website some themes that may be triggering for readers.
I want to thank NetGalley and Avon Books UK for allowing me to read the ADC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I'm going to keep this brief—Rom Commers was my first Katherine Center read, and I must say, IMHO, it did not live up to the hype I've been hearing abI'm going to keep this brief—Rom Commers was my first Katherine Center read, and I must say, IMHO, it did not live up to the hype I've been hearing about it. I have heard from fans and readers that Katherine Center's books are light and fun but also have depth. I failed to see the depth in this one. I wasn't a fan of the miscommunication trope. I didn't buy the romance between Emma and Charlie at all. I wasn't a fan of Emma and Charlie's characters; they fell flat for me and were unrealistic in their behaviour, and Charlie was just an insufferable jerk for the entire book. Emma made many questionable and disappointing choices by continuously throwing herself at him. I also didn’t like the way she treated her sister Sylvia. I felt like she was so ignorant of Charlie's feelings that it got annoying. Was she spelling it out for herself and still believing what he was saying at the end? I was yelling, "Please open your eyes!". The author chose a specific health-related reveal near the end of the book, but it didn't land right for me. I also would have enjoyed a dual POV, and maybe it could have made me understand Charlie better—possibly making him more relatable, but I am not sure that would have been possible.
I paired the audiobook with a copy of the e-book. It was the first time listening to Patti Murin narrate. I wasn’t a fan of her whiny voice, but it was the narrative—not anything negative regarding Patti Murin. I will try reading another book by Katherine Center. The Bodyguard is on my TRL! It just happened that the first book I read by her doesn’t seem to be her best. It happens to the best of authors.
_____________________________________ RTC—I’m late for a long overdue dinner date night with my husband! ...more
The premise was so intriguing, and I was hoping I would love it as much as I did Before She Finds Me, but unfortunately, it was just a complete miss fThe premise was so intriguing, and I was hoping I would love it as much as I did Before She Finds Me, but unfortunately, it was just a complete miss for me.
This slow-burn thriller centers around Leyna, who is still looking for her older sister, Grace, who vanished into thin air more than ten years ago. When a girl with a striking resemblance to Grace goes missing as well, Leyna goes home to get answers from the mother who is keeping secrets from her and the family whose son she thinks had a hand in her sister's disappearance. All this is set against the deadly California wildfires, raging and threatening to spread to Leyna's home.
What We’ll Burn Last is told from three perspectives- Leyna, Leyna's cold mother; Meredith, and Olivia, whose son Adam also went missing at the same time as Grace, who happened to be his girlfriend. The story also bounces back and forth between the present and the past. Overall, Meredith and Olivia's narratives are unnecessarily angry- instead of trying to work together to find their children, they spew insults and blame each other- and I found the shifts and storytelling very choppy. Leyna's whole life for the past sixteen years has revolved around finding her sister. Suppose the fires are a metaphor for the mystery burning underneath her childhood home. In that case, the unfinished housing development Meredith and Olivia still live in seems to be a fitting metaphor for Leyna's stunted life and Meredith and Olivia's inability to move forward in many ways.
Not much happens for two-thirds of the novel, and the last third is almost overly action-packed to make up for it. While the pacing and lack of likeable characters made it hard for me to get invested, my mind wandered, and I found myself swiping the pages; the mystery of what happened to Grace and the new missing girl kept me turning the pages. The final reveal of what happened was a total letdown. Not only was it needlessly complex and convoluted, but once I sat back to absorb it, it just didn't make any sense. The ending kept me trying to figure out how the pieces fit together—they just didn't. ...more
I was surprised and happy that Kelley Armstrong included not only the Victorian obsession with all things macabre, including the mummy unwra3.5 stars
I was surprised and happy that Kelley Armstrong included not only the Victorian obsession with all things macabre, including the mummy unwrapping party element in this novel but also the Edinburgh Seven, who were the first matriculated undergraduate female students at any British university. They began studying medicine at the University of Edinburgh in 1869. It intrigued me, so I researched it further. Still, she also provided necessary discussion in the story around how disturbing and disrespectful this is and elaborated on how women who wanted to study to become doctors were ostracized.
Disturbing The Dead is the third title in the "A Rip Through Time" series. You could read it as a stand-alone, but I recommend reading the first book in the series to get the characters' backstories and see their growth.
It was a slow-burn whodunnit mystery with likeable, relatable, well-developed characters, humour, and witty banter between Mallory and the central characters. But it didn’t distract from my enjoyment; my patience paid off.
I was lucky enough to be granted the e-arc and the alc. It was my first time listening to Narrator Kate Handford; she did a fantastic job with the Scottish accents. I could distinguish between the various characters' voices, and she transported me to Victorian Edinburgh, Scotland. I felt like I was there. It was a fully immersive experience. I could smell and taste the tea, biscuits, and clotted cream pastries. I could feel the emotion.
Six months have passed, and Mallory is still stuck in 1869 Edinburgh— trapped in the body of twenty-year-old Catriona Mitchell, a pretty buxom blonde but amoral con artist employed as a housemaid by the unconventional Gray family. Her relationships with Isla, Dr. Duncan, and Detective Hugh McCreadie have grown over time; she has become like family and has become his permanent personal assistant. There are a few staff members and family members who still do not know of Mallory trapped in Catriona’s body. Mallory Atkinson is a thirty-year-old from the twentieth century who was once a successful homicide detective in British Columbia—currently promoted to Dr. Duncan Gray’s assistant. This career change wasn’t a choice Atkinson consciously made. She had a near-death experience while visiting her dying grandmother in Edinburgh, Scotland. When she awoke, her consciousness was in the twenty-year-old body of Catriona Mitchell in mid-19th-century Edinburgh, Scotland.
By this novel's time, Dr. Gray and his younger widowed sister, Isla, are aware of Atkinson's unbelievable background. Detective Hugh McCreadie is Dr. Gray’s closest friend and knows Mallory’s story. Between her background in the 21st century and Dr. Gray’s work as an undertaker in the 19th, it is unsurprising that they all find themselves working together to solve murders and mysteries.
Dr. Gray’s older sister, Lady Annie Leslie, invites the four to accompany her to Sir Alastair Christie's home. They are going to witness the unwrapping of an Egyptian mummy. Mallory is intrigued by the idea of seeing a mummy but also uneasy with the ghoulish enjoyment she knows Edinburgh’s high society will take in this event. When it is time for Christie’s party guests to observe the unwrapping, he is nowhere to be found. Sir Alastair is late to his party, and his wife calls on Duncan and Mallory to unwrap the corpse to help the woman keep Alastair's patron, Lord Muir and their guests happy.
Imagine Mallory's and Duncan's surprise when they unwrap a dead body, not an Egyptian mummy, arousing shock and horror in the guests. Thankfully, Hugh quickly jumps into detective mode, ensuring that the constables will transport the dead body to Duncan's lab. Mallory and Duncan begin working to solve the case, examining physical evidence and getting a sense of the dead man's relationships, including those with his Egyptian brother-in-law Salim Awad and the complicated one Alastair had with Lord Muir, including a young woman who had demonstrated her displeasure and disgust at the mummy unwrapping party to guests outside Sir Alastair's earlier in the evening. She is among “The Seven” women permitted to study medicine at the local university.
Dr. Gray Mallory, Isla, and McCreadie endeavour to discover the who and why behind Sir Alister Christie’s death. Because of Mallory’s and Duncan's fondness for adventure, the two find themselves talking to people around town as they check out Alastair's connections. Soon, their inquiries do not go unnoticed, which puts them in peril.
A hiccup in the case that adds some humour is that someone has recently started chronicling their detecting adventures in a dramatic, vivid, and wildly sexist fashion. When pamphlets show details about their current investigative efforts, Mallory suspects someone they know is the writer. Isla deals conclusively with this mystery writer, while Mallory, Dr. Grey, and McCreedie can focus on exposing the killer.
A growing attraction between Mallory and Dr. Gray complicates the investigation. She is conflicted because of her time travel—can Mallory return to her time, and will she want to go if the opportunity arises? How far should she go in her new life—
Interestingly, Armstrong answers a question I've had from the series' outset in this book and ties up a thread, taking a situation that has troubled Mallory throughout her time in Victorian Edinburgh and answering it heartwarmingly. I am eager to know how this development will be further integrated into the series. Still, I also love the more settled, positive way Mallory feels after getting some questions answered by the ending. I can’t wait for the next adventures that await these characters.
I want to thank Macmillan Audio, St.Martins Press and NetGalley for the e-arc and ALC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Sanjay and Essie have been a couple since high school and throughout college. Having put her post-grad studies on hold for Sanjay, Essie is now lookinSanjay and Essie have been a couple since high school and throughout college. Having put her post-grad studies on hold for Sanjay, Essie is now looking forward to her turn to finish her medical degree. In another turn of bad decisions, Essie also agrees to move into an old house to please her husband. Childless and seemingly happy about it, an unexpected pregnancy occurs in tandem with creepy things happening in the home. Essie is having severe doubts about becoming a mother, filtering in and out of the progressing pregnancy, along with severe morning sickness. There are some haunted severe house vibes when Essie's husband suddenly starts spending the entire night, every night, pacing the attic. Before her eyes, he becomes a former shell of himself, and she can do nothing while on bed rest. A family curse is taking hold. The women in Essie's family only give birth to daughters, and their husbands are affected by the curse. Ana and Isabel's story enthralled me, and I couldn't wait to get to their chapters! Not that Essie and Sanjay were dull, but there was a lot of repetition of complaining about her pregnancy, morning sickness, and ghostly occurrences. The story attempts to bring about supernatural tension with the creaks in the house and doors creaking open. Sadly, there wasn't enough suspense or horror in this book. The chapters containing the letters between Ana and Isabel, women of a century or more ago, paint a picture of an illicit love affair between best friend and their subsequent marriages. A deal with the devil creates havoc for all future generations. No Child of Mine is an excellent epistolary story on one side and a modern marriage on the other, with smoky, ghostly happenings tying the two together. I enjoyed the letters between the lovers the best. Essie's relationship with her husband is unbalanced, and she never seems to accept the pregnancy she chose to continue. I kept trying to determine whether that had to do with the haunting.
The ending was abrupt and disappointing, and it's where this tale lost me the most. Without giving away spoilers, it seemed far too simple of a solution for the book's depth. There is macabre imagery, but in dreams only, and the dreams felt very repetitive. I'm unsure about the purpose of the repetitive dreams and extending that narrative for so long in the book. I don't think it helped the story's pacing, but it only bogged it down. There is a sense of isolation and madness, but not all for the protagonist, and the isolation doesn't drive the Gothic feel in the story. I'm left wondering how to categorize the story. Things between Sanjay and Essie were unclear, and then new information was revealed at the end, which spurred Essie to stand up and make things happen for her family in a way she was unwilling or unable to accept. I found it hard to connect to the main characters. The only thing I found enjoyable were the chapters with Ana and Isabel's letters.
No Road Home tells the story of Toby, a single father whose new wife is the granddaughter of a televangelist tycoon. Toby and Alyssa's relationship waNo Road Home tells the story of Toby, a single father whose new wife is the granddaughter of a televangelist tycoon. Toby and Alyssa's relationship was a whirlwind; from their meeting when Toby was working as a teacher's aide at a private elementary school, and Alyssa rolled down her window and said you’ve been expecting me— she was picking up a friend's child—to marriage, they were together for only six months. Now, Toby and Alyssa venture back to Texas to her family's estate. Toby meets Alyssa's odd, wealthy family and is a bit worried about the influence they will have on his son. Soon, a storm hits, the roads are blocked, and Jerome, the patriarch televangelist, is found murdered on the roof. It's now up to Toby to protect himself and his son while unravelling family secrets he'd rather not know.
I thought this book had an excellent premise: Toby is trying to keep his seven-year-old son, who is trying to figure out who he is, let him be his true authentic self, and try to keep him as safe as possible from the world's bigotry. At the same time, his wife exposes them to her family's world of ultra-wealthy, ultra-conservative, ultra-religious televangelists. As Toby goes through the book, I hope for slightly better "secrets." The author had good ideas, but I believe too many ideas were incorporated into the plot at once, making for uneven pacing and choppy writing. Without giving spoilers, I thought the reveals were OTT— I believe there are so many ways the author could have written to include certain secrets while staying away from other familial relationships.
Although I enjoyed the idea of the book, I think the writing missed the mark. Overall, I didn't enjoy this book as much as others may have enjoyed it. I wanted something better. I wanted to root for Toby to unravel this family's bigotry and hatred in a realistic yet thrilling way, exposing them to their hatred. Ultimately, I found it was underwhelming—
I found the writing choppy. There is excessive repetition of events from previous chapters. There were too many characters to keep track of. At the beginning, there is a page entitled THE WRIGHTS WHO MATTER, two and a half pages long. There are ten family members (characters to keep track of). I couldn’t connect with any of the characters except for Toby and his son Luca. The whole plot felt convoluted at times. I think there was too much telling than showing the reader. Please read the trigger warning before reading. There is an offence word frequently used to describe a woman's genitalia—offence language bigotry.
I want to thank Atria and NetGalley for the e-arc in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
My expectations for Daughter of Mine were high as I am a longtime fan of Megan Miranda. I liked the mystery aspect of it, but I wasn't hang3.50 stars
My expectations for Daughter of Mine were high as I am a longtime fan of Megan Miranda. I liked the mystery aspect of it, but I wasn't hanging on the edge of my seat in anticipation and couldn't become fully immersed in the story as a whole. I also didn't connect with the main character and secondary characters. The ending was abrupt and underwhelming, and the pacing was too slow. Also, the countdown of the days of the drought as a header at the beginning of each chapter was annoying. A few moments were suspenseful, and IMO it was underwhelming and short-lived. I enjoyed reading her last ADC of The Only Survivors more than Daughter of Mine, but I will anxiously await her next book.
"When Perry Holt, a longtime resident of Mirror Lake and local detective, dies suddenly from a heart attack, his daughter Hazel Sharp becomes drawn back to the town she left behind almost a decade earlier and to her family and friends she left behind to attend her father's memorial. She receives unexpected news from her uncle Roy, a lawyer, who informs her that she has solely inherited the family home and all its contents. Her brothers, especially Caden, are shocked upon hearing this. But Hazel's not the only relic of the past to return: a drought has descended on the region, and as the water level in the lake drops and exposes long-hidden secrets, buried begin to emerge, including evidence that may help finally explain the mystery of her mother's disappearance." and dark family secrets, betrayal: Is her mother alive? Was she murdered by someone close to her? Will the answers tear this family apart or bring them closer together?
I want to thank NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for an ADC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. Daughter of Mine is now available to buy.
Will post a review later… I am very overwhelmed my the news of my dogs health and taking care of him and trying to keep myself as healthy as I can in my current situation....more
It was my first time reading Sarah Pekkanen. A twisted family with secrets, I found House of Glass a dark and twisted story, well-paced, chilling, creIt was my first time reading Sarah Pekkanen. A twisted family with secrets, I found House of Glass a dark and twisted story, well-paced, chilling, creepy, full of taut, suspense-filled, riveting moments and had me on the edge of my seat. l liked how the author let us see the insight of 9-year-old Rose with secrets and uncontrollable dark impulses that are downright creepy and terrifying. I paired my e-ARC with ALC, which Laura Benanti narrated. It was my first time listening to her. She did a fantastic job narrating, bringing a distinctive voice to the main and supporting characters.
I look forward to reading more of Sarah Pekkanen's books. I highly recommend you grab a copy; you won’t be disappointed. The author's prose was so vividly descriptive that I felt like I was right there as an observer watching the twisted story unfold. I had difficulty putting it down— I stayed up all night listening spellbound.
I want to thank St. Martin’s Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for allowing an e-ARC and ALC of House of Glass by Sarah Pekkanen in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own....more
Last Lie Wins is a superb con artist cat and mouse game that had me on the edge of my seat.
The Last Lie Wins is a clever, fabulously entertaining s Last Lie Wins is a superb con artist cat and mouse game that had me on the edge of my seat.
The Last Lie Wins is a clever, fabulously entertaining story set in the southern USA about an underground gang of fixers who practise long and short cons to do the jobs they're assigned to by their boss, the incognito Mister Smith, whom they only 'know' by his voice, run through sound distortion. I enjoyed every minute of this clever, fresh, and twisty thriller.
Saskia Maarleveld continues to enthral with her award-winning narration. If her name's on it, it will be entertaining, add to the atmosphere of the plot, add depth to the characters and be constantly engaging. The First Lie Wins is my first exposure to author Ashley Elston. She has written six YA books before writing her debut adult fiction, and it will not be my last.
Evie Porter” is successful at running short and long cons; with two problems. First, she’s fallen in love with her mark, Ryan Sumner. Second, her very diabolical and cunning boss, Mr. Smith, no longer trusts her and has destroyed her true identity. Will “Evie” escape from Smith? Using clever flashbacks, Ashley Elston tells us how “Evie,” real name Lucca Marino, got into this pickle. Living in small-town North Carolina, Lucca started stealing to deal with her ailing mother’s medical bills. When Lucca caught Mr. Smith's attention, he offered her the choice of working for him or going to jail. Under a series of assumed names, Lucca works her way up in Mr. Smith’s criminal syndicate. Then she’s given a vital assignment: find out what information the mark, Amy Holder, had on mob bigwig Victor Connolly. Lucca doesn’t deliver the goods, so Mr. Smith gives her what might be her final job: using the identity “Evie Porter,” she must con Ryan Sumner or else. There are two problems: First, Lucca falls for Ryan. Second, she discovers that Mr. Smith has sent an employee to monitor her, a new “Lucca Marino,” who is her counterpart. What works: Lucca/Evie is a compelling character. She’s shady but has a moral compass that Ashley Elston skillfully reveals. The author makes us feel for Evie’s dilemma; she wants to quit working for Mr. Smith but can’t do that until she knows his identity. I was rooting for her to succeed and finally be free and have a HEA. I paired both my copy of the book with the audiobook. The plot is well-paced and full of twists that kept me flipping the pages late into the night—one of the best thrillers of 2024. I recommend you go in blind knowing as little as possible....more
Honestly, this book fell flat for me and lacked character development I found the characters to be insufferable. I almost DNF a few times but3 Stars
Honestly, this book fell flat for me and lacked character development I found the characters to be insufferable. I almost DNF a few times but decided to hang in and finish the story. I did not feel a connection with any of the characters and found the story too slow of a burn and a little confusing with the many different POVs. It was hard for me to get into, and I had a hard time finishing it. I enjoyed other books by this author, such as The Guest List and The Hunting Party, but this one was not my favourite. I will continue reading books by Lucy Foley.
Others enjoyed this more than I did, so please read their reviews. We can’t love them all, which is the case with this book.
I want to thank NetGalley and William Morrow Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine....more
Lucy is unable to remember what happened the night her best friend, Savannah, whom everyone calls Savvy, got murdered. Everyone in her hometown town oLucy is unable to remember what happened the night her best friend, Savannah, whom everyone calls Savvy, got murdered. Everyone in her hometown town of Plumpton, Texas, believes Lucy is guilty since they left the wedding together, and soon after, she is the one found wandering the road covered in Savvy's blood after the gruesome murder. But why would Lucy murder her? She married the dreamiest guy in town and had everything she ever wanted. Or did she? Savvy was also the social butterfly around town, always kind and welcoming with a smile to everyone. They were known for being best friends around town. After the murder, Lucy leaves Texas to live in Los Angeles and start a new life. But when a podcaster, Ben Owens, investigates Savvy's murder for the second season of his famous podcast, Lucy returns to her hometown after speaking with her grandmother, who guilts her into attending her eightieth birthday and informs Lucy of her mother's broken leg. While in town, Lucy ends up investigating the murder. So, will she recall what happened that night? And uncover herself as the murderer? Or will she find something more dangerous and shocking?
I did not expect to love this book as much as I did! I usually take a hard pass when I see a podcast mentioned in books. However, this book was getting a lot of hype, and I had FOMO Feelings. I finally took the plunge and picked it up, and I am glad I did! Listen For The Lie is my first time reading a book by Amy Tintera, and I was surprised in the best way. And I am looking forward to seeing what she writes next. It's a twisty whodunit with grit and humour; I don't think I've laughed so much reading a thriller, and it was for all the right reasons. This book had from the beginning. The character development in this book is top-notch, with each primary and secondary character having a distinct personality and fully developed, making every interaction so much fun to read. The dialogue was so witty and fresh. Lucy had this dark, sarcastic humour about her that made me laugh out loud and instantly connect with her and her grandma, Beverly, but I can't say there wasn't a character I didn't think was entertaining. Listen For The Lie is not your traditional thriller; as much as I wanted to know what happened to Savannah, lovingly known as Savvy, I was not rushing to find out because I loved reading about everything happening in Plumpton, Texas—the snarky and shady back and forth between the characters were clever. It kept me on my toes and kept me guessing.
The other great thing about this book is that the author hits the mark with the right tones at the correct moment. (IMO) There are some hilarious parts, but the author doesn't forget that the police must also investigate someone who committed a gruesome crime. And those parts are riveting and intense in equal measure. There are enough twists in the story that it's not easy to figure out who is ultimately guilty of killing Savvy, so the author also does the thriller portion of this book justice. I paired my ADC copy with the ALC for I was lucky enough to get this book in both digital and audio formats, and while both are fabulous, the audio was brilliant. I liked that there was a podcast format within the book. I liked that we had an unreliable narrator and that she didn't even know what happened again until the end, making the audiobook great to listen to. It sounds like a podcast with the theme music played at the beginning and end and the different characters' POVs throughout the podcast. I felt like I was listening to an actual podcast. January Lavoy and Will Damron did a fabulous job narrating. They both brought life to the primary and secondary characters and made me feel like I was with them. It was a realistic and fully immersive experience. I highly recommend listening to this on audio ...more
Madison Rivera has worked hard to pull herself out of her humble upbringing and stay on track to achieve the life she dreams of. Since her aunt helpedMadison Rivera has worked hard to pull herself out of her humble upbringing and stay on track to achieve the life she dreams of. Since her aunt helped her enroll at Catholic Prep and saw a former student and current judge, Kathryn Croft, speak, Madison has known she wants to follow in her footsteps, from undergrad and law school at Harvard to a successful career as a lawyer. Not only is Madison taking a course at Harvard Law taught by Justice Kathryn Conroy, but she’s also been invited to apply for her open internship. Madison couldn’t be happier about the internship if only she weren’t harbouring some secrets. Secrets from her past could cost her the internship and the degree she has worked hard for. It turns out that Madison’s brother Danny took the fall for a drug bust—one he insists he is innocent of despite pleading guilty—and Kathryn is the judge assigned to the case. With allegations of corruption to the highest level, Madison agrees to try to get more information, but how can she do it without jeopardizing her opportunity? It may not matter, as Madison soon discovers the judge may also be hiding things. Did Kathryn know who Madison was when she offered her the internship? And what is going on beyond her chamber door? Will Madison’s lies come back and destroy everything before Madison seeks out the truth— nothing is as it seems Review | The Intern Told in alternating POVs, the book starts narrated by a law student named Madison Rivera. Madison is enamoured by her law professor, Kathryn Conroy, having seen her speak many years earlier at her Catholic Prep school. I was glad we quickly got context on Madison because I didn’t love the idea that this could have been a book about an obsessed student. That’s not what this book is at all, and Madison is very bright, hard-working, and often trapped between her ambitions and her desire to help her family. Her choice becomes particularly relevant when she accepts the internship for Kathryn Conroy, even though she realizes Kathryn is the judge of her brother Danny’s case. Madison and Danny lost their father when they were young, and their mother’s grief consumed her throughout most of their childhood. That led to different living situations for the siblings — where Madison thrived, but Danny spiralled further from the boy he was. Madison takes the internship, even while she weighs the pros and cons. But it becomes clear quickly that something is strange about this internship. She hears rumours that the former Intern, Olivia, has been fired, but the law clerks act suspicious when she asks about it. The background screening and non-disclosure agreements seem extreme, even for such a prestigious office. Even the clerks seem troubled by the additional screening for a lowly intern. Late one evening, Madison and Kathryn were the last two in the office, and Kathryn invited Madison to house her and watch her cat over the weekend. Madison agrees, but a strange man arrives on the doorstep, aggressively trying to reach the judge. Further, the judge asks Madison not to let him in and has her hold the phone up to the intercom so she can pretend to be home. I wondered what was going on in Kathryn Conroy’s life. Who was this man? And why is the judge so secretive and protective of her security? From there, we switch to Kathryn’s POV. I won’t spoil what we learn about Judge Kathryn, but her past and present were fascinating. Her chapters riveted me. Kathryn was mesmerizing even through the pages of the book. Her past is dark, and there is a lot to learn about Judge Conroy. I liked how her story was revealed to the readers throughout the book, with more secrets and twists each time we revisited it. It was interesting to get Madison’s take on the current events, then switch to Kathryn’s POV, eventually dovetailing to the exact moment but from her perspective. The further I got into this book, the harder it was to put it down. I had to know what would happen next! I was on the edge of my seat. Every chapter turned the story, and I was unsure who to trust. Whenever I thought I had it figured out, something else would get thrown in and change everything—gripping. I thoroughly enjoyed reading my first book by Michele Campbell.
I want to thank St Martin’s Press for my ARC copy and NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion. My opinions are my own....more
Mind Games was both riveting and compelling. I paired the e-arc with the audiobook, narrated by January LaVoy, which is one of my favourites. January Mind Games was both riveting and compelling. I paired the e-arc with the audiobook, narrated by January LaVoy, which is one of my favourites. January LaVoy was excellent at differentiating between the many characters throughout the storytelling. Lavoy emotes the characters' grief, heartbreak, and joy through her narration. She did an outstanding job. She brought me along for the ride. With bringing them alive, I could picture them in my mind's eye. It was well-paced and cleverly written. I was captivated from beginning to end and had difficulty saying goodbye to the characters.
John and Cora Fox lived the ideal life with their two children, Thea, their twelve-year-old daughter and Rem, Thea's 10-year-old younger brother, in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The family lived in Virginia in a beautiful neighbourhood and lived comfortably. Thea's parents worked together. John specialized in Real Estate, and Cora was an Interior Designer. They had a healthy and happy marriage that had not lost any of its spark or magic even after all these years. Every year at the end of June, Thea and Rem receive a special treat they look forward to all year. John and Cora packed up their car and headed to Kentucky, where Thea and Rem spent two weeks with their Grammie, Lucy. Their parents enjoyed some alone time at home in Fredericksburg while the children were with Grammie. Redbud Hollow was Thea's and Rem's favourite place to visit. Thea and Rem spent two weeks with their Grammie and loved every minute. Lucy lived on a farm where she grew many fruits and vegetables and raised several animals, including chickens and goats. She also made homemade soaps, lotions, candles and special homemade medicinal remedies called Mountain Magic that she sold and bartered to the people in their community in Redbud Hollow
Shortly after Thea and Rem arrived at Grammie Lucy's house, Thea was awoken from sleep one night by a horrific and vivid vision. Like all the women on her mother's side of the family, Thea had a unique and special gift. She was born able to see things sometimes before they occurred and sometimes while they were happening. That night, Thea was able to see a man break into her parent's house while her parents were sleeping in their bedroom. Not only could Thea see what this terrible man was doing, but she could read his mind. They knew he was planning to murder her parents. As the intruder passed Thea's portrait in the hallway, he felt like someone was watching him; Thea realized that this man possessed the same ability as she did. Thea witnessed the horrific murder of both of her parents. She watched and was defenceless, though, to save them. Thea and Rem lost both of their parents that night. The only good thing was that Thea knew precisely where and who the man who murdered her parents looked like, and because she was able to read his mind, she knew exactly where he was planning to go after he left her childhood home. Thea, with Grammies's encouragement, helped the police catch the man who had murdered her parents by supplying them with all the details Thea had recovered by getting inside the man's head. She helped put him in prison for the rest of his life with the details she was able to tell the police officers. Cora's mother and Thea's and Rem's grandmother, Lucy Lannigan, had been named as the legal guardian for Thea and Rem by Cora and John Fox in their will if anything ever happened to them. Grammie Lucy embraced both Thea and Rem and lovingly made a safe and nurturing home for both Thea and Rem. Both Thea and Rem healed over time, but Thea never forgot. Even though the murderer was in prison, he was often able to torment Thea and get inside her head as the years progressed. They made good friends in Redbud Hollow, attended college, built lucrative and successful careers, and Thea eventually found love. Through all those years, though, the inmate's voice and actions never left Thea's mind. And it was starting to take its toll on her mind and body. How could Thea sever the connection and rid herself of him once and for all?
I enjoyed listening to Mind Games by Nora Roberts. It portrays the true meaning of family, finding friendship, romance, and purpose in life. It exemplified the way the same gift could produce different outcomes. Both Thea and the man who murdered her parents had the unique ability to see things, but Thea used her gift to help others and for good causes, and the man used him to perform evil acts, which often involved using violence. Over time, Thea learned to trust others again. I enjoyed the cast of characters in Mind Games. The ending was satisfying, and all the loose pieces tied together nicely. I didn't want this book to end. I am hoping there will be a sequel. I am keeping my fingers crossed. ...more
Tara (I’m back and trying to get caught up!!!)
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