Patric Gagne is seeking the answer to this question because she thinks she might be a sociopath. Often compelleWhat is the definition of a sociopath?
Patric Gagne is seeking the answer to this question because she thinks she might be a sociopath. Often compelled to do bad things when she has “stuck stress” and unable to feel certain emotions, Patric knows that she is different from others people. However, the dictionaries and medical books don’t contain any information on sociopathy. How can this be? Is she just like the evil characters in movies?
Not wanting to believe that she is “bad,” Patric embarks on a journey to learn more about herself and the way that she sees the world by studying psychology. Eventually, she uses her skills, knowledge, and expertise as a sociopath to counsel other sociopaths. After all, who could possibly understand them better?
This memoir is part coming of age, self-discovery, and medium to help other sociopaths understand their condition and realize they are not alone.
Gagne’s goal is NOT to normalize sociopathy.
I love reading psychological thrillers, so why not listen to someone’s actual experience? While there are some parts of this book that I really enjoyed, its lack of structure deflected from the important elements. I did learn more about this under-diagnosed personality disorder, but many of Gagnes stories are a bit long winded. 11 hours is too long!
Despite these issues, Gagne is actually a terrific audiobook narrator! Before her important research, there was no effective way to treat sociopaths. I’m happy to hear that her perseverance and thoughtful research helped heal her fractured relationships and learn how others view the world.
This character driven debut is structurally poetic and heart-wrenchi“You can fix anything, given the right tools.”
Gripping, moving, and unputdownable!
This character driven debut is structurally poetic and heart-wrenching in content. Part domestic suspense and part coming of age novel, Easter Collins hypnotizes the reader with the story of a missing girl.
What happened to Laika?
Twenty five years ago, Laika disappeared without a trace on her way to school. Willa has never given up on finding her sister, believing that she is still alive. Easter Collins weaves through past and present timelines and multiple perspectives touching on themes of abuse, grief, sisterhood, friendship, and loss.
I listened to the audiobook in one day! While I did really enjoy it, the reveal was somewhat of a disappointment. My mind was thinking much darker thoughts than what actually occurred. Be warned that the plot is not that kind of mystery. Instead, the book shines in its clever structure and strong characters.
4/5 stars
Thank you to Edelweiss and Penguin Random House for the ARC of Things Dont’ Break on Their Own in exchange for an honest review....more
“You said you couldn't be with someone who didn't believe in you. Well, I believed in you. I just didn't believe in me.”
Growing up in the 1980s, I had“You said you couldn't be with someone who didn't believe in you. Well, I believed in you. I just didn't believe in me.”
Growing up in the 1980s, I had a HUGE crush on Andrew McCarthy. As a resident of one of the Chicago suburbs where John Hughes filmed his infamous movies (and graduating high school with a boy in whose house it had been filmed), I felt a connection to his characters and storylines. I remember going to see Pretty in Pink at the movie theater for a friend’s birthday party when I was 10 years old like it was yesterday. McCarthy stole the show. From Pretty in Pink to St. Elmo’s Fire, Less than Zero, and Mannequin, McCarthy was the guy I wanted to choose me!
So, I was curious about the man who made my teenage heart flutter. Who is Andrew McCarthy? I listened his autobiography on audiobook, which is narrated by the author. It is a super short read at around 5 hours and can easily be finished in one sitting. When I noticed the short length, I wondered why he would only write 223 pages. Surely an actor of his caliber would have lots of stories and anecdotes!
Unfortunately, other than glossing over his alcoholism, drug abuse, and issues with his father, his life story is pretty typical of a suburban boy turned struggling actor. I found the first half of the audiobook really boring. It took about two hours for him to get his first gig and from then on I enjoyed it. It was eye opening to realize that McCarthy had an enormous amount of self-doubt even when he became a part of “The Brat Pack,” Hollywood’s ill-behaved teenage actors, synonymous with ‘80s movies.
The stories are short and the book ends a little prematurely, as I would have liked to have learned more. While I’m still a fan of the actor and his movies, I’m not sure that I would recommend this memoir.
Scooby-Do meets What Moves the Dead (T. Kingfisher)
M.L. Rio is a new author to me, as I did not read her first thriller, If We Were Villains. In GraveScooby-Do meets What Moves the Dead (T. Kingfisher)
M.L. Rio is a new author to me, as I did not read her first thriller, If We Were Villains. In Graveyard Shift, a group of nightshift workers suffering from insomnia meet each night in the college’s ancient cemetery. One night, they stumble upon a hole in the church graveyard that wasn’t there before. When the gravedigger returns, the group tails him during the night because they believe he might be involved in some of the strange events that have been making headlines around town.
The Good: creepy and atmospheric intriguing characters the start of a sinister plot explores insomnia and medical ethics
The Bad: not long enough to develop this plot very similar to What Moves the Dead (the study of mycology) - it has an almost identical book cover! reads like a self-aware Scooby-Do episode (and mentioned several times) ends abruptly with no real explanation (or I completely missed it) RATS! Involves some animal cruelty
This novella just needed several more pages in order to win over this reader!
3/5 stars
Expected publication date: 9/24/24
Thank you to Edelweiss and Flatiron books for the ARC of Graveyard Shift in exchange for an honest review....more
Or is there? Dorothy might want to click her heals three more times and quickly return to Oz! Three days after the tornad“There’s no place like home.”
Or is there? Dorothy might want to click her heals three more times and quickly return to Oz! Three days after the tornado hits she is found, accused of murder, and sent to an insane asylum!
After Oz is a clever retelling of The Wizard of Oz, focusing on what might have happened when Dorothy returned home to 19th century Kansas. After explaining that during her adventure in Oz she killed a witch, Dorothy is considered delusional, diabolical, and a pagan. Then a local spinster is found dead in Kansas. Could Dorothy actually be responsible for her death?
At the insane asylum, Dorothy is treated by Dr. Evelyn Grace Wilford, a psychologist who has taken an interest in her case. She believes Dorothy is telling the truth, however fantastical it may be, and sets off to solve the mystery of who really killed the spinster.
Who isn’t a fan of The Wizard of Oz?! I still love to watch the original movie with Judy Garland. However, I never wondered what would happen once Dorothy returned. Maybe I should have because McAlpine’s reimagining is clever and intriguing.
Strangely, Dorothy is not the main character and barely appears in this plot. It’s really a story about the psychologist solving the murder mystery. It is very narrative in structure, and includes many long letters. If monologues are not for you, then this might be bothersome. There is also a very short list of suspects so the actual mystery is not difficult to figure out.
This book is McAlpine’s last before he died in 2021. Since the publisher included an afterwards explaining that he was in a rush to finish it, I will forgive some of the issues that I had with it.
Maria Ru-Djen’s narration of the audiobook is terrific and I highly recommend this format.
3.5/5 stars rounded up
Expected publication date: 8/6/24
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of After Oz in exchange for an honest review....more
“Your future contains dry bones. Your slow demise begins right when you hold the queen in the palm of one hand. Beware the bird, for it will betray yo“Your future contains dry bones. Your slow demise begins right when you hold the queen in the palm of one hand. Beware the bird, for it will betray you. And from that, there’s no coming back. But daughters are the key to justice, find the right one and keep her close. All signs point toward your murder.”
When Frances Adams and her two friends visit Madame Peony Lane at the Castle Knoll Country Fair in 1965, the fortune she receives from the psychic will haunt her for the rest of her life. She believes that she is going to be murdered and is determined to figure it out before her demise.
Sixty years later, Frances summons her great niece Annie to meet with her solicitor about the new terms of her will. She would like her to be the sole benefactor, despite the fact they have never met.
Unfortunately for Frances, she is murdered before the will can be read and is unable to discover who wanted her dead.
Annie must now solve the riddle and her aunt’s murder before other family members find out the truth. It’s a race to the finish for the inheritance of Aunt Frances!
The plot of this book is well-conceived but contains so many characters that is it is difficult to keep everyone straight. Better character development would have made this a more enjoyable read for me. At some point, I just gave up trying to figure out who was who and just sort of went with it.
Annie is also the quintessential damsel in distress and constantly faints at the sight of blood and needles. This all became a little too cliche for me. It appears that this book will become a series and I’m not sure if I am interested in continuing with these characters.
3/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group - Dutton for the ARC of How to Solve Your Own Murder in exchange for an honest review....more
The Night Guest is a creepy horror novella that can easily be read in one sitting. I frantically read this book in less than two hours! The English trThe Night Guest is a creepy horror novella that can easily be read in one sitting. I frantically read this book in less than two hours! The English translation is easy to follow and exceeded my expectations.
Iðunn has been waking up every morning feeling exhausted and her arms and legs ache. She seeks help from doctors and psychiatrists, trying everything from sleeping pills, to filming herself sleeping, to staying up all night. What happens when Iðunn goes to sleep?
Iðunn is a captivating character with incredible depth. It appears the author intends for the reader to psychoanalyze Iðunn in order understand the open ended last scene. With help from my fantastic friend, Katie, I believe we worked out the deeper meaning. If you are interested in her analysis, it is hidden in her comment below. I have updated my rating, as I knew I would when I finally understood it! I will be reading this one again!! The Night Guest would be a terrific book club read.
Final note: The Night Guest reminds me a lot of Sebastian Fitzek’s The Nightwalker, which I highly recommend!
Trigger warning: animal cruelty (especially cats)
5/5 stars rounded up
Expected publication date: 9/3/24
Thank you to Tor Nightfire for the ARC of The Night Guest in exchange for an honest review....more
“Fair is foul and foul is fair” – William Shakespeare
Riveting and addictive!
When a woman falls to her death from a London bank’s 25th floor roof, Tate“Fair is foul and foul is fair” – William Shakespeare
Riveting and addictive!
When a woman falls to her death from a London bank’s 25th floor roof, Tate Kinsella is arrested for her murder. She denies responsibility for the woman’s death and claims that she is being framed. However, Tate is keeping her own secrets from her lawyer. Who is she trying to protect?
The plot is so clever and well researched, I was not surprised to find out that Mancini is a criminal defense lawyer. If you think you know how this book will end, I promise that you won’t see the twist coming! In order to avoid spoilers, I will avoid mentioning the themes. Mancini is a new author to me, but I will be reading everything she writes from now on. Consider me a super fan!
I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Annabel Scholey. She is a fantastic reader and really brought this story to life. I highly recommend this format.
In the early morning hours, a farmer in Fairhill, Vermont finds the naked dead body of a popular high school student lying in his fields. In this smalIn the early morning hours, a farmer in Fairhill, Vermont finds the naked dead body of a popular high school student lying in his fields. In this small town, someone surely knows something. Everyone is a suspect and no one is safe. Told in alternating viewpoints through Diana’s friends, family, and teachers, secrets are hiding around every corner. What happened to Diana Brewer?
Shari LaPeña is the queen of the domestic suspense thriller and takes the reader on a fast ride through a quaint small town. I read this book in two days, so it’s definitely binge worthy! I enjoyed the build-up to the reveal, guessing who might have committed the murder along the way. Even through the red herrings and twist, I did ultimately guess correctly but was unsure of the motive. It also appears as if La Peña was unsure of the motive as well. Nothing is worse than the pieces not fitting together at the end of a locked room mystery! Several threads of the plot should also be explored further ie. the ghost plot line. When the book abruptly ended, I was looking for more! I seriously questioned whether it was the ARC I was reading or actually the end of the book.
While this is not my favorite of LaPeña’s books, I did enjoy the ride!
3.25/5 stars rounded down
Trigger Warnings: Pedophilia
Expected publication date: 7/30/24
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for the ARC of What Have You Done in exchange for an honest review....more
Maria is a nanny hired to mind the children of a wealthy family at a smart house on a tropical island. Sh“Whatever you do, do not go in the basement.”
Maria is a nanny hired to mind the children of a wealthy family at a smart house on a tropical island. She is given the instructions that the door with the blue light is off limits, but she should try to enjoy herself until they arrive. When the family doesn’t show, Maria’s curiosity gets the best of her and she opens the basement door.
Nina’s father just passed away and she is still grieving. When she is told by the solicitor that her father left her a house on an island in his will, she is shocked. She did not know of its existence. Curious, she flies to the British Virgin Islands to check it out. While she finds signs that her father did live there, something is not right about this smart house. Why is the door with the blue light locked?
How do these two women’s stories connect? What is in the basement?
Look in the Mirror is a fast-paced thriller filled with an intriguing game of cat and mouse. I read the first 75% in one sitting and couldn’t wait to get to the reveal. Unfortunately, the twists are ill-constructed and underwhelming. If chapter 50 is meant to be a twist, it just simply does not work. This book has so much potential, but it quickly loses steam due to several plot holes. The first 75% is an easy 5 stars, but the ending just receives a generous 2 stars.
The house is a creepy character and I immensely enjoyed this aspect of the book.
3.5/5 stars rounded down
Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC of Look in the Mirror in exchange for an honest review....more
What happened to Nina is NOT a thriller! The plot is loosely based on the Gabby Petito murder, so for the first 25% I already Unpopular opinion alert!
What happened to Nina is NOT a thriller! The plot is loosely based on the Gabby Petito murder, so for the first 25% I already knew what was going to happen. At 50%, the reader is actually told who the murderer is! I thought there would be a twist later on, but that is not the case. For the reader, what happened to Nina is not a mystery. The ending was not believable and just didn’t work for me.
The author also spends a long time introducing the police officers assigned to the case, but this thread doesn’t really go anywhere, as this book is not a police procedural. It’s almost as if the author is setting up another book in the series around these characters.
The most intriguing part of the book is the impact that social media has on vilifying individuals though conspiracy theories. It’s sobering to see how easy it is to light a spark which then ignites flames of hatred and doubt in others.
I listened to the audiobook which is read by a large cast. I don’t think I would have finished this book if I had not been listening to the fantastic narration.
What a thought-provoking, grotesque, and incredibly relevant horror novel! Panatier breaks all boundaries “A sickening mind is a master of deception.”
What a thought-provoking, grotesque, and incredibly relevant horror novel! Panatier breaks all boundaries and takes a literary leap into crazy!
The Redemption of Morgan Bright is not your typical horror story about the unconscionable medical practices at mental hospitals. Get ready to lose your mind to confusion in this twisty adventure!
Hadleigh Keene dies as she wanders away from the Hollyhock Asylum. Morgan blames herself for her sister’s death and is determined to find out what happened to her. By assuming a new persona named Charlotte and checking into the asylum as a patient, she goes undercover to solve the mystery. Morgan traces Hadleigh’s footsteps and learns that Hollyhock is not as it seems.
This haunting multi-layered story blurs the lines between reality and fiction. The reader is taken on an allegorical journey connecting the modern-day horrific laws women are being forced to follow through the depiction of grotesque body horror.
I was surprised to learn that Panatier is a man, as surely only a woman could understand these themes! The journey to the truth, while poignant and timely, is at times quite confusing. Perhaps the author is the only one who really understands how to precisely connect the dots. If the narrative had been cleaned up a bit, this book would have received five stars.
Unsettling and disturbing, The Redemption of Morgan Bright will keep you guessing until the very end.
I read both the audiobook and the Ebook simultaneously and found the best format to be the written copy. Ruth Walker’s reading is very stilted and robotic regardless of the audiobook speed.
A special thank you to reviewer Wendy for helping me make sense of what I was reading. Be sure to check out her review as well.
4/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Angry Robot publishing for the ARC of The Redemption of Morgan Bright in exchange for an honest review....more
It’s Christmastime! Join Molly and Juan Manual as they get festive and keep traditions alive. Since her gran’s passing, Molly has had a Feliz Navidad!
It’s Christmastime! Join Molly and Juan Manual as they get festive and keep traditions alive. Since her gran’s passing, Molly has had a difficult time during this merry season. However, Juan Manuel is determined to make this Christmas Molly’s most joyful yet. He fills Gran’s card catalog advent calendar with thoughtful gifts each day and sings Christmas songs while cooking delicious meals. Has Molly found her Prince Charming? When lazy Cheryl insinuates that Juan Manuel might not have good intentions, Molly begins to have doubts. Can she really trust Juan Manuel?
I was super excited to see that Nita Prose wrote a Maid novella. This short vignette is filled with misunderstandings and mischief as well as heartwarming romance. I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into Molly and Juan’s relationship. This is such a fun series filled with terrific characters. I highly recommend reading books one and two prior to this installment for best understanding. Is another full length Maid novel on the way? I sure hope so!
5/5 stars
Expected publication date: 10/1/24
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine books for the ARC of The Mistletoe Mystery in exchange for an honest review....more
Nicole Lundrigan is the most slept on author in the thriller genre!
The Man Downstairs is the third book that I have read from this author that blew meNicole Lundrigan is the most slept on author in the thriller genre!
The Man Downstairs is the third book that I have read from this author that blew me away. If you have not read The Substitute or An Unthinkable Thing, you need to download all three of these to your Kindle ASAP!
Lundrigan has the ability to instantly connect with her readers and draw them into her storylines. The Man Downstairs is expertly plotted and filled with such beautifully flawed characters. I got lost in Molly, Gil, and ‘his’ storylines for hours, patiently savoring every minute with them, and desperately attempting to connect the dots. Even the epilogue is stellar, containing an unbelievable twist. I didn’t want this book to end!
Highly, highly recommend!
4.5/5 stars rounded up
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC of The Man Downstairs in exchange for an honest review....more
The queen of the twists has done it again! Beautiful Ugly can best be described as Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl meets Catr“I hope you die in your sleep.”
The queen of the twists has done it again! Beautiful Ugly can best be described as Gillian Flynn’s Gone Girl meets Catriona Ward’s Looking Glass Sound. Feeney’s latest domestic thriller keeps readers engaged and on the edge of their seats from the beginning to the end!
Grady is patiently waiting for the call from his publisher, as he might have written a New York Times Best Seller! However, he wants his wife Abby by his side to help celebrate the good news. He is frantic when he learns that on her way home from work she disappears after stopping to help a woman lying in the road. Consequently, Grady is grief stricken and believes he has lost everything…his wife, the ability to write, and all of their money. When an opportunity arises to write on an island all expenses paid, he takes the offer.
However, despite its great beauty, something sinister is happening on the island. After all, there is no phone or ferry service to the mainland and Grady keeps seeing Abby everywhere. Is she really alive or is it just the insomnia, alcohol, and grief? What happened to Abby? Will Grady make it off the island?
Locked room mystery ✅ Unreliable narrator✅ Twists and turns ✅ Clever plot ✅ Red herrings ✅ Predictable ❌
Readers, enjoy the ride! No one makes you question everything like Alice Feeney! I highly recommend this unpredictable domestic thriller!
5/5 stars
Expected publication date: 1/14/25
Thank you to Edelweiss and Flatiron Books for the ARC of Beautiful Ugly in exchange for an honest review....more
“What is drama but life with the dull bits cut out” - Alfred Hitchcock
I had high hopes for The Hitchcock Hotel as I had enjoyed Wrobel’s debut Darling“What is drama but life with the dull bits cut out” - Alfred Hitchcock
I had high hopes for The Hitchcock Hotel as I had enjoyed Wrobel’s debut Darling Rose Gold and was intrigued by this plot and creepy book cover. What transpired was a a slog of a read until the halfway mark. Wrobel should have paid more attention to Hitchcock’s writing methods because the dull bits needed to be cut out.
I don’t particularly enjoy books about college age protagonists, and the first half the book was spent introducing the six main characters ad nauseum. None of them are very sympathetic so I didn’t really have anyone to get behind. While some of this explanation is necessary for the plot, the long flashbacks and passive action didn’t work, causing me to contemplate not finishing the book.
However, I persevered and was pleasantly surprised with the second half of the book. The mystery was clever, included many red herrings, and twists and turns. I did guess the big twist, but maybe that is because I read a lot of books in this genre. I give the first half 2.5 stars and the second half 3.75 stars.
Warning: This book includes spoilers for many of Hitchcock’s films!
3.25/5 stars rounded down
Expected publication date: 9/24/24
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley publishing for the ARC of The Hitchcock Hotel in exchange for an honest review....more
Calling all fans of Blake Crouch and Stuart Turton!
Chuck Wendig’s The Book of Accidents is a great addition to the science fiction thriller category.Calling all fans of Blake Crouch and Stuart Turton!
Chuck Wendig’s The Book of Accidents is a great addition to the science fiction thriller category. While I originally thought this book would be more gothic in nature, (check out that fabulous cover!) it fits best in this genre. Be prepared to time travel through different dimensions and timelines with Nate Graves, as he fights to protect and save his family from from an evil serial killer that threatens to eliminate his world.
While the length of this book initially seemed intimidating, I easily flew through the pages. It is also written with a fun sense of humor, as highlighted by Maddie’s foul sailor mouth. The plot is clever, though not completely original (Think Back to the Future). I still felt invested in the characters and wanted to see how events were going to ultimately play out.
I do have one bone to pick with the nickname that Nate and Maddie use for Oliver. Would you really call your son Dude??
Overall, this book was not really a stand out for me, but I did enjoy the journey!
3.5/5 stars
Merged review:
Calling all fans of Blake Crouch and Stuart Turton!
Chuck Wendig’s The Book of Accidents is a great addition to the science fiction thriller category. While I originally thought this book would be more gothic in nature, (check out that fabulous cover!) it fits best in this genre. Be prepared to time travel through different dimensions and timelines with Nate Graves, as he fights to protect and save his family from from an evil serial killer that threatens to eliminate his world.
While the length of this book initially seemed intimidating, I easily flew through the pages. It is also written with a fun sense of humor, as highlighted by Maddie’s foul sailor mouth. The plot is clever, though not completely original (Think Back to the Future). I still felt invested in the characters and wanted to see how events were going to ultimately play out.
I do have one bone to pick with the nickname that Nate and Maddie use for Oliver. Would you really call your son Dude??
Overall, this book was not really a stand out for me, but I did enjoy the journey!
Recently, I have found myself gravitating towards listening to memoirs during my commute. While most memoirCould Matthew Perry’s memoir BE any sadder?
Recently, I have found myself gravitating towards listening to memoirs during my commute. While most memoirs I have read include some elements of abuse or trauma (incidents that actually happened to real people, often mimicked in the fictional plots of psychological thrillers), this one hit me HARD.
I knew this book would be tear jerker, as it was written after Perry made it through his lifelong addiction to drugs and alcohol, only to succumb to the disease a little less than a year later. But I think that knowing he didn’t make it and hearing his voice, transformed this book into something incredibly sad, instead of uplifting.
Perry details his struggle with sleeping, going as far back as a colicky infant and being treated with barbiturates by doctors. Can you imagine what that might do to a baby’s brain? Then he experiences abandonment when his parents divorce, his father moves to California, and he doesn’t see him for years. His parents actually put him on a plane by himself at five years old to fly to visit his dad. Can you imagine how frightening that would be?! He worried his whole life that he was not enough for anyone, often ending relationships to avoid being hurt. He was terrified to be alone.
Consequently, he sought attention through making people laugh, an ability that helped make him famous on the sitcom Friends. However, his addictions negatively effected his performances. Perry was a true addict, suffering from the terrible disease of alcoholism and drug use, a deadly habit that would ultimately kill him.
Throughout his struggle, he found a new purpose in helping other alcoholics and addicts stay sober. He just couldn’t find a way to save himself. While he made us all laugh, he was struggling to combat his own demons.
As a result of reading Perry’s memoir, I am able to see addicts in a new light and empathize with their inner struggle to reach sobriety.
Perry’s memoir is incredibly thoughtful and well-written. He deserved a better ending.
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