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| 1737360799
| 9781737360797
| 1737360799
| 4.18
| 620
| unknown
| Jun 24, 2024
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it was amazing
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Tok, Alaska. Cameron Prescott hopes the past stays buried. After believing her murderous husband is finally dead, the fierce survivor longs to start o
Tok, Alaska. Cameron Prescott hopes the past stays buried. After believing her murderous husband is finally dead, the fierce survivor longs to start over with her state trooper boyfriend. But her illusion of peace shatters when she hears of a fresh killing that resembles her late husband’s grisly signature. Horrified to learn the evidence points to a member of law enforcement, Cameron questions how well she knows her new man. And as the lies and bodies pile up, Cameron is convinced she's being stalked by a killer. Is trusting anyone just a path to a cold tomb? Oh. My. God. Having read—and loved—The Final Hunt, I knew I was in for quite the treat with its sequel. Needless to say, I wasn’t let down in the least by the brilliance that I found within The Last Hunt’s spine-tingling pages. With compelling characters, an atmospheric setting, and a fast-paced, addictive plot, I got pulled into this book from the very first page. After all, the prologue threw me straight into the deep end in all of its action-packed glory. And that was before I encountered even one of its jaw-dropping reveals. What kept me thoroughly engaged, however, were the dynamic characters who came alive on the page. Growing in depth from the last book, both of the narrators struck a chord with me even more so than the first time around. In fact, I was shocked to discover that I loved this continuing saga even more than book one. With heart-pounding action, a healthy dose of foreboding, and plenty of red herrings, it was a thriller lover’s dream from beginning to end. All in all, from the palpable tension to the well-developed plot, there simply wasn’t a thing not to love about each and every piece of this finely tuned mystery. Cole truly went above and beyond to deliver a superlative novel with non-stop suspense and precise plotting that left me fully immersed in Cameron’s newest crisis. Now I just have to hope, pray, and maybe even beg for a book three in this unputdownable, explosive, binge-worthy, mesmerizing series. As for every thriller lover out there, you simply HAVE to get your hands on these books. And please, start at the beginning. You’re not going to want to miss a minute with Cameron. Rating of 5+ stars. *One final note: While this could potentially be read as a stand-alone, I wouldn’t recommend it. In addition to the spoilers you would encounter, you might find yourself lost here and there as details are slow-dripped into the plot. Plus, as I’ve already said, you’re not going to want to miss out on a minute with these magnificent characters. Thank you to Audrey J. Cole for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: June 25, 2024 Trigger warning: abduction, breaking and entering, strangulation, gun violence ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 24, 2024
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Jun 24, 2024
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May 13, 2024
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Paperback
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| 0063280604
| 9780063280601
| 0063280604
| 3.96
| 7,788
| May 07, 2024
| May 07, 2024
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it was amazing
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On an ordinary Monday morning, Ariel Cafferty's phone buzzes with a disturbing text message. Something’s happened. I need to see you. Meet me under th
On an ordinary Monday morning, Ariel Cafferty's phone buzzes with a disturbing text message. Something’s happened. I need to see you. Meet me under the candelabra tree ASAP. The words would be jarring from anyone, but the sender is the only man she ever loved. And it's been several years since she learned he died. Seeing Drew’s name pop up is heart-stopping. Ariel’s gut says it can’t be real. But she goes to the tree anyway. She has to. Nobody shows. But the text upends everything she thought she knew about the day he left her. The more questions she asks, the more sinister the answers get. Only two things are clear: everything she was told five years ago is wrong, and someone is still lying to her. The truth has to be out there somewhere. To safeguard herself—and her son—she’ll have to find it before it finds her. And with it, the answer to what became of Drew. Holy amazing amazeballs of amazingness! The Five Year Lie just might be my favorite book of the year—and it’s not even half over. From the gripping mystery to the sweet romance, it just got better and better with each additional page. Best of all, though, was how the synopsis was just the beginning. A complex plot that revealed plenty of secrets, I didn’t have a shot of guessing even a one. Trust me when I say, this will win you over for sure. After all, there wasn’t a thing not to love. The characters had me from hello. Told via dual main POVs plus a mysterious third, each identity was crystal clear. And let me tell you, there were plenty of shocking cliffhangers and explosive reveals. It was the last half of the book, however, that really got me going. A thrilling game of cat-and-mouse that offered up twice the thrills thanks to dual timelines, my adrenaline was pumping and my fingers were flying as I raced to learn all the whos, the whats, and the whys. As for the characters, I was instantly pulled in by the narrators. From a revenge seeking techie to a snarky, intelligent mom who focused on learning the truth, both of their personalities won me over hook, line, and sinker. Add in the burgeoning love affair, and even this non-romance reader wanted them to ride off into the sunset. Paired with the mystery/thriller plot, it all brought a very real Laura Dave vibe. Somehow Bowen managed to perfect not one but two genres in this debut thriller. All in all, what the heart-pounding prologue started, the rest of the book easily lived up to. Thanks to compelling characters, fast-paced storytelling, and ever ratcheting suspense and foreboding, Sarina Bowen knocked this original premise out of the ball park. On top of all of that, it was wholly realistic in an utterly chilling way as it had me thinking long and hard about the repercussions of having technology intricately entwined in our daily lives. Quite frankly, this book had it all—intrigue, revenge, love, mystery, and plenty of dirty dealings. In short, it was simply sublime. Rating of 5+ stars. Thank you to Sarina Bowen and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: May 7, 2024 ***If you’re on Instagram and interested in winning a copy of this book, head to my page (link in bio) to enter an upcoming giveaway in the near future! Trigger warning: none of substance ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 02, 2024
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May 03, 2024
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May 02, 2024
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Paperback
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| 1662511647
| 9781662511646
| 1662511647
| 4.48
| 575
| Jul 16, 2024
| Jul 16, 2024
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it was amazing
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Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of
Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of the road―alone. It was as if her parents and younger sister, Ella, had simply disappeared. One year later, Alice is still dealing with nightmares and unanswered questions when she and her friends find Ella’s bloodstained backpack in the basement of an abandoned home. As Detective Jess Lambert investigates, she uncovers dark secrets that put her on a collision course with her past. Jess’s only witness is haunted by her own ghosts―ghosts that might ultimately be connected to Jess. Jess will do anything to find out what happened to the Harpers―no matter how deep she has to dig. Because neither the living nor the dead are giving up their secrets easily. OHHHEMMMGEEE! How does Christina McDonald manage to craft books that just get better and better? In the first book in the series, These Still Black Waters, she pulled the rug right out from under me in the best possible way. Now, with What Lies in Darkness, I couldn’t keep the s*** eating grin off of my face. From the magically interwoven plot to the well-developed characters who had me in the palm of their hands, there wasn’t a thing not to love. Even better, though, was McDonald still managed to shock me all the way to my core. The plot itself alternated back and forth between dual timelines and multiple POVs. In fact, it was so intoxicating that I lost track of time. Despite clearly remembering the earth-shattering twist from book one in the series, this time around there was also even more of a heartbreaking element. Through thought-provoking quotable quotes and plot charging emotion, I felt this storyline deep in my bones. That’s not to say there wasn’t non-stop suspense and palpable tension. I promise that that was also there in spades. Like most characters in a series, Jess has blossomed from the prequel to book one and now book two. The more I learn about her, the more realistic she becomes to the point where I almost feel like I know her by now. Yet again, though, she wasn’t the only character real enough to walk right off the page. From her stand-in partner to her witch of a boss, they each fit their roles to a T. All I can say is that I can’t wait to see where they all go from here. And I’m not the only one. All of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse feel exactly the same way. Done and dusted, this newest addition to the Jess Lambert saga hit all the sweet spots for me. With a twisty, atmospheric plot, an unstoppable yet flawed heroine, and a killer conclusion, this psychologically acute thriller was beyond a slam dunk. A masterclass in suspense, McDonald has done it yet again. Already an auto-buy author for me, her sharp writing meant I felt immersed in this story. Take it from me, you have got to get your hands on this series. And please, start at the beginning. You’re not going to want to miss a minute with Jess. Rating of 5+ stars. Thank you to Christina McDonald and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: July 16, 2024 Trigger warning: threatening messages, embezzlement, alcoholism, mention of: infidelity ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 30, 2024
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May 31, 2024
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Mar 01, 2024
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Paperback
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| 1496727185
| 9781496727183
| 1496727185
| 4.21
| 6,281
| May 21, 2024
| May 21, 2024
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it was amazing
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Sloan Hastings has just begun her two-year fellowship with the eminent Dr. Livia Cutty. The Chief Medical Officer for the City of Raleigh, her program
Sloan Hastings has just begun her two-year fellowship with the eminent Dr. Livia Cutty. The Chief Medical Officer for the City of Raleigh, her program is known to be the best in the nation. On her very first day, Sloan is handed an assignment for her research project, which is to try and expand the field of forensic genealogy and its use in fighting crime. Trying to nail down what case she’ll use for her dissertation, Sloan submits her own DNA to a genealogy site in order to learn more about the process. What she learns, however, knocks her world right off of its axis. Sloan has always known that she was adopted. Coming from a secure, happy childhood, however, it never really entered her mind as all that important. Until she gets her report from the ancestry site. With the help of an expert, it’s revealed that her real identity is none other than Charlotte Margolis. Last known to have disappeared with her parents at just two-months-old, her case captured the curiosity of the nation in July of 1995. Despite a rigorous investigation and plenty of attention, however, the case went cold and has stayed that way for the last twenty-nine years. Until now. Hoping to learn more about her birth parents and what happened almost three decades ago, Sloan returns to the place she was born—Cedar Creek, Nevada—and the bosom of the Margolis clan. There she discovers that the family rules the area with an iron fist. Welcomed in immediately, Sloan nevertheless begins to wonder. Could they have had something to do with what occurred all those years ago? Or is she merely being overly suspicious? One thing is certain, however, someone isn’t happy that she’s back—and they’ll do almost anything to keep the past dead and buried for good. Amazing amazeballs of amazingness! With Long Time Gone, Charlie Donlea utterly knocked it out of the park! From a truly stellar character list to dead on perfectly research facts, there seriously wasn’t a thing that could have been improved about this twisty, twisty plot. Considering that this author already had my undying adoration, to be able to outdo even himself? Well, let me just say—ding ding—he managed it with this original take on a standard missing child trope. My absolute favorite piece to the stunning, compulsively readable book was definitely Sloan herself. A strong female main character if I’ve ever seen one, she was clever, witty, brave, and powerfully fit. Nothing and no one was going to scare this admirable young woman. That’s not to say she was the only impressive persona. Believable, genuine, and perfectly sculpted for the role each of them played, each ran the gamut from endearing to unlikeable and everywhere in between. The plot, though, still outshone even Sloan. With realistic details and a well-thought-out structure, the storyline alternated between the past and the present through six mind-blowing parts. Slowly, slowly, the details came into focus until the heart-pumping climax came roaring onto the scene. More times than I could count, I had my jaw on the floor as a twist came out of nowhere ready to take the story to yet another level. Even the omniscient perspective—something Donlea does oh so well—revealed just enough to keep me firmly in the dark. All said and done, with riveting suspense, an expertly paced plot, and immersive storytelling, Donlea was at the top of his game yet again. And thanks to a storyline with a ripped-from-the-headlines feelpertinent topics concerning DNA and its uses within law enforcement, this book will also surely take up residence in my brain for the foreseeable future. So if you want a psychological thriller that will have you pulling an all-nighter, look no further. That describes this book to a T. Rating of 5+ stars. Thank you to Charlie Donlea and Kensington Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: May 21, 2024 Trigger warning: adoption, mention of: financial crimes ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 17, 2024
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May 18, 2024
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Feb 08, 2024
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Hardcover
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| 1250325854
| 9781250325853
| 1250325854
| 3.54
| 10,098
| Apr 30, 2024
| Apr 30, 2024
|
it was amazing
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After becoming a bestselling author seemingly by accident a decade ago, Eleanor Dash is finally back among the sunny vistas of Italy where the adventu
After becoming a bestselling author seemingly by accident a decade ago, Eleanor Dash is finally back among the sunny vistas of Italy where the adventure began for her tenth anniversary book tour. This time, however, Eleanor has every intention of finding a way of killing off her main character, the debonair hero, Connor Smith. With a likeness borrowed from a real life Connor, the only means she has of getting away from the actual man is to write him out of her award winning Vacation Mystery series. Hardly cut from the same cloth as her fictional character, Eleanor is eager to be done with Connor once and for all. Naturally, it shocks Eleanor to her core when Connor begs her for help. It seems someone is out to kill him—for real. Is it life imitating art? Pure coincidence? Or is Connor’s narcissism showing? Regardless of Eleanor’s doubts, when one of their party turns up dead, she must try her hand at solving the mystery before others end up meeting a nasty end. Along the way, Eleanor must contend with a rash of suspects, her stalker and even a literary rival. But is she cut out to be a real life detective? After all, this isn’t a work of fiction and more lives could be at stake if she’s not careful. Who could be the murderer? And what else do they have planned? Oh. My. God. What a work of utter perfection. With giggle-worthy banter, a narrator to die for (pun most definitely intended) and a plot I could read again and again, Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies was beyond a hole in one. Given that Catherine Mack (aka Catherine McKenzie) is also a gifted writer of thrillers, I was overjoyed to find that she’s equally talented at crafting dynamite mysteries. Funny, easy to read and complete with eccentric characters, I’m over the moon that this was just the first in a series. Perfect for fans of Everyone in My Family Is a Murderer or Knives Out, the first-person narration and metafiction feel created an engaging storyline the sucked me in right from the start. Packed with plenty of suspects and more than enough red herrings to distract even the best armchair sleuth, there wasn’t a chance that I’d figure out the plot before the timely reveal. Then there were entirely original footnotes. Adding a witty sarcasm to the plot, they kept a smile firmly planted on my face from the first page until the perfectly staged last scene. And boy did that epilogue make me yearn for the sequel. After all, with a title like No One Was Supposed to Die at This Wedding, it will surely be brilliant. With a fast pace, lighthearted plot and unputdownable premise, this well-written tale grabbed me and didn’t let go. Unbelievably clever and quirky, it was the perfect kind of book to slip in between some harder hitting thrillers. That’s not to say it wasn’t one hundred percent perfect (yes, I know I’m overusing this word… so sue me) no matter what you read before or after. So if you’re looking for a good time, grab this book as soon as you can. After all, Ms. Mack/McKenzie has done the unthinkable and shown her virtuoso-like skill at crafting books in not just one genre—but two. Rating of 5+ stars. Thank you to Catherine McKenzie, Minotaur Books and HTP Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: April 30, 2024 Trigger warning: NONE ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 22, 2024
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Apr 23, 2024
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Feb 07, 2024
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Hardcover
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| 0778308065
| 9780778308065
| 3.81
| 62,076
| Apr 02, 2024
| Apr 02, 2024
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it was amazing
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Meghan Michaels is a hard-working critical care nurse and devoted single mom following her recent divorce. One day, a young woman named Caitlin Becket
Meghan Michaels is a hard-working critical care nurse and devoted single mom following her recent divorce. One day, a young woman named Caitlin Beckett is brought into her ward following a suicide attempt. This news is hard for Meghan to hear. After all, her own family history is filled with pain from just such an act. Even worse, however, is the method Caitlin had attempted. Jumping from a bridge to train tracks below, the image in Meghan’s brain is difficult to swallow. Quite frankly, it’s a miracle that Caitlin is even alive. But when Meghan runs into her former high school friend, Natalie, all thoughts of Caitlin are pushed to the back of her mind. Meeting at her divorce support group, they quickly get reacquainted over drinks. Talk quickly turns to both of their lives, but it’s the large bruise on Natalie’s head that bothers Meghan the most. Is it possible that Natalie’s world is much more dangerous than her own? Could her ex pose a threat? And what can the caring, empathetic Meghan do to help? As Meghan continues to care for Caitlin while also opening her arms to a terrified Natalie, the police show up at the hospital with startling news. It seems Caitlin didn’t jump—she was pushed. Suddenly, the close connection Meghan has made with the Becketts threatens to drown her. Is it possible that the allowing Caitlin’s predicament through Meghan’s defenses could actually endanger her life as well as that of her daughter? Or does Natalie’s presence in her life more of a risk? One thing is for sure, Meghan’s world is not nearly as safe as she once imagined. Holy heck, Batman! She’s Not Sorry was one shocking, mind-bender of a book! A riveting tale of domestic suspense, it was twistier and darker than any Kubica novel that I’ve read yet. From panic-inducing events to a superb cast of characters, I was pulled into the story from the very first word. What I didn’t expect, however, was how the deep foreboding and unparalleled unease would keep me reading late into the night. More than suspenseful, the plot took all of my expectations and ran them down before backing over them once again. The storyline was, by far, the biggest home run for what is sure to be one of the best books of the year. Broken up into two parts, there is simply no way that you’ll be able to guess the brilliantly blinding first twist. Through a plot both well-written and skillfully laid out, the mildly slow burn first half quickly caught fire into an explosion of dread. Even the somewhat unresolved conclusion worked perfectly for me, as it left me utterly speechless as I gasped with the final well-timed reveal. As for the characters, they all felt wholly believable, but also entirely suspicious. With so many secrets percolating just below the surface, it was difficult to decide who to trust as the words unfurled before me. Quite frankly, the impeccably molded personas struck just the right chord and, much like in real life, I was oblivious to what was right in front of my nose. Unfortunately, I can’t say much more or I’ll surely spoil the plot. Just trust me when I say that these individuals were spellbinding in all of their chilling perfection. By the end, Kubica had me wrapped around her little finger. From the multiple storylines to the deft pacing, each turn in the plot had me second guessing my intuition. In all honesty, I’m overjoyed that I did. After all, without that doubting voice in my head, I wouldn’t have had the payoff of a twist that literally dropped my jaw to the floor. All I know is that Kubica is now firmly ensconced on my auto-buy author list, so be sure to grab this book as soon as it hits store shelves. You won’t regret it in the least. Rating of 5+ stars. Thank you to Mary Kubica, Park Row, and BookishFirst for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DAY: April 2, 2024 Scroll down for my potential plot spoiling premise. Trigger warning: suicide, getting scammed, kidnapping, a fatal shooting, mention of: death of a sibling, domestic abuse ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 06, 2024
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Mar 07, 2024
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Feb 03, 2024
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Hardcover
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| 0698162005
| 9780698162006
| B0CLNHSSM7
| 4.17
| 581
| Jul 23, 2024
| Jul 23, 2024
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it was amazing
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Please don’t read the synopsis for this book. Although not one that presents any spoilers per se, the head games were so much better going in complete
Please don’t read the synopsis for this book. Although not one that presents any spoilers per se, the head games were so much better going in completely blind. That said, though, if you must check it out before diving into this phenomenal novel, you’ll find the publisher provided blurb at the end of my review… OHHHEMMMGEEE! I knew going into The Best Lies that it was going to be good. I mean, David Ellis wrote it, after all. But I had no clue that it was going to be so mind-blowingly stellar. From the twisty, twisty plot to the dynamite characters, there wasn’t a piece to this puzzle that didn’t make me want to shout from the rafters. The plot itself was a finely tuned masterpiece that easily took my breath away as I flew through the pages. In short, the whole thing was downright perfection. How exactly was the storyline so utterly dazzling? Complex yet not confusing in the slightest, the multiple POVs and decade-jumping flashbacks meant for a deep look beneath the surface of this skillfully orchestrated premise. But the surprises were easily the star of the show. With twists hidden within twists, the deliciously shrewd plot was wholly beyond my armchair sleuthing. More than once I was caught by my family shouting “Wait, WHAT?!” as the rug was pulled right out from under me in the best possible way. While the plot was hardly character-driven, the slew of personas still had me in the palm of their hands. With a whole host of individuals skilled at the deft act of deception, pathological liar Leo had quite the job staying one step ahead. But it was the rest of the cast that rounded out this slam dunk success. From the supposed good guys to the out-and-out villains, no one was who they seemed to be at the outset. In short, they ALL got a serious side-eye from me. Even Leo himself. Done and dusted, I am still completely awe. With more going on behind the scenes than I could’ve ever imagined, the plot was beyond action-packed and propulsive. Smart and suspenseful, it was Ellis at his best thanks to his trademark immersive storytelling and positively wicked twists. Sure to be one of the most binge-worthy, buzzed about thrillers of the year, it should most definitely be your next must read novel. So go ahead. Pre-order it now. You won’t regret. I promise. Rating of 5+ stars. SYNOPSIS: Leo Balanoff is a diagnosed pathological liar with unthinkable skeletons in his family's closet. He's also a crusading attorney who seeks justice at all costs. When a ruthless drug dealer is found dead and Leo’s fingerprints show up on the murder weapon, no one believes a word he says. But he might be the FBI’s only shot at taking down the dealer’s brutal syndicate. Risk his life going undercover for the feds or head straight to prison for murder? Leo accepts the FBI’s offer—but it comes with a price, including a collision course with his ex, Andi Piotrowski, a former cop and “the one who got away.” Forced to walk a tightrope between an ambitious FBI agent and a cruel, calculating crime boss, Leo’s trapped in a corner. But he has more secrets than anyone realizes, and a few more cards left to play Thank you to David Ellis and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: July 23, 2024 Trigger warning: human trafficking, espionage, mention of: carbon monoxide poisoning ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 15, 2024
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Jul 16, 2024
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Jan 04, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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| 0063323982
| 9780063323988
| 0063323982
| 4.04
| 23,183
| Feb 13, 2024
| Feb 13, 2024
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it was amazing
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Cassie seems to just be existing. Living a quiet life as a bookseller in New York City, she goes to work to be around the comfort of books. At home, s
Cassie seems to just be existing. Living a quiet life as a bookseller in New York City, she goes to work to be around the comfort of books. At home, she spends her evenings with her best friend, Izzy, never getting close to others her age. Her only other friend, if you could call him that, is an elderly customer named Mr. Webber. Accustomed to spending hours in Cassie’s bookshop, she’s content listening to his stories or musing together about their favorite stories. One evening, however, while Cassie is staring out at the snow, Mr. Webber silently passes away. After calling the paramedics who take the kind, old gentleman for his very last trip, Cassie spies a book that’s been left behind. On the first page there’s a simple inscription: “This is the Book of Doors. Hold it in your hand, and any door is every door.” Inside, she sees mysterious drawings and unintelligible writing. Before the night is over, Cassie is going to learn that this book holds special powers. Magical powers. And Mr. Webber has left it to her. As Cassie begins to experiment with the Book of Doors, she is confronted with the knowledge that it’s not the only book of its kind. Out there in the world she thought she knew so well, there are other books that contain the power to do both incredible and terrifying things. And just like with anything worth having, there are people who will do anything to get their hands not just on the Book of Doors, but every special book that exists. And without realizing it, Cassie has just become a target of their dangerous and vicious ways. The only person who can help her is Drummond Fox. A man who has a secret library of magical books, he’s been keeping them safe from the malevolent forces by hiding them in the shadows. Because he knows first hand that there’s an unknown villain out there that will wreck havoc and destruction in order to get their hands on his books. After all, there have been rumors of a mysterious person combing the world for every special book that exists. Can he help keep Cassie—and the Book of Doors—safe? Or has their fate already been decided? I honestly don’t know the last time I read such a special book. Filled with magic, wonder, and mystery, The Book of Doors quite simply took my breath away. More than anything, though, it was profoundly thought-provoking as it managed to take me into another world with the stroke of a pen. In many ways than one, it reminded me of The Neverending Story combined judiciously with Recursion. Quite the heady mix, if I do say so myself. I didn’t know what to expect before starting this book, and, to be frank, it surpassed anything and everything I could’ve imagined. A complex, intricate storyline packed full of blind twists and delicious surprises, it was the kind of book that I both couldn’t put down, but also didn’t want to finish. With a somewhat circuitous plot, this was one tale that had every right to feel repetitive, but somehow managed to not. As characters and events shifted into and out of frame, the sharp writing pulled them all together into perfect alignment. And by the end, this enigma of a puzzle hit just the right chord. The characters themselves were simply divine. Flawed and genuine, they also all possessed an otherworldliness that few books can muster. From dastardly villains to epic heroes, they came together in a Marvel-esque way while also containing an edge that felt very Harry Potter to this fantasy novice. With poignant feelings running just below the surface, I was quite literally brought to tears. Somehow Brown managed to make me feel the thoughts and emotions of each and every character right along with them. In my eyes, it was pure magic. Done and dusted, this extraordinary tale of contemporary fantasy threw away all of the rules as the evocative prose and nonstop suspense took me on the ride of my life. Well-plotted and perfectly paced, I’m utterly shocked that this addictive, mind-bending masterpiece was the work of a debut author. And the fact that it’s primed for a sequel? What could be better than that? All I know is that this is one book I’m going to scream about from the rafters. After all, it was simply that good. Rating of 5+++ stars. Thank you to Gareth Brown and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: February 13, 2024 Trigger warning: fatal shooting, heart attack, cancer, loss of a parent ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 2024
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Feb 02, 2024
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Dec 23, 2023
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Hardcover
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| 1250880319
| 9781250880314
| 1250880319
| 4.13
| 125,740
| Mar 05, 2024
| Mar 05, 2024
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it was amazing
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Five years ago, Lucy Chase left her small town of Plumpton, Texas under a cloud of suspicion. Following the murder of her best friend, Savvy Harper, w
Five years ago, Lucy Chase left her small town of Plumpton, Texas under a cloud of suspicion. Following the murder of her best friend, Savvy Harper, what started as sympathy for Lucy quickly turned to suspicion and then certainty of guilt. After all, she’d initially been presumed to be a survivor of the brutal attack that had cost Savvy her life, despite being seen walking the streets the morning after covered in her best friend’s blood. But as new details came to light and no other suspects were found, it became obvious to everyone in Plumpton—Lucy killed Savvy. Now drawn back to town by her grandmother on the eve of her eightieth birthday, Lucy must face not only her former friends and family, but an eager true crime podcaster as well. Ben Owens made a name for himself with his first series of Listen for the Lie and for his second highly anticipated case, he’s turning the microphone on Lucy. Not only is he and the rest of the country now primed for answers, but Lucy is as well. Given that she can’t recall anything that happened that fateful night, she’s always suspected the worst. Even if it meant she’d murdered Savvy herself. As Ben starts to reveal dark secrets and deeply buried lies, Lucy is faced with a choice—either continue to hide from the truth or help unearth it herself. Is the small southern town actually covering up a multitude of sins? Or did her neighbors have it right five years ago when they pointed the blame squarely at her? One things for sure, by the time Ben is through, the truth will be out. Either Lucy will be relieved—or she’ll be locked up behind bars. Oh. My. God. It is literally only February and I think I’ve just discovered my favorite book of 2024. No joke, Listen for the Lie had it all: superb characters, perfectly timed dialogue, and one heck of a dynamite plot. Needless to say, I was utterly blown away as I ripped through the pages. After all, it was the kind of book that I both couldn’t stop reading, but also didn’t want to finish. Right from the start, I was head over heels for the characterization of Lucy. Brilliantly sarcastic and just a little off her rocker, her personality was an utter hole in one from the very first word. On top of her, however, I was over the moon with the dysfunctional family dynamic and deliciously dark humor. Quite frankly, they were some of the best personas that I’ve ever read as they all felt decidedly genuine but also delightfully twisted. The plot was one I’ll certainly remember for quite awhile. A mix of Lucy’s perspective and Ben’s podcast transcripts, there were even a few memories from five years ago thrown into the mix. All together, it formed a propulsive storyline that didn’t let up, even as it had me breaking down into laughter more times than I could count. And as if that wasn’t enough, the fast pace, growing tension, and dark conclusion made me fall for this one hook, line, and sinker. In all honesty, I don’t know how anyone wouldn’t love this book. By the time I flipped the last page of this psychological thriller, the short chapters, snarky quips, and precise plotting meant I was utterly done for. After all, with its IV drip of revelations and one heck of an explosive climax, there was no end to the surprises. One thing I’m positive about now is that this is sure to be one of the most binge-worthy, buzzed about thrillers of the year. Now an avid fan, I cannot wait to see what Tintera comes up with next. If this book is anything to go by, she’s the next maestro of the whole thriller genre. Rating of 5+++ stars. Thank you to Amy Tintera, Celadon Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: March 5, 2024 Scroll down for my potential plot spoiling trigger list. Trigger warning: infidelity, hallucinations, spousal abuse, gaslighting ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Feb 26, 2024
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Feb 27, 2024
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Dec 01, 2023
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Hardcover
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| 1639366180
| 9781639366187
| 1639366180
| 3.68
| 3,056
| Nov 07, 2023
| Nov 07, 2023
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it was amazing
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Charley comes from a blue-collared past. The daughter of a cook, she’s always felt like an outsider in the exclusive Masquerade Murder Society. After
Charley comes from a blue-collared past. The daughter of a cook, she’s always felt like an outsider in the exclusive Masquerade Murder Society. After all, the other seven individuals all come from wealthy backgrounds. What brings them together, though, is their love for reenacting distinctly macabre—yet cleverly directed—murders. That is, until twelve years ago. At their final Christmas Masquerade, Karl, the leader of their little troop, disappeared without a trace. After drifting apart for over a decade, they are all invited to the Highlands of Scotland for a new Christmas Masquerade. Charley is far from open to the idea after being forced out of the group twelve years before following a scandal, but with the promise of a helping hand with her struggling acting career, she relents and hops on the first coach she can find. Little does she know that they’re all bearing some deep, dark secrets that each will do almost anything to keep hidden. Just how far would they go? Only time will tell. Upon arrival at the remote estate, each are given their Christmas-themed roles. From Lady Partridge to Dr. Swan, their identities are pulled from the lyrics of the Twelve Days of Christmas. All seems in order as the game gets underway, following the normal routine they all know and love. Until the next morning, that is, when the first victim—Lady Partridge—turns up dead in a very real way. Even more disturbing is the fact that she’s been found hanging from a pear tree on the lavish snow-covered grounds. What was originally a fun game between friends quickly becomes something far more deadly. After all, Lady Partridge’s death was hardly natural. As the group—now trapped by a blizzard—starts to investigate which one of them could be behind the treacherous crime, secrets are exposed. The more they learn, the more one thing becomes clear. In order to make it out alive, they’ll have to take a good hard look at their friendships and ultimately revisit what happened twelve years ago to one of their own. Holy heck that was amazing! A stylish blend of an old, classic murder mystery and a chilling, present-day thriller, The Twelve Days of Murder hit just the right chord. From deviously spot on characters to the perfectly drawn Scottish setting, there wasn’t a thing missing, including a startling, adrenaline-fueled climax and a crafty yet satisfying finale. And coming from me, that’s quite the high praise. My favorite piece to this dynamite book, however, was easily the plot itself. Weaving together the past and the present via dual timelines, the unanswered questions about what happened to Karl twelve years ago intermingled with the horrors of the present. All together, it seriously clouded the issue of who was to blame and meant that I was at a total loss in my armchair sleuthing. Don’t get me wrong, in hindsight, the storyline was peppered with deftly hidden clues, but I didn’t pick up on them until after the fact. The characters themselves were full of color complete with a handful of eccentric, pretentious individuals. Between their murder mystery game personas and their actual identities, the storyline was rife with true-to-life action and tantalizing dialogue. Plenty of them were thoroughly unlikeable—bordering on offensive—but with both the endearing Charley and rare moments of empathy for the others, I was swept up by each and every one by the end. Even the murderer. Trust me when I say, this was the perfect Christmas thriller, one which I think is massively underhyped. A spin on And Then There Were None but with a thrilling, modern twist, there was more than enough Agatha Christie-esque charm to make this mystery snob happy. If you love a good locked room puzzle, this is sure to be just your kind of book. After all, this whodunnit was everything I wanted and more. So be sure to grab a copy today as it was pure literary perfection in this mystery/thriller lover’s opinion. Rating of 5+ stars. Thank you to Andreina Cordani and Pegasus Crime for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DAY: Out now! Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list. Trigger warning: bullying, death by hanging, near drowning, falling from a height, poisoning, stabbing, shooting, mention of: blackmail, infidelity ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Dec 09, 2023
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Dec 10, 2023
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Nov 04, 2023
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Hardcover
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| 1639106391
| 9781639106394
| 1639106391
| 3.43
| 565
| Mar 05, 2024
| Mar 19, 2024
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it was amazing
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After getting burned out in a career she hated, Jess Byrne and her best friend, Kat Miller, decided to set up shop in Jess’s grandmother’s run down fo
After getting burned out in a career she hated, Jess Byrne and her best friend, Kat Miller, decided to set up shop in Jess’s grandmother’s run down former boarding house. Revamped as an Instagram-worthy B&B, it’s now finally their opening weekend. Hoping to hit all of the right chords, Jess even arranged for her former high school boyfriend turned singing sensation, Lars Armstrong, to give an exclusive, private performance. Already nervous about seeing her ex in the flesh once again, Jess is dismayed to also discover that Lars’s creepy stepfather slash manager has tagged along for the ride. A man known for getting under people’s skin, it’s not exactly a surprise when Bob turns up dead only hours later. Worse still, however, all eyes are on Lars as the perpetrator for the dastardly crime. Desperate for help, Lars begs Jess for assistance. Considering that she can’t quite square him as a murderer, she agrees to do a little digging. Besides, now that the media has arrived, the reputation of her brand-new B&B is up for grabs. But as Jess starts asking questions and turning over stones, she’s alarmed to realize that her ex might not be quite as innocent as she thought—especially when he’s found at the scene of yet another murder. With the help of her best friend, Kat, Jess is adamant to get to the bottom of what happened right under her nose. Will she, however, be able to uncover the truth before Lars is in handcuffs and her B&B is abandoned by the once eager crowds? After all, luck hasn’t exactly been on their side. It’s now up to the two true crime buffs to stop this killer in their tracks. Can they catch whoever it is in time? Holy cannoli! A quick, easy read that was peppered with giggle-worthy humor, Peril in Pink was just what the doctor ordered—especially in between some harder hitting thrillers. I mean, I’m not one to pass up an amateur sleuth, but one that is also a diehard true crime fan? Well, what’s not to love? And now that I’m done, this delightful mix of cozy mystery with just a dash of crime fictionlighthearted fun. The biggest winner to this slam dunk success, however, were easily the characters themselves. One hundred percent genuine and true-to-life, their relationships were pure dynamite and hit just the right chord. On top of that, the dialogue flowed easily and made for scenes that felt like they came straight out a well-written movie. Don’t get me wrong, Jess’s interactions with Lars were a tad cringe-worthy at times, but that merely made me even happier when the police spotlight was directed at him. Then there was the plot, which was simply a boatload of fun. Filled with plenty of humor and wit, the slowly unwinding puzzle of who could have been behind the murderous plot felt wholly natural to this mystery snob. After all, with heaps of red herrings and nary a guess within sight, I was kept in near total suspense. Quite frankly, it had a definite Agatha Christie-esque vibe that made the whole book a total home run. And between you and me, there wasn’t a single thing I’d want to change in this to die for whodunnit. All said and done, I can’t recommend this knockout debut strongly enough. The perfect kind of palate cleanser for this thriller addict, Leigh has, without a doubt, made a memorable splash in the world of mystery books. There’s only one thing left bugging me just a bit—my utmost desire to see this as just the first book in what’s sure to be a bestselling series. So if you’re looking for the ultimate vacation from all things stressful, grab a copy of this brilliant dive into all things cozy. You definitely won’t regret it in the least. Rating of 5 stars. Thank you to Sydney Leigh, Crooked Lane Books, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: March 19, 2024 ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 06, 2023
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Nov 07, 2023
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Oct 27, 2023
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Hardcover
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| 1668010445
| 9781668010440
| 1668010445
| 3.96
| 29,017
| Apr 09, 2024
| Apr 09, 2024
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it was amazing
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Following the death of her father, Perry Holt, Hazel has returned home to the small town of Mirror Lake for his memorial service after leaving a decad
Following the death of her father, Perry Holt, Hazel has returned home to the small town of Mirror Lake for his memorial service after leaving a decade ago. But her community isn’t quite as she remembers it. Crippled by a devastating drought, the lake at the center of town is at its lowest level in decades, evidenced by the slow reveal of long-hidden secrets. Namely a rusty, old car that has gotten the whole community talking. Including Hazel’s own brothers, Caden and Gage. Unaware of this new discovery, however, Hazel shows up to remember her father with the rest of Mirror Lake. A long-time detective, he was loved and admired. When she pulls into town, however, things feel awkward and tense between Hazel and her brothers. After learning that she—and she alone—has inherited the house, they’re clearly not happy. But it’s the what they find back at Perry’s house that really disturbs the whole clan. It seems that there are some secrets about the mystery behind Hazel’s mother’s disappearance that are now primed to explode. When Hazel was just fourteen-years-old, her mother took off and left chaos in her wake. Now a discovery has put what they all believed happened into question, but the more Hazel digs, the more danger she seems to find herself in. Has her whole life been a lie? Or is she not the only one unaware of the secrets that exist in the Holt family? One thing is for sure—Hazel best take care or she just might find herself in more trouble than she could ever imagine. Mind-blowing. Riveting. The best by Megan Miranda yet. All of these things easily describe Daughter of Mine. A breathtaking tale of domestic suspense, I was instantly spellbound by the story as it unfolded before me. From a dysfunctional family to a town full of secrets, my attention was well and truly held by this dynamite plot. Told in four parts, the storyline edged closer and closer to the truth as the atmosphere took on a darker, more foreboding tone. Needless to say, I got sucked in right from the start and was mesmerized until the very last word. The characters themselves were also superbly drawn. With each individual portraying a very specific role in the plot, their identities were vivid and clear. A dynamic persona, I was swept up in Hazel’s anxiety on who to trust—and who not to. As her paranoia grew, it simply leapt off of the page, getting my pulse ramping up with each additional word. And when the climax finally arrived—along with the rain—it was dramatic and perfectly plotted. Delivered at just the right time and just the right place, I could vividly see each escalating scene playing out before me. All said and done, I simply inhaled this book. Chilling and dark, but still told in Miranda’s characteristic way, the mysteries of Mirror Lake pulled me in deep. With twists that kept me on the back foot (despite my attempts at any armchair sleuthing) and a sense of ever ratcheting danger, everything about this book was a total slam dunk. Including the ending. Wrapped up with a nice, little bow, the epilogue even managed to leave a smile on my face. Given the suspense and menacing dread throughout, that was no easy feat. And by the time I closed the cover, it was firmly cemented in my mind that Ms. Miranda is a master of the whole thriller genre. Bravo on one heck of a tale! Rating of 5+ stars. Thank you to Megan Miranda and Marysue Rucci Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: April 9, 2024 Trigger warning: gaslighting, stalking, burglary, breaking and entering ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 2024
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Apr 02, 2024
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Oct 16, 2023
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Hardcover
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| 1613164440
| 9781613164440
| 1613164440
| 3.68
| 226
| Oct 17, 2023
| Oct 17, 2023
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it was amazing
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After ten years of marriage, Victoria Tate has reached her limit with her controlling, inept husband, Warren. The fact that he had been made CEO over
After ten years of marriage, Victoria Tate has reached her limit with her controlling, inept husband, Warren. The fact that he had been made CEO over her when Victoria’s father died grated enough as it was, but now Warren thinks he can tell her what to do with her own body. Single-handedly, he has elected that it’s time for them to have children and insists that she take a sabbatical from the company immediately. For Victoria, that’s one step too far and decides it’s time not for kids, but for murder. Determined to get away with the perfect crime, Victoria starts researching how others have gotten caught in the past. Through true crime podcasts and plenty of her own common sense, she sets about making her plan a reality—until the annual gala ball is rescheduled, that is. Changed to the very night that she had wanted to kill Warren, she has to think fast. After all, she’s not about to alter her next move, as it’s about time she was set free from his grasp. The last thing Victoria expects, though, is for Warren to turn up dead before she ever has the chance to exact her carefully plotted revenge. Murdered by someone else on the very night she had planned to do it herself, Victoria quickly finds herself immersed in a police investigation for a crime of which she is actually innocent. Just to make matters worse, the true culprit starts bating her with proof that they knew what she was planning on doing all along. Suddenly she finds herself in a chess match with a devious opponent where one of them will surely end up behind bars—if not somewhere far worse. As the days pass, things begin to unravel. The once understanding police start to eye Victoria with suspicion. The neighbors who had been offering well wishes one moment are now turning hostile in her presence. All of which makes Victoria see that if she can’t stop the bleeding and figure out who really murdered her husband, she’ll likely end up losing everything she had hoped she would gain from his death in the first place. And besides, as she was unable to murder Warren herself, it���s only right that she should hunt down whoever has put her in this position no matter the cost. Digging into her husband’s life, however, Victoria starts to uncover one secret after another. As they start to grow in number, she wonders if she ever really knew her husband at all. Did one of these secrets actually lead to Warren’s death? And if so, what will Victoria do to stop the killer in their tracks? After all, does she really have what it takes to come face-to-face with a murderer—let alone beat them at their own game? I’m speechless. Utterly speechless at the pure perfection I just finished reading. From start to finish, It Takes Monsters had me under its mighty control. With perfectly crafted unlikeable characters, layers upon layers of lies, and ever ratcheting foreboding, my mind was well and truly blown. Was it over-the-top? Yes, just a tad. But only in the best possible way. From the beginning, I had nary an inkling about where this story was headed. Don’t get me wrong, after completing the book, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the plot was littered with perfectly obscured clues that had the potential to allow this puzzle to be pieced together. In reality, however, the winding tale of everything Victoria didn’t know kept me from making even one correct guess. And that, if I do say so myself, was a *chef’s kiss* move to this thriller snob. The characters, as I’ve already stated before, were hardly likeable, but somehow as the page count grew, so too did my desire for Victoria to be vindicated. In a cast of personas that had me second guessing who I could trust, however, I found myself questioning even the leading lady herself. That is a feat that only a true virtuoso can master as not only did I have doubts about her innocence, but it didn’t keep me from rooting for her in the least. Bravo, Ms. McHugh, on such a coup. Then there were the twists. Coming in fast and heavy, they managed to morph the direction of the novel more times than I could count. Not once, however, did it feel forced or difficult to follow. Instead, the perfectly plotted storyline flowed just like silk until the downright barn burner of a climax. Perhaps it did require just a small suspension of disbelief, but for what I just read? I’d be happy to do it over and over again. By the time I flipped the last page, which wasn’t without its own stunning turn of events, I was already wishing I could read this one over again blind right there and then. And while I already loved McHugh’s debut, Chloe Cates Is Missing, this book cemented the fact that she is now a clear contender to be one of my all-time favorite authors. Between giggle-worthy banter, thoroughly bingeable short chapters, and tension so thick you could cut it with a knife, this domestic thriller is sure to be one of the biggest home runs this fall. Rating of 5+ stars. Thank you to Mandy McHugh, Scarlet Suspense/Penzler Publishing, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 16, 2023
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Oct 16, 2023
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Oct 16, 2023
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Paperback
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| 1613163754
| 9781613163757
| 1613163754
| 3.73
| 470
| Mar 21, 2023
| Mar 21, 2023
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it was amazing
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Jenn has always wanted a family. Raised in foster care, it’s the one thing she longs for. So when she meets Rick Banks, she falls hard and fast. In th
Jenn has always wanted a family. Raised in foster care, it’s the one thing she longs for. So when she meets Rick Banks, she falls hard and fast. In the blink of an eye, she’s Mrs. Banks and life seems perfect. But after the wedding, Jenn discovers her husband isn’t quite what he’d seemed. Instead of kind and adoring, he turns into someone she needs to stay on the right side of—or else face his anger. Worse still, there are things that just don’t seem to add up about her new husband. Things that make her question herself as well as the stories about his past that he’s told her throughout their brief courtship. Determined to figure out the truth about her new husband, Jenn starts digging into Rick’s life story. Before she knows it, however, startling facts are exposed, including that there are a couple of dead wives in his past. While Jenn knows that this doesn’t bode well for her either, she can’t stop herself from looking deeper and darker. If she isn’t careful, however, she’s afraid she’ll face the same ultimate fate. For all she knows, her death is already guaranteed. Just over a year later, Becca Kalos is watching Jenn’s five-month-old daughter for the morning. So close that they could be sisters, Becca is suddenly overcome with a strange feeling that something is wrong. Arriving at Jenn’s house, she looks all over until she reaches the master bathroom. Inside, just as she’d feared, Becca finds her best friend fully clothed and dead in the bathtub. Heartbroken and reeling, Becca tries to put the pieces together. Everyone loved Jenn, so who could’ve wanted her dead? Working as fast as she can, Becca starts to unearth her best friend’s well hidden secrets including a difficult marriage and Rick’s two very dead prior wives. No matter what she learns, however, Becca will not give up. After all, someone has to pay for what happened to Jenn. The further she digs, though, the less sense the whole thing seems to make. What happened in that bathroom? And how far will Becca have to go to get justice for Jenn? To my regular readers, you may have noticed that when I review a truly great book, I normally start with an emphatic phrase. You know, like “Holy guacamole!” or “Oh my God!” Well, after finishing Just One More, I honestly couldn’t think of any that would do this one justice. I perused my normal arsenal, but came up empty handed. No joke, but the thrills and chills of this novel were simply that good. Starting off with a bang, the touching depiction of indomitable friendship and motherhood were something to behold. From the depths of grief to the typical mama bear act, the emotion rang loud and clear with each additional word. At the same time, however, the suspense felt all too real and as the page count grew, so too did the foreboding and unease. So much so, that my adrenaline spiked and I raced to learn what would become of this dynamite cast. Speaking of the characters, they felt wholly genuine in more ways than one. With true-to-life dialogue and two easy to follow alternating POVs, both Jenn and Becca felt as real as could be. Add in the monster in sheep’s clothing and these personalities were pure perfection. So much so that I’m positive they’d play out beautifully on the silver screen, making the reader both empathize and detest in equal measure. It was the plot, however, that nailed this in one. Filled with unguessable twists and an utterly original premise, I fell in love with it more and more as I inhaled every page. Include the creep factor and unending tension and this was quite the doozy of a domestic thriller. What really got me in the end, however, was the unexpected climax which was followed up with an equally brilliant conclusion. Both created a story that was anything but commonplace, and instead left me thinking long and hard after closing the cover—something few thrillers can muster. By the end, the intricate plot and richly layered characters had me falling head over heels for this book. Between the devastating countdown to Jenn’s death in one POV and Becca’s search for the truth in the other, the storyline was both well-plotted and a delicious slow burn. All the while, it led up to a visceral, explosive finale that quite literally left my jaw on the floor. Trust me when I say that this is one majorly underhyped book. So take it from me and run out and grab a copy today. It’s simply not one to be missed. Reading of 5+ stars. Thank you to Annette Lyon and Scarlet Suspense/Penzler Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: Out now! ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 23, 2023
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Nov 24, 2023
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Oct 10, 2023
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Hardcover
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| 0778307972
| 9780778307976
| 0778307972
| 3.76
| 3,428
| Jun 11, 2024
| Jun 11, 2024
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it was amazing
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When Stella met Adam, she thought she had finally found a nice, normal guy—a welcome change from her previous boyfriend and her precarious jetsetter l
When Stella met Adam, she thought she had finally found a nice, normal guy—a welcome change from her previous boyfriend and her precarious jetsetter lifestyle with him. But her secure world comes crashing down when Adam goes missing after an explosion in the city square. Unable to reach him, she panics. As the French police investigate, it’s revealed that Adam was on their radar as a dealer of rare and stolen antiquities with a long roster of criminal clients. Reeling from this news, Stella is determined not to leave Paris until she has the full story. Was Adam a random victim or the target of the explosion? And why is someone following her through the streets of Paris? O.M.G. There simply are no words for the pure perfection that was The Paris Widow. Okay. Okay. I’ll give it a try just for you. From the fast-paced, heart-pumping plot to the serious topics at play just below the surface, there simply wasn’t a thing not to love. The characters. The setting. The twists. Each step of the way, I was utterly spellbound. After all, there was intrigue, greed, dirty secrets, and one dynamite game of cat-and-mouse that had me flying through the pages. While the plot was second to none, the characters pulled me in deep. Between the sweetest of sweet romances to a plucky, quick-witted narrator, I was overjoyed as I rode shotgun on this epic, suspense-laden tale. Even the bad guys were perfect. And then there were the handful to whom I gave the serious side-eye whenever they appeared on the page. All together, there wasn’t a persona involved who I didn’t look upon with suspicion—up to and including Stella herself. Back to that plot to end all plots. On top of jaw-dropping twists and high tension action, there were plenty of thought-provoking themes. From what one should—or could—forgive in a partner to the dark art of black market smuggling, this would make one truly unforgettable book club selection. And while I didn’t have friends to bounce my own thoughts off of as I read, I’m sure that this psychological thriller will be living rent free in my head for the foreseeable future. All in all, despite Kimberly Belle already being one of my tried and true auto-buy authors, she has outdone herself with this newest stunner. An addictive, unputdownable smash hit, it had a definite Zero Days feel. Not for the topic matter per se, but because of the edge-of-your-seat adrenaline rush that kept me up until three in the morning. So be sure to clear your calendar before picking up this novel. You’ll surely be ignoring chores, sleep, and maybe even your children. Needless to say, this one has easily made my list for best books of the year. Rating of 5+++ stars. Thank you to Kimberly Belle, Park Row Books, HTP Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: June 11, 2024 Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list. Trigger warning: a bombing, smuggling, threatening messages, a shooting ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 08, 2024
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Jun 09, 2024
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Oct 06, 2023
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Paperback
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| 0593492919
| 9780593492918
| 4.05
| 365,535
| Jan 02, 2024
| Jan 02, 2024
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it was amazing
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For Evie Porter, Ryan Sumner is just the most recent mark in a long list of jobs. A conwoman hired by an elusive man named Mr. Smith, Evie—or rather,
For Evie Porter, Ryan Sumner is just the most recent mark in a long list of jobs. A conwoman hired by an elusive man named Mr. Smith, Evie—or rather, Lucca Marino, as she was known prior to meeting her boss—has one goal in sight. To follow the instructions Mr. Smith has set out for her and obtain whatever it is that he needs. No matter what she’s after or how many dangerous risks she must take, she’s in it one hundred percent. This job, however, is sure to be different. For one thing, Ryan has worked his way through Evie’s defenses. Perhaps it’s the constant games that she plays on the unsuspecting, but suddenly the placid life as the wife to a local golden boy seems all too enticing. Besides, her last job didn’t exactly go according to plan, so she’s on rather thin ice with her boss. Tempting as the idea may be, though, Evie continues to try and keep her head in the game. At a party one afternoon, however, the situation goes from bad to worse when Evie’s introduced to the date of one of Ryan’s old friends. Smiling broadly, the attractive young woman says “Hi, I’m Lucca Marino.” Shocked into silence, she realizes the one thing Evie has always worked hard to maintain is now up for grabs. Face to face with her imposter, she knows it’s going to take hard work to beat the odds in this new chess match of wits. Will Evie manage to not only achieve the desired outcome for Mr. Smith, but also have a clean future to return to one day? As far as she’s concerned, she’s more than happy to rise to the challenge. After all, she’s one of the best. If anyone can pull it off, she knows it will be her—just as long as no one else gets in her way. Hold on. I need to catch my breath after that epic rollercoaster ride of suspense. I’m not kidding. First Lie Wins was so much more than the synopsis promised and only in the best possible way. Between some truly wicked twists and turns that had me shouting “WHAT?!?” more than once and the deliciously perfect character list, I was more than blown away—I was stunned into silence. Trust me when I say that this is no normal psychological thriller. It was a slam dunk success of the highest order. Starting from the top, the plot was pure dynamite. Finely layered and with mind-boggling complexity, it not only had me reading late into the night, but kept my eyes pinned to the page. A deftly woven storyline of dual POVs, there wasn’t a chance of me seeing behind the perfectly drawn curtain. Oh no. Take it from me, the whip-cracking plot that was compelling and intense piled on top of sharp writing and nerve-shredding dread made this into what is sure to be one of next year’s bestselling books. But that wasn’t all that I loved. After all, the characters were both true-to-life, but also beyond the realm of believing. In a sublime game of cat-and-mouse, I never knew who I could trust, which was one blindingly good feat. Time after time, I threw my belief behind someone only to get knocked over with a feather when I got surprised yet again. Running the gamut from calculating to endearing, I couldn’t help falling head over heels with more than one individual within these much loved pages. The twists, however, were where this novel shined. Unguessable and perfectly set up, each and every one took me by surprise while also shifting the storyline just so. With them, the story morphed into something altogether different than what I’d been expecting. Trust me when I say, if you think the synopsis sounds good, then the true premise will leave you utterly breathless. All said and done, while I’ve been on quite the streak of winners recently, this one easily takes the cake. Addictive, fast-paced, and complete with some of the best morally gray characters I’ve ever read, this is not a book to be missed. In my opinion, this was Stone Cold Fox with the level dialed up to ten. So if you loved that book or any other with a con artist at its center, be sure to pre-order this puppy today. I, for one, am over the moon as I now enter into the book coma phase of the read. Rating of 5+ stars. Thank you to Ashley Elston, Pamela Dorman Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: January 2, 2024 Trigger warning: con artistry, cancer, burglary, getting roofied, mention of: alcoholism, drug use, fatal car accident ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 27, 2023
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Nov 28, 2023
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Sep 28, 2023
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Hardcover
| |||||||||||||||
| 077833418X
| 9780778334187
| 077833418X
| 3.19
| 2,887
| Sep 26, 2023
| Nov 28, 2023
|
it was amazing
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When Olivia Fitzgerald’s literary agent calls her with an offer, what she suggests is enticing. After all, Olivia’s life is anything but golden at the
When Olivia Fitzgerald’s literary agent calls her with an offer, what she suggests is enticing. After all, Olivia’s life is anything but golden at the moment. Her long-term boyfriend has moved out, her third book was never picked up by a publisher, and her fourth is giving her a major case of writer’s block. So hearing that someone has inquired about hiring her to ghostwrite a book for the eye-watering sum of $50,000, Olivia says yes before her agent even finishes the question. Before she knows it, Olivia has hopped on a plane and flown to the other side of the country. There she meets with the reclusive billionaire, Henry “Ash” Asherwood. Every bit as handsome as the two Sexiest Man Alive titles he’s won from People Magazine says he is, Olivia is intrigued to know what this write-to-hire gig is all about. So when he reveals that his grandmother, Emilia, just so happened to know the famed author of Rebecca, Daphne du Maurier, her interest is well and truly piqued. Especially when her soon-to-be employer mentions a well-hidden secret that relates to the two women. A welcome distraction from her own mess back home, entering the luxurious world that Ash inhabits, and getting to know the man himself, seems almost too good to be true—at least at first. But when she starts to dig into Emilia’s past, what she finds is troubling. After all, with every fact that she uncovers, more questions seem to rise to the surface. What is the real truth that she’s being paid to write about? And now that Olivia’s immersed in both Ash’s world and Emilia’s story, will she ever get out? Oh. My. God. Sitting here, trying to wrap my thoughts around how utterly flawless The Fiction Writer was, my mind is well and truly spinning. From its riveting musings about ownership in storytelling to the epic plot and dynamite characters, the entire book was as nigh on close to perfection as one could get. Curious about what I mean? Read on for all of the glorious details… I have to start with the plot, of course. Taking Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca and reworking it, Cantor used it as the background to a premise that totally rocked my world. Told via dual POVs and timelines through a book within a book construct, I was never quite sure what to hang my hat on and what was about to be pulled out from under my feet. So, of course, I wasn’t exactly surprised when I came across the ultimate twist. I won’t tell you which plot line I found it in, but I will say that it was jaw-dropping and shock-inducing to the extreme. Then there were the characters. While not necessarily genuine or true-to-life, they were compelling in a way that turned me into putty in their hands. The relationships, on the other hand, felt decidedly real. And with personas that ran the gamut from sympathetic to despised, there was a bit of everything in these pages that just kept me coming back for more. Even, surprisingly enough, a little bit of romance, which left me with a smile on my face to be sure. I can’t forget the feel of the book either. Just like the renowned novel, the setting was filled with a distinctly gothic atmosphere that simply resonated off of the page. After all, the elements were all plain as day—a creepy portrait that seemed to be watching, an isolated house (albeit a modern monstrosity), and a disapproving housekeeper. Taken all together, I was just waiting for a ghost in the wings. At the end of the day, this clever, multi-layered plot was both fast-paced and downright addictive. And while I knew it going in, this triumph of a retelling was one mystery that I couldn’t, for the life of me, see through. I mean, packed full of underhanded lies, devilish motivations, and just a bit of spice, it was simply a resounding success. So please, run—don’t walk—to pre-order this puppy today. Rating of 5+ stars. Thank you to Jillian Cantor, Park Row, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: November 28, 2023 ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 09, 2023
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Nov 10, 2023
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Sep 25, 2023
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Paperback
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| 1662512651
| 9781662512650
| B0BNQWJLXG
| 4.03
| 15,845
| Nov 01, 2023
| Nov 01, 2023
|
it was amazing
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Currently #1 in Crime Thrillers and Women Sleuths on Amazon! After a successful career as a professional soccer player, Kate Green has managed to reinv Currently #1 in Crime Thrillers and Women Sleuths on Amazon! After a successful career as a professional soccer player, Kate Green has managed to reinvent herself at the end of her time on the field as a sports reporter. Ten years later, following a disastrous televised interview, she may be on the cusp of losing the very job she loves so much. Currently suspended, Kate wonders how much more difficult her life can get when the rug gets pulled out from under her following the heinous murder of NBA superstar Kurt Robbins in his very own home. As the investigation into who could’ve been behind the renowned sports hero’s death gets underway, all sights seem to be set on none other than his longtime wife—and Kate’s best friend—Yvette. Admittedly, her marriage was anything but smooth sailing, but every time Kate had seen them together, the love was as plain as the nose on her face. No matter what, Kate just can’t align that image with her friend slaying her husband—no matter what the rumors might say. Believing that the police have gotten it all wrong, Kate sets about to investigate the murder herself. But as she works to rescue Yvette from the clutches of prison, Kate is horrified to watch her own life begin to circle the drain. With her already injured career up in the air, she’s alarmed to see her own name printed blatantly in the gossip columns of the New York Post’s Page Six. Even worse, however, are the very real battles her children are facing and the fact that her estranged father has just reappeared in her life. Assigned to assist the relatively inexperienced Greenwich Police’s homicide department, her NYPD detective father is to be front and center in Kurt’s murder investigation. As Kate’s carefully constructed world begins to fray, plenty of devastating secrets, well hidden lies, and ulterior motives start to bubble to the surface. If she chooses to help Yvette, just what might Kate lose? After all, every choice comes with a cost. Will hers be even greater than even she can imagine? Holy cow! I absolutely love finding books that manage to knock my socks off and Lights Out, Elise Hart Kipness’s debut novel, did just that! From its attention grabbing start to the heart stopping climax, I was well and truly won over hook, line, and sinker. And the fact that this was just book one in a brand spanking new series? Well, sign me up because I’m totally game! A compelling mix between crime fiction and thriller, this is one story that should be shortlisted for any fan of either one. After all, with a plot that delivered one riveting twist after another, it kept me on the edge of my seat until a mind-blowing climax that had my fingers racing through the pages. On top of all of that, however, the storyline was well-written and easy to follow as well as wonderfully addictive from the very first word. But what really had me from hello was the impeccable character of Kate Green. From her strong-minded attitude and clever investigative skills, I, for one, would not want to be between her and the truth. An original character who was exceptionally well-developed, I look forward to seeing how her future continues to unfold in book two. That’s in addition, of course, to my curiosity about what she’ll manage to investigate next. While there was certainly plenty of crime fiction bits and pieces including the following of hunches and tracking of clues, this one also had plenty of plot curveballs and rising suspense sure to please any thriller lover through and though. I mean, I couldn’t, for the life of me, work out who the killer could possibly have been. Everyone, and I mean everyone, had my suspicion at some point. Even, dare I say, the very trustworthy Kate herself. A masterfully devised story full of the perils of female friendship, deftly hidden secrets, and the evils that perpetrate even the most wealthy of neighborhoods, Kipness has easily added herself to my auto-buy author list. And that was all before the shocking turn of events right there in the very finale. All I can say is that if you haven’t seen this one around just yet, don’t wait until you see it out on store shelves. No, you should definitely pre-order this puppy today. After all, it’s simply not one to be missed. Rating of 5 stars. Thank you to Elise Hart Kipness, Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: November 1, 2023 ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 24, 2023
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Sep 25, 2023
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Sep 24, 2023
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Kindle Edition
| ||||||||||||||
| 1982177888
| 9781982177881
| 1982177888
| 3.87
| 81,445
| Jul 06, 2021
| Jul 06, 2021
|
it was amazing
|
On a random Saturday, Bill Hoffman, a longtime pilot for Coastal Airways, has agreed to captain a last minute flight. Leaving the house and his family
On a random Saturday, Bill Hoffman, a longtime pilot for Coastal Airways, has agreed to captain a last minute flight. Leaving the house and his family, he does his normal checks and gets onto the plane. Onboard, he finds one hundred and forty-three passengers and three flight attendants all set for their long trip from L.A. to New York. Everything feels just as it should as he gets down to business. Little does he—or anyone else—know, but just moments after Bill left his house that morning, his family was taken hostage by a stranger. Once reaching cruising elevation, however, a terrifying email alerts him to the situation. According to his family’s kidnapper, the only way that his wife, ten year old son, and ten month old daughter will survive is if he crashes the plane. With the rules quickly laid out, Bill is told not to tell a soul or the unthinkable will happen. Stuck in an impossible situation, he racks his mind to figure a way out of this unimaginable nightmare. He can’t in good conscience crash a plane full of innocent passengers, but neither can he sentence his family to death. How can he possibly find a way out of this mess? Thirty-five thousand feet in the air, Bill must make the most life changing decision that he’s ever encountered. Save the three people he loves most in the world? Or keep one hundred and forty-three strangers alive? I’m sitting here slack-jawed. Seriously. Falling, and the thoroughly mind-blowing trip it took me on, did that to me, which, I’ve got to say, was the best ride I’ve been on in quite awhile. A blindingly fast-paced book that started with a bang and didn’t let up until the very last word, it was also something that left me thinking long and hard. After all, not only was it a truly epic thriller, but there was a lesson within it as well. An intense yet compelling plot was where, for me, the magic was found. With the entire 285 pages a rip-roaring explosion of adrenaline-fueled thrills, I quite literally couldn’t put this book down. What I didn’t anticipate, however, was how many twists and turns there were going to be. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next, I was floored by a turn of events that outsmarted my armchair sleuth self. At the same time, however, not once did any of the twists feel anything but authentic to what could happen in a nightmare of this kind. In fact, I could see it playing out exactly as it did on the pages of this expertly written debut. Shockingly, all of characters won me over as well. Complete with the types of individuals—heroes, suspects, villains, and innocent victims—that you’d expect from a novel such as this, I was nevertheless surprised by their distinct voices and how three-dimensional they each felt. After all, considering the rapid-fire pace and nail-biting intensity, the strength of the characters could have easily faltered. Instead, they cemented this book as not only made for the silver screen, but also a humdinger of a novel as well. A compulsively readable book that just called out to be binged, the non-stop suspense and whip-cracking plot kept me on the edge of my seat. Told over the course of just six hours, there was never a dull moment, but also not one overdone scene despite a plot that could easily rival the likes of 24 or Air Force One. Trust me when I say, I most certainly hope this one makes it onto a screen near me someday soon. But until then, I’m just going to have to satisfy my craving by diving into the sequel, Drowning (pun most certainly intended) ASAP. All I know is, if you haven’t read this one yet, what on earth are you waiting for? Rating of 5 stars. ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Sep 17, 2023
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Sep 18, 2023
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Sep 16, 2023
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Hardcover
| ||||||||||||||
| B0C4LML57J
| 3.75
| 11,731
| Apr 09, 2024
| Apr 09, 2024
|
it was amazing
|
Picking up the phone one evening, Anna is startled to hear her husband’s desperate tone. Before she knows what’s happening, Henry has admitted to kill
Picking up the phone one evening, Anna is startled to hear her husband’s desperate tone. Before she knows what’s happening, Henry has admitted to killing someone which is followed by a loud noise on the line. Only hours later, his dead body is found on the shallow bank of the Rio Grande in what looks like an apparent suicide. For Anna, however, it just doesn’t make sense. Determined to figure out what made Henry take his own life, she moves into his art studio in a dilapidated motel-turned-apartment building. Surely, there’s something there to hint at what had been going on in his head at the time. Once she’s unpacked her meager belongings, Anna puts her ear to the ground. In a complex filled with people who love to gossip, it’s only a matter of time until she starts learning surprising things about Henry and her neighbors. Things that she is shocked to have been left in the dark about prior to his death. But when Anna starts getting threatening notes and unsettling packages, her fear of her surroundings may trump her desire to get at the truth. Should she pack it all in and return to her safe and pristine world? Or will the mystery surrounding Henry’s death drive her into the danger zone? Meanwhile, Cass lives just down the hall. Hired to run the shabby apartment complex after her life hit the skids, she spends her days unclogging drains and chasing mice. When she’s not blackmailing badly behaving men for a bit of extra cash, that is. She may not be comfortable doing it, but needs must and all. Besides, no one is really getting hurt. It’s just a small amount of money. Until the day she tries her scam on the exact wrong man—and things go horribly awry. Now she has to keep the new widow who has been poking around out of her business. Can Cass keep her secrets hidden? Or is Anna going to wreak everything in her hunt for the truth? Oh. My. God. I literally just put down The Vacancy in Room 10 and my mind is well and truly blown. A brilliant collage of broken individuals, the suspense and mystery drove this one all the way. But let me forewarn you, don’t start this one when you have plans you can’t cancel or chores that have to get done. After all, if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself wide awake at 2 A.M. because you just couldn’t put the book down—not even for sleep. Not to mention the laundry I didn’t do and the dishes that are still dirty in my sink. Don’t judge me, you’ll see what I mean. So why was this so utterly awe-inspiring in all of its unputdownable magic? Well, for starters the setting was pure perfection. A run down motel turn landing pad for the downtrodden, I could almost envision the blinking “vacancies” sign glowing neon. And just like Schitt’s Creek had me grinning with glee, this last chance saloon was exactly as you’d expect, but also oh so much more. The truly shining star of this out-of-this-world novel, though? That would be the characters at the heart of the story. An entertaining collection of people living in relative squalor, you’d never know it from their own perspectives. Cunning, hilarious, endearing, and a boatload of fun, I’d love to be called one of their friends. At the same time, however, I had no clue who to trust. All put together, it was the perfect recipe for one epic thriller. But even better, I could easily see each of these candid personas all coming alive on the silver screen just like they did on the page. I, for one, am praying that happens as I’ll gladly be in the front row on opening day. The plot wasn’t too shabby either (read sarcasm there). A complex, winding tale told via dual alternating POVs, I couldn’t, for the life of me, work out where this one was headed even once. Not to mention that the climax was pure gold and the conclusion left me smiling like a little kid. Did the whole plot feel slightly over-the-top and require some suspension of disbelief? Well, yes. But once I accepted that fact and buckled up, I honestly couldn’t have asked for a better ride. To be frank, I could rave about this one all day, but I’ll try and wind up my review. Already a gigantic fan of Seraphina Nova Glass, she’s merely cemented her name onto my auto-buy author list now. I mean, this twisty, twisty tale left me breathless by the end in all of its well-plotted glory. All I know is, if you enjoyed On a Quiet Street, you’re going to LOVE this badass book. I know I’ve said this a lot lately, but this is just one of those thrillers that I’m already wishing I could reread fresh. It was simply that good. Rating of 5+ stars. Thank you to Seraphina Nova Glass, Graydon House Books, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. It was an honor to be included in this exclusive early pre-release tour. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: April 9, 2024 ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Oct 22, 2023
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Oct 23, 2023
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Sep 02, 2023
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Kindle Edition
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my rating |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| 4.18
|
it was amazing
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Jun 24, 2024
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May 13, 2024
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|||||
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| 3.96
|
it was amazing
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May 03, 2024
|
May 02, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.48
|
it was amazing
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May 31, 2024
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Mar 01, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.21
|
it was amazing
|
May 18, 2024
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Feb 08, 2024
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|||||
|
| 3.54
|
it was amazing
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Apr 23, 2024
|
Feb 07, 2024
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|||||
|
| 3.81
|
it was amazing
|
Mar 07, 2024
|
Feb 03, 2024
|
|||||
|
| 4.17
|
it was amazing
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Jul 16, 2024
|
Jan 04, 2024
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|||||
|
| 4.04
|
it was amazing
|
Feb 02, 2024
|
Dec 23, 2023
|
|||||
|
| 4.13
|
it was amazing
|
Feb 27, 2024
|
Dec 01, 2023
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|||||
|
| 3.68
|
it was amazing
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Dec 10, 2023
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Nov 04, 2023
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|||||
|
| 3.43
|
it was amazing
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Nov 07, 2023
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Oct 27, 2023
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|||||
|
| 3.96
|
it was amazing
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Apr 02, 2024
|
Oct 16, 2023
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|||||
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| 3.68
|
it was amazing
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Oct 16, 2023
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Oct 16, 2023
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|||||
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| 3.73
|
it was amazing
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Nov 24, 2023
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Oct 10, 2023
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|||||
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| 3.76
|
it was amazing
|
Jun 09, 2024
|
Oct 06, 2023
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|||||
|
| 4.05
|
it was amazing
|
Nov 28, 2023
|
Sep 28, 2023
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|||||
|
| 3.19
|
it was amazing
|
Nov 10, 2023
|
Sep 25, 2023
|
|||||
|
| 4.03
|
it was amazing
|
Sep 25, 2023
|
Sep 24, 2023
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|||||
|
| 3.87
|
it was amazing
|
Sep 18, 2023
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Sep 16, 2023
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|||||
|
| 3.75
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it was amazing
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Oct 23, 2023
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Sep 02, 2023
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