While on vacation in Las Vegas, a businessman wakes up in a strange hotel room to find a dead woman in the bathtub.
Panicked, he runs. But before he caWhile on vacation in Las Vegas, a businessman wakes up in a strange hotel room to find a dead woman in the bathtub.
Panicked, he runs. But before he can get far, a pair of detectives stop him.
Desperate, he tells them that he’s innocent. That there’s no way he killed the woman. That he’ll do anything not to go to prison.
That’s when they offer him a way out.
But there is no way out—as the detectives will soon learn.
I have to admit upfront that The Killing Roomwasn’t the type of thriller that I would normally read. Just the same, when all of my friends and colleagues with Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse started clamoring over this one, I knew that I had to read it, no ifs, ands, or buts. And while my first statement is still definitely true, the action-packed thrills and chills were utterly addictive. Despite the fact that the plot had a definite “dad book” vibe, this thriller loving fiend still inhaled it from beginning to end.
With a fast-paced, propulsive storyline that just never let up, the claustrophobic feel simply oozed from the pages. But the twists were the true winners for me. Time after time, I was entirely blown away by a new unexpected link or surprising revelation. And as they quickly blew apart every one of my guesses, the action movie-like plot rolled on with adrenaline-pumping speed. Needless to say, there wasn’t much not to love.
The characters ran the gamut from cold-hearted villains to possible heroes. At the same time, they were all finely layered. Unlike a Marvel type film, they all had their good sides—and their bad. Up to and including our narrator. What I particularly liked, however, were the multiple POVs. Through it, I got a glimpse into all of their psyches. While perhaps not all that deep, each persona was on the cusp of fully fleshed out. Especially our hero. Now I look forward to learning more about him and his past in the sequel, Enemy of the State, which comes out in August.
All in all, while I wouldn’t have typically picked up this novel given the general vibe, I’m so glad that I did. With one epic game of cat-and-mouse and no end to the slights of hand, this was one book that truly kept me guessing. And with a conclusion that both deftly wrapped up the plot but also set it up perfectly for the sequel, there’s every chance that I’ll be diving straight into the next book in the series. So even if it sounds somewhat outside of your wheelhouse, give this crime thriller a try. It just might surprise you. After all, it certainly did so for me. Rating of 4 stars.
Thank you to Robert Swartwood and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now (Enemy of the State comes out on August 20, 2024)
Ten years ago, Jolene nearly killed her friend Elizabeth in a gruesome accident. And no one has any idea. Not even Elizabeth.
Jolene has been trying toTen years ago, Jolene nearly killed her friend Elizabeth in a gruesome accident. And no one has any idea. Not even Elizabeth.
Jolene has been trying to outrun the guilt ever since, wandering from place to place and career to career. So she's shocked when, after her latest move, she runs into the very person she's been trying to avoid for ten years.
Elizabeth still lives with scars from the accident. And she's still clueless about what happened that fateful night.
Or is she?
As the two women rekindle a friendship, Elizabeth's increasingly disturbing behavior makes Jolene wonder if it's her own guilt stalking her-or Elizabeth finally exacting her revenge.
What a true, glorious mind f*** of a book. From the deftly drawn characters to the creepy, crawly atmosphere, Like It Never Was won me over hook, line, and sinker right from the start. After all, what a start that it was. Wholly realistic but also entirely unhinged, I was immediately pulled into Jolene’s over-the-top world as it came crashed down around her. Let me tell you, this is one compulsively readable book. With each and every scene keeping me on the edge of my seat, it was the dynamite climax that gave me serious chills. I mean, those eye-popping twists and turns were simply sublime.
The characters were pure gold to this thriller lover. Eccentric and distinctly memorable, each persona was real enough to walk right off the page despite some definite unbalanced edges. Jolene, however, was easily the winner. Probably one of the best unreliable narrators that I’ve encountered in quite a while, I was unsure whether to trust in her slow unraveling or look upon her with suspicion. No matter what decision I would’ve made, though, I never in a million years would have guessed what was really going on in her addled brain.
Done and dusted, I don’t know why it took me so long to discover Ms. Gardner and her virtuoso-like skill. I mean, I’m seriously in awe. With satirical vibes, deliciously short chapters, and perfectly plotted dual timelines, the finely layered plot was a slam dunk success. And as for that conclusion? It couldn’t have been better. Coming seemingly out of the blue, it slipped flawlessly into place and suddenly everything made perfect sense. So if you have yet to pick up something by Gardner, take this as your siren’s song to do so right now. As for me, I’m heading off to order each and every other book in her backlist ASAP. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Faith Gardner for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 2, 2024
Trigger warning: mental health problems, stalking, drug use, mention of: addiction...more
Sawyer Stone III and Dani Fox, a young couple who spend their time circumnavigating the globe aboard their 42-foot sailboat and documenting it for theSawyer Stone III and Dani Fox, a young couple who spend their time circumnavigating the globe aboard their 42-foot sailboat and documenting it for their fledgling YouTube channel Sailing with the Foxes, have anchored in Exuma, in the Bahamas. As they wait for the price of crypto to rebound so they can provision and continue their journey, they’re partying and exploring with their fellow cruisers offshore. On the surface, everything looks perfect. But one night, Dani vanishes after a boat party, and Sawyer has no memory of her disappearance.
The search for Dani is initially fueled by concerns that she drowned during one of her daily ocean swims, but Dani's prescheduled video posts, recorded before she went missing, soon reveal a darker side to her relationship with Sawyer. Meanwhile, Royal Bahamas Police Force Inspector Veronique Knowles has her hands full trying to keep the investigation on course as the story of the American woman missing in the Bahamas goes viral and the internet sleuths unearth secrets from Sawyer’s past. Sawyer Stone is far from perfect, but is he a murderer?
A page-turner in the extreme, On the Surface had me and everyone else at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse hooked right from the start. Between the flipped script plot and the thoroughly unlikeable characters, I was entirely swept away by this craveable popcorn thriller. After all, the satirical slant and fast pace kept my eyes glued to the pages. Even the witty, thought-provoking social media commentary kept me happily enthralled. After all, instead of feeling lectured, it was a bang up job at entertainment.
The plot itself was utterly dripping in twists. With a premise that provided just a stepping off point, after no time at all, it was left quaking in the dust. More than once the direction took a sharp turn, only to reveal an even more stupendous and twisted bearing. From the attention-grabbing prologue to the shock-inducing last page, there wasn’t a moment where my fingers weren’t flying as my eyes hungrily ate up every word.
As for the characters, this book was full of some of the most vile sort, which made for a few deliciously perfect personas that I just loved to hate. Told via multiple, first-person POVs, the games that were played filled each chapter with a definite sense of foreboding. Adding to the enjoyment was the fact that each of their personalities were perfectly hammered out, giving rise to distinct, clear cut identities that came alive on the page.
The only piece to this binge-worthy tale that slightly missed the mark for me was the finale. Hardly wrapped up with a nice, pretty, little bow, it left me wanting some answers. At the same time, that’s probably more of a me thing than a plot thing, because IYKYK, but I like my conclusions fully spelled out.
All in all, though, while I definitely needed to suspend all disbelief, the writing duo behind this addictive sensation had me in the palms of their hands. To be frank, this book just has to grace a screen near me someday soon. After all, I can so easily see it: a gorgeous locale, sexy sail boats, equally gorgeous characters—all on top of one killer plot. What’s not to love? So if you’ve already been hooked by this downright stunning cover, I beg of you to also discover the magic that is inside to boot. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Rachel McGuire and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
It’s been twenty years since Madison James had any kind of success in Hollywood. Now she’s disappeared and a TikTok sleuth has found her purse discardIt’s been twenty years since Madison James had any kind of success in Hollywood. Now she’s disappeared and a TikTok sleuth has found her purse discarded in a Los Angeles park. The news spreads like wildfire across a nation hungry for celebrity tragedy, and the struggling actress’s mysterious disappearance quickly becomes a national obsession.
Detectives Sarah Delaney and Rob Moreno of the LAPD Missing Persons Unit take the case. But truth is a rare commodity in Tinseltown; some people will stop at nothing to get what they want and Delaney and Moreno soon find themselves mired in Hollywood’s dark underbelly with little in the way of clues.
As revelations from the past emerge, it becomes apparent there is more going on than meets the eye. With an obsessive public watching every step of the investigation, can the police find Madison before she becomes more than just missing?
An addictive, fast-paced plot with definite Hollywood vibes, The Final Act had my attention right from start with quite the spellbinding prologue. From the twisty, twisty premise to the dynamite characters who came alive on the page, this popcorn thriller won me over hook, line, and sinker. Believe me when I say that while I might have had an inkling about what lay in store, the multiple blind twists kept me guessing all the same. There was even one surprising turn, in fact, that totally turned the whole plot on its head.
As for the characters, from a few truly unlikeable individuals to the realistic winners front and center with the narration, I was a fan of them all. Told via the dual POVs of Madison and Sarah, we were blessed with both the past and present timelines throughout the failed actress’s career and disappearance. Even better, however, was how fully fleshed out Madison felt. But it was Detective Sarah Delaney for whom I’d love a second helping. Please say it’s so, Ms. Gray. A sequel would put me over the moon.
All said and done, this quick, easy read was truly unputdownable. Coming in at only 270 pages, I flew through it in just a single sitting. But it was the well-written dark side of Hollywood and the serious topics it brought to mind that really nailed this in one. That’s not to say that the crime fiction edge to this thriller wasn’t just as alluring. Trust me, it was. Ultimately, I had a blast speeding through this fun rollercoaster ride of suspense. So if you have yet to read anything by Lisa Gray, take this as your call to duty. After all, those of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse are utterly head over heels. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Lisa Gray, Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Preble Jefferson can see five seconds into the future.
Otherwise, he lives an ordinary life. But when a confrontation with a cop on a New York City subPreble Jefferson can see five seconds into the future.
Otherwise, he lives an ordinary life. But when a confrontation with a cop on a New York City subway goes tragically wrong, those seconds give Preble the chance to dodge a bullet—causing another man to die in his place.
Government agencies become aware of Preble’s gift, a manhunt ensues, and their ambitions shift from law enforcement to military R&D. Preble will do whatever it takes to protect his family, but as events spiral out of control, he must weigh the cost of his gift against the loss of his humanity.
A cat-and-mouse game that will keep you on the edge of your seat, The Man Who Saw Seconds offered up quite the philosophical exploration on what it means to be free. While there were more unnecessary details than I would’ve liked, including acronyms and military jargon that went well over my head, the overriding plot kept me flipping the pages. Going back back and forth between fast-paced and overladen with facts, I did find myself skimming quite a bit, though. Perhaps, however, I just walked a bit too far outside of my wheelhouse in terms of genre. A sci-fi thriller that had an almost spy craft edge, it doesn’t happen to be one that I dive into often. Just the same, if you’re looking for a book that is thought-provoking but also quite the rollercoaster ride of suspense, I suggest giving this one a try. Rating of 3 stars.
Thank you to Alexander Boldizar and CLASH Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Tok, Alaska. Cameron Prescott hopes the past stays buried. After believing her murderous husband is finally dead, the fierce survivor longs to start oTok, 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
Brooklyn psychiatrist Dr. Caroline Strange is certain she knows what's best for her patients, her family, and pretty much everyone else, but that all Brooklyn psychiatrist Dr. Caroline Strange is certain she knows what's best for her patients, her family, and pretty much everyone else, but that all changes when a troubled young man arrives for his appointment and makes a pair of alarming confessions: I am going to kill someone, and I know who you really are.
Dr. Caroline is accustomed to hearing her patients’ deepest, darkest secrets, but it seems Nelson Schack may be one step ahead when detectives show up later that day, inquiring about a missing woman. It looks like Nelson has made good on his threat―yet somehow it’s Dr. Caroline who becomes the prime suspect.
Convinced the police are incompetent, Dr. Caroline takes matters into her own hands, chasing down the elusive Nelson and running headlong into a past she has spent her entire life trying to forget. As she closes in on her target, all the polished pieces of her manicured life splinter when people begin to question who she really is.
What in all that is holy did I just read? From the characters who I loved to hate to the twisty, twisty plot, Tell Me Who You Are screwed with my head in the best possible way. Pulling me in with a slow burn start, the dark humor and thoroughly unlikeable characters kept my eyes pinned to the pages. But it was Dr. Caroline who was the true star. With a compelling yet thoroughly twisted character arc and a mysterious past, she was an utter home run.
The storyline itself came a close second to the characters, however. Told via multiple POVs, the shrewd plotting lined up the puzzle pieces just so with false leads and plenty of second guessing. I can’t tell you how many times I suspected each in the three narrators as the plot progressed. But it was the arrival of the perfectly devised climax that had my jaw on the floor. A scene easily straight out of the best thriller film, I think I forgot to breathe until the final brilliant reveal.
I do have to say, however, that to enjoy this one, you must suspend all disbelief. Filled with unhinged behaviors, less than nice individuals, and unrivaled suspense, even the excessive facts and details in the first few chapters didn’t bother me in the least. Besides, this was probably one of the most original premises that I’ve read in a while. So despite plenty of drama mixed in with this psychological thriller, it still managed to deliver plenty of chills.
All said and done, from the cliffhanger chapters to well—written unreliable narrators, there was very little not to love in this novel. After all, not only was there a killer plot, but there were some intense observations concerning identity, mental heath, and the weight of the past. Even better, though, was that—thanks to dual timelines—this plot doubled down on the whos, the whats, and the whys. Not once could I see behind the deftly woven curtain, which made my enjoyment skyrocket for sure. Thank you, Ms. Luna, for one heck of a ride. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Louisa Luna and MCD x Farrar, Straus and Giroux for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So wRachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge against her.
But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter. In a dangerous gamble, Rachel agrees to meet her stalker on an isolated beach, only to find herself fleeing from a shocking crime scene. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her before she loses her family, her career, and her freedom?
OHHHEMMMGEEE! When I first read the synopsis for Blindspot, I knew I was going to be in for quite a ride. What I didn’t realize was that it was going to be an edge of your seat, nerve-tingling thriller from beginning to end. From its fast pace and complex plot to a truly dynamite narrator, there wasn’t a thing not to love. And the twists! What can I say? They redirected my sleuthing time and time again. That’s not to say that I didn’t figure out a few little pieces to the puzzle. Even that, though, couldn’t stop my ardent admiration for both the book and Ms. Smith herself.
Speaking of those characters, each of them were thoughtfully constructed and played an important role in a plot that had definite Hitchcockian and Agatha Christie-esque vibes. True-to-life despite a few somewhat melodramatic moments, I connected with Rachel right off the bat. Even her character arc was simply sublime. But the hairpin turns and deftly laid red herrings were what really made this book sing. They turned what could have been a straight forward tale of revenge into one heck of a rollicking good time filled to the brim with foreboding and suspense.
All in all, Maggie Smith utterly knocked this one out of the park. If you loved Kill for Me, Kill for You or just want a propulsive thriller to sink yourself into, this is your book. With a mind-blowing game of cat-and-mouse, short chapters, and a flawlessly played climax, I read this one cover to cover in just a single sitting. After all, it was everything I wanted and more. Addictive, unputdownable, and binge-worthy in the extreme, you simply have to add Bindspot to your TBR now. I guarantee that you won’t regret it in the least. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
Thank you to Maggie Smith, Puzzle Box Press, Partners in Crime Tours, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 21, 2024
Trigger warning: threatening phone calls and notes, stalking, blackmail, a fatal shooting, mention of: infidelity, suicide...more
Five years ago, Tessa Chamberlain was the lone survivor of a beach house massacre that left three of her friends dead—and Tessa with an inescapable, uFive years ago, Tessa Chamberlain was the lone survivor of a beach house massacre that left three of her friends dead—and Tessa with an inescapable, unending dread. Now she’s going back to face her fears.
Renting the same beach house where she almost died, Tessa returns to lonely Cassadaga Island off the coast of Maine long after the tourists and summer residents have departed for the winter. But as the fog rolls in and the nights grow longer, she wonders if she made a terrible mistake. There are footsteps on the porch, creaks from the second floor, and an unsettling feeling of being watched.
If only someone believed her. Because the terrors Tessa thought were long behind her are starting again. And this time, trapped and alone, she might not be lucky enough to survive them.
Oh. My. God. From the atmospheric feel to the ever ratcheting unease, the authors of The Last Girl Left had me in the palm of their hands. After all, the flawless writing, short chapters, and isolated murder house setting kept me glued to the pages. But it was the plot itself that deemed this book a winner. Starting out with a prologue straight out of a horror film, it came alive right before my eyes as the foreboding grew along with the sense of paranoia. Was Tessa imagining it all? Or was returning to the scene of the crime the very worst possible mistake?
One of the strongest pieces to this psychological thriller, however, was Tessa herself. Struggling with a believable dose of PTSD, she was drowning in life. Stuck in the past but unwilling to do the work to move forward, she had me cheering her on from the sidelines. As the plot’s pace picked up and the terrifying events descended upon her, her fear simply oozed from the pages. She wasn’t, though, the only dynamite character. Filled with suspicious individuals left, right, and center, I found myself giving a serious side-eye to each and every one.
With creepy events that propelled the plot forward as only a book with a strong psychological edge can, this popcorn thriller grabbed me and didn’t let go. Add in the amnesia angle and random flashbacks throughout, and there wasn’t a thing wrong with this novel. I absolutely love when a character learns the twisted, twisted truth right along with the reader. This time around, the reveal was near utter perfection. Did it come slightly out of the blue? Well, yes—but only to drop my jaw to the floor. All in all, this was the perfect high-octane ride that kept my fingers flying and my eyeballs speeding. Needless to say, all of my book besties at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse were right. This is a definite must read. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to A.M. Strong, Sonya Sargent, and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now!
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Erin Sloane was sixteen when high school senior Andre Villiers was murdered by his friends. They were her friends, too, led by the intense, charismatiErin Sloane was sixteen when high school senior Andre Villiers was murdered by his friends. They were her friends, too, led by the intense, charismatic Ricky Hell. Five people went into West Cypress Woods the night Andre was murdered. Only three came out.
Ativan, alcohol and distance had dimmed Erin's memories of that time. But nearly twenty years later, an ageing father will bring her home. Now a journalist, she is asked to write a story about the Southport Three and the thrill-kill murder that electrified the country. Erin's investigation propels her closer and closer to a terrifying truth. And closer and closer to danger.
Despite a slow burn start that took some doing to get into, I Shot the Devil won me over in the end. A dark, intense tale that was peppered with triggers, it nevertheless provided a compelling plot full of action from the halfway point on. I particularly loved the format of this well-plotted crime thriller. Weaving in Erin’s eventually exposé as well as another disturbing, possibly unreliable story, the background was beautifully intermixed into one impressive narrative.
The characters ran the gamut from likeable to monstrous. And while a couple—with one in particular—were downright villains, they all served up an enjoyable plot. At the same time, there were moments where the storyline went just a tiny bit off the rails. Over-the-top here and there, a few cringe-worthy scenes lacked a positive payoff in my personal opinion. Regardless, however, they did get my pulse-pounding as my fingers flew through the pages.
I do have to give a general warning, however. While not exactly reaching the level of a Karin Slaughter novel, the triggers in this book were somewhat extreme. Not so much in terms of graphic descriptions, but more so due to the underlying premise and themes. If you are one who may be bothered by certain serious topics (of which there were many), be sure to check out my content warning before reading.
All said and done, though, I truly enjoyed this tense, edgy, raw tale. Ultimately fast-paced and hypnotic, I utterly lost track of time and stayed up altogether too late in order to finish in just a single sitting. After all, it was an explosive, twisty ride that I didn’t want to end as conspiracies unfurled and secrets were revealed. All told, it was an impressive debut and I look forward to trying whatever McIver comes up with next. Rating of 4 stars.
Thank you to Ruth McIver and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 9, 2024
Trigger warning: drug use, domestic violence, stalking, child abuse, gun violence, immolation, mention of: sexual assault, suicide...more
It’s the opening night of The Manor, and no expense, small or large, has been spared. The infinity pool sparkles; crystal pouches for guests’ healing It’s the opening night of The Manor, and no expense, small or large, has been spared. The infinity pool sparkles; crystal pouches for guests’ healing have been placed in the Seaside Cottages and Woodland Hutches; the “Manor Mule” cocktail (grapefruit, ginger, vodka, and a dash of CBD oil) is being poured with a heavy hand. Everyone is wearing linen.
But under the burning midsummer sun, darkness stirs. Old friends and enemies circulate among the guests. Just outside the Manor’s immaculately kept grounds, an ancient forest bristles with secrets. And the Sunday morning of opening weekend, the local police are called. Something’s not right with the guests. There’s been a fire. A body’s been discovered.
You know those books that you wait and wait to read because you want to be able to keep looking forward to them? Well, that was The Midnight Feast to a T. And let me tell you, it didn’t let me down in the least. From the original format to the atmospheric setting, Foley managed to craft a story that pulled me in deep. But it was the deftly layered plot, immersive storytelling, and dynamite characters that turned this promise of heaven into a guaranteed success.
Starting off from the top, the storyline was darn near perfection. Even-paced and laden with foreboding, the creepy aura created a plot that had me second guessing what was really going on. Was there a paranormal element? Or something I wasn’t seeing? Until the final timely reveal, I just couldn’t say. And the twists! Brilliantly linking together the dual timelines into one stellar premise, each revelation shocked me to my core as all of the puzzle pieces fell into place.
As for the characters, they were simply divine. Mysterious and piled high with secrets, the multiple POVs and first-person narration meant that they came alive on the page. So much so, in fact, that I could easily see this book playing on a screen near me someday soon. Complex and with thick backstories that illustrated realistic yet highly dramatized personas, each played a central role to this psychological thriller.
All together, there was nary a thing missing—and not even a hint of anything that came across as too much. With short chapters, an addictive folklore element, and ever ratcheting tension, the fact that there was a mystery times two meant I was over the moon. Sinister but also oddly alluring, from the slow burn start to the perfectly timed climax, it was an utter slam dunk. Just don’t go into this one expecting yet another one of Foley’s typical thrillers. Thanks to a horror-esque feel, this went above and beyond. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Lucy Foley and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
For possibly the first time since I started my Goodreads account, I’m not going to be providing a synopsis. I accidentally went into this book blind aFor possibly the first time since I started my Goodreads account, I’m not going to be providing a synopsis. I accidentally went into this book blind and, after finishing it in one sitting, I went back and read the publisher provided blurb. To be frank, I think it reveals just a bit too much. So if you haven’t read it yet, DON’T. It will be a much better ride if you’re left happily in the dark. Now on to my review…
A toxic friendship. Gasp-inducing twists. A dark and alluring plot. All of the above describes Burn It All to a T. From the compelling characters with deep backstories to the ever ratcheting suspense, this debut psychological thriller captured my attention from the very first page. Don’t get me wrong, the start was, at times, an irritating slow burn, but as the chapters flew by, so too did the pace. Twisting and turning as Thea’s secrets unraveled, this female friendship morphed and mutated until the last brilliant scene.
A character-driven plot if I’ve ever seen one, the storyline drew hypnotic character studies of these two damaged souls. Told via dual alternating POVs and timelines, the mysteries in each were utterly seductive. As unguessable secrets, damaging lies, and unthinkable betrayals came alive on the page, the well-layered plot followed in turn. I honestly don’t know the last time that I read a story with two more convincing personas. Fully fleshed out and relatable, they were a total home run.
All said and done, this propulsive plot was an unmitigated success. With uncomfortable insights into mental health such as suicide, even the more serious topics felt sincere and authentic. Through them, this thought-provoking tale provided a depth not often seen in thrillers. As for the conclusion, it couldn’t have been better. Perfectly wrapped up but also not too pat, this masterful author nailed it in one. Needless to say, if you haven’t heard of this book yet, you need to add it to your TBR ASAP. It’s simply not one to be missed. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Maggie Auffarth and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Yet again, this is one book I recommend going into blind. But if you are unable to restrain yourself, please see the publisher provided synopsis at thYet again, this is one book I recommend going into blind. But if you are unable to restrain yourself, please see the publisher provided synopsis at the end of my review… It’s one of the few that doesn’t reveal too much (in my humble opinion).
Holy cow! With a blindingly fast pace, a mysterious past, and one character you’re simply going to love to hate, The Last Party showed A.R. Torre at her best, which is a fact upon all of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse wholeheartedly agree. A gripping mix of suspense novel and thriller, the slow IV drip of clues led me to work extra hard to figure out where the plot was headed. Try as I might, however, the biggest of the big revelations totally slipped by my armchair sleuthing. And, boy, when it was delivered, it was a jaw-dropping, gasp-inducing success. But then, what was I expecting given who wrote this novel?
While not exactly character-driven, the personas in this dark, twisted tale definitely guided the plot to an extent. Especially Perla. A manipulative, cunning villain narrator drawn to perfection, her sociopathic personality hit all the right chords. Paired with the other deftly drawn individuals, there was a bit of everything for the savvy reader. What made it even better, though, were the multiple, round-robin POVs. Told via various sources including emails and journal entries from Perla’s eleven-year-old daughter, it was—you guessed it—utter perfection.
Just as a warning, however, you will most definitely have to suspend all disbelief before becoming spellbound by this one. Additionally, I did work out a few of the twists. Did that bother me in the slightest? Absolutely not. After all, this was one addictive ride full of palpable tension and evil motivations that had me 100% riveted all said and done.
All in all, the short chapters, twisty plot, and initially baffling connections meant an addictively fast-paced descent into sweet, sweet madness. Already one of my auto-buy authors, Torre merely cemented her name onto the list with her newest novel. She even included delicious witness statements at the beginning of each chapter. Needless to say, their inclusion only stepped up my habit of reading one more page over and over. Just a little advice, though. Perhaps be careful about what synopses you read before diving in. There are quite a few that give too much away and with this book you’re going to want all the thrills, chills, and surprises. Rating of 4.5 stars.
As promised, here’s the publisher’s blurb:
Perla Wultz lives with her husband, Grant, and their precious daughter, Sophie, in a gated Pasadena community. Affluent, sociable, and accomplished, Perla plays the part of loving wife and mother to perfection. It seems an ideal life, if not for a decades-old crime that has become Perla’s dark and consuming secret obsession.
Twenty-three years ago, Leewood Folcrum confessed to murdering two young girls during a birthday party. Though he’s been condemned to a life sentence, his crime is not forgotten. Not by Perla, nor by an inquisitive doctoral student interviewing Folcrum for his dissertation. He’s getting the killer to open up―about his motives, his confession, and the truth of what really happened on that horrible night.
As the past and the present entwine, the deceptions behind the infamous murder begin to surface. But who’s deceiving who now? And why? And as an ingeniously twisted plan is set in motion, who will be the next to die?
Thank you to A.R. Torre, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. All opinions are my own.
Everybody knows that in 1938, runaway heiress artist Juliette Willoughby perished in an accidental studio fSome women won't be painted out of history…
Everybody knows that in 1938, runaway heiress artist Juliette Willoughby perished in an accidental studio fire in Paris, alongside her masterpiece Self-Portrait As Sphinx.
Fifty years later, two Cambridge art history students are confounded when they stumble across proof that the fire was no accident but something more sinister. What they uncover threatens the very foundation of Juliette’s aristocratic family and revives rumors of the infamous curse that has haunted the Willoughbys for generations.
But what does their discovery mean? And how is it connected to a brutal murder in present-day Dubai? Sometimes the truth really is stranger than fiction.
Holy cow! On all counts, The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby was quite an elegant tale and also wholly original. Starting off as a slow burn mystery, it quickly shifted into a captivating historical thriller. Told via three timelines and multiple POVs over four parts, the plot ducked and weaved as an onion-like storyline came into view. Was it complex? Most definitely, but thanks to this fiction writing duo, it couldn’t have been clearer. Not once was I lost in the details and instead found myself spellbound to the pages as a story with a ripped-from-the-headlines feel came together in this altogether enigmatic puzzle.
Between the characters and the settings, this book simply came alive on the page. With a character-driven first half, the fully fleshed out personas were both true-to-life and authentic. Granted, there was a bit of dramatic license used here and there, but what would a fictional novel be without that? Boring, to be sure. Add in the locales of Cambridge, Paris, and Dubai, and the atmospheric feel hit all the right chords. That, however, wasn’t the best bit by a mile. Held within these pages were literal jaw-dropping twists. The kind, to be frank, that had me smiling with glee.
All things considered, I am simply gobsmacked by this book. In a completely different style than this duo’s last thriller, The Club, it is quite clear that they’re beyond talented. Capable of showing their brilliance over not just one subgenre but two, I was enraptured throughout this thought-provoking yet suspense-laden plot. From its well-developed characters and dysfunctional family dynamics to its multiple subplots and mysteries, there wasn’t a thing not to love. After all, it was gripping, addictive, binge-worthy, and utterly satisfying in the extreme. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Ellery Lloyd and Harper Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Three years ago, sports agent Myron Bolitar gave a eulogy at the funeral of his client, renowned basketball coach Greg Downing. Myron and Greg had hisThree years ago, sports agent Myron Bolitar gave a eulogy at the funeral of his client, renowned basketball coach Greg Downing. Myron and Greg had history: initially as deeply personal rivals, and later as unexpected business associates. Myron made peace and moved on—until now, when two federal agents walked into his office, demanding to know where Greg Downing is.
According to the agents, Greg is still alive—and has been placed at the scene of a double homicide, making him their main suspect. Shocked, Myron needs answers.
Myron and Win, longtime friends and colleagues, set out to find the truth, but the more they discover about Greg, the more dangerous their world becomes. Will they be able to parse the secrets and lies? What really happened to Greg? And can they uncover the truth before it’s too late? Or have they already been dealt a losing hand?
Edge of your seat action. A vivid, adrenaline-pumping climax. Giggle-worthy dialogue. All of the above describes Think Twice to a T. Book twelve in the Myron Bolitar series, I don’t know what I was thinking having never visited with these characters before. Realistic, openly flawed, and just the right amount of comical and witty, I fell in love with each and every one right from the start. So much so, in fact, that I didn’t even have a single guess about who was the monster in disguise. Trust me when I say that this was most definitely for the best.
Just as with all of Coben’s books, though, the plot was the star of the show. Told primarily from Myron’s POV, the pace was fast and the suspense was constantly building. What took this to another realm was the intermittent chapters from the killer’s perspective. Was it wrong that I enjoyed them just a little bit too much? As for the case, it was complex and deftly layered. So much so, in fact, that there seriously wasn’t a chance in h*** of me figuring it out before the final timely reveal.
The only minor fly in the ointment, though, had to do with that complexity in the plot. Perhaps it was just me, but there were moments where I felt a bit lost. After all, there are a ton of subplots, red herrings, characters, and potential theories to the case. Part of my perplexity may have been down to the fact that I jumped into this series late in the game so all of the returning characters were brand new to me, but there were just so many details to grasp.
By the time I reached the final chapter, however, I couldn’t give a toss about any sporadic confusion. With a dynamite climax that had me flying through the pages and a conclusion that felt wholly true-to-life and authentic, I was left completely in awe. It’s no surprise that so many of Mr. Coben’s novels have been adapted for TV. They just seem to come alive right before your eyes. And then there’s was the laugh-out-loud humor. Between Myron’s conversations with his wife, partner, and parents, I dare you to try and remain silent without a single snicker escaping your lips. So all in all, this maestro of the written word has clearly done it yet again. Thank you, dear sir, for giving me the ride of my life. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Harlan Coben and Grand Central Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 14, 2024
Trigger warning: a shooting in public, kidnapping, getting framed for a crime...more
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.
Nearly ten years ago, Toronto homicide detective Daniel Kennicott’s brother was shot and killed. The case was never solved—and the lack of answers hasNearly ten years ago, Toronto homicide detective Daniel Kennicott’s brother was shot and killed. The case was never solved—and the lack of answers has plagued Daniel ever since. Occurring just before he was set to travel to the small medieval town of Gubbio, Italy, Daniel has always suspected it had something to do with Michael’s death. But not wanting to face the truth, Daniel has refused to follow in his brother’s footsteps in the hopes of uncovering any clues. After all, he might not like what he finds.
Just like every year, Daniel is set to to meet with his police force mentor, Detective Ari Greene, about Michael’s case. Little does he know, however, that this year is going to be different. At their scheduled appointment, Greene brings with him Daniel’s first partner, Nora Bering, who has risen the ranks to the chief of police. Without his knowledge, they’ve both been investigating Michael’s death as well as the car accident that killed Daniel’s parents twelve years ago. And they’ve learned something new.
Bringing him up to date, Greene and Bering suggest Daniel take that long put off trip to the hillside Umbrian town. But they warn him that he must be careful as he sees the idyllic sights. Why? What is there to learn that he doesn’t already know? Just the same, he packs his bags and takes off for Italy, where he quickly sees that the stunning vistas disguise a horrifying past. One that brings up Nazis and the resistance as well as plenty of unforgotten wartime crimes. Does this history have something to do with Daniel and the losses he’s had? And if so, does it mean danger for his own life as well?
Right up until the end the very last page, What We Buried was the epitome of perfection. A genre crossing blend of historical fiction, thriller, and just a dash of police procedural, the slow burn first half quickly exploded into a flurry of action. Even better, it was thick with ever ratcheting suspense and deep foreboding. Trust me when I say, I simply raced through the pages, yearning to find out what happened to each of the characters.
The plot itself leaned heavily on its historical fiction elements. Telling the heartbreaking story of a very real event during World War II, it was overlaid with the dynamics of Nazis, Jews, the Holocaust, and other wartime atrocities. Poignant and gut-wrenching, it brought this Jewish descendent to tears. At the same time, there was no lack of action, especially once the second half stepped up the thrills and the chills, with a car chase, an abduction, and even a shooting.
Then there were the characters who brought the plot to life. Told from multiple POVs and two continents, they were refreshingly layered and complex. With intriguing peeks into both of the main characters backgrounds, I was stunned by their genuine natures and realistic reactions. Even better, however, the rest of the cast had diverse perspectives that transcended typical police type stereotypes, as rest joined forces into the best kind of crime fighting team.
Now for the bad news, however, I was fully engaged and utterly spellbound to the pages until I realized that they were dwindling down without any resolutions in sight. Sadly for me, an ardent lover of all things tied up with a neat, little bow, this book was shockingly missing just that. While we know the who’s, the what’s, and the why’s, it was missing the payout of justice. Hopefully this will come in a future book, but, IYKYK, I don’t love waiting—not even a little.
All in all, I still loved this stellar trip into the past. Composed of short chapters and alternating perspectives, it kept me on the edge of my seat. Yet it was the cross-generational horrors and unresolved history that drew me in deep. Just the same, not having realized that this is book seven in a series, I’m now eager to get to know the two main characters better by diving into Rotenberg’s backlist ASAP. So be sure to look up his crime fiction books as well as giving this one a try. After all, I’m so very glad that I did. Rating of 4 stars (downgraded from 4.5 stars thanks to the lack of a conclusion).
Thank you to Robert Rotenberg and Simon & Schuster for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: February 27, 2024
Trigger list: death of parents and sibling, the Holocaust, a shooting, mention of: fatal car accident, war atrocities...more
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 programSloan 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.
Jess Lambert and her husband, Mac, have just moved to Black Lake, looking for a quieter, more peaceful life. Until one morning Jess befriends a strangJess Lambert and her husband, Mac, have just moved to Black Lake, looking for a quieter, more peaceful life. Until one morning Jess befriends a stranger—beautiful and glamorous Annie Parker—who’s also just moved to town.
Only a few hours later, Jess finds Annie wandering naked and in shock along the lake. And at Annie’s house she encounters a gruesome scene that shows a violent attack. But then Annie disappears.
As Jess is pulled deeper into the mystery of what happened to Annie, she learns about the house’s chilling past. And she begins to wonder: who was Annie really? Is she a witness, murderer, victim?
But it’s dangerous hunting down old ghosts. And Jess becomes increasingly unsure if she’s the hunter, or the prey. Who is the stranger at Black Lake?
Hot damn! A quick, easy read that really packed a punch, The Stranger at Black Lake was a welcome addition into the growing saga of Jess Lambert. A prequel to a pre-existing series (or what will be once the second book, What Lies in Darkness comes out in July), it was everything that I wanted and more. From adding to Jess’s characterization to providing one heck of a rollercoaster ride, the pulse-pounding plot kept me on the edge of my seat. A thriller through and through, McDonald only further proved her virtuoso-like skill at crafting propulsive storylines that pull you in and don’t let go for a second. Take it from me, this is one series you just have to read. I do recommend, however, starting with the first book in the series, These Still Black Waters. You need to know Jess before encountering her backstory, all things considered. By the time I reached the last perfectly placed word, I was fully convinced that this novella couldn’t have been better. And, given my penchant for honest reviews, that’s saying a lot. Rating of 5 stars.
Thank you to Christina McDonald for my complimentary copy and to Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for introducing me to this dynamite series.
PUB DATE: Out now and available on Kindle Unlimited!
Trigger warning: chronic illness, being held hostage, fatal stabbing, mention of: child abuse, rape...more
Drummer Vienna Taylor and her best friend, guitarist Madison Pierce are about to take the world by storm. After all, Vienna, Madison, and their their Drummer Vienna Taylor and her best friend, guitarist Madison Pierce are about to take the world by storm. After all, Vienna, Madison, and their their band, The Bittersweet, have just signed a prized recording deal. Now on their way to a party up in the Catskills, it seems that that future is set. Surely, they’ll be playing for huge audiences and hearing their names chanted from the stands in no time at all.
As the group drives through the night, however, the light snow turns into a blizzard and they find themselves lost on remote country roads. Things only go from bad to worse when their SUV’s tires slip on the ice. When Vienna wakes up, she sees that they’re deep in a ravine with no help in sight. But that’s not the end of the bad news. Vienna is horrified to realize that one of her friends is dead and another is badly injured.
Stuck in the middle of nowhere, Vienna and Madison go searching for rescue. All they find, however, is an abandoned cabin deep in the woods. Taking refuge within its dilapidated walls, their nightmare only worsens when—one by one—Vienna watches her bandmates die horrible deaths. By the time the sun rises, there will only be two of them left—Vienna and Madison—but when help finally arrives, Madison has vanished into thin air.
What happened after their car crashed? Is Madison to blame for her friends’ deaths? Fame can be a soul-sucking beast, but Vienna can’t believe that her best friend could have it in her. But then, where is Madison? And why else would she run?
Binge-worthy and addictive in the extreme, Only One Survives had me hooked from the very first word. Perfect for fans of Daisy Jones & The Six but with a heaping dose of murder as well, the perfectly crafted plot reeled me in and didn’t let go. I mean, the characters were divine and the twists were superb. And with non-stop suspense and sharp writing that allowed me to visualize every scene, I was on the edge of my seat from beginning to end.
From the top, the dual timelines meant I became deeply invested in Vienna and Madison’s toxic dynamic as I was granted a front seat to the makings of their friendship and their potential meteoric rise to fame. Add in the supporting cast, and the full picture was simply sublime. From a few thoroughly unlikeable characters to a sweet, little granny, they rounded out Vienna and Madison to perfection.
The plot, however, was what had me riveted to the pages. Part one presented the building blocks. Part two provided the jaw-dropping, gasp-inducing twist. So big, in fact, that my family looked at me like I was losing my mind when I quite literally shrieked “No, she didn’t!” out loud. Dark, intense, perfectly plotted, and with an eerie setting, this entire book won me over hook, line, and sinker as it hit just the right chord. Yes, yes, I know. That pun was completely intended.
Let me tell you, writing this review wasn’t easy. With a twist that rivaled The Silent Patient or The Last Mrs. Parrish, not spoiling the plot was a chore. But fear not, I’ve done my best. Just know that if you love the idea of crazy talented girl bands and fame-hungry characters, this is most definitely the book for you. And let’s not forget, it included my all-time favorite trope—that of a locked room murder mystery. All in all, it definitely hit my Sweet Spot by the time all was said and done. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Hannah Mary McKinnon, HTP Books (MIRA), NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: July 16, 2024
Trigger warning: dementia, severe car accident, doxxing, mention of: alcoholism, carbon monoxide poisoning...more
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