So somehow I missed out on the hype surrounding Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious series. I know. I know. Now, though, after finishing Death at Morning So somehow I missed out on the hype surrounding Maureen Johnson’s Truly Devious series. I know. I know. Now, though, after finishing Death at Morning House, I promise to rectify that misstep ASAP. After all, thanks to a finely layered plot, deliciously dark humor, and some truly addictive characters, I just couldn’t get enough of Ms. Johnson’s fabulous locked room whodunnit—times two. Complete with an evocative setting and dual storylines bracketing nearly a century, there wasn’t a thing missing as I inhaled page after page.
The characters, as I’ve mentioned, were amazing. They were also—in a word—fun. If this book was proof positive of how well this author can bring to life teenagers and their not quite adult behaviors, then I’m 100% won over. And despite it having been quite a while since I was one myself, their faulty logic and overly brave actions were nailed, in my humble opinion. Marlowe, though, was easily my favorite. Realistically flawed yet also a dynamite main character as she sniffed out the truth, she was everything I wanted and more in this YA tale of mystery and suspense.
Stuffed to the brim with deftly obscured clues, rising unease, and head-snapping twists, it was the prose that guaranteed that this was a winner from beginning to end. Coming across as though Marlowe was speaking directly to me, it was both familiar and complex. The latter was likely down to the dual timelines and multiple POVs. And while I can easily see this one appealing to almost any teen, it also worked just as well for this far from teenage adult. Utterly original, I can only hope that it too will turn into a series. So come one, come all, this is one unputdownable mystery you’re definitely going to want to solve right along with Marlowe. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
The fire wasn’t Marlowe Wexler’s fault. Dates should be hot, but not hot enough to warrant literal firefighters. Akilah, the girl Marlowe has been in love with for years, will never go out with her again. No one dates an accidental arsonist.
With her house-sitting career up in flames, it seems the universe owes Marlowe a new summer job, and that’s how she ends up at Morning House, a mansion built on an island in the 1920s and abandoned shortly thereafter. It’s easy enough, giving tours. Low risk of fire. High chance of getting bored talking about stained glass and nut cutlets and Prohibition.
Oh, and the deaths. Did anyone mention the deaths?
Maybe this job isn’t such a gift after all. Morning House has a horrific secret that’s been buried for decades, and now the person who brought her here is missing.
All it takes is one clue to set off a catastrophic chain of events. One small detail, just like a spark, could burn it all down—if someone doesn’t bury Marlowe first.
Thank you to Maureen Johnson and Harper Teen for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 6, 2024
Trigger warning: getting drugged, house fire, mention of: death of a friend, drowning...more
From the superb setting to the rising claustrophobia, The Chamber offered glimpses of pure, unadulterated fear. I mean, just imagine being stuck in a From the superb setting to the rising claustrophobia, The Chamber offered glimpses of pure, unadulterated fear. I mean, just imagine being stuck in a small room as your friends and colleagues start dropping like flies one after the other. The strongest piece to this one, though, was the mood that Dean managed to invoke. I could feel the thick “air” and stifling heat. The panic of who to trust and who to try and avoid in a room the size of a small SUV. Even the brief look inside of the what has to be one of the worst of the worst jobs was hard to imagine. All told, it was an enticing premise to be sure.
Due to all of the above, I tried to love this book. I really, really did. After all, the premise of a pressure-packed locked room mystery was utterly intoxicating. Unfortunately, though, the plot just didn’t live up to my expectations. A long slow burn from beginning to end, the exciting moments were few and far between. From the dense, detailed info about saturation diving to the many stories about disastrous prior jobs, it all simply took away from the whodunnit plot. What clinched it for me, though, was the conclusion. Or, rather, the lack of one as I’m still not entirely sure what happened in that compression chamber.
Despite my frustrations with this supposed psychological thriller, there was still plenty of gripping paranoia and dread. And the exploration of the psychological ramifications of trauma for these six damaged characters was also exceptionally well done. Sadly, though, that just didn’t make up for the dawdling plot or the lack of any hard and fast answers. Perhaps, though, you should take my opinion with a large grain of salt. After all, plenty of people loved this novel far more than I. So if you enjoy a book with a strong psychological edge and a gradually unfurling plot, give this one a try. It definitely fit that bill to a T. Rating of 3 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Six experienced saturation divers are locked inside a hyperbaric chamber. Calm and professional, they know that rapid decompression would be fatal and so they work in shifts, breathing helium, and surviving in hot, close quarters.
Then one of them is found dead in his bunk.
With four days of decompression to go before the locked hatch to the chamber can be safely opened, the group must watch one another’s backs at all times. And when another diver is discovered unresponsive, everyone is on edge. What…or who…is taking them out one by one? And will any of them still be alive by the time the four days is up or will paranoia, exhaustion, suspicion, and pressure destroy them all?
Thank you to Will Dean and Emily Bestler/Atria Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 6, 2024
Trigger warning: death of friends and family, intrusive thoughts...more
This is one book where reading the synopsis just might remove some of the fun and I, for one, highly recommend going in blind. If, however, you’re oneThis is one book where reading the synopsis just might remove some of the fun and I, for one, highly recommend going in blind. If, however, you’re one of THOSE people who just can’t decide to pick up a book without a glimpse inside, be sure to check out the blurb at the end of my review…
Exquisitely capturing the mother-daughter dynamic, McCreight blew me away with Like Mother, Like Daughter. From the multi-layered, finely plotted storyline to the ever rising suspense, my eyes were glued to the page from beginning to end. But the alternating dual POVs were the highest of the high in a well-packed field for me. With one cliffhanger chapter after another, I was spurred to continue reading just one more page far more times than I could count as the foreboding intensified and the what-ifs swirled about in my mind.
While all of the characters were expertly crafted, Cleo and Kat easily took the cake in the fight for stellar personas. Effortlessly illustrating the love-hate relationship between mother and daughter, the slow IV drip of secrets also revealed a mind-blowing character arc for Cleo. In the same way, I was equally enamored by Kat’s clever, take-no-prisoner personality as she sought to find out the truth. To be frank, both of these characters were utter perfection no ifs, ands, or buts.
In addition to the first-person dual POVs, the plot was strengthened by its dual timelines of before and after. In both of them, I was firmly in the passenger seat in a wholly realistic way. For Cleo, she was desperately searching for what could’ve happened to her mother, while Kat’s timeline was decidedly more complex. I can’t reveal too much without providing a much hated spoiler, so just know that there was many a delicious subplot and dark, twisted revelation. Two for two, they both had my fingers flying at speed thanks to a Hitchcockian feel.
All in all, this tale of psychological suspense hit all the sweet spots for me—a twisty, dynamic plot; sharp, tenacious heroines at the center; and a downright killer conclusion. But then, that’s no surprise considering it came from Kimberly McCreight’s virtuoso-like mind. After all, she’s the Queen with a capital Q at crafting hypnotic characters so real that they could walk right off of the page. Not to be outdone, however, the situations they found themselves in had me utterly transfixed. A nuanced stunner, it was, without a doubt, yet another slam dunk from one of my favorite authors. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
When Cleo, a student at NYU, arrives late for dinner at her childhood home in Brooklyn, she finds food burning in the oven and no sign of her mother, Kat. Then Cleo discovers her mom’s bloody shoe under the sofa. Something terrible has happened.
But what? The polar opposite of Cleo, whose “out of control” emotions and “unsafe” behavior have created a seemingly unbridgeable rift between mother and daughter, Kat is the essence of Park Slope perfection: a happily married, successful corporate lawyer. Or so Cleo thinks.
Kat has been lying. She’s not just a lawyer; she’s her firm’s fixer. She’s damn good at it, too. Growing up in a dangerous group home taught her how to think fast, stay calm under pressure, and recognize a real threat when she sees one. And in the days leading up her disappearance, Kat has become aware of multiple threats: demands for money from her unfaithful soon-to-be ex-husband; evidence that Cleo has slipped back into a relationship that’s far riskier than she understands; and menacing anonymous messages from her past—all of which she’s kept hidden from Cleo…
Thank you to Kimberly McCreight and Knopf Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Packed to the brim with suspicious characters, dastardly deeds, and a slowly unrolling plot, The House on Cold Creek Lanefilled me with dread. And whPacked to the brim with suspicious characters, dastardly deeds, and a slowly unrolling plot, The House on Cold Creek Lanefilled me with dread. And while this tale of domestic suspense mixed nicely with a neighborhood drama, it was the gaslighting and misdirection that utterly turned my head. Step by step, I reveled in how this storyline had them all walking toward an unthinkable end.
As for the characters, they were all thoroughly unlikeable. Two, in fact, had me itching to shake them good and hard. From a belittling husband to his spineless wife, both of them hit the mark with their irritating behavior. That’s not to say that I was turned off of this book in the slightest. Oh no. Their action—or inaction—totally got my blood boiling and, IYKYK, but only the best authors seem to manage to pull that feat off.
The only fly in the ointment was my ability to see through the twists. Now how much of that was merely down to my insatiable love of all things thriller and suspense, I’ll never know. Despite that, however, the multiple mysteries and unreliable narrators kept my fingers flying. So while I managed to work it all out, it just might be perfect for anyone looking for an utterly chilling novel. Especially if you’re new to the genre.
By the end of this slow burning plot, I was delighted by the eventually cascade of dead bodies. With plenty of foreboding and just enough suspense to whet my appetite, it’s clear as can be that Ms. Alterman nailed it in one. It’s also unsurprising why all of my colleagues at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse have been raving about this dark and twisted tale. After all, I did inhale it in just a single night. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Who was I? What had I become? Breathe, I commanded. You're doing this for your family.
When Laurel and Rob West move into their new home in New Jersey, it seems too good to be true. But Laurel can't shake off her old feelings of anxiety. The neighbor who pays far too much attention to the Wests' two young children…Rob watching her every misstep…and there's something people aren't telling her about this house...
I promised myself I wouldn't go to that neighborhood again. Not that street. Not so soon. But I couldn't help it. They made it too easy.
Corey Sutton is trying to outrun her past. Recently divorced and reeling from a devastating loss, she moves into her widowed mother's retirement condo in Florida. Everyone says she just needs some time to recover and rebuild…but is Corey beyond saving? She wants answers. And there's very little she won't do to get them.
Though Laurel and Corey have never met, the women have something in common, and if they're not careful, it may just destroy them both…
Thank you to Liz Alterman, Severn House, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 6, 2024
Trigger warning: death of a child, mention of: infidelity...more
Holy cow! A gripping tale of suspense, Echoes of Memory paired an intricate, intense plot with compelling insights into the psychology of memory. FastHoly cow! A gripping tale of suspense, Echoes of Memory paired an intricate, intense plot with compelling insights into the psychology of memory. Fast-paced and heavy with foreboding, it was also thought-provoking and informative without losing its riveting, suspenseful edge. Together the two sides of this novel formed a stellar whodunnit that won me over hook, line, and sinker. After all, with dual compelling POVs and plenty of twists and turns, the premise that promised so much absolutely delivered in spades.
Starting off with a bang, it nevertheless took a bit to become accustomed to Quinn and her style of narration. That’s not to say that it was repetitive in the slightest. And despite the fact that it vaguely reminded me of 50 First Dates, the skilled manner in which Driscoll imparted Quinn’s palpable grief for her past life while also keeping the plot moving was truly impressive. She wasn’t the only persona to win me over, however. From an endearing detective to a few kind friends, the cast was rounded out beautifully from beginning to end.
All in all, I’m now crossing my fingers and toes that this was just book one in what would surely be a dynamite series. With immersive storytelling and quite the unique premise, it was an addictive, unputdownable storyline that I was sad to see end. So addictive, in fact, that my fingers flew through the pages in just a matter of hours. After all, it was one heck of a masterclass in suspense that kept me on tenterhooks throughout. So if you haven’t yet read anything by this truly talented author, take this as a sign to do so ASAP. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
After surviving a terrible attack, Quinn Fleming has recovered in every way but one—her ability to retain new memories. Now, months later, it appears to the outside world as if the San Diego florist’s life is back to normal. But Quinn is barely holding on, relying on a notebook she carries with her at all times, a record of her entire existence since the assault. So when she witnesses a murder in the shadowy alley behind the florist shop, Quinn immediately writes down every terrifying detail of the incident before her amnesia wipes it away.
By the time the police arrive, there’s no body, no crime scene, and no clues. The killing seems as erased from reality as it is from Quinn’s mind…until the flashbacks begin. Suddenly, fragments of memories are surfacing—mere glimpses of that horrible night, but enough to convince Quinn that somewhere, locked in her subconscious, is the key to solving the case…and she’s not the only one who knows. Somebody else has realized Quinn is a threat that needs to be eliminated. Now, with her life on the line and only her notes to guide her, Quinn sets out to find a killer she doesn’t remember, but can’t forget…
Thank you to Sara Driscoll and Kensington Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
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)
It’s 1950 and Loretta Reynolds is newly arrived in Hollywood, fresh off a con that brought her from England to the sunny shores of California. She’s rIt’s 1950 and Loretta Reynolds is newly arrived in Hollywood, fresh off a con that brought her from England to the sunny shores of California. She’s running away from a complicated past to fulfill her ambition of becoming a makeup artist to the stars.
When her new husband, a would-be actor, takes her to a sex-fueled Hollywood party on their wedding night—hoping to trade her to a powerful director for a favor—she discovers the dark side of Tinseltown and sets out on a path of revenge against the cruel men who use their money and power to play with lives and dreams.
In her quest for vengeance, Loretta gathers a band of La-La-Land misfits: a fading starlet past her prime, a friendly neighborhood sex worker, and a brooding screenwriter who proves yes, not all men are evil—just most…
Now, Loretta is about to get her big break—and Hollywood better beware. Loretta has learned a lot about makeup, and more…and some of her clients might not make it out alive.
The Unforgettable Loretta Darling is so hard to describe. From the indefatigable Loretta Darling herself to the smooth plot that unrolled before me, it was a thing to behold. At the same time, it wasn’t exactly the mystery I had been promised. No, it was far more historical fiction crossed with women’s lit, in my opinion. That’s not to say that I didn’t inhale page after page. After all, with a plot that seemed made for the silver screen and a predictably memorable female main character, there was oh so much to love.
Loretta was easily the star of the show. With an impressive character arc that made her someone I wanted to know, she took on the establishment as only a woman could in the ‘50s…from the background. Deftly playing the men around her despite her cruel, eye-opening indoctrination into Hollywood, I was rooting for her right from the start. The rest of the cast was nearly as perfect. From a man or two that you’re going love to hate to a redemptive love interest who made me swoon, there was a bit of everything and everyone in this novel.
The only piece to the puzzle that let me down in the slightest was the assumption that this was a mystery/thriller. Had I expected a historical drama with a cozy feel and just a bit of death on the side, I wouldn’t have been let down in the slightest. After all, the mid-century Hollywood atmosphere and let-women-roar storyline was a hit for this mystery lover. There was even a twist or two thrown in for good measure, but to go in expecting an out-and-out mystery meant a certain level of anticlimax all said and done.
Despite a slow burn start and the misguiding billing, however, I was won over in the end. Along the way, there was giggle-worthy banter, a sweet romance, a startlingly accurate commentary of early feminists, and an immersive setting. Tied all together, they made the book sing. To be frank, it gave me definite The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo vibes. So as long as you go into it expecting that and not a straightforward mystery, it should be a winner for you. Just be sure to check the trigger warning before diving in. Rating of 4 stars.
Thank you to Katherine Blake and Harper Paperbacks for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
While I normally provide a synopsis at either the beginning or end of my reviews, this is one book that I firmly believe you need to go into blind. ItWhile I normally provide a synopsis at either the beginning or end of my reviews, this is one book that I firmly believe you need to go into blind. It’s not that the publisher provided blurb reveals to much. Well, not really. It’s that this is one plot that you’re going to want to experience all of the thrills and the chills without even a hint at the many surprises.
Unbridled suspense. Well-rounded characters. A twisty, twisty plot. Palpable fear. All of the above describes The Stepdaughter to a T. But it was the deftly plotted storyline that was the true shining star to this slam dunk success. Told in six parts by multiple POVs, the tension only ratcheted higher and higher right along with the page count. Turning the events first one way and then another, there was simply no way that I could’ve seen behind the deftly woven curtain before each jaw-dropping reveal.
The dazzling aspects of the plot, however, were easily matched step for step by the characters themselves. From a fraught family dynamic to perfectly crafted teenage behavior, each and every persona simply sang from the pages. And oh the secrets that they were all hiding. Somehow, though, Cross managed to make it all seem perfectly genuine and true-to-life. With, of course, plenty of fictional flair to make it all deliciously dramatic.
The only teeny, tiny flaw in this magical novel was the conclusion. Altogether too brief for my liking, I would have loved to know more about the resulting demolition to each of the characters’ lives. While everything was certainly wrapped up with a nice, pretty, little bow, I wanted…well…more. But then, maybe I’m just greedy. After all, this was one truly impressive book and I’m not surprised in the least that it has been optioned by Netflix.
A dynamite tale of domestic suspense, it was a downright page-turner from beginning to end. So, naturally, it’s no surprise that I finished it in just a matter of hours. A quick, easy read that kept me on the edge of my seat, the hefty dose of red herrings and suspicious individuals meant that I was utterly spellbound. What’s truly shocking, however, is that this was Cross’s debut novel. Having inhaled plenty of her ensuing works, I promise that this one was no fluke. She is a seriously talented writer with a knack for spinning non-stop suspense. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
Thank you to Georgina Cross, Bookouture, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now!
Trigger warning: missing child, house fire, infidelity, dementia, mention of: death of a parent...more
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
True crime podcaster and self-published author, Ana Adams, struggles to reach the success her co-host sister Bex believes they're both capable of, finTrue crime podcaster and self-published author, Ana Adams, struggles to reach the success her co-host sister Bex believes they're both capable of, finding herself stuck in a comfortable (if dreary) loop of isolation, social media, medication, and instability. But when an email arrives detailing a grisly murder that follows the plotline of Ana's first book, she's thrust into the spotlight. Sudden fame, overnight bestsellers, and a national profile are every author's dream but that soon turns to nightmare when the killer strikes again. And again. While Bex and Ana race to catch the murderer, they must navigate their newfound celebrity, unwanted attention from obsessed fans, and the suspicions of the FBI.
With the bodies and the scrutiny starting to pile up, Ana knows she must plot another story to catch the killer and clear her name. Instead, she discovers unexpected connections, buried secrets, and the reality that true crime attracts true criminals.
Deliciously unhinged characters. Magnificent twists and turns. Dysfunctional family dynamics. From the start, The Novel Killings had me under its thrall. Between a plot packed full of surprises and an off-the-charts climax and ending, there simply wasn’t a thing not to love about this debut psychological thriller. Shelton even included one of my favorite tropes of true-crime podcasting with a mixed media format. Altogether, it just couldn’t have been better.
The central characters of sisters Ana and Bex provided the framework for one truly messed up family dynamic. Between a superbly drawn unreliable narrator and her live-in enabler, the crazy train pulled into the station with both of them on board. I promise you, this is one ride you’re not going to want to miss. Especially considering we were blessed with their dual POVs. And thanks to a handful of equally suspicious individuals, I was left giving a serious side-eye to each and every persona—up to and including Ana and Bex.
Now, I must admit, parts of this storyline had an over-the-top feel, but rest assured that it was only in the best possible way. Alongside a plot that was both unpredictable and finely layered, the combination rang true for this thriller lover. I mean, Ana alone reeked with uncontrolled anxiety and tension. All told, it felt extreme but also 100% real.
All said and done, I was utterly blown away (pun thoroughly intended). On top of the slow burn start and mind-blowing twists, there was a delicacy to the focus on mental health, trauma, and grief. Adding depth to the novel, I was seriously impressed. Just be forewarned that you’re going to have to put off all of your chores and dedicate yourself to these pages. After all, despite the length, I finished it in just two long sittings as I simply could not put it down. So, as if it wasn’t already obvious, I wholeheartedly recommend adding this book to your TBR ASAP. I mean it. Like right now. I’m waiting. Go order it, please! Rating of 4 stars.
Thank you to Kate Shelton and Korza Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 25, 2024
Trigger warning: bipolar disorder and other mental health problems, suicide, stalking, mention of: house fire, death of a parent, drug overdose...more
Emlyn doesn't let herself think about the past. How she and her best friend, Janessa, barely speak anymore. How Tyler, the love of her life, left her Emlyn doesn't let herself think about the past. How she and her best friend, Janessa, barely speak anymore. How Tyler, the love of her life, left her half dead on the side of the road three years ago.
Her new life is simple and safe. She lives alone in her Airstream trailer and works as a fishing and hunting guide in scenic Idaho. Her closest friends are the community's makeshift reverend and a handsome Forest Service ranger who took her in at her lowest.
But when Tyler shows up with the news that Janessa is missing, Emlyn is propelled back into the world she worked so hard to forget. Janessa has become a social media star, documenting her #vanlife adventures with her rugged boyfriend. She hasn't posted lately, though, and when Emlyn realizes the most recent photo doesn't match up with its caption, she reluctantly joins Tyler to find her old friend.
As the two trace Janessa's path through miles of wild country, Emlyn can't deny the chemistry still crackling between them. But the deeper they press into the wilderness, the more she begins to suspect that a darker truth lies in the woods―and that Janessa isn't the only one in danger.
Gut-wrenching emotion. Evocative descriptions. Fully fleshed out characters. All of the above describes The Nature of Disappearing to a T. From the dual mysteries presented in the past and present timelines to the immersive atmosphere of the Idaho wilderness, each and every scene came alive before my eyes. Seriously, I felt like I was there, hiking alongside Emlyn and Tyler. Whether it was the well-illustrated setting or the realistic feel, I was utterly blown away by how vivid it all seemed.
Speaking of the characters, they were easily the strongest piece to this novel. Wholly true-to-life with genuine foibles and flaws, Emlyn in particular had a startlingly powerful character arc. Starting off as a somewhat broken persona with severe self-worth problems, her path throughout this story was truly intoxicating. More so, however, was Varden and Rev. Between the two of them, color was added through deliciously eccentric personas.
The plot, though, was rather more of a long, slow burn than I had anticipated. Despite being billed as suspense, I’d classify it as more of a drama. Was there foreboding and tension? Well, yes—but not quite enough in my book to describe it as such. At the same time, I was spellbound by this tale. Full of mysterious secrets and dirty lies, as the truth came to light everything fell perfectly into place. I just wish that the reveals had felt alive and not just explained.
My biggest hang up, however, was how long it took to get to the action and climax. I’m not joking when I say that not much really happened until the 80% mark. And when it did, it was somewhat anticlimactic and not quite fully explored. At the same time, it didn’t necessarily distract from the huge pluses to this poignant tale.
All in all, from the exploration of friendship and romance—albeit dysfunctional—to the character growth, there was just so much to love. While the plot may have left something to be desired, the characterizations and setting were a slam dunk success. Along the way, Grant also dove realistically into the tragic waters of addiction and the heartbreak that can result. Tied all together, this was still a smash hit—as long as you don’t expect a straightforward tale of suspense. Rating of 3.5 stars.
Thank you to Kimi Cunningham Grant, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 18, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: addiction, animal death, poisoning, mention of: drug dealing...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.
Wowzers! If I hadn’t already been told that Neighborhood Watch was Sarah Reida’s debut novel, I wouldn’t have believed it. Filled with believable (albWowzers! If I hadn’t already been told that Neighborhood Watch was Sarah Reida’s debut novel, I wouldn’t have believed it. Filled with believable (albeit shady) characters and a deliciously satirical plot, this dynamite whodunnit won me over hook, line, and sinker. But it was the drama that got me the most. You could almost sense the gossip spreading like wildfire amongst the posh streets of Oleander Court as the residents feared for their lives.
The characters were easily the special sauce to this mystery novel. From the controlling HOA president to her equally detestable wife beating neighbor, there were plenty of characters you’ll absolutely love to hate—and others you’ll just plain love no ifs, ands, or buts. No matter what, however, you’ll get sucked in by them all and their round-robin narrations. Especially when bodies start dropping in the most delightfully twisted manner one after the other.
The plot itself was utterly seductive. Fast-paced and filled with black humor, the rich people behaving badly premise was a pure *chef’s kiss* move to this mystery lover. And while there were without a doubt quite a few characters, the storyline unfolded naturally in a fun and easy way. Perfect as a palate cleanser between some of my harder hitting thrillers, there was no end to the snarky banter and lighthearted feel. All told, it was one rollicking good time.
That’s not to say that this book was only surface deep. Oh no. There was much to be read between the deftly written lines. From the thought-provoking character arcs to the more serious, underlying topics, I believe this book would make a brilliant book club pick all things considered. After all, it was not only fun, but would prompt some excellent conversations.
All said and done, I’m not surprised in the least that my friends and colleagues at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse have been raving about this one. From property line skirmishes to hilarious sidewalk b**** slapping scenes, there was no end to the drama on Oleander Court. Nor was it missing some head-snapping twists. So please ignore the somewhat meh cover and grab this book ASAP. Just don’t forget to prepare yourself for one addictive, unputdownable novel. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
The neighborhood of Oleander Court is the poster child for suburban bliss. The residents compare lawns beautified by hired help. They monitor home values. They toss perfect furniture because they wanted tapioca, not beige.
But when a string of murders rips through the neighborhood, suspicions abound as new secrets come to light. And as more and more bodies are taken away, it becomes clear that the killer is strategically selecting each and every victim, picking off the shallowest, most wasteful of the lot in spectacular fashion and leaving everyone in the neighborhood to wonder: Who’s next?
While most of their neighbors scatter like well-dressed cockroaches, a small group of the neighborhood ladies team up to solve their local mystery and restore their once-peaceful lives. But is this ragtag collection of amateur sleuths truly a united front? With reputations, freedom, and personal sanity on the line, the ladies must unmask the killer…even if the killer is among them.
Thank you to Sarah Reida and Keylight Books for my complimentary copy. So opinions are my own.
Knowing my love for this author, I went into her newest book completely blind. After closing the cover, I have to say that doing so was a blessing. WhKnowing my love for this author, I went into her newest book completely blind. After closing the cover, I have to say that doing so was a blessing. While the synopsis wasn’t stuffed full of spoilers, it also would’ve lessened my love for this book. So, if you’re willing, go into this one unawares. I promise it will be worth it. If, however, you’re one of those people who can’t, you’ll find the blurb at the end of my review…
I can’t tell you how overjoyed I was to learn that Paul Strom was back in the picture. After first meeting him in Best Day Ever, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I would be in for quite the ride within the pages of this sequel, The Second Mrs. Strom. After all, one of my favorite tropes just so happens to be that of the villain narrator. But add to that delicious bag of tricks the fact that Paul is a sociopathic narcissist? For this thriller lover, it truly couldn’t have been better.
The plot and the characters, of course, had a delightful unhinged quality that I always equate with Kaira Rouda. Gifted at crafting scenes and personas that are perfectly unstable, they also somehow retain a true-to-life essence. Naturally, this book was no exception. Well-plotted and written with care, the ballooning suspense and sense of impending disaster just ratcheted higher and higher right along with the page count. Even better, however, were the multitude of twists that caught me entirely unawares. Needless to say, they were jaw-droppers for sure.
Done and dusted, the unlikeable characters, epic mind games, and questionable morals won me over hook, line, and sinker. Now I just pray that this second book in the Paul Strom saga isn’t the last that we hear from him. Poised perfectly for a follow up, I’m throwing myself on Ms. Rouda’s mercy. As for you, fellow readers, if you haven’t discovered the perfection that can be found within these quick, easy reads, be sure to check them out ASAP. After all, those of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse simply can’t stop talking about Paul, Cecilia, and this killer tale of domestic suspense. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Kaira Rouda, Bookouture, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
As promised, here is the publisher provided synopsis:
If you had met me a year ago, you wouldn’t have noticed me. A beautiful woman, but a struggling nobody in a tiny apartment, invisible…
Meeting Paul changed that.
And now here I am in Paris, after a whirlwind courtship and a stunning beach proposal I smile at my handsome husband, my eyes shining in the candlelight, my huge diamond ring sparkling on the starched white tablecloth. Other women look at me in envy. They see a couple completely in love.
They’re wrong.
Despite this incredible luxury vacation, my husband and I can’t escape our problems. I can’t get over what he did with that woman just after our wedding, and my bright smile can’t hide the hardness in my heart.
I wonder if Paul knows the truth. That our first meeting, when we fell in love, wasn’t the coincidence he thinks it was. That what I want from him has nothing to do with his money. And now that he’s wronged me, I’ll stop at nothing to get it…...more
Popular fitness influencer Gemma has transformed herself from a Before into an After, complete with washboard abs, thriving business, and gorgeous husPopular fitness influencer Gemma has transformed herself from a Before into an After, complete with washboard abs, thriving business, and gorgeous husband. But social media can be deceiving. Offline, the cutthroat world of bikini bodybuilding may just eat her alive. That’s if she’s not first devoured by the secret nemesis that lurks beneath her polished surface, waiting to destroy her.
Software engineer Ashley is fat and frustrated. Frustrated with failed diets. With a world that wants her to shrink. With biased doctors, online trolls, and even her own mother. Until Ashley falls in with a mysterious and radical sect of Fat Activists who are fighting back … by any means necessary. She’s never felt so alive, so full of purpose. She’ll do whatever it takes to ride this high, destroy Diet Culture, and win the approval of her charismatic leader.
Gemma and Ashley are on a collision course headed for the Olympia, the bodybuilding competition where futures are made. And lost. When Gemma’s toughest rival turns up dead, and more fitness girls fall like dominoes, it’s beginning to look like the body image war has gone too far.
Bodies to Die For was somewhat of a departure from what typically read. Don’t get me wrong, there was plenty of suspense as well as a healthy dose of thrills, but alongside it was a thought-provoking social commentary concerning weight and self-worth. From the quirky storyline to the catty competitors, I got sucked into the plot as the satirical tale firmly took hold.
Speaking of those characters, the multiple POVs included a variety of individuals. Between the few I loved to hate and the two central narrators who I found myself rallying behind, they ran the gamut from merely unlikeable to compelling home runs. But it was Gemma and Ashley who got my ardent admiration. Complete with stunning character arcs, their story was the clinch hit in this impressive debut.
The best piece to this psychological thriller, however, was easily the insight shared concerning how women and society in general both push and internalize ideals about appearance. Often toxic, it can lead to the devastating repercussions. Instead, women should work together—not in opposition—to support one another. All in all, Brand did a marvelous job imparting this message.
Done and dusted, I found this book to be a quick, easy read that I inhaled in just a single sitting. With short chapters, off-the-chart scenes, and plenty of underlying humor, even the slow burn start didn’t ruin it for me. Just be aware that you will have to suspend all disbelief before diving headlong into this thoroughly enticing tale. Take it from me, this wild ride will keep you guessing throughout as you race through the pages. Rating of 4 stars.
Thank you to Lori Brand, Blackstone Publishing, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Oh. My. God. A.J. Campbell has done it again! With a blistering pace, ever rising dread, and top-notch twists, the author of Did I Kill My Husband? haOh. My. God. A.J. Campbell has done it again! With a blistering pace, ever rising dread, and top-notch twists, the author of Did I Kill My Husband? had me in the palm of her hand. Layered with dark secrets and a heaping pile of lies, there wasn’t a chance of me working out the whos, the whats, and the whys. Well, I did have one sneaking suspicion, but as the plot twisted and turned, I convinced myself I couldn’t possibly be right. But when the final revelation was eventually laid at my feet, it still felt both mind-blowingly shocking and like the perfect answer to this superlative puzzle.
As for the characters, I went from rooting for Christina to wanting to shake her more than once. Part suspicious and part oblivious, she was the perfect dupe for this stellar storyline all things considered. But it was the rest of the cast that perfected the plot. From the angsty teen son to helpful twin brother, no one was out of range from my distrustful side-eye. Was Christina really the culprit? Or was she being played for a fool? It wasn’t until the final timely revelation where all was revealed.
Done and dusted, this book was only further proof of why Campbell is one of my favorite authors. Giving rise to an anxiety that utterly oozed from the pages, I quite literally raced through this book in just a single sitting. A gripping domestic thriller that reached a rather chilling crescendo, the short chapters kept me reading way too late into the night. All I know is that yet again Ms. Campbell had left me wanting more. One more word. One more page. One more heart-pumping ride. For that reason, I can’t wait to read whatever she comes up with next. I do, however, have one recommendation. Go into this one blind. You won't regret it for a minute. Rating of 4.5 stars.
For those of you incapable of reading a book without perusing the synopsis first, here’s the publisher’s two cents:
The police officer’s voice is steady as he tells me the news. ‘Your husband is in hospital.’ My heart pounds. I think about my children, safely tucked up in bed. What will happen to us if he loses his life? And more importantly…do the police know where I really was tonight?
Everybody thinks Michael and I are the perfect couple. But everybody is wrong.
Because my dear, lovely husband was at the heart of a scandal at the school where he teaches. He was cleared of any wrongdoing. At first I believed him. Now, I’m sure he’s been hiding something terrible.
But I can’t tell the police a thing. Because my husband isn’t the only one with secrets.
So, as I stand here knowing I have to tell my children that Michael is fighting for his life, I ask myself: what would be worse? For my husband, the much-loved local teacher, to die? Or for him to live, and for all his lies to come home again?
In the end, the choice is easy. I know what I have to do…
I’ll tell the police that I would never, ever hurt my husband. But will they believe me?
Thank you to A.J. Campbell, Bookouture, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 29, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
It’s been months since the accident that killed Ella’s best friend, Hayley, and Ella can’t stop blaming herself. Now Ella is back at school, and everyIt’s been months since the accident that killed Ella’s best friend, Hayley, and Ella can’t stop blaming herself. Now Ella is back at school, and everywhere she looks are reminders of her best friend—including Sawyer, Hayley’s boyfriend. Little by little, they grow closer, until Ella realizes something horrifying… She’s in love with her dead best friend’s boyfriend.
Racked with guilt, Ella turns to Hayley’s journal, hoping she’ll find something in the pages that will make her feel better about what’s happening. Instead, she discovers that Sawyer has secrets of his own and that his relationship with Hayley wasn’t as picture-perfect as it seemed.
Ella knows she should stay away but finds herself inextricably drawn to him—and scared of everything she never knew about him. Perhaps it’s his grief. Or maybe his desires, cut short by tragedy. Or could it be something twisted only Hayley knew about?
A terrifyingly realistic tale of dark romantic suspense, Everything We Never Said kept my eyes pinned to the pages. From characters that felt genuine and true to a plot that twisted and turned until a final timely reveal, the entire plot was quite chilling for even this adult reader. For that reason, while billed as a YA thriller, I think it was much more aligned to NA given the topic. Thanks to relatively explicit intimate scenesand a plot line that made a trigger warning essential, portions of this would have even been much more appropriate for an adult audience. It was only the characters’ ages kept it in the realm of NA.
Back to the winning attributes to this blindingly good book, though. A quick, easy read despite the heavy themes, I thought I knew exactly where the plot was going for much of the slow burn first half. So you can imagine my surprise when a twist to end all twists arrived on the scene. Shocking but also perfectly set up by the storyline, it took a straightforward tale and turned it on its head. Add in the adrenaline-fueled climax and smile-inducing conclusion, and this book hit all the right chords. Was it just a bit over-the-top? Well, yes—but given the age range, it made perfect sense.
My only hang up with this book was down to the genre. Namely, the strong romantic streak running throughout. Granted, I should have realized before I even picked this one up, but I was expecting something more akin to B.A. Paris, I guess. Instead, I found a twisted love story paired with a second half filled with plenty of thrills and chills. Ultimately, however, my discomfort with this was no fault of the plot. It was all down to me and my mostly anti-romance leanings.
All said and done, though, this was a story that all teens should read. Sometimes toxic relationships happen and kids—just like adults—need to be willing to lean on others for help. From seeing red flags and then acting on them to learning to trust one’s instincts, multiple lessons were illustrated that are important for all ages to hear. I also got lost in the multiple POVs, authentic teenage behavior, and dark secrets. So much so, in fact, that I read this in just a single sitting. So if you’re looking for a book meant for more than one age group that addresses hard to tackle topics as well as possessing a killer plot, this is the one for you. Rating of 4 stars.
Thank you to Sloan Harlow and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for Young Readers/Penguin Teen for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 28, 2024
Trigger warning: controlling relationship, domestic abuse, mention of: teen pregnancy...more
Detective Susan Ford and her new partner, Detective Jack Tomelli, are called to a crime scene at the local summer stock theater where they find the diDetective Susan Ford and her new partner, Detective Jack Tomelli, are called to a crime scene at the local summer stock theater where they find the director of Murder on the Orient Express gruesomely murdered—naked, face caked in makeup, pillow at his feet, wrists and ankles bound by rope. When Susan describes the murder to her dad, retired detective Will Ford, he recognizes the MO of a 1969 serial killer…a case he worked fifty years ago.
Will remembers a lot of things about that summer—the Woodstock Festival, the Apollo 11 moon landing, the Miracle Mets—yet he is fuzzy on the details of the decades-old case. But when Susan and Jack discover the old case files, his memories start trickling back. And with each old and new clue, Susan, Jack, and Will must narrow down the pool of suspects before the killer strikes again.
A captivating mystery. Compelling characters. Plenty of suspects to get your suspicious mind going. All of the above describes The Summer of Love and Death to a T. Thanks to an introduction to the series by Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse, I was delighted to meet the family of sleuths in this newest addition. Complex and deftly layered, there was no shortage of suspense despite the intricately laid out police procedural plot. To be frank, I found myself tearing through the pages until I reached the final soul-satisfying conclusion.
As for the cast (an apropos term given the storyline), the first-person narration and Susan’s well-rounded characterization meant for a realistic and deftly drawn persona. Adding to the genuine nature of all those involved were a collection of investigators and suspects who came alive on the page. Even better, thanks to a long character list and plenty of red herrings, there wasn’t a chance of me deciphering the who in this masterful whodunnit before the timely reveal. That’s not even counting the various subplots and dual timelines. Altogether, they kept me happily in the dark throughout this brilliant tale.
All said and done, I’m wishing that I had discovered this one way before now. The third in a series, I was relieved that it easily stood up as a stand-alone novel, but I will definitely be returning to book one, The Disappearance of Trudy Solomon, for all of the dirt on the Ford family ASAP. With a well-written and cleverly interwoven plot, plenty of nostalgia, and a heaping dose of family drama, this book will work for many a reader. So while you wait for this one to hit store shelves, follow my lead and start at the beginning. No matter what, these middle-aged individuals will keep you spellbound to the page. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
Thank you to Marcy McCreary, CamCat Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 13, 2024
Trigger warning: stroke, dementia, identity fraud, mention of: drug dealing...more
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.
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