completely addictive, I finished the audio in one day. A well-written character-driven mystery, my favorite kind!
The background: Amber Glass is “Prom completely addictive, I finished the audio in one day. A well-written character-driven mystery, my favorite kind!
The background: Amber Glass is “Prom mom”, forever known as the girl who gave birth to a premature infant in 1997 on Prom night. The infant died and there were questions that were never answered. Did she kill her baby? Did she truly black out and have no memory of what happened? Joe was her boyfriend and the presumed father of the baby, but he ditched Amber the night of the prom. He claimed to have no knowledge of Amber’s pregnancy or what happened to the baby.
The present, 2020: After many years away, Amber moves back to Baltimore and opens an art gallery. Joe is a successful commercial real estate developer now married to a plastic surgeon.
Their paths cross and what follows is a twisty tale of obsession, cross, and double cross, and murder. Be aware no one is likable but your sympathies may change throughout the book. This is a coldly calculating bunch and the shocker of an ending is a jaw-dropper.
The story unfolds during the early days of Covid but it was more of a backdrop than the focus. I intensely dislike Covid books and this one didn’t bother me in the least.
I didn’t root for any of the characters, but the reader has a front row seat into their thoughts, morally bankrupt as they were, and I couldn’t stop watching the train wreck I knew was coming. And did it ever!
What makes this slow burn story different than other mystery/thrillers is the author’s razor-sharp writing, characterizations, and plotting. The tension is palpable and I could not stop listening, finishing it in one day.
I love character-driven suspense, and this book seals the deal for me: Laura Lippmann is one of, if not the most, brilliant suspense authors of our times. A favorite of 2023
I was completely invested in this one until the reveal at the end....
Can't say much without spoilers....but it was one of the worst endings I've come I was completely invested in this one until the reveal at the end....
Can't say much without spoilers....but it was one of the worst endings I've come across.
FYI: Goodreads lists this as a mystery/thriller, but it is not. I like to check edelweiss for the proper genre, which lists this as women's fiction, which I think is correct.
Now that I've settled down, I'll jot down a few thoughts...
This was such an intriguing premise: the setting is the future, and women whose lives were cut short by a serial murderer are brought back to life through cloning. The women know they are clones and experience short term memory loss, including forgetting their murder. The women meet weekly in a support group.
The story is narrated by Lou (Louise), who is a wife and mother of a 9 mo old daughter. Meanwhile, a video game is produced that makes a game of her murder. While this is gruesome, I think it was meant to portray the public's fascination with true crime.
Lou also bans together with a group of amateur detectives who investigates cold cases. We know from the beginning that her murderer has been caught, but there are questions that arise, and Lou goes in search of answers. We, along with Lou, begin to question just who she can trust.
I really enjoyed the world building, especially the cloning and the emotional effects on the cloned women, as well as the futuristic world. I was invested in finding out just what happened to Lou, and then we come to the end and all questions are answered. Which ruined the entire book for me.
I felt the author jerked the reader around for the entire book only to pull out an ending out of her hat like a magic trick....more
Hollis, a famous food blogger (think Ina Garten famous), living on Nantucket, is a new widow, having lost Just what I needed after a dark heavy read!
Hollis, a famous food blogger (think Ina Garten famous), living on Nantucket, is a new widow, having lost her husband in a car accident. She has a strained relationship with her daughter, and is at loose ends as to how to move forward. She decides to host a “Five-Star Weekend” with her guests being her best friend from different stages of her life.
The weekend doesn’t quite go as planned, as each of the women have issues of their own. The setting and the descriptions of the food was enough to carry the story, and the backstories of the friends was enough to give the novel substance, while keeping it light and breezy.
THE WHISPERS: The moments that are trying to tell you something isn’t quite right here. The problem is some women aren’t listening to what t4.5 stars
THE WHISPERS: The moments that are trying to tell you something isn’t quite right here. The problem is some women aren’t listening to what their lives are trying to tell them.”
Parenthood is often depicted in idyllic ways in heavily curated posts on social media and in mommy blogs. Ashley Audrain brings us a far different story. The author admits to going very dark and deep but, as she says, it’s fiction.
During a barbecue in an upscale neighborhood, Whitney is overheard exploding in an ugly fury and hurling cruel words at her 10-year-old son. Shortly afterward, this same child falls from his bedroom window and is now lying in the hospital in a coma with an uncertain prognosis. Was his fall an accident? Did he jump? Or was he pushed?
This incident is the catalyst for exposing the secrets and inner lives of the neighborhood women. The consequences of their choices, as well as their insecurities, suspicions, shameful thoughts, deep-seated anger, and envy of one another is explored. Unsurprisingly, it is not always a pretty picture.
Blair: is struggling with her identity as a SAHM, and suspects her husband is having an affair. Her envy of her neighbor leads her to some shocking actions.
Rebecca: a physician who has suffered multiple miscarriages. Her husband wants to quit trying, but Rebecca has a secret and fears her husband’s reaction. She is depressed and in despair at her inability to carry a child to term. I found her the most sympathetic of all the women and my heart broke for her
Whitney: a career-driven mother of 3 who doesn’t have a maternal bone in her body, especially with her son Xavier. Her regret comes too late. She was the character I most wanted to slap silly.
Mara: an elderly Portuguese immigrant who has watched the neighborhood’s gentrification and is invisible to them. She knows their secrets and has secrets of her own.
My children are grown and even though I’m past the stage of life these women are in, I was still riveted and found the topics explored to be compelling and thought-provoking. (Be aware the author’s descriptions can sometimes be quite crude and cringe-inducing, but thankfully a small part of the story. Perhaps it was a device to highlight how ugly their actions were?) When forced to put the book down, I was thinking about it and couldn’t wait to get back to it.
And that ending! There were a few surprises in store and the last line was explosive.
This would be an excellent book club choice, as my reading buddy, Marialyce and I found much to discuss. Do check out her review....more
Refreshingly different than the author's typical gothic thrillers!
Jacintha (Jack) and her husband, Gabe, are “pen” (penetration) specialists hired byRefreshingly different than the author's typical gothic thrillers!
Jacintha (Jack) and her husband, Gabe, are “pen” (penetration) specialists hired by companies to break into businesses and reveal the weaknesses in their security systems. Jack is the one who does the actual breaking in while Gabe manages the tech end of things and is the voice in her ear via a microphone.
But one night, things go awry and she arrives home to find her husband dead. It soon becomes clear that she is being framed and her only option is to go on the run and use her considerable skills to find the killer and clear her name.
When many thrillers tend to be nearly indistinguishable from one another, I appreciate a new and different theme. It was obvious the author did her research, and I liked that I learned something new, as this wasn’t a job I was familiar with.
I actually hesitated to google “penetration specialist”….well, because, you know…I once googled "Big Toy "when researching the brand of my kids' school playground equipment, and it didn't go well ...more
I started out enjoying this story, as the once successful Lee, now homeless and living in her car, rescues a woman, Hazel, from drowning, only2.5 Fair
I started out enjoying this story, as the once successful Lee, now homeless and living in her car, rescues a woman, Hazel, from drowning, only to find out she is abused and desperate to escape, even if her only choice is death. The two strike up a friendship.
I’m officially sick to death of reading about abusive men. Can we just stop it? Can authors of thrillers try a new premise once in a while?
But the women in this story? Could they be any weaker and stupid??? Their behavior gives women a bad name. They make one ridiculous choice after another, choices that defy logic unless their brains fell out of their heads. If they had one.
Then the story jumped the shark. There were twists upon twist upon twists, one more ridiculous than the last until my eyes were rolling out of my head. Even popcorn wouldn’t help this one.
Apologies to all my GR friends who enjoyed it. I’m the outlier so please check out other more favorable reviews.
*I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own...more
This was everything I wanted the recent glut of books featuring elderly female sleuths to be, but wasn’t.
But THIS book? It was delightful!
4.5 stars
VThis was everything I wanted the recent glut of books featuring elderly female sleuths to be, but wasn’t.
But THIS book? It was delightful!
4.5 stars
Vera is the owner of a tea shop in San Francisco’s Chinatown, and lives a regimented life. Until the morning a dead body is found in her shop….
Knowing she’ll do a better job than the police possibly could – because nobody sniffs out a wrongdoing quite like a suspicious Chinese mother with time on her hands – Vera decides it’s up to her to catch the killer.
Vera narrows the suspect list and inserts herself into their lives, changing them (and her) in ways that are unexpected. There are secrets of course, and Vera is determined to uncover them. But for me, the mystery and the secrets take a backseat to Vera herself. She is the star of this story and the one that kept my AirPods glued to my ears.
Vera is bold, straight forward, and pulls no punches when she voices her opinions and meddles in the younger generation’s lives, which provides much of the humor in this novel. I found myself laughing out loud more than once.
I adored Vera and I want a Vera in my life. Plus, she cooks amazing dishes for her “suspects” and the descriptions made my mouth water.
This is not my usual genre and I found it to be utterly delightful, especially on audio. I’m not sure I would have enjoyed it as much in print because hearing her voice on audio with perfect comedic timing, was perfect.
Heartwarming and charming this is one I highly recommend. I hope this isn’t the last we hear from Vera....more
This is most definitely not a mystery/thriller, despite the blurb and the unfortunate title. Not that the story isn’t without merit, just know that go This is most definitely not a mystery/thriller, despite the blurb and the unfortunate title. Not that the story isn’t without merit, just know that going into it. Best to just avoid the blurb as it gives too much away.
This is an exploration of obsession and a toxic friendship that defies understanding - until you realize the reasons behind it.
Cassie and Billie have been the best of friends since childhood, and bonded together in inexplicable ways. Now in their 30s, Billie remains unmarried and childless, while the term “gold digger” is an understatement when it comes to Cassie. She married up in a big way, is a new mom, and is now an “influencer” on IG. With her new life and rich friends, she has cast Billie aside.
Billie is deeply hurt and can’t let it go. She goes to extraordinary means to maintain the friendship, which clearly is one-sided.
I admit to being frustrated with Billie’s character in the beginning, but we eventually learn why Billie is trauma bonded to Cassie and it all starts to make sense.
Let’s just say Billie needed years of therapy. I would have enjoyed it more if the author had included a therapist or the psychology of her character’s behaviors in the narrative. It’s no secret to anyone who has followed my reviews that I love psychologically complex characters and I would have loved to have seen this theme explored further. I had to stretch my understanding of the psychology of trauma bonding.
There’s a shocking incident that brings things to a head, and we finally get the backstory on what happened all those years ago, which sheds light on Billie’s behavior.
For me, I think the author tried to include too many themes in the story: sexual abuse, Alzheimer’s, remaining childless by choice vs motherhood, social media, influencers, etc….it’s a lot.
I also thought the evil villain in the story was a bit of a cartoonish caricature, and only needed to twirl a handlebar moustache to complete the picture. I like my villains to be a bit more nuanced.
I read 90% of this in one day and I did love the ending and the themes. It generated a great discussion with my reading buddy, which always makes a read worthwhile.
• I received a digital copy from NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own...more
It’s 1983 and Kit, a home care aide, is sent to the crumbling mansion, Hope’s End, to care for the disabled and aging Lenora Hope, after her previous It’s 1983 and Kit, a home care aide, is sent to the crumbling mansion, Hope’s End, to care for the disabled and aging Lenora Hope, after her previous aide disappeared during the night.
Lenora is the sole survivor of her family’s massacre in 1929, and suspicion has surrounded her ever since:
“At seventeen, Lenora Hope Hung her sister with a rope
Stabbed her father with a knife Took her mother’s happy life.”
A series of strokes has left her mute but, with help, she is able to tap out sentences on an old typewriter. Her first message to Kit? “It wasn’t me”. Followed by “I want to tell you everything.”
As Kit helps Lenora tap out her story, strange things begin to go bump in the night, and suspicions arise surrounding her predecessor’s disappearance. Is Lenora innocent or is she being manipulated by a psychopath? What long buried secrets are being hidden? (plenty it seems!)
This was oozing Gothic atmosphere with well-developed characters, and a sinister tone. Some readers may feel there were too many twists at the end but I found it fun and a delight to read. The audiobook was excellent. Recommended for a fun summer (or anytime!) read....more
Alex and Beth live in an affluent suburb and seem to be living an idyllic existence. That is, until a nature trail is being developed in the area. Wha Alex and Beth live in an affluent suburb and seem to be living an idyllic existence. That is, until a nature trail is being developed in the area. What might be uncovered? Whatever it is, it has Alex spooked and on edge.
Told in alternating timelines from 1995 to the present, we meet Rick, a young single man, who falls head over heels with the mysterious Mirena. They make an intricate plan to escape and run away together but things don’t quite go as planned.
How do the stories of Alex and Rick intersect?
The story that unfolds is taut and complex, and the sense of impending doom kept me riveted. There are plenty of secrets to be unearthed, and both timelines are equally compelling. There are plenty of twists and red herrings along the way but the final reveal blew me away.
Brilliant! Highly recommend, especially on audio with a full cast narration. I was riveted from beginning to end. ...more
Lisa See’s novels are a delight to read with the captivating human element combined with impeccable cultural details and attention to historical accurLisa See’s novels are a delight to read with the captivating human element combined with impeccable cultural details and attention to historical accuracy.
In this book, we are introduced to Yunxian Tan, one of China’s first female physicians who lived during the Ming dynasty. The journal she kept detailing her cases remains in existence today.
By virtue of her aristocratic birth her fate was sealed: education in how to be a proper wife, bound feet, arranged marriage, children, and a life lived solely within the confines of her compound.
When Yunxian’s mother dies at a young age, she is sent to live with her grandparents, who shower her with love, appreciate her intellect, and teach her not only the traditional female pursuits, but also about the world of women’s medicine, at a time when men were not allowed to attend to their health care needs.
During this time Yunxian meets Meiling, a girl of the lower classes, who is studying to be a midwife like her mother, a profession that is reviled in Chinese society for their exposure to blood. The theme of friendship and the power dynamics among women of different social classes is an overriding theme.
Their friendship, and the difficulties each experienced, is the crux of the novel. Both enter into arranged marriages, and Yunxain struggles to break free of the constraints placed upon her by her culture and her husband’s family.
Wealthy women were also constrained by the barbaric practice of foot binding which left women with such mutilated feet they were essentially disabled. Yunxian was one of these women and she continued the practice with her daughters. As much of a trailblazer as she was, she was still a victim of the times and it was the only way to secure a future (i.e. a good marriage) for her daughters.
This is a totally immersive experience, which transports the reader to 15th century China. I love a book that educates and entertains. As a nurse, I found the medical aspects of the story fascinating. They were often innovative and advanced, including a unique way to vaccinate against smallpox. As a woman, I was captivated by the story of women and their friendships, which provided a circle of women who supported one another in an era when they had no freedoms or rights.
This was a buddy read with my friend Marialyce, and one we both highly recommend. This is historical fiction at its finest....more
If you’re looking for a pulse pounding, adrenaline fueled read this summer, this is the book for you!
Six minutes after take-off from Honolulu, a planIf you’re looking for a pulse pounding, adrenaline fueled read this summer, this is the book for you!
Six minutes after take-off from Honolulu, a plane is forced to make an emergency water landing. Survivors begin to evacuate but catastrophic dangers await them outside. The 12 remaining passengers are forced to close the doors and await rescue, but the plane begins to sink and comes to rest 200 ft below the surface, teetering precariously on the edge of a cliff.
And this is simply the set-up.
As the trapped survivors struggle to stay alive, crews above water are in a race against time to accomplish the near-impossible task of bringing up the passengers before they run out of oxygen.
The characters and their histories added a personal element, and made this much more than a simple action story. Some of it might be bordering on schmaltzy but I admit to tearing up a time or two.
The last 25% was a white-knuckle roller-coaster ride to the end. It’s been a long, long while since I’ve read a book this tension-filled and I loved it. My only criticism was that the middle of the book suffered from technical jargon and details that sailed right over my head.
I wasn’t a fan of the author’s book, Falling, but this is one I recommend for a "popcorn" disaster nail-biter. It has already been optioned for film, and I'm not surprised.
A buddy read with Marialyce, be sure to check out her review!
*It was particularly poignant that we started this book when the massive multinational search and rescue mission for the Titan submersible was capturing the world’s attention. Sadly, that situation did not have a happy ending.
* I received a digital copy for review via NetGalley. All opinions are my own...more
One might think, given the title, that this is a political story, but it is not (thank goodness).
After the shocking death of their respective spousesOne might think, given the title, that this is a political story, but it is not (thank goodness).
After the shocking death of their respective spouses, Sloan, a wealthy philanthropist, and Whit, a politician, find a second chance at love and marry.
Sloan is in need of a hip replacement, and since she also suffers from lupus they decide to hire a caregiver to assist her during her recuperation.
Athena is hired and not only helps Sloane with her physical needs but helps her in her many philanthropic endeavors.
But why is Sloane getting sicker and sicker? Why is she experiencing hallucinations? Has the lupus affected her brain or is something more nefarious going on? Is Whit to be trusted? What about Athena? Can she be trusted? Sloane becomes increasingly convinced that someone is plotting to kill her, and that someone is living under her roof. Is Sloan’s paranoia justified or is it her disease?
I admit I find this particular domestic drama premise compelling, and this was no exception. As someone who has an autoimmune disease, I also appreciated the inclusion as a side plot. I found this a fun quick read, and the resolution was surprising as well as satisfying.
A buddy read with Marialyce, this was another winner for both of us!...more
In the category of better late than never here is my review...
A fun popcorn revenge thriller!
Four friends are invited to an idyllic island locale for In the category of better late than never here is my review...
A fun popcorn revenge thriller!
Four friends are invited to an idyllic island locale for pre-wedding festivities by their childhood friend, Poppy (although “friend” may be stretching it). They haven’t seen her for 10 years, and for good reason. The 4 women treated Poppy horribly, tormenting and bullying her, making her life a living hell.
But, hey, who turns down as all-expenses-paid trip to a tropical island? Certainly not these four! Told in alternating chapters from the POV of each of the women, we soon learn these women are a total waste of skin.
They are truly horrible people. Matter of fact, one is almost indistinguishable from the next (which is my only complaint).
Poppy is now a successful physician and preparing for her wedding. It’s soon clear that Poppy is playing games with her four friends, and I don’t mean typical bachelorette party games, although there’s that too.
I’m not a fan of mean girl stories but what kept me reading was the revenge aspect. As a reader I wanted these 4 to get what they deserved.
Revenge is a dish best served cold and this is a delicious treat. I picked up the breadcrumbs and guessed the twists immediately but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment of seeing the story play out. This falls under popcorn thriller, so set aside the need for plausibility, and just have fun with it.
The cast of audiobook narrators were excellent. A buddy read with my friend Marialyce, this is one we both had fun with!...more
10 years ago, Heather lost everything when she was wrongly convicted of her husband’s murder. Recently released from prison, she is on a mission to fi
10 years ago, Heather lost everything when she was wrongly convicted of her husband’s murder. Recently released from prison, she is on a mission to find out who killed her husband and get her children back.
With a journalist who is convinced of her innocence, they work together to discover the truth. A truth that some people are determined to keep secret, people who will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried. Unfortunately for them, Heather is a badass character who will stop at nothing to find justice.
How this plays out makes for a fast-paced, suspenseful, and addictive read that I had trouble putting down. The author manages to maintain the edge-of-your-seat tension throughout.
*Gemma Whelan, of Game of Thrones fame, narrated the audiobook brilliantly. Her narration definitely enhanced the story! ...more
I typically love an occasional popcorn thriller but sadly, this is not one I enjoyed. The author is churning out books at a rapid pace, and perhaps neI typically love an occasional popcorn thriller but sadly, this is not one I enjoyed. The author is churning out books at a rapid pace, and perhaps needs to slow down and get his mojo back.
There was a lot of telling, very little showing. It was obvious from the beginning where this was going as literally every plot point was telegraphed. The one surprise twist in the epilogue wasn't enough to save this story. It was too little, too late.
The only ones who had no idea what was happening in this story were the two idiotic main characters, a mother and daughter. If a character is stupid, they'd better be sweetly naive and endearing. These two are neither. They are too stupid and annoying to survive and are strong contenders for the Darwin Award.
* I received a digital audio copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own...more
Irene, having known much tragedy and loss from a young age, leaves her life in San Francisco, and finds herself in the town of La Esperanza in CentralIrene, having known much tragedy and loss from a young age, leaves her life in San Francisco, and finds herself in the town of La Esperanza in Central America. She begins to heal and build a life in this foreign country.
At first glance, the story is a simple one: a woman flees a tragic past and starts a new life in a new country. But it is so much more than that. Describing the plot would not do the book justice.
The stunning setting with the exotic wildlife and flowers, the Mayan culture and food, the hotel on a lake at the base of a volcano, the wonderful characters who inhabit this island, as well as the travelers passing through who stay at hotel La Llorona, all wormed their way into my heart. However, not all is idyllic, as evil can also exist in the midst of such beauty.
Told in a series of vignettes spanning 4 decades, this was a saga that evoked many emotions in me as I experienced life right alongside Irene. It’s a rare book that justifies over 400 pages, but this story earned every single one of them.
This is the type of writing I can lose myself in, clear and concise. Joyce Maynard’s masterful use of language paints a vivid picture of the place and people, and transported me to a different world.
The novel is set in a fictional Central American country but told from an American expat point of view. The fact that for many years the author has owned property in Guatemala, where she lives part-time, lent the story authenticity.
I was completely enthralled from start to finish and was sad when the last page was turned and I had to leave the world the author created. It's a place I never wanted to leave. 5+ stars
* A buddy read with Marialyce, and one we both highly recommend. A top read of 2023! *The audiobook was narrated by Joyce herself, which was the perfect choice....more
This was a fun gripping legal thriller. Matthew and Vanessa are attorneys in a top firm, and in a relationship. The problem? Vanessa is marr4.5 stars
This was a fun gripping legal thriller. Matthew and Vanessa are attorneys in a top firm, and in a relationship. The problem? Vanessa is married and relationships among the staff at the firm are forbidden.
When their secret is revealed they both lie, and this is where it all goes sideways. Oh, what a web we weave....
There are lies, lies, and more lies.
Vanessa is a shoo-in for partner, but then comes the betrayal. To find out from who, you will need to read the book!'
But know there’s plenty of betrayals here, and not always from where you would expect.
As the title suggests, there is a murder, and what follows is a gripping courtroom drama. The author is a lawyer, and his knowledge and expertise is evident.
I love legal thrillers, and this is one of the better ones, with a twist I didn’t see coming. It was tightly plotted and moved along at a brisk pace.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and the audio was narrated by a cast of three, always a plus....more
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