I loved the author's previous books but this one just didn't resonate with me. I won't waste time recapping the plot, but I found the varying points oI loved the author's previous books but this one just didn't resonate with me. I won't waste time recapping the plot, but I found the varying points of view and timelines confusing and couldn't keep the characters straight. The convoluted plot meanders along at a slow pace, and while it eventually comes together, by the time it does so, I just didn't care that much.
I would call this more of a domestic drama with musings about motherhood, than a thriller. This isn't a deal breaker for me, as I usually love domestic dramas, but this one failed to engage me. I was bored more than riveted. It's not a bad book, but it fell flat for me. I didn't find anything thrilling or shocking or even interesting.
I listened to the audiobook and while there were two narrators, the characters were still nearly indistinguishable from one another, except for the elderly woman.
3 stars because I do enjoy the author. This one simply wasn't for me.
*I received a digital audio copy via NetGalley. All opinions are my own...more
Kirsten and Nick are heading home after a weekend away when they hit and kill a pedestrian out walking his dog. Do they call the police? Nope! They arKirsten and Nick are heading home after a weekend away when they hit and kill a pedestrian out walking his dog. Do they call the police? Nope! They are carrying on an illicit affair so choose to conceal the accident. He’s already dead so it’s not like anyone can help him now, right? What follows is one bad decision leading to another, with two character you will love to hate.
Amy is pregnant expecting their first child when Greg fails to come home after walking their dog. The police conclude he left of his own accord.
Amy knows better. When it becomes clear she is on her own, she sets out to discover the truth. As each clue begins to fit together the puzzle is eventually complete. Amy has already lost everything and has nothing left to lose. She will make them pay.
A solid completely entertaining thriller told in alternating chapters narrated by Kirsten and Amy, and a third unknown narrator, this was a twisty fun ride that kept me glued to my AirPods....more
I find Peter Heller’s quiet, contemplative writing incredibly engaging. His books work particularly well on audio, with the incredibly talented and muI find Peter Heller’s quiet, contemplative writing incredibly engaging. His books work particularly well on audio, with the incredibly talented and multiple award-winning narrator, Mark Deakins, narrating of all of Heller’s books.
Heller writes well-developed characters with the theme of man vs nature. Ren is a park ranger at Yellowstone who spends his days patrolling the park and often saving humans from themselves.
How many innocent lives have been lost in service to Instagram?”
And he’s not just talking about human lives.
Along with the beautiful descriptions of Yellowstone and Ren’s musings about man and nature, there’s a mystery when an investigation into local poaching begins. Both human and animal lives are at stake. As always, Heller’s characters are well-developed and nuanced, and the author is able to maintain the tension while deftly inserting his message without coming across as preachy.
Heller is one of my favorite authors. A simple but deceptively powerful novel, and highly recommended!
* I received a digital copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review...more
A fun popcorn thriller….just enjoy, and don’t look too closely!
I’m a nurse and I’ve loved libraries since I was a little girl. So, what could be more A fun popcorn thriller….just enjoy, and don’t look too closely!
I’m a nurse and I’ve loved libraries since I was a little girl. So, what could be more fun than a killer nurse hiding in plain sight at a library?
Margo loved to “help” her suffering patients. When the trail leading to her turns too hot for comfort, she changes her appearance and identity and begins working at a library.
Life is going well for Margo. She even found a newfound love of reading when she comes across a Shirley Jackson book (of course!). She also LOVES to keep the library patrons in line.
Then Patricia (Pah-tree-see-ah) begins working at the reference desk. Patricia is a frustrated writer looking for her big break, and may also have a screw loose. When her suspicions are aroused after witnessing Margo “helping” a patron at the library, she’s found her new muse/research project.
And so begins a fun cat-and-mouse game, told in alternating points of view of both women. It's no secret that I enjoy reading about snarky psychos. Spending time in their heads made for a darkly funny engaging read.
The narrators of the audiobook, Carlotta Brentan, and Maggi-Meg Reed were excellent!
A fictionalized “true crime” story is not for me. Give me real true crime.
I wasn’t a fan of the first book, and even less so with this one. Plus all A fictionalized “true crime” story is not for me. Give me real true crime.
I wasn’t a fan of the first book, and even less so with this one. Plus all his musings into his childhood was a bore and the name dropping ( yeah, we get that SK is a hero…) grew tiresome.
A case of it’s me, not the book….
* I received a digital copy of the book via NetGalley for review ...more
If you are a sensitive reader, be aware there are trigger warnings galore, but know the events take placLisa Jewell is the queen of the dark thriller!
If you are a sensitive reader, be aware there are trigger warnings galore, but know the events take place off the page.
And what a tale it was…
Alix Summer is a popular podcaster who is celebrating her 45th birthday when she meets Josie, also celebrating her 45th birthday. Birthday twins! How fun. (Or not!)
Josie tells Alix she is about to make big changes in her life and wants Alix to document it for her podcast. Alix agrees, as this could be her big break. As the interviews unfold, we learn the secrets of both women.
Alix’s life and marriage is far from perfect, and Josie likes to call her out on the situation. By the time Alix feels unease, Josie has wormed her way into Alix’s life and home, with repercussions that are unforeseeable and devastating.
I enjoyed the alternating POV of both women which includes transcriptions of the podcast and scenes from a Netflix documentary on the case.
The reader knows this isn’t going to end well, but when the inevitable twist came, I had to pick my jaw off the floor…it was brilliant.
My reading buddy, Marialyce, and I had a fabulous discussion as we tried to suss out the ending. Who is truthful and who is not? For us, a story that is discussion worthy is the mark of a great read. All the stars! There is a LOT to unpack here.
A winner for Lisa Jewell who has written a literary thriller of substance!
* I received a digital copy of the book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. *I also listened to it on audio, which was very well done!...more
….wow…if you like characters who are cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs, this is the book for you!
I loved it!
Taking place over one week, we have a front row seat….wow…if you like characters who are cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs, this is the book for you!
I loved it!
Taking place over one week, we have a front row seat to the unnamed MC’s love obsession with her husband.
On the outside, she is a loving wife, mother, teacher, and translator, but inside….well, she’s something far different.
In her world, everything must be perfect and she obsesses and over-analyzes every little thing people say, do, or look, most especially her husband.
He forgot to say goodnight? He didn’t hold her hand when watching a movie? What does it mean???
During a party game, he says if his wife was a fruit, she’d be a clementine.
WHAT? Reduced to a clementine? How dare he? Clearly she is a peach or a cherry. Obviously, he needs punished. And it’s completely justified because it’s coming from a place of LOVE.
He must be tested. He must follow her (unspoken) rules or there will be (extreme passive-aggressive) consequences.
On motherhood:
“….I’m too busy being in love to be a good mother.”
She only has eyes and time for HER HUSBAND.
This is a strange little book that had me completely enthralled from beginning to end.
There’s something about being inside a deeply flawed character’s mind that I find darkly humorous and entertaining. As the week progresses we discover just how cuckoo she is!
Things come to a head when The Husband tells her they need to talk. This sends her into a downward spiral.
The ending? I had to pick my jaw up off the floor. It was brilliant!
This book is refreshingly different than the same old, same old that we read over and over until they all blend together. This is one you will be unlikely to forget. But, be warned, if you require likable characters and a plot, then avoid!
* Expertly narrated by Kirri Sandy, at 5 hrs 33 min this is an easy one day listen.
* translated from French by Emma Ramadan * Winner of France’s First Novel ...more
Everything is going Fern’s way. Her husband is out of the way, his lover in prison, and she has a new-found wealth and freedom. Plus, she has a new loEverything is going Fern’s way. Her husband is out of the way, his lover in prison, and she has a new-found wealth and freedom. Plus, she has a new love interest in Roger. The future looks bright. After all, none of what happened in the past is her fault. She deserves the life she now has.
So, what could possibly go wrong?
A lot it seems….maybe Fern is a tad delusional. And Roger has a big secret.
And that is all I’m going to say about the plot.
This is just as much of a riveting page-turner as book #1 in the series. It’s incredibly entertaining to be inside Fern’s head and hear her thought processes.
If you haven’t, do read book #1 first. Better yet, listen to it. Both are fun addictive popcorn reads that my reading buddy, Marialyce, and I thoroughly enjoyed!
Fern’s story is not over yet, and I can’t wait till book #3 is released.
• I received a digital audio via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion
Caz and Pete take the trip of a lifetime, ready to celebrate their new relationship. They have a fabulous first night aboard a luxury liner, but the nCaz and Pete take the trip of a lifetime, ready to celebrate their new relationship. They have a fabulous first night aboard a luxury liner, but the next morning, Caz wakes to find herself aboard a ghost ship. Pete is gone and she is apparently the only occupant of the ship.
No passengers, no crew…no one.
This is the stuff of nightmares and the ultimate locked door mystery.
I was on the edge of my seat as I followed Caz on her explorations of the ship and was in the dark right along with her.
But is Caz totally alone? Hmmm…
Then at the 30% - ish mark we find out what is really happening. It’s not something I can mention in my review without a major spoiler, but the reveal will work for some readers, and not so much for others.
I found it intriguing but yet there was something about the story going forward that failed to completely engage me.
At 450-ish pages there was a lot of filler and bloat. I found myself skimming sections of backstory that slowed down the narrative. I think the book would have been better had it been 75-100 pages shorter.
I love an edge-of-your-seat story that has me flipping the pages furiously to find out what is happening next. I did not get that response with this book, even when her access to food and water was closed.
The premise has a ton of potential but who knows why a book ticks all your boxes and others do not? This is one I liked but did not love. I appreciate the author trying something different. I definitely liked it and could see this successfully playing out well on the big screen.
This was a buddy read with my friend Marialyce, do check out her review to see what she thought!
* I received a digital review copy via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review...more
Have you ever known a couple whose relationship works seemingly due to mutual toxicity? If there are two people who deserves each other, it’s Wes & IvHave you ever known a couple whose relationship works seemingly due to mutual toxicity? If there are two people who deserves each other, it’s Wes & Ivy. They know each other’s buttons to push and use them to their advantage.
Like attracts like, right?
During one of their many break-ups Ivy pulls off a practical joke that sets a detective on a path that threatens to uncover a deep buried secret in Wes’s and Ivy’s lives. Wes’s assistant Bianca has a bit of a snooping problem which adds to the fun.
Detective Karen lives up to her name as she allows her past personal experiences to affect her job. She’s certain Wes is an abuser and she sets out to save Ivy, setting into motion a train wreck that threatens to derail everyone involved.
Speaking of train wreck…this was a train wreck I couldn’t tear myself away from. What a fun addictive read! I confess there were moments I had my doubts of where this was going and who was the toxic one, which only added to my interest.
No one is likable, so if that is a deal-breaker steer clear. Otherwise pop the popcorn and settle in for a fun ride to a satisfying ending!
9-year-old Avery, a difficult child with oppositional defiance disorder who tests the limits of her parents patience, goes missing after a volatile4.5
9-year-old Avery, a difficult child with oppositional defiance disorder who tests the limits of her parents patience, goes missing after a volatile confrontation with her dad.
Her dad William is hardly a Father or Husband of the Year candidate, but is he guilty of doing harm to his daughter?
The police investigation reveals an underbelly of lies and scandals in their neighborhood. Oh what a web we weave….
We’ve all seen our share of neighborhood dramas but the author sets this one apart from the pack by highlighting the emotional consequences on the families when suspicions run high, and with the character of Avery herself. I was thrilled to see the author didn't fall into the trap of the same old, same old...
I can’t say more without spoilers, but Sheri Lapena has delivered another winner that turned familiar tropes on its head and kept me turning the virtual pages to find out what happened to Avery. The twists were brilliant. A fun read!
Oh, and the ending?! It was brilliant. Let’s just say the detective is a smart cookie!
ETA: The library didn’t cooperate so Marialyce, my reading buddy, and I didn’t get our copies at the same time but we did enjoy discussing it when we both finished. (This was memorable enough that I didn’t forget the plot as soon as I finished!)
*the audiobook was narrated by January LaVoy, who delivered her usual excellent performance....more
Lucy’s sister, Nicki, went missing a year ago, the third woman in 3 years. The one thing that ties them all together is each victim’s cell phone is foLucy’s sister, Nicki, went missing a year ago, the third woman in 3 years. The one thing that ties them all together is each victim’s cell phone is found by the side of the road. The trail has gone cold, but Lucy is so obsessed with finding her sister she puts herself in danger over and over again to do so (sets a trap, if you will).
We also hear from the perspective of the policewomen, two characters I liked quite a bit. Their POV helped eased some of the tension and was a welcome relief.
All perspectives were compelling, but the one from the serial killer, as we find out he is an average Joe, married to a woman who is a true crime fan (oh, the irony…), plus how he chooses and abducts his victims, was particularly creepy. I suspect most of us will be able to relate in some part to how we judge a person on how ordinary they seem, and how we women usually want to appear to be nice and helpful, instead of following our instincts. All while falling into a trap set by a diabolical killer. The book is titled properly.
I was a bit frustrated by Lucy and the stupid decisions she makes, putting herself in danger over and over. But, let’s face it, a lot of people do stupid things.
The ending? I loved it! It was surprising and unexpected in a good way. No predictability here. Not all the blanks are filled in, but it didn’t leave the reader frustrated or hanging. Readers will “know” what will happen next (at least what I choose to believe what will happen next). I appreciate authors who trusts their readers to fill in the blanks.
This was a buddy read with my friend Marialyce, be sure to check out her review!
Don’t miss the author’s note at the end!
*I received a digital copy of the book via NetGalley * I also had the audiobook and found I much preferred this format. The switching POV’s were much less jarring and confusing on audio than in print.
There’s nothing like a death to bring out the worst in a family. Especially when the deceased was uber wealthy, the family isn’t happy with the wi4.5
There’s nothing like a death to bring out the worst in a family. Especially when the deceased was uber wealthy, the family isn’t happy with the will, and they are all a vile bunch to start with.
When Ruby McTavish dies, she leaves everything to her adopted son, Camden. But he cares little about the inheritance and fled this vile family many years ago. He’s a decent man despite his family, and now lives a quiet life with his wife, Jules.
10 years later, he reluctantly returns to the house to settle some matters and is drawn into the family’s many secrets, betrayals, and lies.
We are given the background into the past through a series of letters written by Ruby, and what explosive secrets they contained! Let’s just say Ruthless Ruby knew what she wanted and wouldn’t let anything or anyone get in her way. Just ask her four deceased husbands.
Also narrated by Cam and Jules, I particularly enjoyed Jules’s narration, with her snappy, snarky retorts to the den of snakes that made up the McTavish family
Is everyone who they seem to be? No. Does everyone have secrets? Oh yes, and plenty of them!
The drama, and the wild twists and turns kept me glued to the pages. This is a fun read for fans of the genre!
· I received a digital copy of the book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own · This was a buddy read with my friend, Marialyce, be sure to check out her review · Publication date 1/9/24 by St Martin’s Press...more
June, a struggling white author, comes across her dead Asian friend’s manuscript (she's so morally bankrupt, Athena’s bodyThis is satire at its best!
June, a struggling white author, comes across her dead Asian friend’s manuscript (she's so morally bankrupt, Athena’s body is still warm), and passes it off as her own. The book quickly becomes a best seller and movie options are discussed.
This is not an unfamiliar premise. So, what makes this story different? June’s voice. She’s funny, snarky, and totally without morals. She’s a literary psychopathic Jane Doe/Joe (thriller readers , you know who I’m talking about!) who can justify anything she does. She's unlikable, which is the author's intent.
The theme in June’s stolen novel is about the role of Chinese laborers during WWI. In order to promote her book, the publisher changes June's last name to Song. June figures what’s the harm in letting her readers think she is Chinese – after all, many authors use pseudonyms, and this is a story that needs to be told. Right?
Of course, not all goes as she’d hoped….
Most readers remember how the Twitter mob took down authors who were accused of cultural appropriation (and worse), and the discourse on who has the right to tell a story. Of course, in this case, the white June did actually steal the story from Athena, who was Chinese. But perhaps not all is as it seems….I loved the irony!
Meanwhile, June lives in fear that her secret will be revealed, especially when a Twitter troll comes after her, and some strange things begin happening.
The author tackles a lot of issues, which is usually the kiss of death, but in this case the author wove the issues seamlessly into the story.
There are books with characters that have issues, and issue books that have characters. This is the former, so it totally worked for me.
As the story progresses, we watch June spiral further and further down a hole of her own making as she maneuvers to control the damage when the Twitter mob turns against her.
No one is likable, including Athena, but I was glued to the story as I alternately laughed out loud and recoiled in disgust.
I really enjoyed being inside June’s head, as morally ambiguous as it was. This worked particularly well on audio as the narrator nailed June. This is clever, smartly written satire, and the author was able to drive her point home in a non-preachy way with snark and humor. The plot, the flawed characters, and the writing - all superb! Read only if you enjoy satire and snark.
• The audiobook was flawlessly narrated by Helen Fraser. She captured June perfectly. I'm certain I would not have enjoyed it as much in print....more
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