The Sleep Experiment by Jeremy Bates is a chilling horror tale that will keep readers turning the pages. In 2018, Dr. Roy Wallis, the head of psycThe Sleep Experiment by Jeremy Bates is a chilling horror tale that will keep readers turning the pages. In 2018, Dr. Roy Wallis, the head of psychology at the University of California at Berkeley is attempting a sleep deprivation experiment using a stimulant gas. With two Australian test subjects under surveillance around the clock, he and his two student assistants (Penny Park and Guru Rampal) will record their findings. These will include general observations as well as various test results. The experiment is scheduled to last twenty-one days. But the situation soon becomes a nightmare.
Wallis is fashionable, ambitious, and determined to see the experiment through to its end. Penny is sharp, has a sardonic sense of humor, is an extrovert, and she’s attracted to older men. Guru is intelligent and hopes to eventually help reform the health care system in India. The two test subjects are Sharon and Chad, who met while traveling in Europe, and have become friends.
While the prologue and last day of instruction chapters were interesting, the book pacing quickly slows to a crawl as readers gain insight into the various characters during the next two chapters. The following few days get more interesting as readers see how the test subjects behave as they experience boredom, lack of privacy, and endless tests that show physical and mental changes. Readers need to be prepared for a chilling, horrifying, and action-filled horrifying finish. Themes include human experiments, ethics, sleep deprivation, values, and much more.
Overall, this is a book that kept me turning the pages after a slow start to see what would happen next. It was initially intriguing and this was followed by shocking.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was July 7, 2019. ---------------------------------------- My 2.73 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
If you enjoy some horror with your mystery and thrills, then Good Girls Don’t Die by Christina Henry may be the next book you will want to read. TIf you enjoy some horror with your mystery and thrills, then Good Girls Don’t Die by Christina Henry may be the next book you will want to read. Three women awaken to circumstances that don’t seem right. Celia wakes up in a house with a husband and child that don’t feel like hers. She can’t remember her “real” life, but the house isn’t decorated to her tastes and there are no books in the home. She knows she reads every day. Allie and her friends Cam and Madison planned a beach getaway for Allie’s twenty-first birthday. However, when they come to pick her up, their boyfriends Brad and Steve are with them. Brad takes them to a remote cabin in the woods. Allie is sure something isn’t right, but what is wrong? Maggie wants to be home with her daughter, but she wakes up in a dangerous situation that she must get out of to ensure her daughter is safe.
The story follows each woman through a significant part of their ordeal. Part four brings the story to its conclusion. I found the least character depth to be that of Celia. However, that is likely due to her confused memories. Everything she thinks she remembers about herself doesn’t fit with the life she’s living. Allie is smart, funny, and reliable. However, she tends to go along with others’ plans since she is scared to make herself vulnerable. She shows the most character growth as her story unfolds. Maggie is determined to save her daughter so she comes across as strong and a leader, from the beginning despite her fears. In part four, readers find out how each character understands the others as well as their connections. This added depth to the characters.
The online chats at the beginning of each chapter piqued my interest and the first chapter pulled me into the story. The world-building was fantastic in all four parts of the story. With a combination of mystery and horror, the book kept me on the edge of my seat. Who will survive and what is happening in each scenario? There are also some unpredictable moments and plot twists in this gripping storyline. My one quibble is that I wanted more closure on Celia’s story.
Overall, I am glad I read this novel, which was suspenseful, gritty, heartbreaking, and atmospheric with plenty of chills. This is my first novel by this author, but I am looking forward to reading others.
Berkley Publishing Group and Christina Henry provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for November 14, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------------ My 3.63 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Nine eerie and chilling horror short stories plus a poem keep readers turning the pages in Jonathan Maberry’s Long Past Midnight. The stories takeNine eerie and chilling horror short stories plus a poem keep readers turning the pages in Jonathan Maberry’s Long Past Midnight. The stories take place in or near Pine Deep, Pennsylvania. While most take place after the author’s Pine Deep horror trilogy, the first story takes place before the Trouble. All are descriptive without slowing down the story line and have great characterization.
In Property Condemned, nine-year-old Malcolm Crow and his friends Vall Guthrie, Terry Wolfe, and Gerry Stickler decide to explore the abandoned Croft house which is known to be haunted. Malcolm wants proof of the existence of ghosts. The house feels like a fifth character in this story. Whether it is due to the nervousness of the four children or the evil sensations from the house, readers may fell chills as they read this story.
Readers familiar with Maberry’s series will be happy to find Captain Joseph Edwin Ledger and two members of Echo team are featured in Material Witness. The story starts with post-mission statements and analyses and the discrepancies between Echo team’s after-action reports and interviews and verifiable facts. After this, it reverts to the mission itself. All of this takes place after the events in the Pine Deep trilogy. Those who love action thrillers with a supernatural twist will enjoy this story.
Long Way Home surprised me. It features Donny Castleberry and takes place ten years after the Trouble. I didn’t see this ending coming!
Three Guys Walk Into a Bar features private investigator Sam Hunter. I loved this character and would love to read a series featuring Sam. He’s an ex-cop, tough, and scary. However, he sleeps with a light on at night. He also has a surprising aspect to his character. In his latest case, he goes to Pine Deep. By now, Malcolm Crow is the Chief of Police and his adopted son, Mike Sweeney is a deputy. Joe Ledger is back for this story as well. This is another supernatural action thriller with plenty of suspense and danger. It’s also the longest of the stories. On Lonely Roads is the only poem is this book. It’s the only one that features Monk Addison, but was my least favorite.
Mister Pockets features the only homeless person in Pine Deep and a young boy, Lefty Harrigan. This one was a little predictable, but still had great characterization.
Whistlin’ Past the Graveyard amped up the atmosphere with much of it taking place in the cemetery in Pine Deep. It features Francesco Sponelli who maintains the cemetery and digs the graves.
A House in Need of Children features Sam Hunter again. This is another great story featuring a haunted house and is one of the sadder stories in the book.
The Trouble takes place after the Pine Deep Trilogy and features Malcolm and Mike as well as Val who is now married to Malcolm. This one is another action thriller story.
The final story, Ghost Creepin’ Blues, features 16-year-old Jinnifer who suffers from depression, panic attacks, and hallucinations. This one feels like the set-up for a novel.
Overall, this was a great collection of stories and one that kept me feeling the characters’ anxiety. While some are full of exciting scenes and plenty of action, others are more thought provoking. The world-building and characterization are terrific.
Kensington Books and Jonathan Maberry provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for August 22, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------- My 4.43 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Romance, suspense, ghosts, death, and more are combined in Kat Martin’s romantic suspense novel, The Ghost Illusion. Add in some horror, criminalsRomance, suspense, ghosts, death, and more are combined in Kat Martin’s romantic suspense novel, The Ghost Illusion. Add in some horror, criminals, and a Victorian mansion with hidden secrets and readers will find themselves quickly turning the pages. Eve St. Clair has recently inherited a house in Sunderland, England from her uncle. She’s a psychologist and decided to move there from Boston, Massachusetts. However, when she starts hearing voices and footsteps in the house, she decides to contact Paranormal Investigations, Inc., a group who researches problems like hers. Since his wife and daughter died, Seattle billionaire Ransom King has added researching parapsychology and debunking frauds to his more standard businesses. He agrees to send his team to England to investigate Eve’s claims.
Eve is sincere, intelligent, open-minded, compassionate, and determined to find answers. However, she came across as a little more vulnerable than I expected in a couple of scenes. Ransom is self-sufficient, efficient, and protective. However, he is also filled with guilt since he was driving during the storm that led to an accident and the death of his family. Both main characters go through transformations during the story. The secondary and tertiary characters are also well developed.
The plot is multi-layered and gets increasingly dangerous as the unsettling disturbances escalate and secrets are revealed. It’s twisty, thought-provoking, and tragic, as well as full of suspenseful moments. While the book takes three or so chapters to start moving, readers get a sense for Eve and the mansion, as well as an introduction to Ransom’s team. By the end of the fourth chapter, I was eager to see what was going to happen next. The writing is fluid and flows well in this unsettling story that occasionally makes your blood run cold. The incredible setting was easy to visualize. While the romance is predictable, how they approached it added another layer of interest to the story. I also enjoyed the approach to research taken by the team members to help resolve the problem.
Overall, this novel was entertaining and had great characterization. If you enjoy engaging characters and a well-plotted ghost story mixed with romance, suspense, action, and danger, then I recommend you check out this novel. Kat Martin is a great storyteller and I always look forward to reading her books. I recommend reading the author’s note after reading the novel. She talks about a building and an event that are part of the story in it.
Kensington Books and Kat Martin provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date is currently set for September 26, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ------------------------------------------ My 4.24 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
A blizzard, plenty of suspense, a killer, and a tour group with strangers headed to a remote lodge in the Rocky Mountains for a two-week vacation are A blizzard, plenty of suspense, a killer, and a tour group with strangers headed to a remote lodge in the Rocky Mountains for a two-week vacation are featured in Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates. The group is forced to take shelter in an abandoned hunting cabin when their bus can no longer proceed. Despite the close quarters, Christa believes they will be safe. Wrong. The tour guide goes missing and is discovered dead the next morning. As the storm continues and the number of survivors diminishes, she must decide who to trust.
The characterization is well done. Not only are there concise and clear physical descriptions, but it is supplemented by various mannerisms and character traits, including shortcomings. Readers don’t get this information all at once. It comes through Christa’s thoughts, observations, and conversations. We also learn about an event that occurred two years ago has greatly impacted her lifestyle since then.
The world-building is excellent which helped paint the story in my mind. The descriptive narrative transported me to the remote isolated cabin and the terrifying world of the victims and survivors. The storyline is gripping and grabs readers attention quickly. I was hooked on the story in the first chapter. Coates is a superb storyteller who kept me rapidly turning the pages with gripping and compelling scenes and a great plot in this disturbing story. The tension is so substantial one can almost see it. My biggest quibble is that I still had a few unanswered questions at the end of the book. While it is good and readers learn who the killer is, I wanted more resolution. Additionally, there was some slower pacing in the middle of the book.
The author does a good job of balancing the shocking events against the mystery of determining who to trust and who is the killer. Exceptional characters, intense fight scenes, bitter cold, snow, ice, horrible deaths, and an absorbing plot are combined with a protagonist who is far from perfect and a killer with one or more unknown motives. The story has plenty of layers and is quite dark and horrifying at times. Overall, this riveting story immediately grabbed my attention and kept me engaged throughout the book. I loved the tension and the intensity in this novel. It is only the second one I have read by this author, but I am already looking forward to the next one. Those who like horror, thrillers, and locked room mysteries will likely enjoy this novel.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was July 11, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------- My 4.12 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Nick Medina has crafted a debut novel, Sisters of the Lost Nation, that is filled with native folklore interwoven with a coming-of-age story and aNick Medina has crafted a debut novel, Sisters of the Lost Nation, that is filled with native folklore interwoven with a coming-of-age story and a riveting and all-too-real mystery. Set on a fictional reservation in Louisiana, it features seventeen-year-old Anna Horn. Tormented at school and terrorized by an ancient myth, readers feel the terror and torment that Anna experiences. However, as girls go missing on the reservation, including Anna’s younger sister, Grace, Anna is determined to find answers. Where are they going? Is there a culprit, a mythological horror, or something else?
Anna is an outcast and bullied. She’s faced years of isolation and alienation for being different. She’s also kind, helps at home, is interested in the history, storytelling, and culture of her people, and terrified by a story her uncle told her when she was a small child. It was exciting to see her transformation as the story progressed. The other characters were a mix of stereotype, static, and dynamic characters.
The prologue sets the tone for the novel with Uncle Ray telling Anna a tribal myth that stays with her throughout the story. But part one starts with a chilling scene that lets readers know this will be a thriller with a mystery to be solved. Readers should be aware that the story goes back and forth in time; covering 36 days. Each section is labeled with the day and time. While this let me understand the timing, going back and forth in time disrupted the flow and affected the pacing.
Medina does a great job of world building and characterization. The plot and premise pulled me into the story. The author has provided a content warning list at the beginning of the novel which includes issues as varied as addiction, child abuse, assault, identity, disappearances, racism, bullying, and much more. Some have been omitted here to avoid spoilers.
The author is a wonderful storyteller and I found myself progressing effortlessly through the narrative. He did an excellent job of showing the crisis faced by the families in this novel, which is an all-too-common occurrence in native communities. The number of missing women and girls as well as those who experience multiple types of assaults is much higher than the national average. The author’s note also talks about native myths and folklore.
Overall, this amazing, memorable, and emotional debut novel is a powerful and vivid page-turner with great world-building details and tension. This is a book that I am going to remember. I am looking forward to reading the author’s next book.
Berkley Publishing Group and Nick Medina provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for April 18, 2023. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ----------------------------------------- My 4.03 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Lone Women by Victor LaValle is a standalone novel mainly set in and near Big Sandy, Montana. The author has managed to combine horror, mystery, sLone Women by Victor LaValle is a standalone novel mainly set in and near Big Sandy, Montana. The author has managed to combine horror, mystery, suspense, historical fiction, and the supernatural in a western set in 1914-1915. Featuring thirty-one-year-old Adelaide Henry, the novel also sheds light on the little-known historical fact that single, widowed, divorced, or deserted women who where at least 21 could become homesteaders and through “proving” their claim, own their own land.
Adelaide flees her home town of Redondo, California with only one bag and a very heavy and locked steamer trunk. Arriving in Montana, she starts making improvements on her land and keeping her terrible secret. Distant neighbors call, but Adelaide isn’t alone. What is her hidden secret? Adelaide is full of grief, worry, and uncertainty, but she also experiences anticipation and excitement. Will she truly be free for the first time in her life? I still don’t understand why she left her home with as little as she did. How did she think she would survive? Perhaps it was the shock of the events in California.
What a shocking first paragraph! It immediately pulled me into the story. The writing is vivid and atmospheric. Readers slowly learn Adelaide’s secret and experience the west with its good and bad. Neighbors tended to help neighbors in time of need. However, there is also racism and vigilantism. Diverse characters, secrets, death, loneliness, difficult socioeconomic conditions, theft, curiosity, vengeance, rage, freedom, the supernatural, and retribution are also weaved into the storyline. My main quibble is the uneven pacing.
I always expect to learn something new from a historical fiction novel, and this one delivered. Information about the lone women homesteaders wasn’t something that was taught in any of my classes, making this novel a good fit to read during women’s history month.
Overall, this was a compelling, shocking, unique, and dark story that also had some uplifting moments. I’m looking forward to reading more books by this author.
Random House Publishing Group - Random House, One World and Victor LaValle provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for March 28, 2023. ----------------------------------------- My 4.05 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Such Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison combines horror with romance and family. Rory Morris has taken an extended leave of absence from her ManhattanSuch Sharp Teeth by Rachel Harrison combines horror with romance and family. Rory Morris has taken an extended leave of absence from her Manhattan job as a business development consultant vice president. She loves her job, but her twin sister Scarlett who is pregnant and estranged from the baby’s father. Scarlett has asked for Rory’s help. After a night out when Rory meets a childhood friend Ian Pedretti, she hits a large animal with her car. She’s attacked when she gets out to investigate.
Afterwards, Rory is dealing with the trauma of the attack, but also some side effects. She is stronger, has keener eyesight, and her hearing and sense of smell are enhanced. Those are just a few of the changes she sees and senses. Is she a monster? Is she a danger to others? Rory values her independence, is smart, generous, sarcastic, and full of rage. Ian is confident, honest, has a good sense of humor, and has had a crush on Rory since they were teenagers. Scarlett is optimistic, patient, responds well to candor, and a hard-core romantic. She also doesn’t like surprises.
The narrative flows well with a thought-provoking story line and good characterization. Several themes stood out to me including trauma, rage, trust, fear of the unknown, accepting responsibility, taking control, relationships, sisterhood, family, and love. Sprinkled throughout the novel is some humor and banter that provides some relief as Rory transitions to a new life.
Overall, this was a great premise that delivered more than I expected. I want to read more novels by this author.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 4, 2022. --------------------------------------- My 3.98 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
Alexis Henderson brings a chilling atmosphere to her latest novel, House of Hunger. I’ve seen this book classified as historical fantasy and gothiAlexis Henderson brings a chilling atmosphere to her latest novel, House of Hunger. I’ve seen this book classified as historical fantasy and gothic horror. Both are fitting for this tale of wickedness, deceit, lies, and passion. Marion Shaw was raised in the slums of Prane, works as a maid for the hateful Lady Gertrude, and lives with her older brother who spends most of his time drunk or high. She longs to escape her life of deprivation and finally sees an opportunity when she reads a newspaper listing seeking a bloodmaid.
Marion doesn’t know much about the far north where nobles live in luxury and drink the blood of those in service to them. She soon finds herself the newest bloodmaid for the House of Hunger where Countess Lisavet and her court engage in their ideas around the pursuit of pleasure. Marion wants to please Lisavet, but there’s more going on than meets the eye. When another bloodmaid disappears one night, Marion is determined to find out what happened to her.
Marion is a convincing protagonist and is well-drawn. She feels guilt, but is determined to make a better life for herself. However, she’s somewhat naïve for someone who grew up on the streets and comes across as too trusting. The other characters had various degrees of depth, but a few weren’t developed as much as I would have liked.
The premise is great, and while there was a sense of potential danger, it didn’t quite create the suspense and sense of urgency that I expected during most of the book. After a strong beginning, the pacing slows during the middle section of the story. However, the last 25 percent is very dramatic and action-packed, but somewhat rushed. There are many disturbing scenes scattered throughout the novel. While vampires are never mentioned, there are plenty of hints around why Lisavet needs blood. However, why do her nobles need it? Any more details would be spoilers. The world-building is fantastic from the slums of Prane to Lady Gertrude’s home to the huge isolated mansion on an island in the far north. Themes include class, race, jealousy, contempt, mistrust, depravity, despair, power, wealth, gender, passion, friendship, and exploitation of others.
Overall, this story is engrossing, original, and has an impactful horror conclusion. If you enjoy gothic horror and historical fantasy, then this is a book to consider reading. It seemed right to read this during the fall.
Berkley Publishing Group –Ace and Alexis Henderson provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for September 27, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
------------------------------------ My 3.12 star rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
I’ve seen Claudia Lux’s debut novel, Sign Here, described as horror, mystery, supernatural suspense, and family drama. It has aspects of all of thI’ve seen Claudia Lux’s debut novel, Sign Here, described as horror, mystery, supernatural suspense, and family drama. It has aspects of all of those. Pey has worked his way up from being tortured to torturing souls to being responsible for getting humans to make deals for their souls. He has a plan. What he needs is a complete set, one member from five generations of the same family, the Harrisons. Meanwhile the Harrisons plan to spend six weeks at the lake house in New Hampshire. Daughter Mickey brings her new best friend, Ruth, with her. However, things don’t go according to plan for anyone.
Pey, his coworkers Cal and Trey, Ruth, and the Harrisons: Silas, Lily, and Mickey are fully developed characters. However, Sean Harrison was not as robust a character. They’re characters that readers either will like or be disturbed by their actions. They have flaws that make them more realistic, but they’re not always relatable. There is one very inappropriate fantasy by Silas that was disturbing. Unfortunately, I didn’t connect well with most of the characters.
With dual plotlines, the point of view frequently switches back and forth between Pey, Silas, Lily, and Mickey. There is a little dark humor in this novel. Rules, goals, contracts, and time limits exist in the Deals Department where Pey, Trey, and Cal work. It almost had a corporate feel to it. The working relationships in the Deals Department were an interesting exploration of office politics. There’s plenty of family drama for all of the main characters.
This book has a clever premise and a solid mystery with some twists that will keep readers guessing and others that were somewhat predictable. The suspense built slowly, but steadily. Friendship, family, lies, death, grief, loopholes, deception, morality, and much more are at the heart of this story. The world-building is done well, but this is a slow-paced novel that took a while to draw me into the story line. The chapters are short and the dialog felt natural and consistent for each character. The ending left me with a few questions that weren’t resolved, but I admired how the author brought the two storylines together. There are threads woven into the plot that added depth and complexity.
Overall, this unique, thought-provoking, and entertaining novel has great characterization, and a tense and suspenseful part three. Those who relish mild horror with family drama and suspense may enjoy this book.
Berkley Publishing Group and Claudia Lux provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for October 25, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
--------------------------------------- My 3.33 rounded to 3 stars review is coming soon....more
Maureen Kilmer’s debut horror novel was a winner for me. While I don’t read many horror novels, this one is lite horror with plenty of suspense, some Maureen Kilmer’s debut horror novel was a winner for me. While I don’t read many horror novels, this one is lite horror with plenty of suspense, some humor, and relatable main characters. When Amy Foster and her family left Chicago for the suburb of Winchester, Illinois, she soon found friends in neighbors Liz, Jess, and Melissa. None of them fit in with the “in” crowd of school moms, but they bonded. During a monthly get-together, the four planned a clubhouse for Liz’s backyard. It would be a space just for them. No spouses or children allowed. However, the home-improvement project doesn’t go well, and a demonic force is released. Burn marks, dying grass, self-moving objects, and horrible smells are only the beginning. Fighting the evil spirit becomes a necessity. But who is stronger?
The story is told from Amy’s point of view. The main characters are well-rounded with traits that develop and change as the story progresses. The author was able to show how each brought something unique to their relationship. They felt like typical suburban moms with typical problems including arranging play dates for the kids, planning community and school events, dealing with neighborhood politics, trying to find some time for themselves, and balancing work, housework, looking for a job, dealing with the homeowner’s association, cleaning house, etc. However, when one of them is in trouble, who will be there for them?
Initially, the story is interesting but a little slow-paced. However, this changes as readers approach the fourth chapter. By then, we’re familiar with the four main families, and have a good sense of the relationships between them and with others in the neighborhood. I felt the emphasis on how a group’s dynamics changes when one person is missing or changes personality was especially understandable. It mixes the mundane with the important and throws in the supernatural to create suspense, danger, and drama. Themes include friendship, isolation, good versus evil, work/life balance, community support, and much more.
Overall, this was a well-plotted, moving, and clever story that built momentum, moved well, created a few startling moments, and built suspense as it moved to its dynamic conclusion and an epilogue that makes one think there will possibly be a second book. I recommend the novel to those that enjoy lite horror, realistic and relatable characters, some suspense, and a side order of snarkiness. It was an amusing and fun read and I can’t wait to see what the author pens next.
PENGUIN GROUP Putnam – G.P. Putnam’s Sons and Maureen Kilmer provided complimentary a digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley as well as a paperback copy. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for August 30, 2022. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine. ...more
Isabel Canas’ debut novel is a supernatural suspense story that can also be classified as horror. Largely set in a remote house in Mexico after the MeIsabel Canas’ debut novel is a supernatural suspense story that can also be classified as horror. Largely set in a remote house in Mexico after the Mexican War of Independence from Spain, the author packs it with atmosphere, history, life, and memorable characters. Most of the book is set in 1823 with a few flashbacks.
The execution of Beatriz’s father and the loss of their home force Beatriz and her mother to live with relatives that treat them badly. When Don Rodolfo Eligio Solorzano proposes, Beatriz is willing to ignore the rumors about his first wife in order to have her own home again. However, the house is not the haven she expected. A poorly maintained house lacking furnishings and a housekeeper and sister-in-law that seem to hate her on site are only the beginning. Visions, voices, and red eyes looking at add to her nightmare. Something is wrong and she needs help. Turning to the witch turned priest Padre Andres, she hopes to find out what is wrong and fix it. Will she survive?
Beatriz is generally a strong character intent on survival and a new life. The horrors she faces will test her and her resilience. Rodolfo appears to be solid, reliable, and confident. However, rumors still follow him. Padre Andres has two ways of life battling for supremacy within him. The secondary characters have varying degrees of depth that is applicable for their roles in this story line.
The writing is fluid, flows well, and is very descriptive. A twisty and absorbing plot kept the pages turning. Building the tension and terror, the author expertly brings the young bride’s fears to life. Weaving love, survival, family, racism, socioeconomics, revenge, secrets, colonialism, religion, and folk beliefs into the story kept this reader on tenterhooks.
Overall, this was a moving, engrossing, compelling, and memorable novel with some pivotal stressful and emotional times. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.
Berkley Publishing Group and Isabel Canas provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. Publication date is currently set for May 3, 2022.
------------------------------------ Review to be posted approximately April 26, 2022, per publisher guidelines....more
Devil’s Triangle: The Complete Graphic Novel by Brian C. Hailes and Blake Casselman is the only graphic novel that I have read in 2021. Gist MilleDevil’s Triangle: The Complete Graphic Novel by Brian C. Hailes and Blake Casselman is the only graphic novel that I have read in 2021. Gist Miller is a junior crewmember on a salvage trawler searching for sunken treasure off the Florida Keys. As the ship moves further into the triangle, the crew experiences lots of strange spectacles and apparitions.
Overall, it was the artwork that kept me engaged. It was detailed and well done to someone that isn’t an avid graphic novel reader. Despite the action scenes, the story itself seemed somewhat lackluster and character depth was missing. I did enjoy the character drawings and backgrounds shared at the end of the novel. The illustrations raised this to a 3 star read for me.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher and author in a Goodreads Giveaway This is my honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. The publication date was August 3, 2015....more
THE LOOP by Jeremy Robert Johnson is a standalone coming of age horror thriller with a science fiction aspect to it. Turner Falls, Oregon is a small tTHE LOOP by Jeremy Robert Johnson is a standalone coming of age horror thriller with a science fiction aspect to it. Turner Falls, Oregon is a small tourist town that has recently seen an influx of biotech and related firms locating to it. Lucy and her friend nicknamed Bucket are juniors at the local high school and are the only minorities in the school. When a fight breaks out in class near the end of the school year, it is only the beginning of what is to come.
Lucy was a character that took a while to get to know, but was definitely someone you could root for. She had a distinct voice and her motivations seemed believable. The secondary characters were less three-dimensional except for Bucket and Brewer. However, they enhanced the story and the relationships seemed believable. The writing in the first third of the book did not flow well for me. However, it picked up as the action and stakes increased. Themes include family, trauma, racism, bullying, biotech research and development, violence, friendships, and much more.
Overall, this was an interesting and compelling read that had high stakes and some unusual plot twists. However, there are many instances of extreme violence and gore in this book as well as some language and I would not call this a fun read. If you are a fan of horror novels, then you may want to check this one out. Am I glad I read this one? Absolutely!
Many thanks to Gallery Books – Saga Press and Jeremy Robert Johnson for a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way....more
Pines is the first book in Blake Crouch’s Wayward Pines trilogy. The author gives readers creative world-building and a struggling main character.Pines is the first book in Blake Crouch’s Wayward Pines trilogy. The author gives readers creative world-building and a struggling main character. Secret Service agent Ethan Burke had just arrived in Wayward Pines to locate two missing federal agents. He and a fellow agent are immediately involved in a severe vehicle accident. Ethan comes to in a hospital without his identification, cell phone, wallet, and briefcase. As the days pass, he’s unable to get satisfactory answers to his questions. Additionally, he’s unable to contact his wife Theresa or his boss. No one seems to believe he’s who he says he is.
Ethan Burke comes across as confused and full of self-doubt, but also as someone who feels he’s somewhat entitled to special treatment due to being a federal agent. As the story progresses, we see Ethan become homesick as well as feel hopeless and terrified. However, his determination finally shines through. Ethan isn’t as a likeable a main character as many would prefer, but readers will likely feel for him as the scenes unfold.
This story combines science fiction with suspense and horror. As a reader, I often felt as confused as Ethan was. However, the book kept me engaged and turning the pages. With twists and turns, the story has a deeply involved plot, and a fascinating setting as well as a unique premise. The descriptive narrative transported me to Idaho with Ethan and the people in Wayward Pines. The finale where readers and Ethan learn what is really going on is creative.
Overall, this novel was somewhat uncomfortable at times, entertaining, and imaginative. I am looking forward to seeing what happens next in the series.
I purchased a copy of this novel. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Publication date was October 18, 2022. ---------------------------------------- My 4.16 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon....more
HUNTED by Darcy Coates is the first book that I have read by this author. To me, it is a mixture of action adventure, search and rescue, police procedHUNTED by Darcy Coates is the first book that I have read by this author. To me, it is a mixture of action adventure, search and rescue, police procedural and horror. Eileen goes missing while hiking in Ashlough Forest. A Few days later, his camera is discovered containing some weird photos. When the police seemingly abandon the search, her brother Chris and some friends decide to do their own search and rescue. But things don’t go smoothly and there are several odd and unnerving discoveries. Is there someone or something in the forest with them?
It actually took me a while to get into this book, but it improved as I read more of it. The first part of it felt disjointed, but that improved significantly. There are several changes in points of view and chapters tended to end in tense situations. The characters did not have as much depth as I would have liked, but you could definitely root for Chris and his friends and hope that they find Eileen. Their motivations were believable and the secondary characters enhanced the story rather than overwhelming the story. The plot was suspenseful, gripping, ominous and impactful.
Overall, I am glad that I read this book. It is certainly memorable, and that, along with the surprising twist near the end, pushed my rating up to 4 stars. I recommend this to those that enjoy thrillers with something extra and are willing to get past the initial part of the book.
Thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and Darcy Coates for a complimentary ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way. ...more
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