Woman on the Ledge is a psychological thriller about a woman accused of murder and a twisted web of revenge.
Narrated by Tate Kinsella, a strCLEVER!
Woman on the Ledge is a psychological thriller about a woman accused of murder and a twisted web of revenge.
Narrated by Tate Kinsella, a struggling actress, temp worker, and murder suspect, she is a convincing unreliable narrator.
Six parts make up the narrative, and each adds another layer to the mystery behind the murder. Part one is messy and a little confusing, but the plot becomes stronger and more engaging as the novel progresses. While the identity of the victim is revealed early on, the motive behind the crime is not revealed until later in the story, and it is a good one!
Due to the amount of backtracking and retelling, the story can feel repetitive. However, the motive for revenge and unexpected plot twists make up for this minor issue.
This novel has been all over my feed, and I decided to jump on the hype train to see what it was all about, and I am glad that I did. It is gripping, twisty, and unputdownable!
Woman on the Ledge one of the most gripping, manipulative, and twisty thrillers I have read in 2024. I can't wait to read Mancini's other novels. ...more
Lies and Weddings is an entertaining, soapy drama about family, money, romance, and relevance. The characters are self-involved, a Over-The- Top Fun!
Lies and Weddings is an entertaining, soapy drama about family, money, romance, and relevance. The characters are self-involved, and their #rich people problems are laughable, but there is more than meets the eye . Beyond the chaos and crazy antics is a story about love, social class, and family.
When the wedding of the season goes awry with a volcanic eruption and a confession of love that happens to be on mic for all the guests to hear, one family's social and financial status quickly declines. The aftermath results in the loss of money, status, and power for one very influential family, leading to craziness and drama that had me cringing and laughing out loud.
There are many characters to keep track of, which was confusing initially, but I wasn't bothered by this as most are easy to distinguish and play a significant role. Most of the characters are awful, except for Eden, the main character, Rufus, Eden's love interest, Eden's father, and a few others.
I had so much fun reading this. And while I laughed and rolled my eyes at the characters who are caught up in social status, money, and materialism, there are some heavier themes that Kwan explores, including racism and classism.
I was transported to a world of luxury and problems so distant from my life that this book provided a much-needed escape. This makes for the perfect, lighthearted summer read or for when you just need an escape from reality.
Happy Place is a romance about a couple who split after 8 years but continue to fake their relationship with their core friend group.
W Mixed Feelings
Happy Place is a romance about a couple who split after 8 years but continue to fake their relationship with their core friend group.
When Harriet arrives in Maine, aka., her “Happy Place," for a week-long get-together with her closest friends, she is surprised to see her ex-fiance Wyn in attendance. Not wanting to break their friends' hearts, Harriet and Wyn decide to fake their relationship rather than tell their friends the truth that they ended their engagement and broke up months ago.
Told through Harriet's eyes, the narrative alternates between the past and the present, leading up to the pivotal moment when Harriet and Wyn break up. I liked Harriet. Wyn was a little flat and repetitive.
The side characters annoyed me. They felt cartoonish, and I wanted them to shut up.
A good portion of this book is spent not talking about core issues. Not only between Wyn and Harriet but also between the friends. Had they spent 5 minutes talking, the plot could have been wrapped up in a few pages.
I have more gripes, but I am trying not to overthink, as this is not necessarily a thinking book.
On the plus side: some plotlines resonated. At a certain point, it all came together, and I connected with some of the characters. I also loved the setting.
Back to the minuses: The ending threw me--really, pottery? Eyerolls once again!
Don’t get me wrong--I love Emily Henry’s books. Her characters are well-developed, and she always transports readers with her settings. This one was just not a favorite due to some of the characters and the tropes. ...more
“People say there’s nothing like a mother’s love. Take that away, you’ll find nothing like a daughter’s hate.”
Good Different In A Good Way
3.75 stars
“People say there’s nothing like a mother’s love. Take that away, you’ll find nothing like a daughter’s hate.”
Good Bad Girl is described as a thrilling mystery--but it is not a thriller. It is a dark-whimsical puzzle about mothers and daughters and the lengths they will go to--both good and bad--to protect one another in the name of love.
Patience, Edith, Clio, and Frankie are all connected in more ways than one. However, it is a murder that brings them together and exposes their buried secrets; how they connect proves to be a many-layered mystery.
The four MCs share their POVs. Patience, being the youngest at 18, is the one I was rooting for. Edith, along with her dog Dickens, is a spunky curmudgeon and has quite the backstory. Then there is Clio and Frankie, both of whom are very sad. Feeney always creates great dog characters, and Dickens was no exception.
Be warned--this is not a thriller, and some readers will be turned off if they expect this novel to mirror Feeney's others. The tone is different, the events are not suspenseful, and while there is a murder, it is not the central storyline.
The tone is whimsical, and on top of it, little moral stories often end each chapter (I did not enjoy this element). The pace is slow and a bit drawn out.
Feeney explores the thin line between good and bad. Themes of motherhood and postpartum depression also play significant roles.
Good Bad Girl reads like a women's fiction novel with a dark mystery storyline. I liked the characters, and I was curious about their connections. While I struggled with the tone, once I was deep into the novel, I adapted to the rhythm. What I liked most about this book is that it is different from what I was expecting--it was unexpected, and the puzzle of putting the pieces together kept me riveted. ...more
“The world respects people who think they should be running it.”
3.5 stars
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a drama about a famous movie star a“The world respects people who think they should be running it.”
3.5 stars
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a drama about a famous movie star and her seven marriages.
The narrative alternates between Monique, an upcoming journalist, and Evelyn Hugo. I was lulled into Evelyn’s chapters by her voice, and of course, I wanted all the details of her marriages. She was brutally honest and not afraid to paint herself in a less-than-pleasant light. Monique’s chapters were bland and hard to connect with.
Evelyn isn’t wholly likable. Her actions are sometimes hard to read, but I appreciated her story and the frankness she took when sharing it. I enjoyed watching her craft her moves, on and off the screen. Some of her relationships were a blip, while others were the starring roles. There is one marriage behind it all that was surprising.
This novel focuses on love--not only romantic love, but also love between friends and the love between parents and their children.
I went into this with extremely high expectations. Having recently read Carrie Soto is Back, the bar was high. Unfortunately, while this was entertaining, it was a bit of a miss. While Evelyn is a dynamic and commanding character who led a fascinating life, I was let down by how much telling there was behind her story. I wanted more showing. This quote sums up my reading experience: “Evelyn always leaves you hoping you’ll get just a little bit more. And she always denies you.”
This novel only grazes the surface of love, loss, and acceptance, but the final chapter ends on a high note, and the last sentence made me smile. ...more
“The best lies are the ones closest to the truth.”
4.5 stars
Look Closer is an aptly titled thriller about a murder on Hallow*This is How You Do It*
“The best lies are the ones closest to the truth.”
4.5 stars
Look Closer is an aptly titled thriller about a murder on Halloween night in an affluent suburb in Chicago. Involved are a law professor, his wife, and a con artist. All is not what it seems.
My best advice if planning on reading this is to go in blind--I did, and I am so glad that I did so. I had no idea what was going on--this book put my armchair detective skills to the test, and I failed miserably. Even when I tried to predict what was going to happen or guess the guilty party, the characters were always two (or more) steps ahead of me, so I stopped trying. I loved this aspect of the book.
Multiple POVs, including text messages and a personal diary, are shared. Oddly enough, I was rooting for two characters, even though they aren’t the best people.
Look Closer is a page-turner. I would describe it as a complicated game of cat and mouse. It is filled with twist after twist after twist--what could have been a ridiculous mess turned into a tightly wound, well-plotted, CLEVER thriller that surprised this often jaded thriller reader. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! ...more
I loved so many things about this novel, but I have to say I almost gave up after the first three pages. Glad I pushed through, lol!A Charming Escape!
I loved so many things about this novel, but I have to say I almost gave up after the first three pages. Glad I pushed through, lol!
Skipping the summary--many wonderful reviews cover it.
Nora Goes Off Script was such a fun and much-needed escape read. While the novel doesn't go off script regarding women's fiction, Nora's character makes it stand out.
I loved Nora's character. She was a little much to take at first, but I quickly adapted and found myself rooting for her early. Nora is quick-witted, intelligent, quirky, and honest--she felt very real to me.
I also loved Arthur, Bernadette, Leo, and many side characters who add depth and humor to the plot.
The setting is charming, the characters are lovable and witty, and the plot is smart and swoony. This is the perfect, lighthearted, feel-good read that served as a nice distraction from reality! ...more
A Psychopath, a Federal Judge, and a U.S. Marshal cross paths in Girl Forgotten.
3.5 stars
Girl Forgotten centers around the cold case of a brutally mA Psychopath, a Federal Judge, and a U.S. Marshal cross paths in Girl Forgotten.
3.5 stars
Girl Forgotten centers around the cold case of a brutally murdered pregnant teen in the 1980s coming back into the limelight now that her mother, a federally appointed judge, is receiving death threats.
There are two main storylines: The first involves newly graduated U.S. Marshal Andrea Oliver, assigned to her first federal case: the protection of a federal judge receiving death threats. The second involves Emily, an 18-year-old pregnant teen, murdered on prom night.
Not only was the murder Emily never solved, but the father of her child was also unknown to even Emily.
Narrated by Andrea in the present and Emily in the 1980s, I liked them both, though it took some time for me to connect with Andrea. She grew on me in the end.
Almost all of the side characters in Emily’s narrative were awful, hideous human beings, which made her narrative particularly difficult to read.
Andrea’s new partner, Catfish Bible, yes, that is his name-- well, Catfish is a nickname, was my favorite part of this book.
It took me a while to get into this. Emily's story starts with a bang, but simmers after. The pacing is slow, and the back and forth of the timeline took me some time to adjust to. I finally got hooked around the 40% mark when the storylines start to connect concretely. There are some good twists, and while Emily’s case is resolved, I was left with a few unanswered questions.
I didn’t read Pieces of Her, but I feel like I got the gist from reading Girl Forgotten.I would be up for book #3, especially if it features Catfish-more of him, please! ...more
Book Lovers is an enemies to lovers romance about a literary agent and an editor whose mutual love of books dr“I can read you like a book.”
3.5 stars
Book Lovers is an enemies to lovers romance about a literary agent and an editor whose mutual love of books draws them together.
Nora and her sister, Libby, vacation to Sunshine Falls, a town featured in a bestselling novel. Libby challenges workaholic Nora to find love and sleep under the stars. Essentially, Libby wants Nora to experience a hallmark movie come to life, while all Nora wants to do is work. All plans go out the window when Nora discovers Charlie Lastra, an arrogant editor, is also in town. Sparks fly, and it seems like a romance novel come true, but secrets and obligations work to keep the two apart.
Narrated solely by Nora, she is a likable heroine who is quick-witted and intelligent. I enjoyed her voice. On the other hand, I wanted more of Charlie and less of Libby. One thing the characters have in common is their love of books, so it is hard to dislike anyone.
I loved Nora's commentary on bookish tropes and litearary references. What didn’t work for me was Nora’s backstory. Not so much the story itself, but it became redundant. My other favorite moments were the emails between Nora and Charlie, especially concerning the topic of BigFoot erotica.
This was a fun escape that makes for the perfect summer read. As much as Nora isn’t a fan of romance tropes, Book Lovers is a little bit formulaic, and it was my least favorite of Emily Henry’s books, but it is still an enjoyable read. Nora and Charlie's characters make up for the faults, and much in tune with Nora's character, the ending is perfect. ...more
Daisy Darker is a locked room murder mystery in the vein of And Then There Were None about a family birthda"I was born with a broken heart."
3.5 stars
Daisy Darker is a locked room murder mystery in the vein of And Then There Were None about a family birthday celebration turned murder fest. One by one, a family member is killed, culminating in a shocking revelation about the killer.
Narrated by Daisy, this book alternates between the past in the 1980s and the present on the eve of Halloween. Additionally, memories are shared via old VHS home movies.
I don’t want to say much about the plot, as it is best to go in blind. Filled with twists and turns, I was a busy reader trying to solve the puzzle about what was happening to the Darker family. There is a major twist that got me good!
The family is stranded in a coastal mansion on the Cornish coast--the setting is dark, moody, and sinister, adding a layer of creepiness to the events.
The characters were cartoonish and cliched, but, of course, my favorite character was Poppins the dog, who rivals Bob in Rock Paper Scissors. Feeney has a knack for creating joyful and intelligent dog characters who are much better than their human counterparts.
The ending is OTT, and in a way, it didn’t work for me, as I had to suspend my disbelief regarding both the motives and gameplay of the killer.
Daisy Darker is an entertaining, page-turning read. It is clever, fun, and twisty, and the setting makes for the perfect fall/Halloween read. ...more
The Favoris a psychological thriller about two women with seemingly picture-perfect lives who trade an unsolicited “f“I’m someone like you.”
3.5 stars
The Favoris a psychological thriller about two women with seemingly picture-perfect lives who trade an unsolicited “favor” that changes the trajectory of their lives.
Leah and McKenna seem to have ideal lives. Both women are married to highly successful men and have put their careers on hold to support their husband’s wishes. But what goes on behind closed doors reveals all is not what it seems. A chance sighting results in an obsession that leads to murder.
The plot mirrors Strangers on a Train with a few other novels mixed in.
Narrated by Leah, McKenna, and Jordan, the detective conducting a murder investigation, Leah and McKenna were somewhat interchangeable, but that didn’t really bother me as there was enough detail to set them apart. Leah was a bit darker and had a stronger voice, whereas McKenna's character felt like an afterthought. Jordan’s character is a little corny and cliched--I could have done without his chapters.
The timeline alternates between the past and the present, filling the reader in on how Leah and McKenna, two smart, successful women, became trapped in their marriages.
The Favor is more of a plot-driven vs. character-driven novel. It’s easy to read and hooked me from the start. I could have used a bit more background and depth to the characters and their situations, but at the same time, I was captivated. I was left with a few unanswered questions and had to slightly suspend my disbelief, but overall, this was a solid debut with a page-turning plot! ...more
"All I had to do was tell a man what he wanted to hear."
The Lies I Tell is a compulsively readable thriller about a con artist and the reportDevious
"All I had to do was tell a man what he wanted to hear."
The Lies I Tell is a compulsively readable thriller about a con artist and the reporter trying to expose her. When the two women finally meet, an unexpected outcome unfolds.
Meg is a con artist with a code. Kat is a reporter determined to bring Meg down. Both are out for revenge. Who will win in the end?
The chapters alternate between Meg and Kat’s perspectives. Both are equally compelling, but I enjoyed Meg’s chapters more. Kat was a little boring at first, but she grew on me. Even though Meg cons people, she chooses her marks based on a moral code--it is hard not to root for her even though she is blatantly conning people. She’s clever, and I had fun watching her play those who deserved to be played.
This was so much fun to read. However, I finished this last week, and I barely remember the plot, which is not a good sign. The good news is that the characters were memorable.
I loved The Last Flight, and I had high expectations for this book. My expectations were met! The plot is a little predictable, but Meg made a mark. Overall, this is a juicy read with memorable characters and a fun, if forgettable, plot. ...more
A husband and wife take a weekend trip to a remote location in Scotland to repair theLoved the Twist!
3.75 stars
“Can a weekend away save a marriage?”
A husband and wife take a weekend trip to a remote location in Scotland to repair their marriage. Things don’t go as planned, to say the least. The couple soon discovers that an outsider is working on destroying not only their trip but also their marriage.
The chapters are divided between Amelia, the wife, Adam, the husband, and Robin, a woman in Scotland who takes an interest in the couple. The reader is also privy to letters written every year on the anniversary of the couple’s marriage.
This was an entertaining, fast-paced, and atmospheric read. I did not like any of the characters, except for Bob, the dog. He was the true hero of this story. I found Amelia and Adam insipid, but I was curious enough to see how their weekend trip would play out to keep reading.
I loved the remote setting in Scotland. The events are fueled by a brutal winter storm, which worked to add a layer of creepiness on top of the weirdness that already existed in Amelia and Adam's relationship.
This novel is constructed around twists, which is something that I usually do not enjoy. However, in this instance, I loved the main twist; I didn’t see it coming! With that being said, the twists that occur after the main reveal get a little ridiculous. The ending was stupid, but it made me laugh.
Overall, I enjoyed this one for the entertainment value. ...more
The Night She Disappeared is a thriller about a young 19-year-old mother and her boyfriend who go missing on date night.
ZaNot My Favorite Lisa Jewell
The Night She Disappeared is a thriller about a young 19-year-old mother and her boyfriend who go missing on date night.
Zach and Tallulah are young parents living with Tallulah’s mother Kim, their baby Noah, and Ryan, Tallulah’s brother. On the night that Zach is planning to propose, Kim agrees to babysit. But when Tallulah and Zach never return from dinner, Kim’s life is decimated. She spends the next year and a half looking for answers about her missing daughter and almost son-in-law.
Flash forward and meet Sophie, a cosy mystery novelist who recently moved from London to the countryside with her boyfriend, who has been hired as headteacher at an elite school. While exploring, Sophie digs up a clue that holds the answers to Tallulah and Zach’s disappearance.
The timeline switches from the past to the present, and perspectives alternate between Kim, Sophie, and Talulah.
The beginning of this book pulled me in, and I could not put it down. But then it gets repetitive, and the tension lapses. The middle was just blah, and I couldn’t wait to get to the end to finally find out what really happened to Zach and Tallulah. The ending was satisfying, but at the same time, a little over-the-top and unbelievable.
As always, Lisa Jewell has a knack for writing likable characters; however, in this book, she has created Scarlett, one of the most dislikable characters I have encountered in a long time! Thankfully, Kim, Tallulah, and Sophie are all easy to root for.
Similar to her other books, The Night She Disappeard is easy to read, but it is lacking the tension and suspense that I have to come to expect from Lisa Jewell. It’s in no way bad, but it is not one I will remember. ...more
My Darling Husband is a psychological thriller about a family held for ransom.
When Jade arrives home with her two young childrDisappointing
3.25 stars
My Darling Husband is a psychological thriller about a family held for ransom.
When Jade arrives home with her two young children to find an intruder in her garage, her life changes dramatically. Jade’s husband Cam only has hours to gather over $700,000 and pay up or risk losing his wife and children forever.
The narrative alternates between Jade, devoted wife held at gun-point, Cam; husband to Jade and celebrity chef; and Sebastian, the gun-wielding-ransom-demanding home invader (this isn't a spoiler, the villain is revealed early on, but his motives are not revealed until far into the novel). The narrative is uneven, as Jade's POV covers most chapters. I found Cam’s chapters to be the most interesting, but I wish they had more to them. Jade was annoying, but she grew on me; her character is the most developed. Sebastian’s chapters were pointless. I think this book could have been more interesting without his POV, as there would have been a greater element of mystery behind his motives.
The first chapter sets things up to be a juicy read. Once the home invasion occurs, a good level of tension and suspense is established. Sadly, it was predictable from there. At a certain point, events began to drag, and I grew bored while waiting for the final showdown that I knew was coming. When the big moment finally occurred, it was anticlimactic.
The characters make some frustrating and stupid choices. There is also a commentary on the U.S. healthcare system, which felt out of place. The ending just kind of happens with everything neatly wrapped together. I was hoping for a twist or a surprise or some oomph, but the events fall flat.
There isn’t much substance to My Darling Husband, but there is a lot of action. This is a decent popcorn thriller that kept me entertained, but I doubt I will remember much about this book in a month or two. ...more
“It is important to stop sometimes and just have a drink and gossip with friends, even as corpses start to pile up around you.”
The Man Who Died Twic“It is important to stop sometimes and just have a drink and gossip with friends, even as corpses start to pile up around you.”
The Man Who Died Twice is an entertaining read about four septuagenarians, aka The Thursday Murder Club, whose attempt to solve a murder puts them in the crosshairs of a mysterious businessman, a brutal drug dealer, the mafia, and MI-5. This is a laugh-out-loud, enjoyable read that kept me both on my toes and smiling.
Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron get caught up in a mysterious case surrounding one of Elizabeth’s ex-husbands. The case puts them in grave danger and also causes the foursome to confront personal fears and, ultimately, embrace life. In addition to my favorite foursome, other favorite characters are back: Bogdan, Chris, and Donna play a large role.
The narrative is split between all the characters mentioned above, but Joyce and Elizabeth play the largest roles, followed by Ibrahim, who is the victim of an awful crime. I would like more of Ron and Bogdan in the next book.
Ibrahim reading You and expressing his sympathy for Joe had me LMAO!
I highly recommend reading The Thursday Murder Club before reading The Man Who Died Twice. TTMC establishes the unique friendships between the characters as well as highlights what makes each character special. The Man Who Died Twice wasn’t as tight as book one, and there was a bit of repetition.The ending is a bit over the top, but I didn’t really care as I so enjoy these characters. Watching them outsmart their younger, brutal enemies was non-stop fun. I can’t wait to see what the four are up to next! ...more
"I was there. I was witness. And, somehow, the monster's story became my own."
Chasing the Boogeyman is an intelligent novel about a serial kille"I was there. I was witness. And, somehow, the monster's story became my own."
Chasing the Boogeyman is an intelligent novel about a serial killer terrifying a small town in Maryland in the 1980s.
What makes this novel standout is the format; this is not your average suspense/horror novel as it is written in the style of a true-crime book.
Told from the first-person point of view of fictional Richard Chizmar, the reader gets to intimately get to know Edgewood, the serene neighborhood setting, and its residents. Chizmar's personal relationship with the town and some of the victims adds another layer, as his first-person account blurs the line between reality and fiction. The inclusion of photographs of Edgewood and the victims added to this dichotomy.
It takes a while for the events to kick off. Chizmar spends time at the beginning of the novel providing a detailed history of Edgewood. This helps the reader develop an intimacy with the small town. When the murders began, I felt a jarring shift as the picture of serenity quickly shifts to terror.
This is a slow-paced yet suspenseful read, especially as the tension between the narrator and the killer builds. Even though I knew I was reading fiction, I couldn't shake the feeling that the events were not real, which made this an intriguing reading experience.
Chasing the Boogeyman is as much about unraveling the mystery behind the killer as it is about the fictional Chizmar finding himself. Props to Chizmar, as this is a tightly plotted, unique read that took me on an intense reading journey. ...more
False Witness is a suspenseful thriller about two sisters who get caught up in a revenge plot linked to their pasts.Revenge Served with a Steak Knife
False Witness is a suspenseful thriller about two sisters who get caught up in a revenge plot linked to their pasts. This is a tautly written cat and mouse game filled with deplorable characters, violence, and love that transcends darkness.
Callie and Leigh had a rough childhood. With an abusive mother, the two sisters had to fight to stay alive--literally and figuratively. When one of their past sins comes back to haunt them in the present, the two sisters reunite to take down a creepy and twisted sociopath.
Narrated by Leigh and Callie, I loved both. Each offers a very different perspective on their pasts. Leigh has grown up to be a tough-as-nails high-priced lawyer, whereas Callie is a junkie struggling to survive her addiction. Both sisters are intelligent and have a razor-sharp wit. Callie’s crazy names for the dogs and cats at the animal clinic kept me smiling.
The first chapter end with a disturbing twist that had me sick to my stomach. The plot centers on events stemming from pedophilia, rape, addiction, abuse, sadistic murder, and mental health issues. Slaughter’s books are always brutal, but this one was especially hard to read. The two sisters' tenacity and intelligence made this somewhat bearable.
There were a few elements that had me suspending my disbelief, but in all honestly, they weren’t that big of a deal. Covid makes its way in which, while realistic, was another aspect of the harsh reality that Slaughter paints. While I still haven’t come to terms with COVID invading my books, Slaughter’s commentary on COVID in the author's note appeased me.
Dark, twisted, and filled with gritty characters and gruesome situations, this book had me covering my eyes. This is not an easy read, as it is filled with the lowest of the low. There is a high level of tension and suspense. In the end, Leigh and Callie got under my skin and broke my heart.
I recommend False Witness, but it is not for the faint-hearted.
Trigger Warnings: pedophilia, rape, drug abuse, emotional and physical abuse...more
Meredith (Trying to catch up!)
>
Books:
overdrive
(80)
Loading...
