Like so many friends here, I LOVED this author's novel, Look Closer, from 2023! Like so many friends here, I LOVED this author's novel, Look Closer, from 2023! ...more
I wanted to give this author another try after giving her last, Wrong Place Wrong Time three stars.
I thought it was a good police procedural3.5 STARS
I wanted to give this author another try after giving her last, Wrong Place Wrong Time three stars.
I thought it was a good police procedural, but moves a bit slow in the first half. Some unexpected twists and turns kept me reading because of my curiousity of what would happen next. The problem was that the author gets wordy and a little repetitive which had me skimming some of the fluff! ...more
"It's happening," said Naomi. "And you're not going to let me down".
And here we go...
I simply could not resist this Strangers On A Train premise! "It's happening," said Naomi. "And you're not going to let me down".
And here we go...
I simply could not resist this Strangers On A Train premise! Murder swap anyone?!
Amanda and Wendy come up with the perfect plan. These two strangers were brought together by chance, both suffering enormous loss. They are broken and want justice for their loved ones.
You won't believe just how far they are willing to go!
It took a bit for me to get into this one, but once it got going, I had a hard time putting it down. Each POV chapter ending on a cliff that begged for one more chapter, the need to know what would come next!
The author gets a little wordy, overly describing things like what a character sees first in the supermarket (and lists it), etc. I got used to it though and the suspense totally hooked me.
The last twist was memorable! A bit of a JOLT that gave me some chills as I stared at the last page! Oh Mr. Blue Eyes I have questions for you!
If you don't mind some brow raising coincidences, this one is a wild, tension filled ride.
Purchased at Blackwells UK online (free shipping to US)...more
Don't worry about a slow beginning, it takes off full force from page one. Parts took my breath away and myIntense and compelling cat and mouse chase.
Don't worry about a slow beginning, it takes off full force from page one. Parts took my breath away and my hands were always solidly glued to my kindle.
It is on the darker side of my usual reads with some blood chilling scenes. I had the urge to scream "run!" several times, feeling anxiety. I was somehow in the game too, second guessing and trying to connect dots! Brain cells fully engaged.
I liked the way the author weaved the two settings together, not giving too much away, laying the puzzle pieces and letting the reader work them out. I was wondering where the dominoes would fall, who would make the first misstep.
Someone's unhinged, going down rabbit holes, taking risks they shouldn't. The cat and mouse both making choices, mistakes and creating panic around them.
Recommend if you enjoy crime / police procedural thrillers with some stalker vibes!
A new detective series from a bestselling author (my first by him).
I knew I wanted to give it a try, but after pretty good start, it ended up2.5 Stars
A new detective series from a bestselling author (my first by him).
I knew I wanted to give it a try, but after pretty good start, it ended up in the lackluster pile.
The detective, Declan Miller, was likeable enough, but his humor got cheesy after a while. He is assigned to a new murder case while he is still recovering from the death of his wife (unsolved).
The mystery was middle of the road, but I did like the reveal of the killer. The wife's murder is unresolved though.
I'll wait to decide if I'll give book two a chance.
This maid has a problem. She gets a real kick out of snooping around the homes she cleans. She actually 4.5 STARS
She likes to dust, vacuum and snoop!
This maid has a problem. She gets a real kick out of snooping around the homes she cleans. She actually gets a dopamine rush.
One day she sees something that puts her on a dangerous path. She shouldn't have gone there! Problem is there is also a mysterious "woman in a window", she also has a snooping prob! And what did she see? Plenty!!
Lots of twists in turns in this one. I couldn't stop listening as the clock kept ticking. Lots of pieces that eventually linked together, plenty of suspense, and a scream in the night ,made this one incredibly addictive.
This was a Amazon First Reads for March 2023 and an Audible audio narrated by Jane Oppenheimer who did an amazing job. 12 hrs/10 min
I did guess one of the twists, but only because I was paying close attention to the little hints sprinkled throughout. Recommend to those who enjoy the genre!...more
Another crazy ride from Becca Day! I had to read it after enjoying her debut, The Girl Beyond The Gate.
Best friends Cynthia and Alex arTwisty twisted!
Another crazy ride from Becca Day! I had to read it after enjoying her debut, The Girl Beyond The Gate.
Best friends Cynthia and Alex are as close as sisters. Two lionesses protecting their cubs. They live on the same farm, raising their familes and navigating life. And then Alex makes a bad decision, her emotions running high, screaming like someone in a horror movie as she does the unthinkable.
I was hooked from the beginning and playing detective alongside Alex and DS Stefani. The feeling of something isn't right, something is off was running high.
Chapters filled with tension and hidden clues, omg moments, toxic family issues, screwing with crime scenes and my suspects changing faster than the channels when the hubs has the remote. A few chapters were a little too detailed, a few eye rolling scenarios, but then she'd throw in another hoop to jump over. I was judging everyone............
Thanks Netgalley for the arc. OUT Oct 26, 2022...more
A little police procedural and a lot of courtroom drama!
This one is for those who enjoy well developed characters and courtroom scenes. It is very detA little police procedural and a lot of courtroom drama!
This one is for those who enjoy well developed characters and courtroom scenes. It is very detailed and realistic. I felt like I was a courtroom spectator at times. I didn't want to miss anything and took my time reading and pacing myself to enjoy the unfolding of events.
Keera Duggan's father is a famous defense attorney with his own firm. She has joined him and will be defending her first murder case. She is a fantastic character who is flawed, but strong and determined. Her family is dysfunctional, but she doesn't shy away from a challenge.
A husband is accused of killing his wealthy wife and when the news gets out the circus comes to their upscale neighborhood. The show begins.....
Isn't it always the husband? More like he is always a suspect............... Someone is playing games and throwing wrenches into the mix. Nothing seems logical and there is a little game within a game going down.
After the verdict, someone will need a shower.
Thanks to Netgalley for my arc. OUT March 28, 2023...more
Mallory, a modern day homicide detective, is out jogging when she hears a women's s4.5 STARS
Caught in a time warp!
A new series from Kelley Armstrong.
Mallory, a modern day homicide detective, is out jogging when she hears a women's screams. She quickly steps in to help and is knocked unconscious.
She wakes up to a different time and space. She is now Catriona, in Victorian Scotland. What the two women have in common is they were both strangled at the exact time and place 150 years apart- she has crossed over.
"I've been kidnapped and thrown into someone's sick fantasy version of a Victorian home, complete with a poor kid forced to play the role of maid."
This was such a fun read! Mallory playing Victorian detective and part time maid, trying to find the killer, having all her knowledge of modern techniques and forensics, taking the opportunity to experience police work in a past century.
There are suspenseful moments, cliffhangy chapters, imposters, dark cloaked figures and some double crossing villains. Really enjoyed and looking forward to the next in the series!
Recommend to Kelley fans and those who enjoy historical mysteries, time travel and engaging characters.
Thanks to NG and SMP for my arc. OUT June 14, 2022...more
Whoa, whoa, whoa, this one had me spiraling through twists, curves, and over cliffs! Over and over the cliffs were fast approachiGame, set, match.....
Whoa, whoa, whoa, this one had me spiraling through twists, curves, and over cliffs! Over and over the cliffs were fast approaching. Deep breath, walls closing in, damn- she knows! he knows! What else could happen? "What's gonna go wrong?" "Well sh*t, I don't know." I'd say someone needs a backup plan and fast.
Option one, two or three? Would you prefer that served cold?
You have to meet Simon who loves his word play games. Seems to help calm his nerves. The investigators are intelligent and right on the trail. No keystone cops here!
Such an insanely addictive plot. Loved every jaw dropping moment.
If your a fan of edge of your seat suspense thrillers, you will want to add this to your TBR. Trick or Treat Baby!
Thanks so much to NG and the Penguin Group Putnam for my arc. OUT July 5, 2022...more
My first by the author. I wasn't disappointed either. The pacing was just right, Finlay doesn't add dull details or frivolous filler. I also liked theMy first by the author. I wasn't disappointed either. The pacing was just right, Finlay doesn't add dull details or frivolous filler. I also liked the little cliffhanger endings at the end of many of the chapters.
He knows how to tell a story! I would call it a steady pace that gains speed towards the end. I was definitely invested and engaged. He used multiple POV's and techniques to keep me guessing. The characters were great too. I really enjoyed Special Agent Keller( also known as Agent Bada**) and Agent Atticus Singh.
Other things I loved - short, snappy chapters, the youtube excerpts, scattered clues and flashbacks, final girl vibes, and sense of caring and having the backs of those you care about. Oh, and I can't forget the twins and their ever special names. Heart <3
I do have one burning question that was left hanging, but I'll leave it for another day. Maybe even another book featuring Agent Bada**).
I had not heard of the Betsy Faria murder case before reading this true crime book. I don't follow true crime programs either, but when I saw this wasI had not heard of the Betsy Faria murder case before reading this true crime book. I don't follow true crime programs either, but when I saw this was featured as a Dateline series called Stranger Than Fiction and an upcoming March 8 premiere on NBC called The Thing About Pam starring Renée Zellweger. Count me in!
Well written and detailed, I flew through parts of it and other parts were a little bogged down with the repetition of some facts. I didn't really mind because of the depth and incredible research involved.
No one could ask for a more competent defence attorney than Joel Schwartz. He was unfailing in his pursuit of the truth and confident that the facts would prevail. After finishing the book, I was able to find some clips on YouTube and see all the real life people who were caught up in this most chilling murder. The reporter, Chris Hayes of Fox 2 was also credited in his investigative reporting that brought justice.
The Author's note mentions that most of the dialogue among the sources were taken verbatim from court transcripts, depositions, and video/audio recordings. p.s. Thanks to Jan B, Marialyce and Regina for your excellent reviews that put this on my tbr.
Fascinating!
Thanks to NG and Kensington books for my ARC. OUT Feb 22, 2022...more
Audible purchase for .99 Narrated by: David Thorpe Series: The DI Barton Series, Book 1 Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
A little bit of a different perspective Audible purchase for .99 Narrated by: David Thorpe Series: The DI Barton Series, Book 1 Length: 9 hrs and 34 mins
A little bit of a different perspective as we know who the murderer is from the beginning (also with POV chapters).
I wasn't sure in the beginning, but I was pulled into it and kept listening. I also really liked the main detective, DI Barton. The story is intense and atmospheric with the heavy snowstorms and the investigation closing in on the murderer.
Wrap up and listen to this if you enjoy police procedurals/crime fiction that is a bit on the gritty side with some engaging characters. It is a series, so I may try another one sometime to catch up with DI Barton (but you know- so many books)!
We have a corrupt judge that gets tangled in a game of cat and rat. Could he have been found out? After all this time? He iLegal suspense at its best!
We have a corrupt judge that gets tangled in a game of cat and rat. Could he have been found out? After all this time? He is arrogant and worried (with good reason). "For the first time in his life, he felt like he was on the run".
Murder here, murder there, seems like everywhere? What is the connection? Someone knows....... a lot!
I really enjoyed this one and was reading it simultaneously with Bone Deep, the true crime novel that highlights massive corruption in the legal system which made it seem even more credible.
The investigators are on his trail, trying to stay off his deadly list. There are some suspenseful moments and a few nail-biting scenes as they closed in, this made for a fantastic legal thriller!
I read the first in this series, but this could be a standalone. If he writes a third, I'll be in line for it.
If you enjoy strong female leads, brilliant characterization, twisty "gotcha" moments and the behind the scenes hunt for a creepy psychopath, you may enjoy it as much as I did.
This was a wild and exhausting trip! STAY AWAKE , DON'T SLEEP! WAKE UP!
Liv Reese is in danger. She can feel it in her bones. She arr4.5 STARS
Whew....
This was a wild and exhausting trip! STAY AWAKE , DON'T SLEEP! WAKE UP!
Liv Reese is in danger. She can feel it in her bones. She arrives at her apartment to find two strangers living there. "Who are these people? Where's my stuff?"
Poor Liv finds herself entangled in a murder investigation referred to as "The Sleepless Killer". She has no memory of the victim or being near the scene of the crime.
What an engaging read! It clipped along at a frantic pace. I could feel Liv's life spinning out of control with everything out of sync. Many good red herrings along the ride. I loved the two detectives on the case and how they bounced theories back and forth. The two timelines worked well for me, although there is a bit of repetition as Liv's memory issues repeat some of her mantra.
I had a great time reading this one, racing to get to the end to connect the dots. Overall, a quick, entertaining and page turning entertainment. Don't overthink this one!
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my Arc. OUT August 9, 2022...more
Fans of historical fiction set during World War II may enjoy this murder mystery set in German-occupied France in the summer of 1943.5 STARS
New Series
Fans of historical fiction set during World War II may enjoy this murder mystery set in German-occupied France in the summer of 1940.
Inspector Henri Lefort, who is known for his expertise in investigating robberies has been recruited by the Nazis (against his wishes) to solve a high level murder case! He is even given a list of suspects.
The clock is ticking, his neck is on the chopping block, he has only five days to solve the murder. Should he take the easy out or stick to his moral compass and find the truth?
A unique police procedural with some art deals, famous named characters, and some flashbacks that reveal Henri's own mysterious past.
Recommend to historical fiction/WWII fans.
Thanks to Netgalley for the arc. OUT August 16, 2022...more
A shifty assassin and a snarky, offbeat police detective, Marko Zorn try to outmanueuver each other in a wild international murder plot.
This is the seA shifty assassin and a snarky, offbeat police detective, Marko Zorn try to outmanueuver each other in a wild international murder plot.
This is the second installment featuring detective Zorn. The first, The Reflecting Pool, was released in 2020 and I've already purchased it for my kindle. The synopsis does mention these can be read in any order and it was fine.
I found this one to be fast-paced and action packed. There is also another murder that takes place that Zorn gets sidetracked with as well as a shooter out to get him. I enjoyed Zorn's brash, bold personality and trying to figure out how he would escape the situations he got tangled up in.
There are quite a few characters and twists going on, but it was still an enjoyable mystery that kept me invested and pulling for the good guys!
Thanks to NG and the publisher for the ARC. Published on December 14, 2021...more
Powerful, courtroom/crime mystery involving sensitive subjects and family dynamics.
The second installment in the series Zara Kaleel by Kia Abdullah. SPowerful, courtroom/crime mystery involving sensitive subjects and family dynamics.
The second installment in the series Zara Kaleel by Kia Abdullah. She pulls off another emotional and thought provoking case putting the reader in the courtroom as the trial takes place. This could be a standalone, but there are spoilers regarding book one.
A drunken night of partying leads to questions, trama, accusations and an emotional filled trial. It involves two teenagers that attend an elite all boys boarding school in London. Claims of male rape (he said, he said).
The verdict is in.... Guilty or not guilty of rape? The foreman reads the verdict.
One breathes in deeply, the other is stunned! But, it isn't over yet.....
Tense, gripping and unpredictable read. Recommend for those who enjoy legal, courtroom dramas.
I can't wait to see where the series goes next!
A loan from a GR friend/ Read December 2021...more
Narrated by: Rory Kinnear
Series: A Hawthorne and Horowitz Mystery, Book 2
Length: 8 hrs and 36 mins
Audio Edition/ Library loan
Narrated by: Rory Kinnear
Series: A Hawthorne and Horowitz Mystery, Book 2
Length: 8 hrs and 36 mins
This is #2 in the series. This one uses the same meta-fiction technique as his novel The Magpie Murders and the first in this series The Word is Murder. It is a unique narrative technique and it works with these novels.
We have Hawthorne and Horowitz teaming again to solve the murder of Richard Pryce, an esteemed divorce attorney. Someone has whacked him in the head with a $2,000.00 bottle of wine. I'm not sure if he had a chance to sample it, but he lays dead.
Hawthorne is sharp, but oh so annoying, he isn't a humble one! These two like to rib each other a bit.
A good mystery-- much to unravel, a crying widow, red-herrings, scattered bread crumbs and lingering clues. The narrator was fantastic with his British accent, although he gets rather squeaky and high toned with DI Cara Granshaw's voice (She was a hoot).
Recommend if you enjoy British mysteries, detectives, whodunnits with many suspects, Sherlock Holmes style and a tiny bit wacky!
I love a good neighborhood thriller! I'm always intrigued by the ambience of a quiet street, a looming mansion, or 3.5 STARS
Won't you be my neighbor?
I love a good neighborhood thriller! I'm always intrigued by the ambience of a quiet street, a looming mansion, or any house with a story and the people that reside within the walls.
This was my first Carter Wilson book. I've seen much praise for several of his titles and wanted to give him a try. This one felt more like a character study of the protagonist, Aiden, rather than a typical neighborhood type thriller (imo). There is a mystery that involves his winning big with the lottery powerball numbers all while Aiden is coping with the recent loss of his wife, raising his twins, and managing the new wealth. Then some harrasing letters show up at his new home (he hides them inside a Stephen King hardback lol). The anonymous letters are signed We Who Watch .
Instead of an insecure wife, we have an unsteady, paranoid father who often has "gaps" in his memory. He feels an "energy" in the house, some hidden secrets are revealed, and eerie scenes from his childhood haunt him (there is a scene that describes a rabbit that was harmed). The big twist, felt anticlimactic and was quite a stretch.
It was a fast read with a good pace, and short chapters with those cliffhanger endings that make you want to read another chapter. Never boring or slow, however, the ending had me shaking my head a bit.
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my early copy. OUT April 15, 2022...more
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