I can't explain my reaction to this book because it was all over the place and yet I did want to continue reading!
Samantha lives2.5 Wild Gone Wrong...
I can't explain my reaction to this book because it was all over the place and yet I did want to continue reading!
Samantha lives in England, but she still falls for Dennis Danson who was convicted of murdering a young woman twenty years ago in Florida. He was 18 at the time and has been incarcerated and on Death Row since his conviction. A documentary is being filmed to support new evidence and try to get Dennis released.
Sam and Dennis marry and then this story goes completely off the rails for me. Their so called marriage/relationship is awkward and creepy. They are sent wedding gifts from Katy Perry and Johnny Depp sends them apples? What? really?
The story continues and is describing a lot of mundane tasks and I'm asking why? and having to question where this is going? The interviews are repetitive and this story is running in circles.
At times I laugh at something outrageous, or silly. At times I'm cringing at something disgusting. At times I am just wondering how much more I can take! There seems to be a lack of cohesiveness in this story, going from some suspense to Dennis just casually taking a shower??
I do believe the author is talented and has a way of playing the reader by using some suspense to engage, but this was just not the book for me.
This was a Traveling Sister Read and we had lots of fun discussing some of the antics used. As always, people enjoy different books so read other reviews and decide if you'd like to give it a go!
Thanks to Edelweiss for the advanced arc.
Merged review:
2.5 Wild Gone Wrong...
I can't explain my reaction to this book because it was all over the place and yet I did want to continue reading!
Samantha lives in England, but she still falls for Dennis Danson who was convicted of murdering a young woman twenty years ago in Florida. He was 18 at the time and has been incarcerated and on Death Row since his conviction. A documentary is being filmed to support new evidence and try to get Dennis released.
Sam and Dennis marry and then this story goes completely off the rails for me. Their so called marriage/relationship is awkward and creepy. They are sent wedding gifts from Katy Perry and Johnny Depp sends them apples? What? really?
The story continues and is describing a lot of mundane tasks and I'm asking why? and having to question where this is going? The interviews are repetitive and this story is running in circles.
At times I laugh at something outrageous, or silly. At times I'm cringing at something disgusting. At times I am just wondering how much more I can take! There seems to be a lack of cohesiveness in this story, going from some suspense to Dennis just casually taking a shower??
I do believe the author is talented and has a way of playing the reader by using some suspense to engage, but this was just not the book for me.
This was a Traveling Sister Read and we had lots of fun discussing some of the antics used. As always, people enjoy different books so read other reviews and decide if you'd like to give it a go!
Remember Lily from The Kind Worth Killing (book #1)?
Well, she is back and just as cunning and devious as ever!
Joan thinks her hubs is cheating. She caRemember Lily from The Kind Worth Killing (book #1)?
Well, she is back and just as cunning and devious as ever!
Joan thinks her hubs is cheating. She can feel it. She has also suspects who his afternoon delight is, but she wants proof. Enter Private Investigator, Henry Kimball. Joan meets with him and it could possibly be the worst day of his life! He can't quite put his finger on the chilly feeling that she brought in with her. He decides to help her investigate her hubs and the cat and rat chase begins...........
It was an uncomfortable and tension filled ride, like when you can hear thunder, you just know the storm is coming soon.
Someone is obsessed. Someone has evil in their heart. Someone is plotting murder and revenge....
"Would you really kill if you could get away with it?" hmm, "It's the perfect plan". Really?
I think it will work as a standalone, but if you've read the first you'll remember a few of the characters and their modus operandi. The bad poetry is back too. I would have enjoyed some humor and lighter moments to balance out the dark tension. Also, the end seemed unfinished like I wanted a little more.
A contemporary romance with some spunky, sweet characters!
A different spin on meeting the neighbor!
I'm not a big romance reader, but I wanted to meet A contemporary romance with some spunky, sweet characters!
A different spin on meeting the neighbor!
I'm not a big romance reader, but I wanted to meet the true-crime obsessed character of PhD candidate Phoebe Walsh.
Phoebe is mourning her father, they had a disconnected relationship. She is moving into her childhood home for the summer, getting it ready to sell. All the while side eyeing all the neighbors. She is so often reading about grisly murders and crime that she can't help feeling a bit paranoid about strangers! Any one of them could be a potential serial killer!
Recommend if you enjoy eccentric love stories, true crime obsession and loveable characters!
Thanks to Netgalley and Berkley for my arc! OUT August 16, 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**).
Rachel is a doctor who lives in Salisbury, her home life is lacking and she becomes entangled in an unethical relationA slow-burn, drama/light mystery
Rachel is a doctor who lives in Salisbury, her home life is lacking and she becomes entangled in an unethical relationship with a patient, Luc. "It was dangerous and safe, wrong and right......".
Rachel throws caution to the wind and goes all in with her dalliance. Her character came off a bit flat for me and not entirely authentic. The story is more about her relationships with her husband, daughter and patient than a thriller. More of a domestic mystery. There are secrets, some lighter suspense and some chapters when Rachel is in custody.
I did enjoy it and wanted to finish, but found the happenings too far-fetched (some eye rolls here) and was expecting more suspense and a surprise twist (which doesn't happen).
Those who enjoy more of a slow burn domestic drama may enjoy this one.
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my review copy! OUT May 3, 2022...more
Piper is a school teacher by day and avid romance reader with her own "anonymous" romance podcast on the side. She is also caregiHere is the scoop....
Piper is a school teacher by day and avid romance reader with her own "anonymous" romance podcast on the side. She is also caregiver for her mom who loves to bake pies. She was a breath of fresh air. I love a good rom-com and throw in the royals renting a house next door, a hot bodyguard, and a secluded island setting and I'm all in.
I'm not a big royals follower, but it doesn't matter because they were just a side note. It is more about Piper and Harrison, the hunky bodyguard. It was fun/fantasy to imagine meeting Meghan and Harry, whoops, I mean Monica and Eddie!
Grumpy/sunshine trope, likeable characters with chemistry, just spicy enough,a slow burn romance and a little small town scandal made for a safe, guilty pleasure read.
*Narrated by Ray Porter *Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins
Entertaining enough....
I've read all three Andy Weir books. I had to give his latest a try 3.5 STARS
*Narrated by Ray Porter *Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins
Entertaining enough....
I've read all three Andy Weir books. I had to give his latest a try on audio. I'm again middle of the road with my enjoyment.
I liked the beginning when Ryland Grace wakes up on a spaceship. He has woken from a coma (all the science talk nearly put me in a coma)! He soon learns that he is the only surviving crew member. We learn all about "the mission" with the before/after mission chapters.
This book was just too long and included too much science/chemistry "filler" for my taste. What I loved about the audio was the enthusiastic narration, the robotic voices and sound effects. However, when the oddness wore off, I started getting annoyed with it. The overall story was a little bit cartoonish for me, but I was mostly entertained.
I'm so glad I don't have to take a pop quiz after 16 hours of audio....
Jazz hands cheering because I finished!! Godspeed Rocky!
What an exciting premise! An all expense paid birthday party in Botswana!
The title is a bit misleading because I didn't find these girls very wild at What an exciting premise! An all expense paid birthday party in Botswana!
The title is a bit misleading because I didn't find these girls very wild at all! They may have had some wild times as teens, but nothing too crazy.
The setting is wild though and takes place at Deception Valley Lodge, a gorgeous resort surrounded by nature and plains. The lodges have individual pools, huge verandas, exotic furnishings and fine wine. The problem is as the plot unfolds, the setting isn't really utilized to give the atmospheric mood the story so desperately needed.
The revenge plot had so much promise, but ultimately turned into a confused and not very suspenseful story with too much back and forth between the four "wild" girls which made it a bit confusing at times.
This one had all the ingredients, but the final dish was lacking and tiny bit bland. I'll try the author again to see if she can spice it up a little.
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my early copy! OUT April 26, 2022...more
This one has more giggles than screams, so no need to be frightened! Maybe a few goosebumps!
The story is about Annie finding her t3.5 STARS
Hocus Pocus
This one has more giggles than screams, so no need to be frightened! Maybe a few goosebumps!
The story is about Annie finding her true self after a twelve year long break-up with her boyfriend, Sam.
Annie moves to a small village and meets a charming unconvential friend, Sophie. Her home is enormous, beautiful and as enchanting as she is. They become good friends. They spend time together drinking tea, playing dress-up, trying on her collection of hats, making caramel apples and watching documentaries on Netflix.
There is also some magic and sweet creatures, but its focused on friendship, building self confidence and living your best life!
Its a sweet read, a bit juvenile (except a few curse words) and I would call it a witchy fairytale or cozy witch story.
If your in the mood for something unique that may make your spidey senses tingle. This may be your cup of tea!
Thanks to NG and the publisher for my review copy! OUT October 5, 2021...more
Uh-hem, the teacher knows best and Teddy is the teacher, so have a seat and definitely don't 4.5 STARS
This comedy of errors is a murderous mashup!
Uh-hem, the teacher knows best and Teddy is the teacher, so have a seat and definitely don't be a smarty pants!!
The bodies are piling up at Belmont Academy and the teachers and students are all on pins and needles. Except one of them, no reason for panic when you know best. Just calm down, people die every day (at least at Belmont). They are even trending #HomicideHigh....
The showy behavior of this teacher, had me cracking up! Teddy takes the cake, and I'm giving him the cake. The whole cake! After all, he is Teacher of the Year, and he has the plaque to prove it!!
I had so much fun reading this wild, campy, vindictive and murderous mystery! If you enjoy some outrageous characters and writing that flows page after page and like to solve murder mysteries, give this one a try. You've been warned!
Thanks to NG and Berkley for my advanced review copy! OUT on July 20,2021...more
Somewhat of a slow- burn that slowly turned into a fast tumbleweed that blew me away!!
Once this story took off, I couldn't stop reading to see whaSomewhat of a slow- burn that slowly turned into a fast tumbleweed that blew me away!!
Once this story took off, I couldn't stop reading to see what was going to happen next. Though it took some time to build up (somewhere around 37%), it was worth the wait!
This book was nothing like I thought it would be and I'm happy I read it without knowing much of anything about the plot (other than the title). It builds slowly and adds each layer by revealing secrets that left me intrigued and wanting more.
Meet the writer, Jacob Finch Bonner, who learns about a plot for a book that could make him very famous. Problem is, it isn't his story. He writes it anyway.....
Someone reads it and another plot emerges and takes over Jacob's every waking moment.
Who is chasing who?Its a deadly game.
Addictive, unexpected and delicious mystery!
Thanks to Celedon books for sending me a review copy! OUT May 11, 2021...more
After loving Things You Save in a Fire, I was looking forward to this one.
I was expecting a beach read, but found this novel a bit of a miss. It was pAfter loving Things You Save in a Fire, I was looking forward to this one.
I was expecting a beach read, but found this novel a bit of a miss. It was predictable and the characters weren't particularly interesting or memorable.
I found the school setting and happenings very unlikely and unbelievable. I liked that Samantha was a teacher and searching for joy, but this premise didn't add up or make for an inspiring story.
Seems that the author was reaching for the stars, but just didn't catch the sparkle that her previous novels had. I'll be curious about her next novel and hope she brings back the charm.
Thanks to St Martins Press for my review copy! OUT on JULY 14, 2020 ...more
This is #11 in this cozy Cat in the Stacks series, but worked fine for me as a standalone.
A mystery and some adorable cats made this one enj3.5 STARS
This is #11 in this cozy Cat in the Stacks series, but worked fine for me as a standalone.
A mystery and some adorable cats made this one enjoyable. I liked the protagonist, Charlie and his main coone cat named Diesel (he also has a new kitten). This mystery revolves around a campus setting where Charlie is taking a history course. Charlie has an uneasy feeling when he hears a confrontation between the professor and a young, female classmate.
Things get complicated and Charlie's spidey senses are heightened as he tries to unravel the crime. Of course, Diesel is by his side!
Fans of cozy mysteries, cats, and kittens will enjoy this light mystery read. Out July 16, 2019
My favorite element was the different formats that kept it interesting and kept the story moving forwa3.5 STARS
Some mixed feelings about this one!
My favorite element was the different formats that kept it interesting and kept the story moving forward (always a plus), It was a mix of real time, journal excerpts, different POV's , online chat room discussions and police interviews, BUT I was wanting more follow through to some of the incidents.
I wanted to keep reading on, but wasn't really "enjoying" what I was reading and kept feeling disappointed in the direction it was taking. I liked all the scattering of clues the author provided and I was questioning many of the characters motives throughout.
This was a quick read and had a nice pace, although the ending left me "underwhelmed" and questioning things. The ending could have "saved" this one for me, but ....nah
I do think a lot of thriller fans would enjoy this one and it does have a bit of a YA feel IMO. Definitely check it out if you enjoy a cast of teenagers with a mean streak!
Thanks to the pub. for my review copy! Book comes out April 16, 2019 ...more
Following your wife can lead to more questions thananswers....???
Joe Lynch and his little boy, William, just want to surprise mom. They spot her Following your wife can lead to more questions thananswers....???
Joe Lynch and his little boy, William, just want to surprise mom. They spot her car on the freeway and decide it would be fun to follow her (detour time). Well, I guess the surprise is on Joe! You won't believe where she ends up and with who! No, sorry I can't tell and spoil it, but I will say it turns into quite a game of cat and rat.
I was lured into Joe's world from the first few chapters and the twists kept me absorbed until the end. I love a story that is just propelled forward with many little pieces of a larger puzzle. This puzzle includes social media, hotels, secret meetings, texting, hacking and a missing person. The ending knocked me off my chair!
A quick paced, entertaining read that had me craving to know the truth.
Recommend to those who like some "fun and games" interspersed to keep you on your toes....more
I skipped this one last year after reading some mixed reviews from my GR friends, but after reading her latest, I just had to see which "s3.5 STARS
I skipped this one last year after reading some mixed reviews from my GR friends, but after reading her latest, I just had to see which "side" I'd come out on!
For me this one was my least favorite, but her writing skills are so impressive that I found myself hooked on the mystery from the start.
The little creepy village, Arnhill, is like a character itself. BAD things seem to happen there, NOT a place I'd want to live! But, Joe chooses to go back to this place, his childhood town.
Why? Why? Why?
Joe wasn't a particularly likeable character, but he brought a lot to the table - mysterious with a dark past, a twisted sense of humor, and a fierce determination to uncover some wrongs.
A creepy, entertaining October read with some horror vibes and an ending that left me with even more questions! Why? Why? Why?
The author's storytelling made this an emotional journey for me. A teacher, Maggie Topper goes the extrAn emotional story that flowed beautifully.
The author's storytelling made this an emotional journey for me. A teacher, Maggie Topper goes the extra mile to connect with a home-bound student, Yuri. I was able to relate to Maggie and the teaching environment.
Two stories are told.
The backstory of Sasha and Katya and how/why the fled Ukraine.
An unexpected tragedy.
A ballet career in Kiev.
Parents undying love for their son, Yuri.
A dedicated teacher who re-evaluates her life and what she values the most.
I enjoyed this story overall, the backstory of what happened in the Ukraine was riveting. Maggie's story was slower paced and a bit predictable, but held my interest. I liked the way the two stories came together to make this a memorable one for me. I would love to read more from this author.
Thanks to the publisher for my review copy. Out February 19, 2019...more
It is strange, zany, and a bit outlandish, but at the same time seems realistTalk about "killer" suspense!
It is fast-paced.
It is dark and twisted.
It is strange, zany, and a bit outlandish, but at the same time seems realistic. After all, there are plenty of far-fetched true crime mysteries out there.
Henrietta and Lloyd are the new neighbors on the quiet street. Mira and Matthew are their next door neighbors and they invite them over one night for dinner. Mira gives them a "tour" of their home and Hensees something that spikes her interest. One thing leads to another and it isn't long before she is convinced that Matthew must be a "serial killer." What? Well, she has convinced herself she needs to lend a hand to the authorities and well, this could mean trouble (for someone).
Hen has problems of her own though, she does take medication, and fears no one will take her suspicions seriously. She is sure something is amiss next door.
I had to finish this one and find out if Hen's intuition was on the mark, but I won't say a word about that. I'll let you ride that roller coaster for yourself. I was pulled in quickly and started diagnosing all the characters and the creepy bond they were developing.
If you like unreliable narrators, eye-popping twists with some added menace and what did I just read scenes, GO FOR THIS ONE!
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for my review copy. This one is out in March 2019. Blog review closer to pub. date....more
Another amazing read from a favorite author! A gripping story that I couldn't put down!
This was an incredible story from one of my favorite authorAnother amazing read from a favorite author! A gripping story that I couldn't put down!
This was an incredible story from one of my favorite authors. I was absolutely hookedfrom the very beginning. It turned out to be a suspense filled drama that was quite compelling.
Jessica is a mother of two boys, the youngest, Gabriel is adopted. She is estranged from her husband Evan and her life is complicated. She gets some devastating news and her life takes another abrupt turn.
I love this author's writing style and I was pulled into the story and carried away to Jessica'a world. At times, I wanted to hold her hand and sob with her (I may have been holding my breath at times).
I was so curious about where the plot was going and I was totally invested in the characters. Many of the chapters were filled with tension that kept me reading because no way could I stop until I found out what happened! Jessica becomes an amateur sleuth and starts to put some clues together. All the dots are connected in the stunning end.
There is a mystery, an emotional adoption story, and a multi-layered plot. The many detours had me racing to get to the last page!
Thanks to Atria for my copy for review. Releases on October 16,2018 / Review will post to my blog on 10/16/18...more
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