Give me all the juicy, con artist dramas, please and thank you! Stone Cold Fox is an edge-of-your-seat game of cat-and-mouse, the type of story where Give me all the juicy, con artist dramas, please and thank you! Stone Cold Fox is an edge-of-your-seat game of cat-and-mouse, the type of story where the pages practically turn themselves. The audiobook narration really added to the atmosphere of the book, so I highly recommend listening if that format works for you. The social commentary of the haves vs. the have nots is on full display, but I appreciated how every person in this book really is despicable on some level. My only gripe is that the ending felt a bit rushed and underwhelming, but overall a solid, fun read!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy....more
I'll be honest, this book wasn't even on my radar until Dennis @scaredstraightreads started hyping it on his Instagram profile. Pair that with the facI'll be honest, this book wasn't even on my radar until Dennis @scaredstraightreads started hyping it on his Instagram profile. Pair that with the fact it was an add on for the BOTM subscription this June, and my curiosity was more than piqued. As a reader who has always enjoyed police procedurals, I knew this sounded right up my alley, but I had no idea it would include such a fresh, unique angle on the detective trope. While most procedurals follow the detective and investigation from the law enforcement side of things, The Damage almost entirely focuses on the family's experiences while trying to navigate the aftermath of a horrific crime.
It feels important and necessary to state upfront that the entire basis of the plot surrounds the rape of one of the male characters; the story is incredibly well written and brings attention to a very real, yet surprisingly still taboo subject that needs to be talked about, but those who are sensitive towards stories including graphic rape content might want to proceed with caution. Again, the author has done an outstanding job telling a story that, unfortunately, too many men can relate to, and gives visibility to a group of individuals that the justice system does all it can to try and bury. The fact that Wahrer is able to tell this story in a way that brings awareness AND a great amount of suspense is astounding.
Even though my finished copy was almost 400 pages, I couldn't stop turning the pages to see, not only what would happen for Nick and his case, but also to the family members supporting him. There are quite a few twists and turns throughout, and by the end of the story I didn't feel ready to let go of the characters. I think it would be fun to see another standalone, connected to this world, that features one of the minor characters from the final chapter. Trust me, you'll know. Regardless, the author has found a fan in me and I cannot wait to follow her on her future writing endeavors.
*Many thanks to the author/publisher for providing my review copy....more
"What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"-Mary Oliver
Well, consider me impressed. It's been ages since a psychological suspens"What is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?"-Mary Oliver
Well, consider me impressed. It's been ages since a psychological suspense novel has blown me away, but that's exactly what In My Dreams I Hold a Knife has done.
This is definitely a character driven story, but don't let that convince you that it's slow or boring. Between the alternating timelines and POVs, things are kept mysterious until the moment the author chooses to reveal all that happened on that fateful day during the East House 7's final year of college. When I wasn't reading this book, I was thinking about it, and felt equally invested in the character back stories and daily interactions as I was in Heather's death.
Part murder mystery, part coming of age, these flawed (and somewhat unlikable characters) will challenge you in the best way possible, and perhaps convince you to feel for them just a bit by the end? I cannot wait to discuss this one with more readers, and I believe it will be in my Top Ten Reads of 2021 wrap-up as well. Highly recommended to other thriller readers who may be feeling jaded towards the genre like I was.
*Many thanks to the publisher and Kaye Publicity for my review copy....more
Lisa Jewell has a special knack for taking seemingly unrelated plot threads and weaving them together into a seamless, cohesive story by the end. Few Lisa Jewell has a special knack for taking seemingly unrelated plot threads and weaving them together into a seamless, cohesive story by the end. Few authors are masters of this technique, and that's why the ones who do it well have a loyal following of readers who will dip their toes into whatever books they choose to write. Typically, I've found Jewell's books to use the multiple POV approach, and while this one does employ that strategy, the focus is more on the timeline between past and present rather than the narrators at hand. This was a nice twist on her usual writing style, and the risk paid off!
The Night She Disappeared takes place between 2017 and 2018, and we start with the realization that young couple Tallulah and Zach have gone missing after a night of partying with friends from Lulah's college. The kicker is that they are 19 years old and have a baby together, and Tallulah's mom ensures the police that her daughter would not just run off and leave her son like that. Fast forward to the present and Sophie, who is a writer of crime fiction, moves to the area with her husband, who is the new head of the local college, and while trying to write her new book stumbles in the midst of this ongoing missing persons case. As we see flashbacks into the past leading up to the disappearance, we're also moving forward with Sophie, Kim, and the other friends who were at the party that night, until the explosive ending that reveals what really happened.
The beginning does a wonderful job of putting us in the midst of Tallulah and Zach's home life with her mother Kim and their son Noah, and I felt completely connected to this family, experiencing all the emotions alongside them during the course of this journey. The reader doesn't get the same level of depth with Sophie and her personal development, but I found her endearing nonetheless. I'm not sure I would label this Jewell's darkest book, but it definitely is more on par with her latest books like The Family Upstairs rather than her earlier works. If you enjoy a well crafted mystery that brings the countryside atmosphere to life, add The Night She Disappeared to your September TBR.
*Many thanks to Atria books for providing my review copy....more
"Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want the most." -Abraham Lincoln
We all have differing opinions on whether or not we're r"Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want the most." -Abraham Lincoln
We all have differing opinions on whether or not we're ready to read about books featuring the pandemic, but I think we can all agree that it adds a very real element to books that we generally write off as so fictional it's only escapism. While I wholly enjoyed this unique piece of crime fiction, I understand that not everyone is comfortable examining the Covid-19 outbreak in their reading realm, and I respect anyone who chooses not to pick up these types of books until they're in a mindset to handle such content.
For those wanting a little more detail on how big of a part the coronavirus plays into this narrative, this book is set in the early days of confusion and chaos; while it does play a rather large part in the book, it is more from the aspect of shepherding the plot line in the direction it needs to go, rather than trauma porn meant to unsettle the reader. As far as my memory serves, no character becomes ill with or passes away from Covid-19, and the majority of the story includes the topic more as background atmosphere than anything else. I just wanted to be upfront with this, in case it is a major trigger for some readers who would prefer to stop here and abandon ship.
On to the book! Ciara and Oliver have a meet cute at the grocery store right around the time that the first Covid-19 case is diagnosed in Ireland. They decide to meet up on a few dates and devise the craziest of schemes: they're going to shelter in place together for the 2 week lockdown to continue moving forward with their relationship while complying with the government. However, we find out early on that one or both characters have a few secrets up their sleeves, ones they don't want the other finding out about, and living in such close quarters proves more and more difficult to keep up pretenses.
You know going in that there is a dead body in the apartment that this couple is living in, along with the rough time frame of when that person died, but over time we find out the how and why that adds all the clarity to what went wrong. The author uses her trademark shifting timelines and POVs to keep the reader on their toes, and while the beginning chapters that showed the initial phase of Ciara and Oliver's relationship were a tad slow, once the stage is set the book took off and I couldn't put it down. (Just ask my husband, who was wondering when I'd be turning out my lamp and go to sleep.) If you enjoy a good puzzling crime fiction novel set in the Republic of Ireland, and don't mind a little unsettling Covid atmosphere, I highly recommend picking up this latest book from Catherine Ryan Howard. After the halfway mark we get hit with twist after twist, and I'm curious to see how much you had figured out, or if the author "gotchya" too.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy....more
When reading a psychological thriller, is it more important for the writing, characters, and plot to have quality, or for an author to be able to pullWhen reading a psychological thriller, is it more important for the writing, characters, and plot to have quality, or for an author to be able to pull off one (or more) really massive twist(s)?
This is the age old question, right? I ask this because my thoughts feel up in the air based off of both of these sides, and I know the answer will be different for many people. Sometimes, if a twist is wholly unexpected, it's enough for a reader to give the book high marks simply for blowing their mind. I've definitely done this before, but as I've read more psychological suspense and my tastes have been affected due to this, I've begun to find myself needing more of category one than the big twist.
This book is a fine example of "the twist". The writing felt a bit clunky compared to her previous work, the pacing was slow from about 25-75%, and the characters were stale. But the twist! There were a few I called early on, but there is one twist that likely will be hard for most readers to catch, and I'll admit I didn't catch it either. I'm settling at 3 stars, because it's a nice balance to the long winded thought process I shared above. I'll definitely enjoy discussing this one with others who have read it.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy....more
"Entitlement has a particular stench. Pungent, bitter. Almost brutal."
I will say this: Samantha Downing has a way of writing unlikable charac3.5 STARS
"Entitlement has a particular stench. Pungent, bitter. Almost brutal."
I will say this: Samantha Downing has a way of writing unlikable characters that makes you unable to turn away. The age old "can't stop watching the train wreck" is entirely true here, and between the short chapters and the constant shifting of views that give birth to plot twist after plot twist, For Your Own Good is a compulsive read. Her mysteries are fun to try and solve, because all her energy isn't poured into one outlandish twist near the end of the book; instead, she spreads her talent over the course of the novel and gives readers little surprises along the way, which in my humble opinion is much more entertaining and intelligent. Whether you completely solve the case or not isn't of concern; it's the journey along the read that's important, and Downing delivers in that aspect.
Teddy is Teacher of the Year at Belmont Academy, and he cares deeply for his students and the institution. If he has to go the extra mile to ensure they get the most out of their education and simultaneously knock them down a peg, that's just collateral in the big picture. You know from the first chapter that Teddy is some sort of sociopath, but is he a murderer? And what other sociopaths will cross paths with him along the duration of this story? I really enjoyed how brief and edgy each chapter feels; there are many different narrators along the way, and this added a really cool element to the story that would have been missing if we hadn't received certain information through a particular character's lens.
I think my main concern is that the big climax felt rushed and not wholly satisfactory, which is very likely to be the point. I just wish we had received some answers to a few more of the questions I had; the problem with having such a large cast of characters is that you have way more to wrap up by the end, and the conclusion here is pretty abrupt and sparse. Again, this was likely done on purpose and is purely a personal preference on my part. Another thing that caught me off guard was a major continuity error on the first page of chapter 55 in the finished hardcover copy. Grammatical errors don't tend to bother me, and I really don't point them out in reviews, because it's just not my style and I'm typically reading an early, unfinished copy any way, but this was kind of a major error that I'm surprised made it past editing, especially since I had to go back and reread that page a few times to ensure I wasn't missing some major plot twist. ...more
I'm really not sure why this book worked so well for me, but I absolutely loved this debut novel from Allie Reynolds. As someone who has mostly stayedI'm really not sure why this book worked so well for me, but I absolutely loved this debut novel from Allie Reynolds. As someone who has mostly stayed away from thrillers of all kinds over the past calendar year, I have to say it's done wonders for enabling me to enjoy them again. Here we have an atmospheric, character driven novel of suspense, and picking it up during the snowy days of winter was the correct choice. While snowboarding is a huge theme in the plot, you don't have to have any knowledge of the sport whatsoever to enjoy this book. Alternating between past and present, we see why this crew of 5 have been brought together for a reunion 10 years after seeing each other for the last time. While I did pick up on the "who" was behind staging the present day sections, I found the real draw was flipping the pages at a frightening speed to figure out the "how" and "why". This book oozes Agatha Christie levels of suspense, and I highly recommend for anyone looking for a slow burning mystery.
I think it's important to know going into this book that it's not what I would classify as a thriller, although the final 20% of the book is certainlyI think it's important to know going into this book that it's not what I would classify as a thriller, although the final 20% of the book is certainly saturated with considerable doses of conflict and a bit of horror, which I thought was brilliant. The Other Black Girl is really more of a dark, slow burning literary fiction that brings us a timely, necessary tale of caution, while speaking on themes of white privilege and racial bias. I was so grateful to buddy read this with Dennis, because it allowed us ample time to contemplate the ways that these subjects influence all aspects of life, especially in America, and also applaud the growing number of authors writing this type of story in an age where we need it the most. I won't spoil the twist, but I thought it was incredibly creative, while also feeling alarmingly plausible. Do yourself a favor and pick up a copy of this book when it releases this summer!
*I received an advanced review copy of this title via the publisher....more
"I hear the car before I see it, but even then, I don't move, and later, I'd look back at that moment and wonder if I somehow knew what was going to h"I hear the car before I see it, but even then, I don't move, and later, I'd look back at that moment and wonder if I somehow knew what was going to happen. If everything in my life had been leading me to that one spot, to that one house. To him."
Well, I think this is one that falls under the "I've read too many thrillers so this didn't hit it's full potential for me" column. The challenge with taking a classic novel and recreating it as a modern thriller is that a) readers of the classic already know where the story is going, mostly, which takes away an element of suspenseful AHA and b) sometimes it doesn't translate over to modern times as well as hoped. I respect what the author was trying to create here, and I think that readers who haven't read Jane Eyre will perhaps find this novel more exhilarating than I did, but I also felt that the big reveal was obvious even in today's standards, due to the formulaic feel of the story. All of those points aside, the writing was engaging and the pages turned easily enough. A fabulous beach read, and I look forward to seeing what else Rachel Hawkins brings to the adult fiction world in the future.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy....more
This is a solid debut, but I can't help but wonder if I thought this was going to be different based on the synopsis or my excitable expectations. TheThis is a solid debut, but I can't help but wonder if I thought this was going to be different based on the synopsis or my excitable expectations. The opening interlude is deliciously dark and entirely creepy, which sets an ominous tone for the town of Snakebite, Oregon. While definitely a slow burning story, both in the mystery behind the disappearances and also the budding romance between two of our main characters, I think the pacing works well for the type of story that this is. I had the privilege of listening to an advance audio copy, and narrator Soneela Nankani's voice is like smooth butter, simply enhancing the narrative as she speaks. She's truly a vocal artist, and I will actively seek more books that she has contributed to.
The paranormal aspect of the plot is mostly vague and mysterious for a majority of the book, probably to allow for character development amongst the side issues at hand, and I think this worked well. I was constantly trying to figure out what was going on, and wondered how Snakebite played a part in Logan and her dads' past and was also contributing to their current troubles. I adore that we get to see a healthy and established relationship between Alejo and Brandon, and how we even get a sneak peek at how they met and came together in the past. Logan is a wonderfully complex, and I found myself much more drawn to her story and portions of the book. Their little family unit completely won my heart, and I could have read an entire trilogy featuring Brandon and Alejo as a couple and as parents.
My main concerns came from the romance between Logan and Ashley. I felt like this part of the story was more "tell" than "show" which left me struggling to feel their connection. Also, I don't want to include any spoilers, but there is a scene around 70% between Ashley and Logan and the dialogue after a moment between them, followed by a major betrayal on Ashley's part, left me feeling uncomfortable. After that happened, I just couldn't trust Ashley's motives, and this did dampen the rest of the story for me. Overall, a creative plot and I see a flourishing future for the author!
Author's Note: "Some of the thematic material in The Dead and the Dark involves child death and endangerment, violence including strangulation and drowning, homophobia, and homophobic slurs. For a more detailed description of sensitive content please visit gouldbooks.com/books/tdatd.
*Many thanks to the publisher for my ARC and my ALC....more
"For Beckham. When I die, you'll be the first person I haunt. You are so much fun to scare."
Am I the only person who livesSSBC pick for December 2020!
"For Beckham. When I die, you'll be the first person I haunt. You are so much fun to scare."
Am I the only person who lives for finding out the dedication in each Colleen Hoover book? No? Just me? Ok, let me start again.
"The supernatural is the natural not yet understood."-Elbert Hubbard
Finally! A PNR from CoHo, something I've been desperately hoping for and eagerly anticipating since she announced it forever ago, and if you're the type of person who isn't really into paranormal romance, you may still enjoy Layla. The story has a very mainstream feel and is surprisingly grounded for something containing a supernatural plot, while maintaining the author's approachable writing style. Two things before you glaze over and skim the rest of this review: 1) This book is not a thriller. It is a slow burning love story, and it does have a nice addition of some suspenseful build-up, but again, this is not a thriller. Please do not go into this book assuming it is a thriller and then complain about it not being a thriller after you finish. 2) This book is not Verity, although I could definitely see fans of that book enjoying this one. But again, Layla is not the next Verity.
"I think about the idiots in scary movies that never run when they should, but I empathize with them now. The need to disprove the thing that's scary is greater than the need to run from the potential harm it might bring."
When I finally picked up my arc of this book, I decided to go in as blind as possible. I didn't even re-read the synopsis, because I wanted to experience the story with as open a mind as possible and without any possible clues along the way. This was a smart move, because the story begins with "The Interview", and proceeds by alternating with these snippets of the present and flashbacks leading up to said interview. Once we catch up, everything is in the present tense and that's when the story really takes off in regards to action and conflict.
I don't want to say a lot about the plot, because spoilers galore, but what I will say is this read like a supernatural locked room mystery in some ways. Dare I say that Colleen was twirling her imaginary mustache while devising her schemes? There is one clue dropped early on that allowed me to guess the "what and who" was going on, but I didn't know the exact why or how it would all play out in the end, so I was left with a satisfactory blend of feeling smart but also kind of dumb. The thing that sets this story apart from your average paranormal romantic mystery was the emotion behind it all; the sense of loss at the beginning of what was panning out to be an exceptional relationship, the burden of caring for those with not only physical injuries, but mental ones as well, and the conflict behind what we feel is right and the guilt that sets in for wanting something different, or more.
If you're curious about Layla, please give it a try. It stands well on it's own merits, it's a fast read, and this is the perfect time of year to cozy up with a creepy, but not scary, book by the fireplace.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy....more
As a long time fan of Catherine Ryan Howard, and having read all of her crime fiction to date, I can atteHonestly, THIS is what a thriller should be!
As a long time fan of Catherine Ryan Howard, and having read all of her crime fiction to date, I can attest to the fact that she is not a one trick pony. She does mystery, suspense, and all around thrilling storylines with the ease of a seasoned vet, and I am hard pressed to choose a favorite novel that she has written because they're all so engaging. The beauty of The Nothing Man is that the reader is acquainted with the identity of the killer in the first chapter, thus removing the barrier of distraction surrounding the "whodunnit twist" and returning the focus on controlling the anticipation of the game of cat and mouse at hand. The ebb and flow of tension is expertly achieved, and the small details included, such as the author's name on the acknowledgements of Eve Black's book, really put this over the top. If you enjoy top notch thrilling entertainment featuring a book within a book, you desperately need to get your hands on this book!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy....more
"He turns the corner, and I see his body language change as he see's the woman ahead. I recognize the shape of him, the angles of his body, and I know"He turns the corner, and I see his body language change as he see's the woman ahead. I recognize the shape of him, the angles of his body, and I know exactly what he is planning to do.
I move from my hiding place in the shadows. I stride out, toward the man, toward danger, my actions my own but my fate left wide-open."
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Seriously? Talk about an incredibly gripping prologue. Excuse me while I take a moment to bow down at the prowess of Lisa Jewell.
While this isn't my all time favorite book that the author has penned (I Found You and The Family Upstairs clench that spot in a stalemate ), I found Invisible Girl still maintained many of the aspects I've come to admire and expect in a Lisa Jewell novel. I'll keep this brief, because you really, REALLY should go into this one blind, but this book does have the signature "multi-POV's converge toward the end of the book" trademark that Jewell's books tend to formulate, and it continues to work to the reader's favor. I did figure this one out a little sooner than I have with her previous stories, but I also felt like the focus of this book is more on how timely the content is rather than the predictability (or lack there of) factor. If you get uncomfortable about any of these things: (view spoiler)[sexual assault, a villain who writes rape fantasy, infidelity, involuntary celibacy (hide spoiler)], this book will be a hard pass. I truly think this is Lisa darkest, most graphic tale to date, and I love the risks she took with writing this, though they won't be for everyone. Per usual upon finishing her latest book, I'm eager anticipating whatever Jewell chooses to write next!
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy....more
This is going to be a super short review, because you need to just go into this one blind and let it take you on a wild ride. If you, like me, really This is going to be a super short review, because you need to just go into this one blind and let it take you on a wild ride. If you, like me, really disliked the author's previous novel, please know that this one is MUCH more on par with her first book. If you enjoy audiobooks, I cannot recommend that format for this book highly enough! The narrators are fantastic, including a mysterious third voice that becomes revealed toward the end. Content warnings for sexual assault and grooming, but overall not as gory as many other thrillers today.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy....more
"Deja vu. Deja su. Deja vecu. Already seen. Already known. Already lived."
It's no secret that Victoria Schwab is a well-known and widely beloved artis"Deja vu. Deja su. Deja vecu. Already seen. Already known. Already lived."
It's no secret that Victoria Schwab is a well-known and widely beloved artist of the written word, and I'm a huge fan of their work, my personal favorite being Vicious. She has a way with telling stories in a lush, atmospheric manner, while keeping their stories entirely approachable to readers of all kinds, which is something I admire and respect immensely. My 3-star rating of Addie LaRue is HIGHLY subjective and a result of my own personal reading experience, so I recommend you take my thoughts loosely and experience this sweeping saga for yourself.
Initially, I was off to a good start, as I had heard the second half is much more engrossing than the beginning, yet I was entranced from the very first page. I flew through the first 150 pages at breakneck speed and found myself trying to sneak in moments with my audiobook copy (thanks Libro.fm!) as Julia Whelan is a global treasure. Much to my surprise, once the initial love interest was introduced, and the prose fell away into heavy dialogue, I think I felt like I had entered into a new story and wished I could transport back to that inceptive atmosphere I had fallen in love with. There is a twist as to why Henry can remember Addie, and it felt a bit heavy handed in how obvious the general basis of that twist would be, but I don't think that was a make or break factor in my reading experience.
At the risk of including spoilers, I'll be vague, but if you've read my bio on my profile then you know what type of a reader I am and what I generally cheer for in my stories. If you've read this book already, then you know where I'm going with this, but if you haven't, then you may want to be briefed of the controversial ending, in both content and execution. There's a bit of a love triangle that happens throughout the second half of the book, and let's just say that my ship did not set sail. *whomp whomp* This heavily impacted my final rating, as I felt my investment of 450 pages was quite extensive compared to the pay out after completing the final page.
Regardless of my selfish thoughts, I do hope you give this a chance for yourself, and that you experience the magic and poetic prose included in Addie's story. I'll be waiting eagerly for Schwab's next novel.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my review copy....more
Oh ok, I see you John Fram. I've been begging for more unique and creative crime fiction for what feels like decades, and low and behold Stephen QueenOh ok, I see you John Fram. I've been begging for more unique and creative crime fiction for what feels like decades, and low and behold Stephen Queen is here and he has delivered! Funny story: I reviewed this book in my head back in February, and apparently thought I reviewed it here as well, but... SURPRISE! Alas, in my head it stayed. But that's ok because I'm here reviewing it now!
"His brother was not the first troubled football player to confide in Joel. All week in Manhattan he had thought of nothing but a sticky summer afternoon a decade ago, of a truck cab spiked with the smell of spearmint, of a man with shocking green eyes and a bad neck shaking his head with the effort and saying, "Don't play that game if you can help it, Whitley." Joel would cut off an arm to ensure Dylan never suffered the same fate as that ruined man."
Imagine if Friday Night Lights and any one of Stephen King's stories had a lovechild, and you would probably end up welcoming a spunky little bundle of The Bright Lands. From the very first page, Fram has saturated the story with mystery, suspense, and a special brand of dread that grows with each breath of this tale. It's a dread that is both fantastical and allegorical. Typically I don't like my thrillers packaged in a 500 page count, but John has proven me wrong by showing me just how much this story needed the hefty chunk. This novel is meaty in more ways than one, ...more
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