Gripping, shocking, and twist filled. Kerry Wilkinson has delivered once again! Like Megan, the main character in this book, I had many questions and Gripping, shocking, and twist filled. Kerry Wilkinson has delivered once again! Like Megan, the main character in this book, I had many questions and desperately wanted answers while reading this brilliant page turner!
Megan is still reeling from the events that unfolded in her personal life when she moves in with her sister, Nicola, and her family. Just when Megan thinks she is getting settled, she hears a woman scream and finds an unconscious young woman near a stream in the nearby woods. When she returns to the scene with the police the woman's body is missing!
Everyone has doubts about what Megan saw. Megan has been through a lot recently. Was she seeing things as her sister Nicola whispered? Was the body real? Was it moved? What happened? Questions swirled through both mine and Megan's minds. As she digs deeper for the truth, she might not like what she uncovers!
Kerry Wilkinson has a knack for inserting tension, suspense and mounting danger into his books. I also enjoyed the setting in this book. It provided atmosphere and created that small town feel. Small towns are wonderful, but they can also harbor secrets. I had no idea where the plot of this book was heading and enjoyed the twist filled ride that Wilkinson took me on. Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen next, this book took a turn.
I have enjoyed Wilkinson's writing for some time (this is the 14th book that I have read by this author) and always look forward to reading what he writes next. I find his books to be fast paced, well thought out, tension, and thrilling.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
M.A. Hunter has another twist filled and shocking book to his name!
Jake Meredith has been arrested for the murder of his wife and he is adamant that M.A. Hunter has another twist filled and shocking book to his name!
Jake Meredith has been arrested for the murder of his wife and he is adamant that he didn't do it. There is no way that he would kill his wife. He can't explain why her blood is on his hands. He is certain that there is a reasonable explanation for his prints on the murder weapon. His brother, Max, has convinced him to admit himself to a revolutionary sleep clinic. Max states that Jake is a sleepwalker, and hoping for answers, Jake agrees to go to the clinic.
I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. I was uncertain about so many of the characters. Who was telling the truth? Was Jake really a sleepwalker? Did Jake kill his wife? Did someone else kill his wife? What happened the night in question? Will Jake learn the truth??? So many questions swirled through my mind as I realized that Jake had many of the same questions going through his mind.
I wasn't instantly gripped by this book. It took me a little bit of time to find my footing with it. Once my interest was piqued, it was full steam ahead. Throughout the book, both Jake and I were both certain that something wasn't quite right. Jake has no memory of that night and we both wanted to know the truth.
This book was full of twists, tension, secrets, lies, unreliability, and dread. I enjoyed the sense of unease and had so many questions. As the book came to an end, I was shocked by the reveals and enjoyed the twists which I never saw coming.
Well written, well thought out, and twist filled!
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
The synopsis of this book piqued my attention: 3 college students on a road trip through Appalachia to document roadside memorials encounter somethingThe synopsis of this book piqued my attention: 3 college students on a road trip through Appalachia to document roadside memorials encounter something supernatural! Yes please! This was right up my alley. Then there are the 80's vibes which also provided a great nostalgic feel. I loved the atmosphere, the sense of something not being quite right, and the eerie vibe in this book.
I can see this being made into a movie! I enjoyed the imagery of them traveling along the county roads, the nightly camp outs, sitting around a campfire bonding and talking about what they saw that day. One thing that they could not help but see was the symbols that were at the memorials. None of them have seen the symbol before and they find it unsettling, creepy, and odd. As they continue their weeklong guest, they encounter interesting and often unwelcoming people, learn about the memorials, and begin to feel more and more unsettled.
I enjoy the vibe in this book. The stick figures that pop up gave me Blair Witch vibes. From the campsites to the memorials, to the odd interactions with others, the tension slowly mounts, and the eerie and creepy vibe emanates from the book.
I had no idea where this book was going, and I enjoyed the ride! I was fully invested in the plight of the characters. I enjoyed their relationships with each other and their banter. I also enjoyed the unsettling feeling in the book, and I had some suspicions about some characters.
Dark, unsettling, tense, and gripping.
Thank you to Gallery Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
In The Nightingale's Castle: A Novel of Erzsébet Báthory, the Blood Countess, Sonia Velton provides a sympathetic look at the Countess who is alleged to be a heinous serial killer who tortured and bathed in the blood of her victims. I enjoyed this blending of history, fantasy, and fiction. Many know the crimes that Countess Erzsébet Báthory was accused of committing. Historians have debated her guilt and innocence. Was she a powerful and wealthy woman? Yes. Did her wealth and power make powerful men uncomfortable? I'm sure it did. Was she a cruel, sadistic, and vile killer? That is the question!
I enjoyed this chilling work of fiction based on a real woman. The author’s wonderful writing and descriptions transported me to the castle and had me feeling like a silent observer hiding behind one of the many tapestries. I loved the Gothic and atmospheric feel of the book. I could feel the chill in the many hallways and feel the silence that the girls sewed in. I also enjoyed the unsettling feeling that surrounded those who lived in the castle. I also loved the tension and dread which flowed throughout the book. The characters are all intriguing. I felt for the innocent girls, while detesting the characters who were quite sinister. Plus, I may never look at old clocks the same way again!
I also enjoyed how the author had me wondering who could be trusted in this book as everyone tip toed around each other. This was a very nice touch. As the accusations were made, there was an overwhelming sense of unease. What will the accused do or say as their interrogations become unbearable?
This book explores power, abuse of power, loyalty, wealth, trust, influence, betrayal, and abuse to name a few.
Atmospheric, gothic, chilling, dark, and beautifully written. I look forward to reading more books by Sonia Velton.
Thank you to Harper Perennial and Paperbacks | Harper Perennial and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Daniel Hurst is King of the twist! Seriously, I did not see several of the twists coming at all! Either he is very devious or very clever, I'm still dDaniel Hurst is King of the twist! Seriously, I did not see several of the twists coming at all! Either he is very devious or very clever, I'm still deciding. But what I do know is that he absolutely pulled the wool over my eyes in this addictive, jaw dropping, and twist filled read! The Perfect Nurse kept me on my toes, turning the pages, and glued to the pages!
Darcy is a nurse who has been hired to take care of a woman who suffered an injury in her home. As Darcy and her co-worker, Pippa begin their nursing duties at the woman's home, Darcy can't help but think something isn't quite right. She is not sure what that might be, but she is determined to figure things out!
Oh baby! I had no idea where this book was going when I picked it up. I came up with a theory and then *BAM* I was left reeling after a completely shocking twist. My mind was reeling, and I was on the edge of my seat wondering what was going to happen next. That was the first twist but will not be the last. Hurst had quite a few up his sleeve and I enjoyed every one of them.
The Perfect Nurse is the first book in a new series by Daniel Hurst. It is off to a great start, and I can't wait to read the next book in the series!!
Dramatic, shocking, jaw dropping and riveting.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Whew! Lives change In the Blink of an Eye. It only takes a moment, and nothing will ever be the same again! I found In the Blink of an Eye to be grippWhew! Lives change In the Blink of an Eye. It only takes a moment, and nothing will ever be the same again! I found In the Blink of an Eye to be gripping, thought provoking, emotion evoking and well thought out. I found myself feeling for each character involved in this moving and wonderfully written book. Three mothers and their children will find their lives changed after a child's birthday party.
Eleanor presents as not only having it all together but as having it all. During her youngest daughter Bella's birthday party, Bella is injured, and accusations are hurled. Natalie is Eleanor's friend and mother of Freya who is Bella's best friend. Natalie is helping Eleanor at the birthday party when tragedy strikes. Joanna is Kieran's mother. They are new in town and Kieran is struggling to make friends and fit in at school. He attends the birthday party for Bella and as Joanna arrives to pick him up, he is accused of causing harm.
Wowza! This book had me feeling all kinds of emotions. I wanted to give several characters a hug while chastising others. This book touches on many things such as friendship, marriage, secrets, bullying, mental health, social and emotional issues, communication and motherhood. This book also serves as a reminder about making assumptions and placing blame to name a few. I had a hard time putting this book down. I had to know how things were going to play out.
I found myself trying to put myself in the place of each mother. What happens is gut-wrenching. All the women have their own burdens to carry. Each will be affected (as will their children). Each is presented with an opportunity for self-reflection and growth. I enjoyed how Kate Hewitt provides the POV of each mother. This was a very nice touch and made the book more moving for me. It was nice getting into each mother's thoughts, struggles, doubts, concern, and emotions.
This book is dramatic, riveting, moving, and tense at times. I look forward to reading more books by Kate Hewitt.
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Books are a uniquely portable magic. - Stephen King
I enjoy Camilla Isley's writing and this book was delightful. It's light, original, and fun! IBooks are a uniquely portable magic. - Stephen King
I enjoy Camilla Isley's writing and this book was delightful. It's light, original, and fun! It Started with a Book depicts what happens when Leighton, a bookworm, falls asleep while reading a romance novel and finds herself in the book she is reading. Killian St Clair, the fictional hottie billionaire cowboy in the book she was reading when she fell asleep is there with her in Lakeville Hills.
This goes on for a time, Leighton being in her world during the day and going to sleep and finding herself in Lakeville Hills. But one morning she wakes up and Killian St. Clair is with her in her apartment....
This was a unique and cute book. I found the idea of being transported into a book to be a charming idea. Isn't that what all readers experience while reading to a degree? I enjoyed how Isley used several romance tropes in this book and that the story was light and charming.
Although this was not my favorite book by Camilla Isley, it was still enjoyable, unique, delightful and fun.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Boldwood Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rachel McKenzie is back in this gripping mystery thriller, The Highland Dead, the second book in the series bearing her name! Rachel is back in her hoRachel McKenzie is back in this gripping mystery thriller, The Highland Dead, the second book in the series bearing her name! Rachel is back in her hometown; this time she will be searching for her friend's diabolical killer! When another person is murdered, Rachel is determined to catch the killer no matter what!
As with the first book in the series, The Highland Dead takes place in the Scottish Highlands. Rachel’s determination and drive to catch killers began after her father was jailed for murdering Rachel's mother. She is a strong investigator with a lot of pain and trauma in her own life. I admired her gumption, her strength, and vulnerability. She is an intelligent investigator who throws herself into every case.
I love trying to do my own super sleuthing while reading to solve whodunit. I did not even come close to solving the killer’s identity in this book. Morag Pringle did a great job of pulling the wool over my eyes. I enjoyed the atmosphere, the tension, the vivid descriptions, the characters, the mounting danger, the mystery and the twists in this book.
I look forward to the next book in the gripping series.
Riveting, well written, well thought out mystery!
Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Secrets of the Dead is a fast paced, atmospheric, novella full of secrets, lies, betrayals, jealousy, and danger. Dani is an interesting character. ShSecrets of the Dead is a fast paced, atmospheric, novella full of secrets, lies, betrayals, jealousy, and danger. Dani is an interesting character. She is not likeable and enjoys holding secrets over others. She and her college roommates pack up and head to Brittles Cove to spend time at Vivienne Marks' family's rustic vacation home. Tension is high as the other roommates are not happy that Dani will be coming. She is not liked or trusted, and the other women make this known to her.
How well do you know those in your life? How well do they know you? Those are the questions that this book presents to readers. It also examines toxic friendships, deception, and secrets.
Things seem fine, tense, but fine at first, but soon revelations will be made, and the roommates become aware that this is not going to be the fun and happy weekend they envisioned. Soon the group begin to show their true colors, intentions and motivations.
This was an enjoyable read but at times I wanted to know more of Dani's backstory and relationships with her roommates. This is a short quick read which can easily be read in one sitting so I realize that I was given just enough information to enjoy the story.
Fast paced, entertaining, enjoyable, atmospheric, and dark.
Thank you to BlackEcho Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Kate Marshall and her partner, Tristan are back in the addictive, riveting, and thrilling fifth book in the Kate Marshall series!!! Kate's son, Jake aKate Marshall and her partner, Tristan are back in the addictive, riveting, and thrilling fifth book in the Kate Marshall series!!! Kate's son, Jake also has a part to play in The Lost Victim. I was so happy when I saw Bryndza had a new book in this wonderful series coming out and this book did not disappoint! The past and present collide as Kate and Tristan are hired by a true crime podcaster to investigate a cold case in which Peter Conway, the Nine Elms Cannibal is a possible suspect. This brings back an avalanche of feelings, emotions, and press as Peter Conway is Kate’s ex-boyfriend and partner and Jake's biological father. Talk about having a lot to deal with. Whew! I could not help but feel for Kate during this book.
As Kate and Tristan begin their investigation, they find they are up against time, aging suspects, secret after secret, and those with things to hide. I enjoyed the mounting tension, suspense, and danger that grew as the book progressed. Plus, this book evokes emotion as readers watch both Kate and Jake reunite, cope with having Peter Conway back in their lives.
Bryndza never disappoints and has a knack for writing book series where each book in the series can be read as a stand-alone. He is also a gifted author who has me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages at warp speed, while trying to do my own super sleuthing to determine whodunit! I also enjoyed spending time again with Kate and Tristan. Both are likeable characters who have a wonderful working relationship and lovely supportive friendship. Their banter and interactions have been a joy to read as has been their character's development over the course of this series. I can't wait to read what comes next for them!
If you have not read a book by Robert Bryndza, you are seriously missing out. His books are brilliant, wonderfully written, well thought out, and feature strong female characters.
Gripping, well written, well thought out, shocking, and suspenseful.
Thank you to Raven Street Publishing and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Secrets, lies, murder, and loyalty are the names of the game in Vengeance Is Mine. I found this book to be gripping, hard to put down, full of twists,Secrets, lies, murder, and loyalty are the names of the game in Vengeance Is Mine. I found this book to be gripping, hard to put down, full of twists, tension, and reveals. Michael Wood has delivered a shocking and thrilling page turner!
Dawn Shepherd was raised by a single mother and never knew who her father was until one day in a state of distress, her mother tells her. Dawn is shocked to learn her father is Dominic Griffiths, a convicted killer, who is going to be released soon. Twenty years ago, thirteen-year-old Stephanie White was abducted and murdered by Dominic, who Dawn's mother described as quiet, kind but controlling.
Dawn sets out on a mission to learn more about her father, his past, his family, her parent’s relationship, and Stephanie's murder. Dominic has always claimed his innocence in killing the young teen, while also saying he does not remember what happened.
I had a hard time putting this book down. I thought Michael Wood did a great job in showing how wanting to learn more about her father caused tension between Dawn and her mother, Rita. I was drawn into the investigation, the supporting characters, the twists, the revelations and drama. I thought I had things figured out and was left with my jaw hanging open at one reveal.
Well written, well thought out, gripping, and shocking!
Thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter, and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Harley’s boyfriend has invited her to spend the weekend at his family's country house. This is a big step for her. She experienced a horrific attack wHarley’s boyfriend has invited her to spend the weekend at his family's country house. This is a big step for her. She experienced a horrific attack which has left her traumatized and with difficulty trusting men. But her boyfriend has been wonderful, and she agrees to go despite his family's home dark and deadly history.
But then masked intruders arrive....
This audiobook can be listened to in one day. It is not long but it is heavy on suspense, violence, danger, evil, and dread. This book has the trapped feeling that I enjoy in books. It also taps into the fear of home invasion. What happens when someone breaks in and all you-know-what breaks loose? Once the action starts, it never lets up, and readers are taken on a dark, twist filled, ride of horror.
I found this book to be enjoyable. It is different from the author's other books. I believe that is because he adapted this story for an audiobook. Teddy Grennan wrote and directed the movie version. If you enjoyed the movie (which I have not seen), or tales of home invasion, horror, you may love this book. I did find the audiobook to be well done and I enjoyed the narration.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media | Dreamscape First and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
A supernatural mystery has two LAPD detectives traveling all over the city of angels looking for answers when members of the Hollywood elite begin dyiA supernatural mystery has two LAPD detectives traveling all over the city of angels looking for answers when members of the Hollywood elite begin dying in horrific ways. This book is in the horror category but is heavy on police procedural while detectives Mason Darby and Teri Grey are investigating a current case in addition to cold cases. What they learn is that not all that glitters is not gold. In a city where throwing the biggest, hottest most impressive party keeps you current and hot, may backfire and some will pay the ultimate price.
Some things that occur in this book can be labeled as horrific, but I don't feel this book was true horror. I enjoyed the investigative work and the banter. Both detectives have something to prove and go about trying to do so.
Although enjoyable, I wanted more scares, more creepiness, more horror, more danger, more tension. What I did enjoy was reading about the parts of L.A. that I know as I lived there for a long time. I also enjoyed the supernatural element to the book.
Others enjoyed this book more than I did so please read their reviews as well.
Thank you to Cranthorpe Millner Publishers and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
London Clarke's books contain supernatural elements, and this book was no exception. Ghostwriter Callie Rowe has just been asked to be the ghostwriterLondon Clarke's books contain supernatural elements, and this book was no exception. Ghostwriter Callie Rowe has just been asked to be the ghostwriter of the elusive, reclusive, and mysterious rock star, Riff Fall's memoir. Callie is no stranger to rock stars; her father was in a band, and she loves music. But when she gets to Riff's home to interview the man whose wife mysterious vanished years ago, she is met with a set of rules.
"Don’t go near the attic door. Don’t go outside after midnight. Don’t ever listen to them."
Strange, but doable, right? But why those rules? Rock stars are eccentric but what is going on? Who shouldn’t she listen to and why? Why has Riff never left his home? When things begin to go bump in the night, and more is revealed, she realizes that danger really is lurking, waiting, and watching.
This book is in the horror category but is more on the creepy side than the horror side, in my opinion. Things that happen are horrific but not gory. I enjoyed the sense of unease, tension, and the mounting danger in the book. Plus, this book oozes with atmosphere. It also has the isolated trapped feeling that I enjoy in books.
I first read London Clarke's work when I read The Neighbor and was excited to read this book as well. I found this book to be mysterious, dark, entertaining, and an enjoyable read.
3.5 stars
Thank you to BooksGoSocial and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lydia is a forensic photographer with a traumatic past. While working on a current case involving the murders of a couple who were A bloody good book!
Lydia is a forensic photographer with a traumatic past. While working on a current case involving the murders of a couple who were camping, she meets Adam. She feels a connection with him and enjoys the time they spend together. This is new for her, it's new for Adam as well.
As more bodies are found, it is obvious that a serial killer is at work. Lydia is there to take the pictures and Adam will be there for Lydia when she needs him.
Coming in at 240 pages, Hiding Lies was an enjoyable, dark, and thrilling read. I was fully immersed in the plot, the hunt, the romance, and the characters. This proved to be a very fast read as I did not want to put the book down. I enjoyed getting into the head of the killer as well as in Lydia's head as well.
Take a stab out of this book if you dare! Fans of Dexter will enjoy this book.
*Just know that this book touches on some dark issues. I'll list them in the comment section under this review if you are interested in knowing what they are.
Gripping, dark, and hard to put down!
Thank you to Mad Axe Media and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
*CRACK* That is the sound of Robert Dugoni hitting it out of the ballpark with Beyond Reasonable Doubt! I found Beyond Reasonable Doubt to be gripping*CRACK* That is the sound of Robert Dugoni hitting it out of the ballpark with Beyond Reasonable Doubt! I found Beyond Reasonable Doubt to be gripping, well thought out, riveting, and wonderfully written. It is the second book in the Keera Duggan series and can be read as a stand alone, but do yourself a favor and read Her Deadly Game, the addictive first book in this fabulous series.
Master chess player and Seattle attorney, Keera Duggan, has been tasked with representing her childhood nemesis, Jenna Bernstein, after Jenna is accused of killing her former business partner and lover. This will not be an easy task by any means, but Keera is used to thinking several moves ahead, and use all her skills in court.
I was glued to the pages and marveled at Dugoni's writing and plot. Just when I thought I had things figured out, Dugoni threw in another perfectly timed twist. I loved the courtroom scenes, the mystery, the twists, and the reveals in this book. I also enjoyed watching Keera prove herself once again to be a worthy and intelligent lawyer who is no longer standing in her father's shadow.
Fans of Dugoni's other series and stand-alone books will love this book as will fans of courtroom dramas and mystery thrillers. Dugoni knows how to set the stage, create tension, drama and intrigue. This was such a well thought out book and I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
Brilliantly written, well thought out, and hard to put down.
*Witches Words buddy read with Carolyn, Mary Beth, and Dorie. Please read their reviews as well to get their thoughts on this book!
Thank you to Thomas & Mercer and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Gripping, thrilling, shocking, and hard to put down! This book is heavy on drama, lies, deception, manipulation, and diabolical behavior. In short, itGripping, thrilling, shocking, and hard to put down! This book is heavy on drama, lies, deception, manipulation, and diabolical behavior. In short, it was a fun and entertaining read! I could not stop turning the pages, as questions were swirling around in my mind, and I was desperate for answers. I loved riding the wave of twists and turns to the thrilling conclusion!
Shannon is a tour guide who thinks she has found the answer to her financial troubles when she is hired by an American Couple to show them around Ireland. When they arrive, Shannon is shocked to see they brought their son and nanny but quickly jumps into action to change accommodations and activities. Little does she know that this is only the beginning.
Daniel Hurst always has a few cards up his sleeve and he kept me fully invested in the plot, wanting to yell at some characters, boo, and hiss at others, while shaking my head, and enjoying the journey the characters and I were experiencing.
The Family Trip is a fast paced book full of vivid descriptions of the Irish landscape and attractions. The secrets, lies, twists, turns, reveals, and tension made for a fun, entertaining, and riveting read!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Two sisters, a missing mother, love, loss, and coming home......
Jess was thirteen when she and her sister, Liz, were left alone when their mother wentTwo sisters, a missing mother, love, loss, and coming home......
Jess was thirteen when she and her sister, Liz, were left alone when their mother went for a walk and never returned. They knew their mother would never leave them. Something must have happened to her, but the police never found their missing mothers. Liz was left to take care of Jess until Jess was old enough to leave town. Liz continued to live in their childhood home, obsessed with true crime while hoping for answers about her mother's disappearance. Jess left town hoping to leave her grief behind but carries it with her everywhere she goes. Now that their mother's bones have been found fifteen years after her disappearance, the sisters will reconnect while waiting for answers.
I enjoyed how the author showed how grief affects people differently. Liz stayed in town, frozen in time, obsessed with true crime, while not having answers about her mother. While Jess runs from one relationship to the next, never getting to close, not wanting to be left behind again.
This book had a few twists and a shocking reveal.
This was a slow burn which I struggled with at times. Despite the slowness, I enjoyed the examination of love, loss, grief, relationships, and family bonds.
Thank you to The Dial Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
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