There are many characters and POVs in this slow-burn thriller. I enjoyed learning how the puzzle pieces of the plot came together. My favorite charactThere are many characters and POVs in this slow-burn thriller. I enjoyed learning how the puzzle pieces of the plot came together. My favorite character was Poppy. She was tenacious, determined, and intelligent. Poppy was a breath of fresh air in this very intense story. Entertaining, original, and suspenseful describe this intricately plotted thriller. Thank you, NetGalley and Minotaur Books for my copy....more
This is another enjoyable, entertaining read from Daniel Hurst. Although the plot was slightly slow initially, I was always interested in how the storThis is another enjoyable, entertaining read from Daniel Hurst. Although the plot was slightly slow initially, I was always interested in how the story was going to play out. The protagonist intrigued me and kept me invested as secrets were revealed. The first twist totally caught me off guard. It was completely unexpected and masterfully ignited future twists that led to the shocking conclusion. I am looking forward to reading the next installment in this series. Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy. ...more
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC. This is a tough call. I can’t say I really enjoyed this book. Most of the characters were very unlikablThank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC. This is a tough call. I can’t say I really enjoyed this book. Most of the characters were very unlikable and some of the plot points were extremely implausible. It was a two star read for the majority of the book. I did appreciate the message of women empowerment and righting of wrongs. Toward the end, the tension increased, but unfortunately led to an unsatisfying conclusion. It definitely had moments of suspense and shock. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️. The last book I read by Lucy Dawson was five stars. I will read other books by her in the future.
Merged review:
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC. This is a tough call. I can’t say I really enjoyed this book. Most of the characters were very unlikable and some of the plot points were extremely implausible. It was a two star read for the majority of the book. I did appreciate the message of women empowerment and righting of wrongs. Toward the end, the tension increased, but unfortunately led to an unsatisfying conclusion. It definitely had moments of suspense and shock. 2.5 stars rounded up to 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️. The last book I read by Lucy Dawson was five stars. I will read other books by her in the future....more
This is the second book I’ve read by Jessica Huntley. Just like How to Commit the Perfect Murder in Ten Easy Steps, Don't Tell a Soul hooked me from tThis is the second book I’ve read by Jessica Huntley. Just like How to Commit the Perfect Murder in Ten Easy Steps, Don't Tell a Soul hooked me from the beginning. I was instantly invested in both of the lives of Elle and Vera. Secrets, fear, and desperation describe the motivation of both women. Whose dark secret will come to light? Guilt can be a powerful motivator and when it’s mixed with suspicion it becomes dangerous. The conclusion was surprising and satisfying. Thank you, Booksprout and Inkubator Books for my advanced copy. ...more
This is a slow-burn thriller about fraud and deception. I enjoyed the theme of women and the unfair limitations they face in the corporate world. The This is a slow-burn thriller about fraud and deception. I enjoyed the theme of women and the unfair limitations they face in the corporate world. The narrators did an excellent job bringing the characters to life. My only wish it would have been faster-paced, but overall it was still entertaining and held my attention. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for my audiobook....more
This was a wild, twisted, and thrilling ride! I was quickly drawn into the mystery of Adele’s disappearance. The plot is layered with an interesting lThis was a wild, twisted, and thrilling ride! I was quickly drawn into the mystery of Adele’s disappearance. The plot is layered with an interesting list of suspects. Book 1 ended on a cliffhanger leaving me with many unanswered questions. Book 2 quickly hooked me as secrets were revealed and pieces to the puzzle began to click into place. The conclusion was one shocking twist after another. Both books were fast-paced and very entertaining. Thank you, BookSirens for my copy....more
Have you ever had the feeling of relief when a book is over? That is exactly how I feel now that I have finished One Big Happy Family. It pulled me inHave you ever had the feeling of relief when a book is over? That is exactly how I feel now that I have finished One Big Happy Family. It pulled me in slightly at close to fifty percent, but never fully hooked me. The plot is very layered with multiple characters. I was extremely thankful to be listening to the audiobook while also reading it. The audiobook helped bring the characters to life while helping me distinguish the various characters. I enjoyed the setting of the isolated hotel while trying to figure out the identity of the murderer. For me, this was just OK. There was nothing extremely memorable or overly interesting. I was satsatisfied with the conclusion and it did add a surprise at the ending that bumped my rating up a point. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my copy....more
James Caine once again delivers an original, gripping thriller I couldn't put down. I loved the multiple POVs, and how the plot drew me in immediatelyJames Caine once again delivers an original, gripping thriller I couldn't put down. I loved the multiple POVs, and how the plot drew me in immediately. This thriller provides all ‘the feels.’ There were moments when I was completely shocked and moments that brought tears to my eyes. The story is emotional, intense, and compelling. Thank you to the author for my advanced copy. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐....more
Daniel Hurst’s books always grip me immediately and The Family Trip is no exception. Shannon is desperate for money when a dream job is dropped into hDaniel Hurst’s books always grip me immediately and The Family Trip is no exception. Shannon is desperate for money when a dream job is dropped into her lap. She is requested to be a tour guide in her native country Ireland by a wealthy family. This job is the answer to her money problems. What could possibly go wrong? This fast-paced thriller is original, entertaining, and full of twists I never saw coming. This book could easily be devoured in one sitting. I was hooked from start to finish. I highly recommend this page-turner! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy....more
Emily’s life is stressful as she goes through a nasty divorce. A feeling of dread and foreboding quickly becomes a sensation of being watched and stalEmily’s life is stressful as she goes through a nasty divorce. A feeling of dread and foreboding quickly becomes a sensation of being watched and stalked. Is her mind playing tricks on her because of her damaging divorce, or has she become prey to an unknown hunter? I was engrossed and entertained. This character driven thriller pulled me in immediately. I enjoyed the conclusion although it felt slightly rushed. Thank you Booksprout for my copy. ...more
Wow! This is the first thriller in a long time that shocked, surprised, and gripped me from start to finish. When the first mind-boggling twist occurrWow! This is the first thriller in a long time that shocked, surprised, and gripped me from start to finish. When the first mind-boggling twist occurred I thought I knew exactly where the plot was heading. I couldn't have been more stunned and pleasantly surprised by all the twisty wickedness. Bravo Miranda! I never in a million years could have predicted what happened in this addictive, original, and extremely entertaining thriller. Thank you NetGalley and Inkubator Books for my copy. ...more
This YA thriller had just enough unexpected surprises that kept me engaged. It feels like everyone is hiding something as the tension builds. PrivilegThis YA thriller had just enough unexpected surprises that kept me engaged. It feels like everyone is hiding something as the tension builds. Privilege mixed with murder is a deadly combination. Are the Crestmont brothers as dangerous as the rumors surrounding them suggest? Although it started out slow, the pace greatly picked up halfway as secrets were revealed and the past came back with a vengeance. The narration added a layer of suspense to this original, entertaining thriller. Thank you, NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for my audiobook....more
Talia and Tabitha are twins. One of the feelings they share is their suspicion and sense of unease regarding their new neighbor Anne. Mystery surroundTalia and Tabitha are twins. One of the feelings they share is their suspicion and sense of unease regarding their new neighbor Anne. Mystery surrounds everything about her. I was intrigued initially by the mysterious Anne and the amateur sleuthing attempts by the sisters. I was shocked at how the plot went from an innocent mystery to a dark, disturbing tale about jealousy, betrayal, and pure evil. Most of the characters were extremely unlikeable. The ending was surprising with elements I never could have predicted. While listening to the audiobook, I would have appreciated more distinction between the female characters. Overall, it was a satisfactory listen with a few highly implausible plot points. Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Select for my audiobook....more
This is an intriguing locked room mystery especially regarding the murderer. I enjoyed getting introduced to the mysterious cast of suspects and tryinThis is an intriguing locked room mystery especially regarding the murderer. I enjoyed getting introduced to the mysterious cast of suspects and trying to piece together the well crafted puzzle that kept me intrigued throughout. This is an engaging atmospheric prequel that quickly pulled me in and gripped me until the satisfying conclusion. Thank you BookSirens for my copy....more
Natalie’s hard work of keeping her appearance in stellar form has paid off. She has found the man of her dreams. Hudson is all she has hoped for and hNatalie’s hard work of keeping her appearance in stellar form has paid off. She has found the man of her dreams. Hudson is all she has hoped for and he is hers. She knows their trip away will be everything she wants with possibly a surprise proposal as a bonus. She quickly gets more than she bargained for. Strange things begin to happen as their highly anticipated trip takes a turn neither of them could have imagined. This is a quick read that held my attention throughout. There were plenty of twists along the way that kept me entertained as I reached the somewhat rushed conclusion. Thank you Inkubator Books and BookSprout for my copy. ...more
This story made me cry tears of sadness and tears of joy. This is a heart-wrenching tale of loss, lies, secrets, and manipulation. Everyone has a storThis story made me cry tears of sadness and tears of joy. This is a heart-wrenching tale of loss, lies, secrets, and manipulation. Everyone has a story but only one person knows the truth. What really happened at Wild Meadows that has contributed to what the young girls of long ago have become? I was gripped by each girl’s story of their time with the malevolent Miss Fairchild. Once they are again brought together by tragedy, secrets are revealed, and lives are changed forever. The incidents of abuse were difficult to read and extremely disturbing. There were times throughout the story when I was unsettled and other times when I was rejoicing. This is a story of triumph, survival, and sisterly bonds that withstand unspeakable trauma. It’s compelling, heartbreaking with an ending that shook me to my core. Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my copy....more
Delusional? Paranoid? Victim? Villain? These are words that have been used to describe Jolene. Poor, poor Jolene has tried to live her life while carrDelusional? Paranoid? Victim? Villain? These are words that have been used to describe Jolene. Poor, poor Jolene has tried to live her life while carrying the unbearably heavy load of guilt that is constantly weighing her down. She is her own worst enemy always getting in her own way while trying to make a fresh start. Will she ever conquer the demons that live within her tortured soul, or will she fall prey to the ever-present wicked voice in her head? Does she deserve the torment? Read her story and you be the judge. I loved going on Jolene’s ride where delusion and reality are difficult to decipher. Faith Gardner always delivers s thought-provoking thrill ride that leaves you breathless and wanting more. As Jolene’s life unraveled, I was gripped and enthralled. Never a dull moment when devouring Faith Gardener’s latest creation. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Thank you BookSirens for my copy. ...more
Megan and Nick have moved into their seaside dream house. Their future looks bright and full of promise. Gradually their dream turns into their worst Megan and Nick have moved into their seaside dream house. Their future looks bright and full of promise. Gradually their dream turns into their worst nightmare. Saying they have neighbors from hell is putting it mildly. Things quickly go from bad to worse as their world rapidly begins to unravel. This story is a testament to how far one will go when pushed to the brink of insanity. Who is the victim and who is the villain in the twisted tale of betrayal, regret, and vengeance? The protagonist frustrated me while pulling me in as the plot unfolded. There were surprising twists throughout with a jaw-dropping conclusion I never saw coming. This is the first book I have read by this author but definitely will not be the last. Thank you Booksprout and Inkubator Books for my copy....more
This is a disturbing trip into the mind of what appears to be an average person one may encounter on a daily basis. Malcolm gives the impression of noThis is a disturbing trip into the mind of what appears to be an average person one may encounter on a daily basis. Malcolm gives the impression of normalcy with a hint of sadness. The plot gradually spirals from various unsettling events that lead to startling revelations that are haunting and terrifying. The book is definitely a slow burn that picks up significantly about a third of the way. There were several times I winced while reading about the unimaginable choices and intentions characters made as the plot unfolded. The conclusion was my favorite part which was both shocking and satisfying. Thank you Booksprout and Inkubator Books for my copy....more
Friendships come and go but actions with consequences may live on forever. Loyalty, envy, lies, and betrayal are the driving forces in this thriller aFriendships come and go but actions with consequences may live on forever. Loyalty, envy, lies, and betrayal are the driving forces in this thriller about the lengths one will go to for friends and the feeling of belonging. Sloane, Margot, and Nicole are “just a couple of harmless girls” brought together by the enigmatic Lucy. She is magnetic and captivating much like Margot’s dearly departed best friend Eliza. Both have secrets that eventually become contagious and deadly. The ramifications of murder or permanent.” One was an accident, one a mistake, and one a necessity.” Who is responsible and who will suffer as truths are revealed and deception uncovered? This is another beautifully written and character-driven emotive psychological thriller by Stacy Willingham. It's easy to get lost in her prose and captured by the original, gripping plot. Thank you, NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for my copy....more