Everyone was raving about Jessa Maxwell’s debut, The Golden Spoon, last year, but it just didn’t sound like the right fit for mI NEED YOU TO READ THIS
Everyone was raving about Jessa Maxwell’s debut, The Golden Spoon, last year, but it just didn’t sound like the right fit for me. However, when I heard about Maxwell’s sophomore novel, I NEED YOU TO READ THIS, I was intoxicated with excitement over a murder in the world of Dear Abby (well, in this case, Dear Constance). I used to love reading those columns in the newspaper and so did my mom. Thank you @atriabooks for this gifted copy!
As mentioned, I NEED YOU TO READ THIS dives into the world of Dear Constance, a popular newspaper advice column (think Dear Abby!). However, when Francis Keen, the person behind Dear Constance, is murdered, it takes front and center on the news. Given that the position is now open, Alex Marks applies for the position and learns that she is offered the position (it doesn’t hurt that it’s two times the salary she was making and this will change her life). Alex is excited to start her role, but her excitement completely does a 180 when she starts receiving increasingly intensely dark letters and starts feeling that her safety is at jeopardy. As Alex delves deeper into her Francis’ murder, she begins to wonder if she herself is a target as well. Could someone the newspaper be involved, someone from her past, or someone out there lurking…
First and foremost, this book is not a thriller. It’s a light mystery slow burn. That being said, it is a totally fine read for what it is. The idea is such a cool spin on the mystery genre, but the execution left a bit more to be desired. I felt that things were much tamer than I expected and the book told us what was happening versus letting us read into and imagine it. It’s hard to explain, but if you know you know and if you don’t you don’t. The plot was unique, but the story heavily involved slow moving plot points that left the characters a bit underwhelming. Overall, if you want something unique and lighter than the typical thriller coming out this year, I NEED YOU TO READ THIS is up your alley! STARS: 3, PUB: 8/13 ...more
Vi Keeland is a very well-known romance author, with a ton of books in her roster, but THE UNRAVELING is her first (to my knowledge) mystery-thriller Vi Keeland is a very well-known romance author, with a ton of books in her roster, but THE UNRAVELING is her first (to my knowledge) mystery-thriller release. I immediately got tuned into this novel based on the synopsis—when Meredith McCall (our protagonist) experiences a painful loss (you'll find out exactly what), she begins struggling in her as a psychiatrist and trying to move forward with her life. Grief-stricken, she begins an obsession with Gabriel Wright—following him around and becoming unhinged. As Meredith's obsession continues to grow, Gabriel ends up walking into her office as a patient, not knowing that she has become fully immersed in his life privately. When Meredith and Gabriel begin to get to know each other on a deeper level, boundaries are crossed and Meredith starts unraveling (hehe) her entire life. Is Gabriel worth risking everything?
You can totally tell that Vi Keeland is a romance author in the way she weaves this story around. It's truly a wild, fun ride. I love thrillers with a heavy romantic/sexual tone to it, and THE UNRAVELING is definitely that. This book dives into grief a LOT and I won't say what happened to have our characters grieving, but from someone grieving over the last couple of months, I fully related to Meredith's unhealthy and unorthodox methods of self-care and coping. It's hard to move on from something life changing and devastating and THE UNRAVELING truly dives into that. I really enjoyed this book and will totally prioritize Vi Keeland's next thriller if she chooses to continue down this path....more
Shari Lapena is a stable in the whodunnit thriller genre and her books are always on the top of my priority TBR list. These whodunnits usually are a sShari Lapena is a stable in the whodunnit thriller genre and her books are always on the top of my priority TBR list. These whodunnits usually are a slow building reveal, but always pay off in the end, so I was excited to pick up her newest book, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
The story takes place in a small town in Vermont called Fairhill. Nothing really happens in this small rural town, but when popular teenager Diana Brewer is found in a hayfield dead, this town gets turned on its head. The synopsis is very vague, so I will continue to keep it that way. The story is a neighborhood whodunnit and there's many suspects at play.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? is not Lapena's strongest work, but her fans will probably enjoy this book regardless. The story is very slow and the reveal wasn't much of a shocker to me, but what makes this book enjoyable to me were the characters. We get several point of views and each and everyone one of them has a unique voice that I found engaging. This book has a ghost aspect that I haven't seen the author utilize in the past, but it works! Some people may not like that subtle que in the book, but I actually felt that it added to the suspense of the story. Again, I quickly was able to figure out the evolution of the story, so I had to be honest with my review of this book. I will continue to read Shari Lapena's books, but this was definitely one that I will forget about in the future. ...more
Jaclyn Goldis has been on my radar ever since her debut novel, The Chateau, was released last year. Once I saw this gorgeous cover, I knew that THE MAJaclyn Goldis has been on my radar ever since her debut novel, The Chateau, was released last year. Once I saw this gorgeous cover, I knew that THE MAIN CHARACTER (which I also call myself) was a book that I needed to read.
Infusing the elements of Murder on the Orient Express, Everyone on This Train is a Suspect, and Who is Maud Dixon, THE MAIN CHARACTER takes place on a renovated Orient Express train through Italy. Rory was hired to help Ginevra Ex, a famous mystery author, for her next book. Rory is the inspiration for Ginevra's next book and as a gift, she gives her a ticket on this unique and once-in-a-lifetime experience. That is, until she discovers that her brother Max, her best friend Caroline, and her ex-fiancé Nathan are all aboard the train, all invited by Ginevra. As the journey from Rome to Positano continues, it becomes clear that this was a masterminded attempt for story, but nobody took into account what would happen when a murder happens aboard the train.
This book is similar to Goldis' debut in which it's a light mystery in a character-driven drama. The story slowly builds with each chapter, but it's definitely not the fast paced race-against-the-clock you may expect since we're in a locked room mystery. If you liked the books I mentioned above and Lucy Foley's novels, THE MAIN CHARACTER is definitely your speed. I had fun with this one and was glad that I picked it up at a time where I wanted more time to dive into a world with a book. I am excited to see what Jaclyn Goldis has in store for readers next. STARS: 3.5, PUB: 5/21...more
I’m saying it now—2024 reads have so far been my overall best year since I’ve started my bookstagram! Lauren Ling Brown’s debut, SOCIETY OF LIES, immeI’m saying it now—2024 reads have so far been my overall best year since I’ve started my bookstagram! Lauren Ling Brown’s debut, SOCIETY OF LIES, immediately captured my interest with this stunning cover. Thank you @randomhouse for this gifted copy! The story is centered around Princeton alumni Maya and her investigation into the mysterious death of her sister Naomi. Naomi was supposed to graduate Princeton and Maya was looking forward to reconnecting back to her college days, but Maya is stunned to find out that her sister joined the Sterling Club, the mysterious and exclusive social club on campus. Maya warned her about the Sterling Club since she had joined back in her college days. Maya can’t help but think this club has something to do with Naomi’s death.
This book gave me In My Dreams I Hold a Knife vibes! I really had a blast reading this one. This book touches on race and privilege while in college which I felt was a compelling aspect of the book that also helped form the mystery in ways I didn’t expect. This book moved rather quickly and left for many different scenarios for the reader to keep on guessing. I don’t always love dark academia stories, but SOCIETY OF LIES was very compelling. I highly recommend putting this book on your TBR and picking it up once it releases later this summer! STARS: 4, PUB: 8/13...more
I haven't read a lot of Heather Gudenkauf's novels, but so many of my bookstagram friends, such as @beautyandthebook , love her so I was real3.5 stars
I haven't read a lot of Heather Gudenkauf's novels, but so many of my bookstagram friends, such as @beautyandthebook , love her so I was really excited to read her 2024 novel, EVERYONE IS WATCHING. After reading the author's acknowledgments, this book sounds like a major change of course and I'm hear for it!
EVERYONE IS WATCHING revolves around a reality show featuring five contestants, aptly nicknamed "The Best Friend, The Confidant, The Senator, The Boyfriend, The Executive"—they all have actual names, but it's easier to list them this way for now. Each of these five contestants were chosen to be on the new game show, One Lucky Winner, where they'll compete for $10 million dollars after a series of challenges. They'll be secluded at a private location in Northern California and isolated from the outside world (feels like Big Brother to me!). When the show begins, the contestants realize that this isn't just a reality show, this is dangerous. Especially when they find out that not everyone on this show isn't who they say they are.
This book is a popcorn thriller through and through! I was able to guess what was going to happen pretty early on, so that is the rationale for my rating, but this book is fast-paced and fun throughout the story. I love books centered around reality shows and EVERYONE IS WATCHING felt like they were competing on a Squid Game type of show which just adds more to the thriller aspect of the story. Readers of light popcorn thrillers will LOVE this book!...more
Craig Willse's dark academia gay thriller, PROVIDENCE, was a total blast—infusing The Talented Mr. Ripley, Saltburn, and Micah Nemerever's These VioleCraig Willse's dark academia gay thriller, PROVIDENCE, was a total blast—infusing The Talented Mr. Ripley, Saltburn, and Micah Nemerever's These Violent Delights into one wildly entertaining experience.
The story is centered around Mark Lausson—an English professor at an elite liberal arts school in the middle of Ohio, who becomes infatuated with a sophomore soccer player, charismatic and handsome Tyler Cunningham. Tyler draws Mark in with his personality and looks in ways that Mark can't describe. Mark starts centering his life around Tyler's every move, becoming more and more ingrained into Tyler's world. Knowing that this relationship is unprofessional, Mark tries to fight back, but can't seem to let Tyler go. As the two forge a sexual relationship, Mark starts seeing that Tyler can't be trusted. However, once Mark is locked into Tyler's world, it's hard to escape.
This book was so much fun and I read it in two sittings. I normally don't prioritize dark academia books, but the cover and synopsis drew me in immediately. This book will turn in ways you won't expect and its steamy in all the right ways without going over the top. At its core, PROVIDENCE is a mystery/thriller, but there's moments in which we get social commentary on LGBTQ+ culture as well. I absolutely loved how the story ended and was surprised to see it go that direction (in a good way). I can't wait to see what Craig Willse has in store for readers next. ...more
Carinn Jade's debut novel, THE ASTROLOGY HOUSE has been buzzing around social media for the last couple of months, so I was very excited to pick up thCarinn Jade's debut novel, THE ASTROLOGY HOUSE has been buzzing around social media for the last couple of months, so I was very excited to pick up the audiobook via @librofm. The cover is gorgeous and the whole astrology spin sounded utterly unique!
THE ASTROLOGY HOUSE is centered around several wealthy New Yorkers heading to an astrology-themed retreat at the Stars Harbor Astrological Retreat. Margot and her friends need this time to disconnect with their own dramas, but at the same time reconnect with each other. The story is told between multiple POVs with a big cast of characters, but when secrets start simmering to the top, we are given a shocking death and everyone is a suspect.
THE ASTROLOGY HOUSE definitely gave me Lucy Foley vibes so if you like that author, you will most likely enjoy THE ASTROLOGY HOUSE. The astrology spin and content was a lot of fun and I enjoyed that aspect of the book. Its slower paced and more of a drama than expected since the book isn't too long, so it did take me longer than expected to listen to the audiobook. The drama and juice were slightly triggering for me as this book dives into very detailed relationship dramas, but I did appreciate how the story evolved. The audiobook was incredible and you can definitely see Carinn Jade's storytelling take center stage. I will gladly read this author's next book as I definitely feel she has found a niche subgenre within the mystery/thriller fiction world. ...more
HOT SPRINGS DRIVE is my first read by Lindsay Hunter, but will definitely not be my last. Disclaimer, I did the audiobook for this one via @4.5 stars!
HOT SPRINGS DRIVE is my first read by Lindsay Hunter, but will definitely not be my last. Disclaimer, I did the audiobook for this one via @librofm and I'm not entirely sure if my experience listening and reading would be the same. The story is centered around a group of neighbors and friends, specifically Jackie and her best friend Theresa. The two are not only best friends, but they're going through the trials and tribulations of motherhood and marriage. Their bond is tight, but when Jackie ends up having an affair with Theresa's husband, their lives are changed forever.
I'm purposely being vague about this one, so don't read any spoilers. HOT SPRINGS DRIVE is basically about a neighborhood all having hardcore sex with each other and then someone dies. I won't got into it anymore than that so don't ask! I absolutely had a blast with this one, but the plot is mainly internalized characterizations for all the characters the author presents us. This book dives into sex and sexuality, role of the family unit, lust and desire, and the lengths people will go to in order to protect their peace. I very rarely give 4.5 stars for a book, but I just had so much fun with this one. Lindsay Hunter is officially an auto-read author for me from here on out. ...more
When @rachkollercroft told me that I needed to prioritize Sara Koffi's debut novel, WHILE WE WERE BURNING, I immediately requested it from @putnambookWhen @rachkollercroft told me that I needed to prioritize Sara Koffi's debut novel, WHILE WE WERE BURNING, I immediately requested it from @putnambooks, thank you for the gifted copy! This story is a unique spin on mystery/thrillers in sadly an aspect that happens in American society.
The story focuses on Elizabeth Smith and her journey after witnessing her friend Patricia's death—the complete deterioration of her family and personal life, and her reputation around the neighborhood. As Elizabeth's spiral becomes unmanageable, she hires a personal assistant, Brianna, to help her get back on track. As Brianna begins to work for Elizabeth, she too is thrown into this mystery behind Patricia's death, because it somewhat relates to the death of her son. Brianna's Black son was killed by police during a confrontation started by someone in Elizabeth's neighborhood and she is going to find out who's responsible at any cost.
This book is a character-driven, voyeuristic, revenge story that uses tragedy and emotions to drive Elizabeth and Brianna forward. Obviously given the subject matter, this story has trigger warnings, so I encourage you to go into this story knowing that. This book dives into topics of female dynamics, toxic friendships, and neighborhood drama. WHILE WE WERE BURNING pushes forward how much racism and classism within communities can have a ripple effect. I am will definitely be tuning into whatever Sara Koffi writes next. ...more
Lindy Ryan's upcoming novel, BLESS YOUR HEART, is the perfect combination of Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series meets Grady Hendrix's A Southern BoLindy Ryan's upcoming novel, BLESS YOUR HEART, is the perfect combination of Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan series meets Grady Hendrix's A Southern Bookclub's Guide to Slaying Vampires. I knew this book would be a bit campy, but I had a total blast listening to the audiobook.
The story focuses on the Evans women, a family who runs a small Texan town funeral parlor. They have an interesting, yet pivotal role within their community. Their role within helping settle the dead becomes apparent when they have a body rise from dead and shows that the town is in trouble. It becomes clear to the Evans women that the Strigoi, the original vampire, is back and they're the only women who know how to fight back. As more bodies begin to pile up, the local police get into the crosshairs of the Evans women, but the two forces definitely have a contentious relationship and both want to keep their secrets buried.
This book was a bit slow, but a total fun ride. The audiobook's narration was expertly done and I really enjoyed how the story developed. The book alludes to this being a series and I definitely can see that being the case with how the book ended (although still can end as a standalone if needed). I am unsure I will continue with this possible series, but I can totally see this being a television or streaming series. Definitely a high-point for the year so far with my reading!...more
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