A Flicker in the Dark features Chloe Davis, who at 12 years old was living in a small town where girls were disappearing all summer, only for her father to be arrested at the end of summer for all of their murders. Now nearing the 20 year anniversary, Chloe is a psychologist in private practice, engaged— only for young girls to start going missing all over again.
The beginning of this novel really draws you in and makes you keep turning pages! Chloe turns out to be a very unreliable narrator, one who is grasping onto her happiness. The plot is really interesting and atmospheric reads are my absolute favorite. While the book gets to a point where it isn’t as page-turning as it initially was, it does constantly keep you trying to figure out the plot and guess what’s going on, and it does pick up and grip you again! I thought the ending was satisfying and the best plots are ones that make sense to a certain degree when you figure out what really happened/is happening, like this one did.
This was a great read from one of my favorite publishers recently; they have just been a powerhouse of putting out some of my recent favorite thrillers! I’m in a cabin in the middle of the mountains with almost no internet so I missed publication day by a day, but happy publication day! Thank you so much to Minotaur Books, Stacy Willingham, and NetGalley for this copy.
The Night Shift was like coming home and realizing it smells just as good as you remember— in this case home is Alex Finlay’s writing.
FBI Agent Sarah Keller is back, investigating what could be two connected crimes fifteen years apart. In 1999 four teenaged girls working at a Blockbuster were attacked, and only one survived. History repeats itself all these years later in an ice cream shop.
Alex Finlay is a master of keeping you on the edge of your seat, suspicious of everyone. He creates real, flawed, well-rounded characters, lays out a phenomenal and complex plot, and is well practiced at writing alternating perspectives without a single one being boring. I read this all in one sitting and I kept jotting down theories for each thing said, heard, or realized throughout the story and one of them panned out!
The one thing I do not forgive Alex Finlay for: just like after reading Every Last Fear I feel genuine heartbreak for some of these characters and I now need to decompress once again.
This was an amazing read, thank you to Alex Finlay, St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this incredible ARC.
It’s been five years since the day Detective Amanda Steele lost her whole world because of one person’s decision to drive while drunk. When the driver that killed her family is found dead in a motel room she can’t stay away from the case, despite the conflict of interest. Not everything is what it appears to be, and Amanda finds herself digging deeper and deeper into the darkness behind a string of murders.
Amanda Steele is a Jessica Jones type, a good cop with baggage and self-medicating tendencies. She’s also a strong-willed character, justice-seeking character who you want to see solve everything. This is a great police procedural and had enough action to keep things interesting. This was a fun read from figuring out how everything ties in and encountering the plot twists that take you to the end!
Thank you to Carolyn Arnold, Bookouture, and NetGalley for this ARC!
Before She Disappeared is Lisa Gardner’s first standalone in twenty years. Frankie Elkin is almost your average middle-aged woman- except for the fact that she’s a recovering alcoholic who spends her time tracking down missing people the world has forgotten about. Her search for new cases leads her to a Boston neighborhood in search of Angelique Badeau. Finding the missing Haitian teenager becomes increasingly difficult Frankie comes to discover, but she won’t stop trying to uncover the truth.
Lisa Gardner is a creative author and a favorite of mine, but this wasn’t my favorite book of hers. I didn’t connect with Frankie the way that I normally like to with characters. You can definitely see the logic behind her character, I just wanted more. She did have some funny dialogue, if you’re the type to like the occasional witty remarks in your mysteries.
I love the entire concept of this book, of the main character being someone who closes these cases that no one else can (or wants to). I also enjoyed the ending!
Thank you to Penguin Group/Dutton, Edelweiss, and Lisa Gardner for this ARC.
The beauty of The Wife Upstairs is that the book is very clearly based on Jane Eyre but also in its own little parallel universe, not relying too heavily on staying true to the classic, which was so important in making this a new and interesting read.
In this book, twenty-three year-old Jane, a foster child who aged out of the system, is walking dogs for her rich neighbors and surviving by stealing things people wouldn’t miss. Then Jane meets Eddie Rochester, who is still the rich, handsome widower, even in this version. Quickly, Jane and Eddie fall into a whirlwind romance which inevitably ends in Eddie asking Jane to marry him. The only problem? Jane feels that Eddie is also keeping some secrets. The story leads you wanting to find out the truth and what really happened.
This book is great for those who enjoy the classics and also some modern thrillers, as well as people who enjoy lighter reading rather than the classics. It’s really an interesting combination of genres that would interest so many types of readers, which makes it great. Of course, it’s not actually Jane Eyre, one of my favorites, but it’s definitely an interesting, fun read.
Thank you to Rachel Hawkins, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for giving me this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Every Last Fear reads like the best kind of crime drama playing right before your eyes. Matt Pine comes back to his NYU dorm after a night of partying to the worst news possible news; his entire family who were on vacation in Mexico was just found dead. What at first looks like an accidental gas leak turns out to be so much more and it has everyone wondering: could this relate to the murder that put Danny Pine, Matt’s older brother, in prison seven years ago.
The unique plot was built on real characters with multifaceted lives. Each chapter revealed new plot and more layers to the story, causing the reader to constantly adjust their theory on what happened. The constantly changing perspective, where everyone has a different piece of the puzzle, is engaging and gives butterflies just like all good thrillers.
The web that Alex Finlay was able to weave in this novel was intricate and fascinating. The things this family went through all because of one night are heartbreaking. The ending was satisfying. I had to mentally decompress after the amount of action my heart just went through. Every Last Fear is a new favorite of mine.
Many thanks to Alex Finlay, St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this incredible ARC.
The Only Card in a Deck of Knives is a collection of rambling, free-verse poetry that is constantly changing and contradicting all within one poem. Written from the perspective of a twenty something year-old who has a terminal illness, she has the ability to speak on a love of life, dying to die, as well as society’s reaction to sick women and its habit of discrediting their symptoms and feelings.
One of my favorite things about this collection was the way that each poem felt like a stream of consciousness. Things followed a train of thought, like a game where each word or phrase might remind the reader of their next point, or the next thought. You could follow the ideas even as long-winded as each piece might appear. Not every poem will relate to everyone, and how could it when it’s written from a specific perspective that the rest of us can only try to empathize with, but some of the lines were absolutely profound and lyrical.
Thank you to Lauren Turner, Buckrider Books, and Edelweiss for this review copy.
An Inconvenient Woman instantly immerses you and makes you start asking yourself questions right off the bat, hooking you instantly so that you are forced to keep reading. Buelens paced this novel amazingly, information was given to the reader naturally without it feeling overwhelming, and it only added to the anticipation and need for answers.
This book does alternate perspectives, between Claire and Sloane, who couldn’t be more opposite for most of the book. Claire, who is convinced her ex-husband, Simon, is a pervert who murdered her fifteen year-old daughter and is trying to stop him from trying it again with his new future step-daughter. Sloane, an ex-cop who is now a sin eater hired by Simon, to stop Simon’s crazy ex-wife from stalking his family and vandalizing his property. Suddenly, this story becomes so much more everything- more complicated, more tangled, more messy, more people involved- in ways Sloane never could have predicted.
The most heartbreaking thing that could ever be said is “I don’t believe you.”
An Inconvenient Woman had me at the edge of my seat and finishing this book in one sitting because I couldn’t bring myself to put it down. For all that this book is heartbreaking, especially considering the reality of things like this happening right under our noses, the ending was satisfying. This was incredibly well written, it may have hurt but that’s because it was well done, and I look forward to more from Stéphanie Buelens.
Many thanks to Edelweiss, Scarlet, and Stéphanie Buelens for this advanced review copy.
This is what happens when you’re crossing all of life’s t’s and dotting its i’s and then everything you thought was put together falls apart. Allison has everything, a well paying job that she’s good at, a fiance, a few best friends doubling as her bridesmaids in the upcoming wedding- and everything is toppled over in one day.
Charming Falls Apart’s best quality? These are real characters. They are built on personality, insecurities, faults, and growth. I am blown away by the characters jumping off of the pages through their personalities, actions, and realistic lives. Every time Allison made a mature decision, reacted to a completely human emotion, or even stopped herself from jumping right into something without thought, it was a win for the real-life woman reading this novel after reading countless characters that don’t feel down on Earth.
Allison’s entire life falls apart in one fell swoop and this story has a natural rhythm as she regains her confidence, both professionally and socially. While she reads self-help books you bear witness to self-reflection and growth, and the changes a person can make to better their life at any age.
The romantic progression was another great thing to read. She meets Eric by chance in a coffee shop that he owns and she can’t help but keep coming back. While at first she’s too freshly burned to even consider it, she gains back a piece of herself in her conversations with Eric- along with a reoccurring blush across her cheeks. The romance didn’t feel forced, which was probably the best part. There were times where I found myself smiling while reading because Eric comes across as charming while he makes jokes and teases Allison.
This was a breath of fresh air as far as romance novels, I really enjoyed the maturity of it and the characters. People who enjoyed Evvie Drake Starts Over would also enjoy this novel. Thank you to Edelweiss, Angela Terry, and SparkPress for the pleasure of reading this review copy.
Little Bridge is one of the smallest islands in the Florida Keys. It’s also seen a strange spike in crime- which just so happens to bring the sheriff and children’s librarian together on more than one occasion when Molly keeps finding crime scenes.
For me, this book fell flat. I was incredibly excited to receive the review copy and I was intrigued by the plot. I was expecting a fun new take on a modern romance. The romance, however, ended up feeling non-existent. There was no spark between the characters and even the characters themselves could’ve used a lot more dimension to make them more life-like. As it was their lives weren’t as engaging or very fun to read about. I found myself bored throughout the majority of the book and the ending didn’t make up for it.
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me this review copy in exchange for an honest review.
10 Word Review: Wealthy family loses everything during the financial crisis, hilarity ensues!
Spoiler Free Review: I really enjoyed this book! It was funny and touching, though it does take a bit to warm up to some of the characters! I think it’s also a fantastic representation of how the U.S. got into the financial crisis, and includes one of the best explanations I’ve seen yet. It’s simple, to the point, and well illustrated!
I thought that this was an interesting twist on the classic immigrant story. The ending was completely fitting and I did grow to really care for the characters. I’d definitely recommend it!
10 Word Review: Analysis of how vulnerability and shame affect our daily lives.
Spoiler Free Review: I’ve had a bunch of people recommend this book to me, and I am so glad that I’ve finally read it! It made me think about vulnerability and shame in a completely different way. It really is remarkable how those two things truly do affect my everyday life. It also made me come to several realizations about myself and how I want to live my life. I’m sure this book means something different to everyone who reads it, so I’ll just say that you should definitely give it a chance!
10 Word Review: Insightful glimpse into the sex lives of three different women.
Spoiler Free Review: I read this book as part of a book club that I’m in, and it’s one I probably never would have picked up on my own, but I’m glad I did! It really led to some fascinating and deep conversations with some wonderful women.
While the book’s central focus is around the sex lives of three women, it’s really about what it means and looks like to be a woman in today’s society. The challenges that are faced and how these women are overcoming them or not overcoming them in some cases. It does feel a little intrusive to get such an intimate and raw portrait of their lives, but that’s what makes the book so interesting and I think important. These women who participated in this book were able to be so open and vulnerable with their story, and I found that to be extremely brave! I’d definitely recommend reading this one in a group and you won’t be disappointed!
10 Word Review: Woman stuck in blizzard at rest stop with four strangers!
Spoiler Free Review: This book was a non-stop thrill ride! It may be one of my new favorite thrillers ever. Just when you think you have a grasp on what’s going to happen, you realize you literally have no clue! There were so many WTF moments, but it never veers into the ridiculous, which can always ruin a good thriller for me. It’s also what I call a cinematic book, where it could literally be turned into a movie as is and is incredibly well paced. If you’re looking for a book you can read in a day and are looking to be highly entertained, definitely check it out!
Review of Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot’s Christmas -
10 Word Review: Dysfunctional family’s patriarch is murdered in a locked room scenario!
Spoiler Free Review: I’m a huge fan of Agatha Christie and her Hercule Poirot novels, and this one is no exception! It’s a fantastically well plotted locked room mystery that had me guessing the whole time, and left me shocked and satisfied by the end! The cast of characters are all wonderfully odd and of course all have their own agenda. If you’re looking for a good old fashioned mystery, then you really can’t go wrong with this one!
10 Word Review: Serial killer copying murders committed in 1800s New York City.
Spoiler Free Review: This is one of my favorite movies, but I had never read the book before! I absolutely loved it! It had me on the edge of my seat the whole time, even though I had a general idea of what was going to happen. The relationship between Lincoln and Amelia definitely has me wanting to continue on in this series, but I also loved how they didn’t hold back on the forensic details. I also always love a historical connection, and historical NYC is one of my favorites! If you’re looking to read an intelligent, fast paced thriller that will immediately grab your attention, look no further!
10 Word Review: Serial killer is murdering families, Will Graham investigates, Hannibal helps.
Spoiler Free Review: I really loved this first book in the Hannibal Lecter series, even though he’s not in it all that much. It’s still a great thriller with excellent pacing and a firm grasp of forensics in the 1980s. I have seen both movie adaptations of this book, so I knew the general plot and how it was all going to end, but the book still drew me in completely! Harris does a great job of making you both feel bad for the killer, but still want him to get his comeuppance! Of course, you’re also introduced to Hannibal Lecter, one of the best literary criminals of all time! Needless to say, I cannot recommend this book enough if you’re a fan of mysteries and thrillers!
I needed a pick me up after the last couple books I’ve read and this was perfect! It gave me all the feels!! It was nice to learn more about Professor McGonagall and Lupin. J.K. Rowling gives us a more in-depth look, a mini-history if you will, of a few of the beloved characters from the Harry Potter stories. This Is Such a short book that I am not sure if it can be added to the number of the books read in the year, or to a challenge.
Nicholas Cox is a sixteen-year-old and an outsider in the fencing world but miraculously he ends up at Kings Row after losing a match to the prodigy fencer Seiji Katayama. What lies ahead of him is a challenging quest to fix his bad technique while learning to be friends with other fencers.
I really loved the drawing style of Johanna the Mad and the straightforward writing style of Pacat let the story flow. I didn’t even realize I was at the end because I kept losing myself in the story. Seiji’s horrible friendship skills and Nicholas’s obsession with trying to beat the best player in the fencing world created a sort of hilarious moments as well as irritating arguments. But that all made the story even better. The other characters in the school were too colourful and from different backgrounds, so there was a sense of mesmerising diversity.
If you’re feeling like reading an lgbtq+ graphic novel after Heartstopper, this one’s worth checking out. I’m madly waiting for the next volume.
Taking a mini break from my thesis to review a few books but this one’s first. After rereading and rewatching Heartstopper, I felt like I was in need of a new graphic novels and this was the perfect choice. Looking forward to reading a few more lgbtq+ books this spring!
