I am shook to my core that I actually picked this novel up so late in the game. I've seen Miracle Creek all over social media and I told myself, "I am shook to my core that I actually picked this novel up so late in the game. I've seen Miracle Creek all over social media and I told myself, "Nah, Den don't fall for the hype." Now that I'm self-isolating in my NYC apartment with nothing to do, I figured when would be a better time to at least try this book out! I am beating myself up for waiting so long. This review will be short, since most of you have heard about this book already, and you really don't need me telling you now to read it. Miracle Creek is a courtroom drama novel that dives into the world of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)—a form of therapy that has been notable for helping those on the spectrum see signs of relief (sorry if I speak out of turn, I don't know too much about this topic). This story tackles racism in America, autism, and family drama effortlessly. If you're in the mood for a slow burning light mystery right now, Miracle Creek is definitely a choice to consider....more
I see a lot of positive reviews for this title, so I am sure my opinion is unpopular and rare, but I just did not enjoy The Lost Causes of Bleak CrI see a lot of positive reviews for this title, so I am sure my opinion is unpopular and rare, but I just did not enjoy The Lost Causes of Bleak Creek. I felt like the narrative was kind of sporadically all over the place, and the story was kind of been there, done that. I actually don't see how this book could be ranked in the nominees for 2019 best horror, because I wasn't scared once. I guess you can label it as a horror novel, but it's better suited as a young adult novel as the dialogue between the main characters tends to be a bit juvenile. I feel bad writing a terrible review, but I have to be honest as I read so many books per year, and I wouldn't want to steer someone in the wrong direction. It's a fast read, so it could work for those gearing up for the holidays and want to spend some alone time away from family. Will I pick up another book by the authors, probably not. ...more
This will be quick—Ninth House is atmospheric, dark, and very gripping. However, it is also dense and extremely slow building. It's almost painfulThis will be quick—Ninth House is atmospheric, dark, and very gripping. However, it is also dense and extremely slow building. It's almost painful to try and navigate while you're reading. The payoff at the end wasn't worth it for me. If you love fantasy novels and magic, and would like to read a dark and twisted tale behind it, I would recommend considering this book. It is the first of a series, so I understand that there needed to be a lot of exposition in this book. It just didn't work right with me. ...more
This review will be very brief because it reflects bullying and can be triggering for those who suffered in high school from it. I think it3.5/5 stars
This review will be very brief because it reflects bullying and can be triggering for those who suffered in high school from it. I think it left me feeling a bit raw and emotional, as I was bullied as a kid as well. It's a very quick read, and I think it's eye-opening at times. Love, Heather initially comes off as a Mean Girls-esque type of read, but as you dive into the story, it is much, much deeper. Love, Heather is a very fast read, and you can definitely finish it in one sitting. Be prepared for some shocking events to unfold—this "young adult" book is not for the faint of heart....more
When I stumbled across Kassandra Montag's debut novel, After the Flood, I was hesitant. I feel like 2019 is the year that killed thrillers, so autWhen I stumbled across Kassandra Montag's debut novel, After the Flood, I was hesitant. I feel like 2019 is the year that killed thrillers, so authors are branching out to other genres, and dystopian/post-apocalyptic novels are popping out all over. After being told by the lovely Chelsea that this book is unputdownable, I decided to give it a go. Folks, she has never been more right in her life. Montag's debut novel is dripping with action, but it's also a beautifully tragic character study about peoples' will to survive after a chaotic natural disaster.
With the Amazon Rainforest currently burning up in flames, it's no shocker to anyone that climate change is very real. Without diving too much into the past of how and why, After the Flood takes place in the future where a majority of the world is now decimated by intense water level rising. With only the highest points of mountains left as fertile and inhabitable land, many survivors live on boats or ships, trying to survive with the basic necessities. With all dystopian and post-apocalyptic novels, this new world is far from perfect, with crime and corruption running rampant. Our main character, Myra tries to take care of her young daughter Pearl, while also providing a life where the two can not just survive, but try to flourish. Years back, her husband and oldest daughter were taken from her and she's still not ready to give up the search. When she gets information about the possible whereabouts of her family, Myra will stop at nothing to find them. Will this new world allow Myra to reunite with her family or does she have to give up hope and just accept this reality?
After the Flood is the best dystopian/post-apocalyptic novel that I've ever read. There I said it. It's heartbreaking, real, dark, and truly mesmerizing. It's over 400 pages and I finished the entire book in less than 24 hours because I just couldn't put it down! If there's one book that I could tell you to put on your radar this fall, it's After the Flood. I can totally see this becoming a Netflix film and I see big things coming for Kassandra Montag!...more
Simone St. James has done it again, folks! After reading her memorizing book, The Broken Girls last year, I was more than excited to find out that sheSimone St. James has done it again, folks! After reading her memorizing book, The Broken Girls last year, I was more than excited to find out that she has another book coming out next year—the ominous and enticing The Sun Down Motel! Ms. St. James obviously has a fool-proof strategy when it comes to dark, gothic noir mystery novels because this book was so fun to read. It follows in the same vein of The Broken Girls, but located in Upstate New York, and it's much, much darker. I definitely got American Horror Story vibes while reading this book, and I really loved how the author wasn't afraid to dive into malevolence. The two protagonists, Viv and Carly, are both structured perfectly and I really felt connected to their stories. Upstate New York is the perfect setting for spooky and the mysterious, and I really believe that this book will blow everyone's expectations out of the water. I'm excited to see what everyone thinks about this title come publication day. I'm curious to see what Simone St. James has in store for us next....more
On Swift Horses is a historical fiction novel, taking place in in the Western United States in the 1950s. The three central characters—Muriel, LeOn Swift Horses is a historical fiction novel, taking place in in the Western United States in the 1950s. The three central characters—Muriel, Lee, and Julius are all in the midst of change. Muriel married Lee and moved from Kansas to San Diego with him and is learning about the horse races and how to continue to grow and mature after her mother's death. Lee wants to move to the suburbs and start a family, but Muriel has different plans. Lee's brother, Julius, is a staple in both Muriel and Lee's lives and shows them how to live bigger than life. Julius is more transient than his brother and sister-in-law and begins working the casino route in Las Vegas. There, he meets Henry and the two forge a romantic relationship in secret. When Henry runs to Mexico, Julius ventures south to try and find him, learning more about himself than he ever thought. On Swift Horses is a story about growth and change, and it gives an insider perspective on how the navigate the hurdles that life throws at you.
I really enjoyed On Swift Horses and how the story takes you on an original journey through the world of gambling. The writing style by author Shannon Pufahl is completely immersive and atmospheric, as well, and this is definitely my strongest takeaway from the novel. The story takes you into a world often forgotten in novels, Post-World War II, Pre-JFK Cold War Era. This timeframe is often overlooked in novels, but On Swift Horses really shines a light at this period. All three characters are really enjoyable, but Julius's narrative is definitely more captivating than Muriel and Lee's point of view. While the novel is a bit slower paced than I'm used to, this book is really so beautifully written. It's definitely one of the best written books I've read this year and I urge anyone who's looking for a different type of historical fiction to pick it up....more
I've never read anything by Lisa Lutz, but after devouring The Swallows, I think I may need to catch up on her previous works. When new teacher, AI've never read anything by Lisa Lutz, but after devouring The Swallows, I think I may need to catch up on her previous works. When new teacher, Alex Witt, begins her tenure at Stonebridge Academy, she starts noticing some secretive activity between some of her students and the faculty at large. There's mentions of a social hierarchy between student classes—the Ten, as they like to be called are the social elite and there's one for each year in the school. Alex also starts finding out about a secretive gathering of male students that keep mentioning "The Darkroom". Although teaching is not her passion, Alex stumbles on disturbing facts that she cannot allow to keep hidden. Why is Stonebridge Academy trying so hard to keep the status-quo when there's serious allegations and controversies happening under their discretion?
Before I get any hate, I know that the story in The Swallows is a little all over the place at times. We had some irrelevant POVs throughout the story, the ending is very melodramatic and over-the-top, and we had a lot of main(ish) characters that served no purpose. HOWEVER, I really was enthralled throughout the story—from beginning to end. I could not put down The Swallows even if I tried. I wanted to find out how Alex was going to deal with the conflict at hand (which I cannot say or get into any further), and I wanted to also see how the students were handling it as well. The Swallows falls in between adult and young adult fiction, which worked for me. The subject matter was very not young adult, but at the same time, the narrative felt geared for a younger audience at times. Whatever that means, it worked for me. I usually do not enjoy young adult novels because they tend to gravitate towards ridiculousness, but it worked with The Swallows. Overall, The Swallows is a very compelling and real depiction of how society has, and still is, in the stone ages when it comes to gender equality. Perfect for anyone who wants a novel reflecting student life right before the #metoo era (book takes place in 2009). I think this book will have a lot of differing viewpoints, but everyone will have an opinion. ...more
Woo, child. Haylen Beck, Haylen Beck, Haylen Beck. I don't want to roast your upcoming "mommy suspense" novel, Lost You, and I promised myself thiWoo, child. Haylen Beck, Haylen Beck, Haylen Beck. I don't want to roast your upcoming "mommy suspense" novel, Lost You, and I promised myself this year to be more constructive with my less than stellar reviews, but I just did not enjoy this one. Beck's previous release, Here and Gone had the same "mommy suspense" theme, but the action really was jam packed. While I was reading Lost You, it started out very strong and I read the first 100 pages very quickly, but then the timeline changes out of nowhere and stunts any of the story's progression. It's like running as fast as you can, but then you hit a brick wall out of nowhere. While the writing continues to be perfection, the story gravitated towards the realm of predictability. I think Lost You will still be a perfect fit for readers who want a quick thriller without all the mess. I just am unsure if I will continue my blogging journey with this author. ...more
The Wolf Wants In is a fast paced, family-drama, in a community wrecked by drugs and poverty. Laura McHugh crafts a realistic mystery that is remiThe Wolf Wants In is a fast paced, family-drama, in a community wrecked by drugs and poverty. Laura McHugh crafts a realistic mystery that is reminiscent of some of Mindy Mejia's works. This book really takes you on a journey of a world of desperation and drug abuse and you can definitely finish it in one sitting. I'm curious to see what else this author has up her sleeve. ...more
I wanted to like this book soooooooooooooooooooo badly! While I've never read Eat, Pray, Love or any of Elizabeth Gilbert's previous works, but CitI wanted to like this book soooooooooooooooooooo badly! While I've never read Eat, Pray, Love or any of Elizabeth Gilbert's previous works, but City of Girls was getting so much buzz that I just HAD to read it. While the writing was great—Elizabeth Gilbert really knows how to craft a story—I just couldn't connect with the narrative. Sadly, I was bored for a majority of the story and I couldn't wait for it to end. If City of Girls could've been condensed into 300 pages of the same plot, I think the pacing would've helped me enjoy it more. I don't want to spoil the reader as to why I had issues with this story, because if I say any rationale behind it, it surely would spoil it for you. Don't take my word for it, look at all these magnificent reviews for City of Girls! Not every book can be a five star read, but it's good that we have this forum to agree, disagree, and communicate! ...more
What a great deep, character-driven, crime-fiction novel! Sarah Lotz, I've never read anything by you before, but Missing Person is fabulous! No lWhat a great deep, character-driven, crime-fiction novel! Sarah Lotz, I've never read anything by you before, but Missing Person is fabulous! No lie, I couldn't put this book down and stayed up super late last night to finish it. You can tell by the dark circles formed down to my cheekbones! Missing Person is an intriguing read for several reasons: a) the crime focuses on a gay victim, during a time period where crimes against gay people can and were excused easily, b) the writing style focuses on highly-developed dialogue between the main characters.
Missing Person's story focuses on a 22-year old Irish gay man named Shaun, who is looking to find his uncle Teddy. Teddy was banished by his family for being gay and moved to New York. For years, Shaun believed that his uncle was dead, until a former friend of Teddy's turns up to confirm that this story is false. Without giving anymore of the story away, Shaun ends up connecting with a US-based web-sleuthing blog owner and her moderators about his uncle's disappearance. As the group begins to assemble, they uncover a mystery that they never expected—could Teddy's disappearance be linked to an unsolved cold case called the "Boy in the Dress" murder back in the early 90s? The group begins to dive into the case, but why are so many people pushing back against them? Why are they trying to keep Teddy's disappearance hidden?
Missing Person is a terrifying and intriguing mystery, but also a great character study. I loved learning about the characters and their personal lives while they were investigating Teddy's disappearance. I enjoyed every single character that was presented in this story. Some, like Shaun and Chris, I loved—some others (no spoilers), I loved to hate! The writing style may not work for everyone (think online message forums, blog posts, text messages, etc), but it worked for me because the book reads FAST. However, the overall storyline is a bit of a slowburn at times, and you don't really get into the crux of it until Part 2 of the story (the book is broken out into four parts), but overall Missing Person is a solid, emotional, and raw thriller that any mystery reader fan will enjoy! ...more
Without spoiling the book's slow building story, The Beekeeper of Aleppo is a beautifully tragic adventure of one family's escape from Aleppo in 2Without spoiling the book's slow building story, The Beekeeper of Aleppo is a beautifully tragic adventure of one family's escape from Aleppo in 2015 during the height of the Syrian Civil War. As the Civil War continues, much of Syria's civilian population is fleeing the country due to humanitarian violations. In The Beekeeper of Aleppo, we meet Nuri and Afra—a married couple living in Aleppo with their extended family—beekeepers and developers of honey-based products. They are enjoying a relatively normal life in Aleppo, until the War began. After a few devastating consequences imposed on the family during the initial proceedings of battle (I will not spoil them for you in this review), the family decides it's time to venture to the United Kingdom. They have friends and family there and can work together to survive. The Beekeeper of Aleppo shows a peek at one family's trials and tribulations during their journey throughout Europe and getting asylum in the United Kingdom. This beautifully told story really captivated me and really held me engaged throughout the story. I think that anyone who has been reading/listening to the news and knows about the Syrian Civil War (which should be everybody! hello, stop living under a rock) then this book needs to be on your reading list. I was already very sympathetic towards the refugee crisis in Europe (and now in the United States), but this story is next level remarkable. ...more
I wanted to hold off on reading Kirstin Innes' novel, Fishnet, for as long as possible because it isn't released in the United States until OctobeI wanted to hold off on reading Kirstin Innes' novel, Fishnet, for as long as possible because it isn't released in the United States until October 15, but this cover really kept staring at me and I caved. I have to give kudos to the designer for the cover design because it's honestly one of the best covers that I've seen this year. Sexy, confident, and dark—Fishnet's cover immediately attracted me to know more about this story. Within the pages of this story is a well-rounded, honest depiction of a world many of us would consider taboo. Fishnet showcases the understanding of how sex workers are portrayed in society and we get a deep dive into their day-to-day realities.
The main protagonist, Fiona Leonard, is an administrative assistant at a contracting firm. Her tedious and lack of inspiring job has put her at a standstill. Six years ago, her sister Rona, disappeared without a trace, leaving her daughter and life behind. Fiona, now mother to her sister's daughter Bethan; is juggling motherhood, career, and the search to find her sister. Her parents are tired of searching, but Fiona is not going to give up. For years, Fiona has come up empty in her search for Rona, until she stumbles across some information leading to her sister's personal life. Fiona finds out that Rona was (or is?) a sex worker. Curious to know more about this industry and driven to find her sister, Fiona dives into this taboo industry to investigate. At first very hesitant, she can't help but feel enamored by the industry—confidence, feminism, comradery, and well of course, sex. Fiona dives into this world she knew nothing about, but will it help her find her sister?
For those who are curious, Fishnet provides a voyeuristic view of the world of contemporary sex work. I found it extremely compelling and thought-provoking, and I also felt that it educated me in a way to the misconceptions people have about this industry. The prose in Fishnet is atmospheric and honest, and really delivers an eye-opening experience. I highly recommend to anyone looking for a beautifully told fiction novel that can stand on its own two feet.
The writing style in Fishnet is very interesting, to say the least. It'll definitely take you some getting used to as the point-of-views jump from second person to third person. The chapters also jump between a variety of timelines—not necessarily before and after, although that does indeed happen (Present v. Past), but also between timelines within the storyline being presented. You'll understand what I mean when you get to it. It took me until I was 25% to interpret this format faster. It's really my only heads up (and the fact that the book has a Scottish dialect- not a critique, just a statement).
Kirstin Innes, I really want to learn more about your journalism background. Fishnet is one of the more original, no holds barred novels that I've ever read. I appreciated the candor between Fiona and the sex workers she met along her journey. This book's journey is surely going to captivate readers, not just me....more
And the most original novel of 2019 award goes to... Mona Awad's Bunny! This book is seriously a concoction of oddball camp meets horror. Try follAnd the most original novel of 2019 award goes to... Mona Awad's Bunny! This book is seriously a concoction of oddball camp meets horror. Try following along with Awad's quirky new release without saying "WTF?!", I dare you.
Bunny takes place at Warren University, located in New England. Samantha Mackey is a student at Warren University, in a select MFA program that is only afforded to the creative or wealthy. Samantha has been given assistance because of her writing capabilities, but often times feels like an outcast in her class. This boutique group has only a few peers residing in the same classes, so this tight-knit community definitely gets to know each other easily. Samantha's best friend, Ava actually dropped out of the program, leaving Samantha to fend for herself. Samantha's semester has just begun, and this time she's caught notice by this peculiar group of young women in her class that call each other "Bunny". The Bunnies consist of four women, all with distinctive characteristics of their own (and Samantha humorously makes fun of throughout the novel).
Samantha is approached by these women and is invited to a night with them called the "Smut Salon". Ava shuts down this group of ridiculousness quickly, but Samantha is intrigued. As she gets to know the women, Samantha starts gravitating away from Ava, and into the magnetic arms of these women. Once Samantha starts getting involved in their off-campus "Workshop", she knows that she's too far in to seek help—she's a Bunny now too.
I read a ton of thrillers every year and I'm noticing that I'm getting sick and tired of reading the same regurgitated horror themes every time. Bunny is not one of those types of books. I still am unsure what I read exactly—that's how original this story is. It's campy, it's bonkers, it's thrilling, it's bizarre. It's honestly exactly what I needed to read.
If you're looking for a ridiculously horromedy, I'd definitely recommend Bunny. I was completely caught off guard with this book, and that's very unexpected. I did not foresee how the story was going to be mapped out, and I was surprised in the direction that it went (in a good way). Bunny is just as intriguing as the synopsis leads on, and you'll find yourself pushing away responsibilities to find out exactly how the story will progress. After reading Bunny, I can't wait to see what's next for Mona Awad. ...more
Well this was honestly a surprise. It's been a loooooooooong time since I've enjoyed a police-procedural thriller. A very long time indeed. Alex NorthWell this was honestly a surprise. It's been a loooooooooong time since I've enjoyed a police-procedural thriller. A very long time indeed. Alex North's debut novel The Whisper Man is one of the best police-procedural novels that I've ever read, ever. Not since Sharon Bolton's The Craftsman, have I ever been so enthralled in a detective mystery. Alex North, you have a bright future ahead of you as an author, I'm telling you now.
The Whisper Man has several POVs throughout the novel, but the central theme revolves around writer and father, Tom Kennedy, and his son Jake. Tom's wife Rebecca died just one year earlier, and they family relocates to a new house to escape the horrors of the matriarch's death. At the same time, the family's new town is experiencing turmoil that has resurfaced from decades ago. Twenty years ago, serial killer Frank Carter abducted young boys and murdered them in nearby areas. He was nicknamed "The Whisper Man" because he would lure young boys outside their windows by whispering to them and convincing them to trust him. Once caught, Frank has disappeared in the media—until a young boy is kidnapped. Is Frank operating from within the prison walls or is this a new copycat killer?
I don't want to divulge more than that blurb provided, because the best part about The Whisper Man is the shock value it provides. Two of the main characters, Tom and Jake, are both lovable, and slightly offbeat, which is refreshing and intriguing at the same time. I actually really enjoyed every character presented in this book in some aspect (whether I loved them or loved to hate them). The mystery behind this serial killer is absolutely bone chilling! There were moments within the story that I was actually scared and had to peek outside the window to make sure nobody was there. This never happens to me! It's definitely one of the scariest thrillers I've ever read. Alex North, you have a new fan and I cannot wait to see what you have up your sleeve next. ...more
Alison Gaylin, you are an amazing writer. Kudos to writing such a beautifully told mystery/thriller—Never Look Back is a fun, dark, ride! In the sAlison Gaylin, you are an amazing writer. Kudos to writing such a beautifully told mystery/thriller—Never Look Back is a fun, dark, ride! In the same vein as the podcast Serial or the Six Stories series by Matt Wesolowski, we are taken on a podcaster's journey to find the truth. Quentin Garrison has begun producing his podcast, Closure, where it will center around murderous couple April Cooper and Gabriel LeRoy—a duo that invoked multiple murders during the 1970s, including April's own father!
Without giving much away, Quentin and his partner Summer investigate the murder closely and he stumbles over mysterious footage linking the murders to another woman—a woman still alive to this day—to these crimes. Quentin reaches out to Robin Diamond, daughter of this mysterious woman, to find out more information linking the puzzle pieces of this mystery together. Robin is hesitant to believe Quentin at first, but as the story begins to unravel, Robin can't help but see similarities. What Quentin and Robin are about to uncover will shock everyone.
Never Look Back is definitely one of the best told mysteries that I've read this year. I was completely gripped from the first chapter, and I couldn't put this book down. I really enjoyed reading Quentin and Robin's point of views, and I was curious to see how the story would unfold. Alison Gaylin gets right to the point with this story—no fluff or secondary plot holes thrown in to keep the story going. Action-packed from the beginning, this story is fast and direct. It's focused on a centralized story and each page continues to craft that mystery further. In fact, I would have probably given this book 5 stars, but I felt that it was more predictable than I would've liked. I was able to figure out the ending about halfway into the story, but even as I was figuring the story out, I still couldn't put it down. Alison Gaylin is a new author for me, but Never Look Back will not be the last book I read from her. ...more