Shari Lapena is the suburban thriller Queen. Her books are always very similar in set up, but what sets her apart is the way they always play out uniqShari Lapena is the suburban thriller Queen. Her books are always very similar in set up, but what sets her apart is the way they always play out uniquely in their own rite.
When a wife and mother vanish without a trace, a sleek luxury condo becomes the setting for a chilling mystery. Sam comes home to find Bryden’s car in the garage, her laptop open, phone on the table, and keys in their usual spot—yet she’s nowhere to be found. As the investigation unfolds, secrets bubble to the surface, and the perfect life Sam thought they begins to crumble.
Shari Lapena delivers another addictive domestic thriller, packed with red herrings, hidden agendas, and characters you’ll suspect at every turn. With her signature fast-paced style and cliffhanger chapters, this is a book you’ll want to devour in one sitting. Even with the red herrings, I did see parts of the ending coming, but the tension and twists make the journey irresistible. Lapena is always a 3 or 4 star read for me since I do believe that her books follow a similar formula, but why change something that works?!
RANKING: 1. Everyone Here Is Lying 2. An Unwanted Guest 3. Someone We Know 4. Not a Happy Family 5. What Have You Done? 6. The End of Her (DNF)...more
I haven't seen much buzz about Denne Michele Norris' upcoming novel, WHEN THE HARVEST COMES, but it immediately caught my attention and moved right toI haven't seen much buzz about Denne Michele Norris' upcoming novel, WHEN THE HARVEST COMES, but it immediately caught my attention and moved right to the top of my TBR. This book sounds very much like a Bryan Washington (Lot, Memorial, Family Meal) type of vibe, so I knew that I wanted to dive in.
n the eve of his wedding, Davis, a young Black gay man, is ready to embrace love and the life he has built—until news of his estranged father’s sudden death forces him to confront the painful past he thought he left behind. As childhood trauma resurfaces, his confidence and new marriage teeter on the edge, challenging his understanding of family, identity, and desire.
This synopsis doesn't really paint the picture accurately because readers get so much more than that in WHEN THE HARVEST COMES. The story behind Everett and Davis is really at the forefront and this book is more of a love story than of a drama between Davis and Davis' father. I loved the characterization and the POVs we are provided. The love story between Davis and Everett is beautiful, unique to their story, and something that I really resonated deeply with. The story is not so much a fast-paced plot powerhouse, but more of a voyeuristic character-driven emotional journey for our characters. I would be shocked if you didn't take something away from this book by the time you get to the end. This story will stay with me for some time. ...more
Ruth Ware is an auto-read author for me, but her last few books have been more misses than hits for me, so I have ventured into Ware’s books 3.5 stars
Ruth Ware is an auto-read author for me, but her last few books have been more misses than hits for me, so I have ventured into Ware’s books a bit more skeptical nowadays. That being said, The Woman in Cabin 10 is my favorite novel of hers and it got me into wanting to start a bookstagram, so when I saw that she was writing a sequel, I knew that I needed to read it!
THE WOMAN IN SUITE 11 reintroduces Lo Blacklock, now a married mother of two, who has transitioned from her magazine job to freelance journalism. Despite her contented family life, Lo misses the thrill of her past adventures. When presented with an opportunity to attend the grand opening of an exclusive Swiss hotel owned by the elusive billionaire Marcus Leidmann, she seizes it, especially since her former magazine requests an interview with the reclusive owner. From the onset of her journey, mysterious events begin to unfold, setting the stage for another suspenseful narrative.
I enjoyed revisiting Lo Blacklock and despite not rereading The Woman in Cabin 10, I was able to quickly get back into the swing of things. I really enjoyed some of the returning characters (one specifically was the winner for me, but I’m not giving out spoilers). However, the story was very slow moving and took about 100 pages to really get into the action. I miss the fast-paced suspense from Ruth Ware’s older novels, but I did enjoy the return into Lo’s world and the luxury hotel vibes. I don’t expect another installment in this world, but no matter what Ruth Ware writes next, I will read it! STARS: 3.5, PUB: 7/8
AUTHOR RANKINGS: 1. The Woman in Cabin 10 2. The Death of Mrs. Westaway 3. The Turn of the Key 4. One Perfect Couple 5. In a Dark, Dark Wood 6. The IT Girl 7. The Woman in Suite 11 8. Zero Days 9. One by One 10. The Lying Game...more
I was not a fan of Olivie Blake's Atlas Six, but when I heard she was writing another book, specifically a magical booTHIS APP WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY :)
I was not a fan of Olivie Blake's Atlas Six, but when I heard she was writing another book, specifically a magical book of darkness and Succession vibes, I was tuned in. The cover alone is intriguing and accurately depics three powerful siblings at war with each other. GIFTED & TALENTED dives into this powerful Wren family and theur dynamics.
Thayer Wren, the visionary CEO of Wrenfare Magitech, is dead, leaving his three gifted children vying for the throne. Meredith, the biotech genius, hides a dark secret; Arthur, the ambitious congressman, is losing everything; and Eilidh, the former ballerina, seeks validation from her late father’s fortune. As each struggles with their own personal demons, only one will claim the inheritance—and the power that comes with it.
I truly enjoyed the POVs of each of the siblings in their own different ways. Meredith is a complete Slay ICON queen b psychopath, who may have been my overall favorite. Arthur is sensitive and sexy, where he dabbles in polyamory (whether his wife actually agrees on this is still out for the jury) and Eilidh is probably the most normal of the Wren family. The other characters are more down to earth than this trio, and they round out the bunch in fun and messy ways. GIFTED & TALENTED is a book about the three siblings and their journey for power and acceptance. This book is a character-driven family saga at its core, with magic sprinkled in at times, so I would say this book is magic-lite at best (win for me!). I would have given this book a total 5 stars, but midway through the pacing slowed down in ways that I didn't expect, which caught me wanting to take a break from the story. That being said, I did read this saga in only a few days because the overall story kept me completely hooked. If Olivie Blake continues down this journey for her books, this reader will be tuned in! ...more
I do not know what I was expecting, but Mona Awad has done it again. She has shown us readers an even more weird book than before. And I think I likedI do not know what I was expecting, but Mona Awad has done it again. She has shown us readers an even more weird book than before. And I think I liked it a lot? Thank you @marysuericcibooks for my advanced gifted copy! Look at this cover!!
In WE LOVE YOU BUNNY, Samantha Mackey—now a celebrated author—is kidnapped by her former MFA frenemies after portraying them unflatteringly in her debut novel. Bound and gagged, Sam becomes the audience as each Bunny recounts their twisted origin story and darkly magical creative powers.
WE LOVE YOU, BUNNY is being said to be a standalone, but it is not. I repeat, you must read Bunny to even get past the first 20% of the book. I was still confused mainly until halfway, but you will be completely lost otherwise. This book had romance, a gay character, and the Bunnies we loved from its predecessor. Both a prequel and sequel to Bunny, this fever-dream slasher is a wicked tale of love, monstrosity, and the horrors of artistic creation. This book is a solid 4 but only because I kept going, because there were definite times I kept scratching my head trying to piece things together. I would say that I liked this book as much as Bunny, so if you enjoyed that one, try WE LOVE YOU, BUNNY. Mona Awad continues to bring unique stories to readers, and we get a full on modern-day, Mean Girls-Heathers-Frankenstein with WE LOVE YOU, BUNNY.
RANKINGS: 1. Rouge 2. Bunny (IF I had to pick between the two, but both 4s) 3. We Love You, Bunny 4. All's Well...more
Alma Katsu’s upcoming horror novel, FIEND, was my most anticipated book of the year. Thank you @mbc_books for this gifted copy! Katsu is delivering a Alma Katsu’s upcoming horror novel, FIEND, was my most anticipated book of the year. Thank you @mbc_books for this gifted copy! Katsu is delivering a modern-day story for the first time, with the Berisha family taking center stage.
The Berisha family is an Albanian family that makes the Sacklers look like angels. The family runs an extremely lucrative import-export business and has evaded the law for as long as anyone can remember. The family just seems to have the most luck in the world and somehow their foes end up being…handled. The family includes three siblings—Darden, the oldest son and heir to the family business; Maris, the second born daughter who lives up to the family’s potential, but doesn’t have the “look” to run the family enterprise; and Nora, the youngest daughter who wishes the family business did more for a sustainable and equitable future. The three siblings’s parents are trophy wife Olga and Berisha family CEO Zef. Without going into detail, FIEND dives into what happens when the world’s luckiest family all of a sudden has to deal when their luck suddenly dries up.
I really enjoyed this book and it’s being called a combination of Succession meets The Fall of the House of Usher, and I truly agree with that sentiment! It takes a bit longer than you’d expect to get to the action, but I enjoyed the backstory and build-up. At first you may not think this story is horror related, but by the final act you’ll definitely see this book’s sinister side. A little on the short side, I only wish we had more! STARS: 4, PUB: 9/16...more
I cannot believe this is only my second venture into Megan Collins' stories! I read her psychological thriller, The Family Plot a few years ago, but sI cannot believe this is only my second venture into Megan Collins' stories! I read her psychological thriller, The Family Plot a few years ago, but somehow missed her more recent stories. When I saw the cover for Megan Collins' 2025 release, CROSS MY HEART, I knew I wanted to read it. Call me superficial, but this cover is gorgeous!
The story is centered around Rosie Lachlan, a young women who works at her parent's bridal salon, ironically pleading for her own happy ending in romance. After Rosie receives a heart transplant, she decides that she wants to reach out to the husband of her donor, Morgan Thorne on an anonymous service called DonorConnect, to learn more about his wife. Rosie is convinced that since she has his wife's heart that she may actually have a connection with Morgan that could possibly lead her to romance. As Rosie and Morgan begin to correspond, she digs deeper into Morgan's life and begins to obsessively track him and learn things about him that may convince her that she's barking up the wrong tree. Who is Morgan Thorne and did Rosie get more than she bargained for?
This book is suspenseful, juicy, over the top, and a whole lot of fun! I did suspect how some of the story was going to unfold, but at no time did it deter my interest into furthering along with Rosie. This story really dives into the psychology of marriage and the effects it could have on people; an aspect that I really appreciated. If you like Ruth Ware and Robyn Harding, you must pick up CROSS MY HEART!...more
Ben Packard is literally one of the best protagonists I’ve ever encountered in a crime fiction series. Joshua Moehling’s third installment, A LONG TIMBen Packard is literally one of the best protagonists I’ve ever encountered in a crime fiction series. Joshua Moehling’s third installment, A LONG TIME GONE, is the most personal book in this series and fans of Moehling’s storytelling will want to prioritize this one!
Ben Packard’s brother disappeared when Ben was just a boy, leaving only the memory of him walking out the back door into the cold night and never returning. Now a deputy, Ben is on leave after a shooting and haunted by the resurfacing of new information that might finally lead him to his brother’s body. As he investigates the case, he uncovers a suspicious death that may be connected, facing resistance from all sides as he risks everything to uncover both the truth about his brother and a dangerous killer.
A LONG TIME GONE is a slower-paced novel than Moehling’s previous two releases, but it also goes deeper into the personal life of Ben Packard more than ever before. This series continues to deliver and the ending literally brought tears to my eyes. I’m excited to see where Moehling will go with the continuation of this series!...more
I did not expect to love this book so much! We all know I love my thrillers and horror novels, but GOOD GIRL just sounded soooo good that I had to givI did not expect to love this book so much! We all know I love my thrillers and horror novels, but GOOD GIRL just sounded soooo good that I had to give it a shot! Aria Aber’s debut novel, GOOD GIRL, is a powerful coming-of-age story and the exploration of identity see through the eyes of Nila, a young woman in Germany with parents who emigrated from Afghanistan. Nila is constantly navigating the tension between her family’s expectations and her personal experience growing up in a Western world. Although Nila is afforded more western privileges that her peers may not embrace, Nila struggles with her studies, instead seeking solace and belonging with nightlife, partying, drugs, and sex.
Nila’s search for meaning leads her into Berlin’s nightlife, where she discovers the allure of techno clubs and a tumultuous relationship with Marlowe, a troubled American writer who has a girlfriend. Nila grapples with shame surrounding her identity, cultural heritage, and place in the world. I navigated this book in both physical and audio and the audio is SPECTACULAR! I would highly recommend going the audio route via @prhaudio since it was a 10/10 experience for me. GOOD GIRL is a novel that feels raw and real and highlights bigotry in a very explicit way, while also showing the dynamics of a woman struggling to figure out where she belongs. I loved this book and I am going to keep an eye out for Aria Aber's next story....more
No matter what Lisa Jewell writes, I will read it! Lisa Jewell’s upcoming novel, DON’T LET HIM IN, offers a refreshing twist on her signature domesticNo matter what Lisa Jewell writes, I will read it! Lisa Jewell’s upcoming novel, DON’T LET HIM IN, offers a refreshing twist on her signature domestic thrillers by delving into the world of con artists. This book is like Dirty John on steroids!
The story is rich with deceit, secrets, and a particularly manipulative male lead whose shocking behavior keeps readers on edge. While it takes a little bit of time to fully grasp the various characters and intertwining plots, the payoff is a gripping narrative that showcases Jewell’s talent for weaving complex storylines. Once I got into the action, I had a feeling that I knew where it was going. I read this book in two sittings, so although a bit slower to pick up, DON’T LET HIM IN is still following Jewell’s bingeable reputation.
The ending wraps up in a non-Lisa Jewell fashion, which I won’t divulge more about, but IYKYK. I kinda wanted the story to be a bit more thriller-y—DON’T LET HIM IN is more of a drama with suspense. Nevertheless, the book is a compelling read and will be a summer hit for readers. Kudos to Lisa Jewell for her uncanny ability to weave many characters into one central storyline yet again. The master of suspense is back again! STARS: 4, PUB: 6/24...more
Jennifer E. Smith's upcoming novel, FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY, is getting lots of buzz right now, and for good measure. This author's last book, The UnJennifer E. Smith's upcoming novel, FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY, is getting lots of buzz right now, and for good measure. This author's last book, The Unsinkable Greta James, was a very popular novel a few years back and readers are hungry for something new. Thank you to @prhaudio for providing me with a gifted ALC as I chose to take my journey with this book via audiobook route.
Once inseparable, the four Endicott siblings—Gemma, Connor, Roddy, and Jude—drifted apart after a childhood shaped by their absent, free-spirited mother. Years later, an unexpected message from Jude, now a famous actress, reunites them in North Dakota, where long-buried tensions, life-altering decisions, and Jude’s three shocking secrets threaten to change everything.
This genre typically isn't my sort of read, but I enjoyed listening to it while working. This heartfelt, character-driven novel follows four estranged siblings reuniting after years apart, weaving together past and present timelines to explore their complex bond. Smith masterfully develops each sibling’s unique voice, making them feel authentic and easy to connect with, while balancing humor, heartbreak, and plenty of family drama. A beautifully narrated, slow-burn story filled with emotion, this is a must-read for fans of rich, character-driven family sagas. I immediately texted my family chat after wrapping this one up!...more
Krysten Ritter’s upcoming thriller, RETREAT, has been on my TBR for awhile now! I didn’t have a chance to read Ritter’s debut Bonfire, but I heard it Krysten Ritter’s upcoming thriller, RETREAT, has been on my TBR for awhile now! I didn’t have a chance to read Ritter’s debut Bonfire, but I heard it was great, so I knew that I would prioritize. This one. RETREAT is the perfect cocktail for fans of Liv Constantine and Rachel Koller Croft!
Liz Dawson moves effortlessly through elite circles, charming everyone she meets—a skill that makes her a brilliant con artist. When she’s hired by the glamorous, mysterious Isabelle Beresford to manage an art installation at her Mexican villa, Liz sees a chance for a fresh start. But when Liz is mistaken for Isabelle, she slips into the role with ease, only to discover that the real danger may lie in the life she’s stolen.
I had a total blast with this book, yet I did know exactly how it would play out. It didn’t steer me away at all because Ritter’s writing was compelling, and at times cheeky, which I absolutely loved. Liz is very fun to love to hate, but you can’t help but root for her at the same time. Although I did know what was going to play out, the very end took me for a complete shock. I will definitely read more from Krysten Ritter if she chooses to write in the thriller space in the future. ...more
I love Rachel Harrison's books so much and when I heard about her latest novel, SO THIRSTY, I knew that I wanted to prioritize it as soon as possible.I love Rachel Harrison's books so much and when I heard about her latest novel, SO THIRSTY, I knew that I wanted to prioritize it as soon as possible. Rachel Harrison creates the perfect cocktail of horror, contemporary fiction, feminist-empowering stories I've read in recent years, and and SO THIRSTY is no exception!
The story is centered around Sloane Parker and her friend Naomi. Sloane is about to celebrate her birthday and when her husband Joel surprises her with a weekend getaway with her friend Naomi, Sloane feels a bit concerned that he didn't want to spend it with her. Regardless, Sloane is excited to catch up with her chaos addicted friend and the two spend a weekend away at a nice bed and breakfast while enjoying wine tastings and relaxation. When Naomi plans a night out with Sloane, the two meet a group of people at the bar and are invited to their house for a party, but it quickly takes an unexpected turn. Sloane and Naomi must come to terms with what their new normal will be whether they like it or not.
SO THIRSTY is unique because it's a story about people turning into vampires and coming to accept it. There's so many metaphorical messages within this center of conflict that ring true for different types of things going on within peoples' lives. I found the journey of these new vampires utterly intriguing and also very satirical that I couldn't put it down and finished within two sittings. The is the ultimate testament to a good novel! I did not looooove the ending, as I felt like it ended a bit too early, but overall this book is an amazing installment in Rachel Harrison's rolodex of supernatural modern-day horror reads. If you've read and enjoyed any of this author's previous works, you will hands-down love this one. Rachel Harrison has become an auto-read author for me, so make sure you put this one on your TBR! ...more
THE FAVORITES is a massive shift for popular thriller author, Layne Fargo, and is her most buzzy book yet! To the world, they were a scandal; to each THE FAVORITES is a massive shift for popular thriller author, Layne Fargo, and is her most buzzy book yet! To the world, they were a scandal; to each other, an obsession. Katarina Shaw, a determined skater without fame, funding, or family support, and Heath Rocha, a foster kid longing for belonging, became an unstoppable duo on the ice—until a shocking Olympic incident ended their partnership. Now, as a controversial documentary threatens to reshape their legacy, Kat breaks her silence to share the untold story of love, ambition, and betrayal that captivated the world.
THE FAVORITES gave me massive Taylor Jenkins Reid vibes, so just know that going into it. In the same vein of Daisy Jones & The Six, the story jumps from first person POV to interview transcripts, which is a really fun way for storytelling this drama. THE FAVORITES is a drama between a bunch of frienemies in the figure skating world, but it's ultimately a romance between two headstrong and highly controversial figure skaters. This book isn't usually something I would dive into, but since I love this author's latest releases, I knew that I needed to try it. The story is juicy drama from the start and the ending had my jaw hit the floor. I highly recommend this book to readers and I'm so proud of Layne Fargo for jumping into a different world of fiction. I'm excited to see where Layne Fargo goes next!...more
2024 has been a great year so far when it comes to reading (and only reading!), but Emiko Jean's upcoming novel, THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK, so such a 2024 has been a great year so far when it comes to reading (and only reading!), but Emiko Jean's upcoming novel, THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK, so such a winner for me. When Elizabeth (Ellie) Black is found after being missing for two years, the town is in a tailspin. Detective Chelsey Calhoun must figure out what happened to Ellie and catch who harmed her before he can harm anyone else. It's been 20 years since Chelsey's sister vanished when they were teenagers and she can't help but think that Ellie's disappearance could be related. However, Ellie is still trying to come to terms with what happened during those two years and Chelsey is in for a rude awakening if she thinks Ellie is ready to help with this case.
THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK is beautifully written, with a powerful dual timeline (trust me when I say that you want the two equally). I was not able to set this book down, especially feeling the unnerving suspense while Chelsey and Ellie forged a bond through trauma. This is my first venture into this author's works, but it truly won't be my last. If you like The Unsub series and Strange Sally Diamond, you'll enjoy THE RETURN OF ELLIE BLACK!...more
I've always been a fan of Sarah Pekkanen's writing, but this will be my first venture into her solo works. I heard amazing things about her 2023 releaI've always been a fan of Sarah Pekkanen's writing, but this will be my first venture into her solo works. I heard amazing things about her 2023 release, Gone Tonight, so I was very excited to dive into her 2024 thriller, HOUSE OF GLASS. This story is centered around the death of a nanny, witnessed by nine year old Rose Barclay. Rose is dealing with the trauma of her nanny's death, but also with her parents going through a divorce. When attorney Stella Hudson is assigned to this case, she realizes that the Barclay family is hiding secrets of their own. Stella is in over her head and quickly believes that this family is more sinister than she ever suspected.
I don't want to dive too much into the story, but I got such old school BA Paris vibes from this book, in the best way possible. The story of Elizabeth and Ian Barclay's divorce plays a big role into this story and it's a bit longer than it needed to be, but the mystery is front and center. While Stella tries to determine which parent would be the ideal fit for sole custody of Rose, the reader quickly sees her dive further into the chaos of this family. This whodunnit is pretty fun and the book is very atmospheric. It's hard not to root for Stella and see her battle the Barclay family. The title comes from the fact that this family does not own any glass within the house, which was a unique and oddly satisfying aspect to the mystery. The ending really was a perfect bow to the story. I will gladly pick up the next Sarah Pekkanen novel!...more