I have been wanting to read Lucinda Berry forever! I know that some of my bookstagram faves like @crimebythebook @gareindeedreads and @drink.read.repeI have been wanting to read Lucinda Berry forever! I know that some of my bookstagram faves like @crimebythebook @gareindeedreads and @drink.read.repeat have been raving about her forever, so I am extra thankful that @booksparks sent a copy for me to check out for myself! #SRC2025
ONE IN FOUR begins with a premise that hooked me in from the beginning: a reality TV show featuring former child stars battling addiction in a controlled environment, but all recorded live for audience viewing. Dr. Laurel Harlow, the show's therapist, is tasked with keeping these troubled celebrities on the path to recovery. However, when one of the participants dies in a suspicious incident, the show takes a sharp turn. The novel captivates as Laurel navigates the ethically murky waters of exploiting vulnerable individuals for entertainment, while still genuinely caring for her patients.
The motives behind the "whodunnit" felt a bit over-the-top, but the twist in the second half was very unexpected. I also felt that this book was very personal and more of a drama than a typical thriller I would read. You can tell that the author wrote this book close to her heart. The dark and twisted ending certainly packs a punch, and I see a lot of mixed opinions on it, but I loved that it steered away from the typical story wrap-up. If you're a fan of fast-paced thrillers with plenty of drama and shocking twists, ONE IN FOUR is worth a read, but I want to read more Lucinda Berry novels before venturing into auto-read territory....more
Based on a horrifying true story (Google the real-life 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping if you want to know more), SUCH QUIET GIRLS follows a bus driver andBased on a horrifying true story (Google the real-life 1976 Chowchilla kidnapping if you want to know more), SUCH QUIET GIRLS follows a bus driver and ten children who are kidnapped and buried alive in an underground shipping container. Told from multiple perspectives—this book is DARK, tense, emotional, and gut-wrenching. This book is all about a race to the clock, panic at all costs, and trigger warning central, but it’s a powerful story of courage, resilience, and survival. I listened to this book via @librofm and I had a blast. My first venture into Noelle W. Ihli's novels, but it won't be my last! If you like Freida McFadden fast-paced novels, you'll enjoy this one!...more
I normally steer away from police procedural novels, with only being loyal to Meg Gardiner's UNSUB series, but I kept seeing John McMahon's newest novI normally steer away from police procedural novels, with only being loyal to Meg Gardiner's UNSUB series, but I kept seeing John McMahon's newest novel, HEAD CASES, popping up with great reviews all over bookstagram, so I knew that I needed to give it a try!
The story is centered around Gardner Camden, a neurodivergent FB Agent. Gardner is a genius when it comes to puzzles, but struggles when it comes to people—even his own daughter. When DNA ties a new murder to a long-dead serial killer, Gardner and his team in the Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit jump into action, chasing a killer who’s leaving riddles just for them. As they race to solve the case, they realize the murderer isn’t just playing games—he's coming for them too.
This book took a while to get into, which is why I am giving this a 4-star, because it took me about 1/3 of the way in to fully feel invested into the story. It's a bit slow moving and more procedural than I would like, but when we get action, WE GET ACTION! Gardner is a very strong protagonist to root for, and I think the adaptation to series will be incredible. If you like serial killer novels, specifically UNSUB or anything by Lars Kepler, I think you should give HEAD CASES a try!...more
Daphne Woolsoncroft's NIGHT WATCHER is in the running for my favorite book of 2025. I SAID WHAT I SAID! Woolsoncroft is the host of hit true crime podDaphne Woolsoncroft's NIGHT WATCHER is in the running for my favorite book of 2025. I SAID WHAT I SAID! Woolsoncroft is the host of hit true crime podcast, Going West, and you can totally see that her career with Going West inspired her to write this incredibly dark and twisted story!
Nola Strate hosts Night Watch, a late-night call-in show where listeners share eerie tales of hauntings and cryptic sightings. But when one caller describes something disturbingly familiar, Nola realizes her past is catching up with her. In a dual timeline, we have Nola's experience 20 years ago when she survived a close encounter with a serial killer known as The Hiding Man. She’s stayed quiet ever since—until now. The man who once hunted her may be back, and this time, he’s not alone. With the police dismissing her fears, neighbors acting strange, and her own father under suspicion, Nola must step out from behind the mic and into the dark. If she wants to survive, she’ll have to become the hunter.
This book was a perfect score when it comes to thrillers and mysteries. I would have never suspected that this was a debut novel, as I was hooked line and sinker from the very beginning. This book is S-C-A-R-Y with a capital S! I kind of suspected how this book would end, but there were plenty of turns throughout the book to keep me guessing from time-to-time. This book holds nothing back and will even give us seasoned thriller aficionados a run for their money. Nola is a great protagonist and NIGHT WATCHER is fully compelling from start-to-finish. If you take one book review from me seriously this year so far, it should be to read NIGHT WATCHER!...more
I have never read anything by Erica LaRocca, but his newest book, AT DARK, I BECOME LOATHSOME, has been on my radar recently. The cover was creepy AF I have never read anything by Erica LaRocca, but his newest book, AT DARK, I BECOME LOATHSOME, has been on my radar recently. The cover was creepy AF and the synopsis sounded great, so I decided to listen to the audiobook via @librofm and I’m so glad that I did!
Ashley Lutin, haunted by the loss of his wife and son, has built a ritual to help those caught between the desire to die and the hope for a better life. When he meets Jinx, a man with a disturbing past, their connection unleashes a spiral of dark revelations, forcing them to confront pain, secrets, and the possibility of redemption.
This book has ALLLLLL the trigger warnings, just FYI. It’s the most F’d up book I’ve read/listened to since Brother by Ania Ahlborn. That being said, I was absolutely captivated. This book is utterly tragic and immersive. This book touches on grief, homosexuality, religion, and the darkest parts of peoples’ souls. The book is technically a novella, but it reads like a fully vetted horror novel. I would love to see this book developed further in tv or film! I am now a complete fan of this author’s works and will read whatever he comes out with next. Expect AT DARK, I BECOME LOATHSOME to be in my top reads of 2025!...more
THE MAN MADE OF SMOKE is the best book Alex North has written since THE WHISPER MAN! I said what I said! I became enamored by Alex North's writing sinTHE MAN MADE OF SMOKE is the best book Alex North has written since THE WHISPER MAN! I said what I said! I became enamored by Alex North's writing since his thriller debut, The Whisper Man, but have had some mixed opinions about his second and third releases. That being said, North is an auto-read author for me, so I will always dive into what he's writing and I am so glad that I prioritized THE MAN MADE OF SMOKE!
THE MAN MADE OF SMOKE is a back to basics for North, leading us on a cat and mouse game between a man looking for answers and a serial killer. Dan Garvie barely escaped a notorious serial killer as a child, leaving him haunted ever since. Now a criminal profiler, he has dedicated his life to seeking justice for victims. When his father dies under suspicious circumstances, Dan returns home, fearing the monster from his past may have returned. This emotional and terrifying tale explores fathers and sons, buried secrets, and the struggle to escape the past.
This book was dark, haunting, and a thriller journey from start to finish. I couldn't put it down, and in fact, had to double check the locks on my door last night because this book got me scared out of my wits! Alex North is back in action with THE MAN MADE OF SMOKE and I can't wait for readers to dive into this entirely f'd up scary journey. You will be left guessing until the very end!
AUTHOR RANKINGS - The Whisper Man (still the GOAT) - The Man Made of Smoke - The Shadows - The Angel Maker...more
THE INHERITANCE is Trisha Sakhlecha’s US debut thriller and I really think this book will be a hit for readers. A combination of family saga meets mysTHE INHERITANCE is Trisha Sakhlecha’s US debut thriller and I really think this book will be a hit for readers. A combination of family saga meets mystery/thriller, this book is centered around an uber rich family with secrets galore. Raj Agarwal is a business tycoon who is about to announce the succession of his estate to his wife and children, and has planned for a gathering on a private, luxury island off the west coast of Scotland. His family includes his wife Shalini, Myra (his daughter who is most dedicated to the success of the family), Aseem (the son and possible heir to the company), and Aisha (the youngest daughter and socialite of the family). Aseem also brings his influencer wife Zoe to attend this reunion. When the reunion ends in murder, each one of them has a reason to keep their secrets safe. The foundation of this family must be protected at all costs.
THE INHERITANCE is definitely a strong family saga, and at times, a drama moreso than a thriller. That being said, I truly enjoyed diving into the chaos and dynamics between this family. Each of them has their own guilty secrets that were all developed strongly and portrayed deeply personal within the story. The story is a slow burn, but the payoff at the end is surely worth it. I think my jaw hit the floor after finishing this story. Please note, there’s definitely trigger warnings towards the end, so if you are sensitive to some specifics, please DM me and I can confirm or deny them to you. I am excited to see what this author has in store for us next!...more
Grady Hendrix is always so hit or miss with me. I loved The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires, but everything else seemed a bit mid for mGrady Hendrix is always so hit or miss with me. I loved The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires, but everything else seemed a bit mid for me otherwise, and I hated How to Sell a Haunted House. I was apprehensive but optimistic with his 2025 release, WITCHCRAFT FOR WAYWARD GIRLS, because it seemed heavier than his other books and because I love anything witchcraft. I am so glad I decided to prioritize this book because it’s my favorite one since Vampires!
Taking place in the 1970s, women who end up getting pregnant are publicly shamed, so if their parents have money, they’re sent to homes hide away and give birth and put their child up for adoption in secret. When 15 year old Fern arrives to one of these homes in Florida, she comes to terms with how society treats pregnant unwed mothers. Fern meets Zinnia, Hope, and Rose, and the four of them meet a librarian who introduces them to the occult with a book of spells. Is this book even anything real? Will these young women try to set things right with their predicaments or will they just make their journeys even harder?
This book is very much a slow burn character-driven horror/suspense. I found the research done for this world of unwed mothers fascinating and also very depressing as this is something that women still to this day are judged upon. The story is dark and unrelenting at times with how the girls are treated, but I grew to be fully invested in each of their journeys. As mentioned prior, the build up is slow, but the payoff is excellent. I enjoyed every moment of this book! ...more
When college student, awkward and shy Ryan, is assigned a new dorm roommate, he did not expect it to be Miller MacAvoy. Miller is gorgeous, athletic, When college student, awkward and shy Ryan, is assigned a new dorm roommate, he did not expect it to be Miller MacAvoy. Miller is gorgeous, athletic, confident, and wealthy. Miller is the only person Ryan knows that doesn’t get any ...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
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
Jennifer McMahon is a very popular modern horror author, but she's never been an author I've really prioritized, until now. MY DARLING GIRL will be onJennifer McMahon is a very popular modern horror author, but she's never been an author I've really prioritized, until now. MY DARLING GIRL will be one of my favorites of the year for sure.
MY DARLING GIRL is the perfect blend of hororr, psychological thriller, and family drama. The only sad part about my journey with this book is that it's over. Taking place in Vermont, Allison gets a request by her estranged ailing mother about wanting to spend her last days with her and her family. Allison grew up struggling with the relationship she has with her mother, but eventually accepts. As a child, Allison dealt with abuse and alcoholism from her mother Mavis, but she hopes that this time together can help repair the damage before her death. However, once Mavis arrives to Allison's home, she begins to see behavioral issues that she can't just ignore. Something is wrong with her mother and it's not just the behavior she had growing up. Something worse is at play and Allison must confront these issues and keep her family out of harm's way.
Loved this book! Sinister, theatrical, original! By far my favorite read by this author, but also one of my favorite horror novels ever. I hope this becomes a movie! If you like the Conjuring series or the documentary Mother Dead and Dearest, MY DARLING GIRL is your book! I read this book in two sittings and it would've been in one if work didn't get in the way. Can't recommend this book enough - MAKE SURE TO GET A COPY COME PUB DAY! Thank me later. :) ...more
If Peter Swanson, Harlan Coben, and David Ellis (Look Closer) had a love child, it would be Steve Cavanagh's upcoming thriller, KILL FOR ME, KILL FOR If Peter Swanson, Harlan Coben, and David Ellis (Look Closer) had a love child, it would be Steve Cavanagh's upcoming thriller, KILL FOR ME, KILL FOR YOU. I had such a freaking blast reading this book!
Go into this book reading as little of the synopsis as possible, but the story is focused on a few different people, all living in fear and anger over crimes being committed against them. When Amanda meets Wendy at a support group, the two bond over their hatred over men who have killed their families and have gotten away with it. When they come up with the plan to kill the culprit for each other, they decide to enact revenge.
Ruth is one of the other POVs we get in this story (I think we have four in total) and she lives in a brownstone with her husband Scott. When she hears a break-in happening while Scott is away, she is attacked by a man with piercing blue eyes—she luckily survives, but lives in constant fear that this attacker is watching her every move.
I don't want to explain more, but this book obviously dives into revenge and fear. There's a lot of twists in this book (one that I called, but it didn't take away my experience), but there was one moment where I audibly gasped. I powered through this book as fast as possible because I truly needed to know what happened. I've never read anything by this author before, but I surely will now as KILL FOR ME, KILL FOR YOU will definitely be in my top reads for 2024. If you like Peter Swanson, Harlan Coben, and David Ellis, you'd be a fool not to read this book....more
A NEST OF SNAKES is a deviously dark and sinister tale of one man’s journey through a traumatic and life-changing circumstance that has affected his eA NEST OF SNAKES is a deviously dark and sinister tale of one man’s journey through a traumatic and life-changing circumstance that has affected his entire adult life. Our main character suffers from very serious PTSD after his experience at an elite boarding school has rendered him agoraphobic and mentally unstable. A NEST OF SNAKES takes you on a journey involving abuse, bullying, and sexual assault that will have you grabbing your tissues or ready to take down the corrupt patriarchal behavior of many of society’s most influential organizations and institutions. You’ll fall in love with the main character and his journey and if you’ve had even 1% of the trauma experiences by Brendan Cortland, A NEST OF SNAKES will hit close to home. I can’t wait to see what Deborah Levison has next for readers....more
BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN is the perfect cocktail of Joyce Carol Oates, Caitlyn Wahrer's The Damage, and Tiffany McDaniel's On the Savage Side. BRIGHT YOUNG BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN is the perfect cocktail of Joyce Carol Oates, Caitlyn Wahrer's The Damage, and Tiffany McDaniel's On the Savage Side. BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN is a complete pivot from the author's previous works, but definitely her strongest release.
The story alternates multiple timelines, but the conflict at hand takes place in 1978, featuring our main protagonist, Pamela Schumacher. Pamela is President of her sorority at Florida State University's Tallahassee campus, and her life gets thrown into a whirlwind after witnessing an intruder flee her sorority house. That fateful night, Pamela chose to stay home instead of going to a party, which ends up saving her life. The intruder that Pamela faces ends up murdering two of her sorority sisters and violently attacking two others. Pamela is the only witness to see the face of the murderer and her life changes forever.
After this sorority murder spree, Tina Cannon gets wind about similarities relating to the disappearance of someone very important to her, Ruth Wachowsky. Ruth's disappearance from Lake Sammamish State Park is on the other side of the country, but Tina just knows that Ruth's disappearance is related to this attack on Pamela's sorority. Tina decides that she will investigate herself and bring justice for Ruth at any cost.
BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN is a crime-fiction, dark, investigative mystery. This story involves sisterhood and friendship, love, determination, tragedy. Take note of the time periods of this novel as it plays an important step in the themes for this book as well. This book isn't the twisty psychological thriller you've probably expected from Jessica Knoll, but more-so a character-driven story involving two people trying to uncover the truth. I was fully immersed in this story and I think readers will be in for a treat. This is a slower-paced novel compared to the authors two previous novels, but I really enjoyed this book and the author's change of storytelling and I think she should continue in this direction....more