Allison Rushby's adult horror debut, SLASHED BEAUTIES, was on my TBR the moment I saw the cover. Ten out of ten cover design, Berkley! Thank you @berkAllison Rushby's adult horror debut, SLASHED BEAUTIES, was on my TBR the moment I saw the cover. Ten out of ten cover design, Berkley! Thank you @berkleypub for sending me this gorgeous gifted copy. I did not know what to expect when starting this book, but when I saw revenge (one of my favorite things), I knew that gorgeous cover + fun synopsis = Dennis will be reading ASAP!
We get a dual timeline, current day and in 1763, taking place in both London and Seoul (mainly London). In present-day Seoul, antiques dealer Alys has secured the third and final Anatomical Venus, an eerie eighteenth-century wax figure shrouded in dark legend, and travels to England to break her cursed connection to them. In 1763 London, abandoned and penniless Eleanor is drawn into the glittering but dangerous world of courtesan Elizabeth, whose intentions may be far from noble. As their timelines entwine, the truth emerges: to end the witchcraft binding them, all three Venuses must be destroyed—but these haunted, murderous figures may not go quietly.
SLASHED BEAUTIES is more of a historical gothic suspense, but I also think it's the perfect cocktail of Elizabeth Gilbert's City of Girls meets Annabelle. BONKERS, I know. This story doesn't have a lot of jump scares like a typical horror, but the dual timelines between Alys (current day) and the stories of Eleanor, Emily, and Elizabeth provided suspense-oozed intrigue throughout. Revenge, sisterhood, love, and the strength of women are major themes throughout this story. If you are picking up this book, give it until 40% so it sets the stage for what to expect—I promise you won't be disappointed. I enjoyed the mystery of the current day timeline and the darkness of the 1763 timeline. This book is utterly original and I could not pinpoint what was going to happen while reading at all. 5 stars for originality and suspense throughout. I want to read more stories like SLASHED BEAUTIES. STARS: 5, PUB: 9/23...more
FORGET ME NOT is a return to Stacy Willingham's form to Southern suspense that you may have fell for when reading A Flicker in the Dark or All the DanFORGET ME NOT is a return to Stacy Willingham's form to Southern suspense that you may have fell for when reading A Flicker in the Dark or All the Dangerous Things. I had a blast with both the audiobook and the physical book, so both options are worth a read!
Claire Campbell’s sister vanished twenty-two years ago, and now a call from her father pulls her back home to confront the past. She takes a summer job at a nearby vineyard, hoping for distraction, but instead discovers a chilling diary linked to old crimes. As her obsession grows, Claire begins to suspect her sister’s disappearance may be connected—and that Galloway holds more secrets than it seems.
FORGET ME NOT truly felt like old school Ruth Ware vibes—think The Death of Mrs. Westaway level of suspense (not in plot, but in true suspense-driven mystique). I truly could not put this book down and not only read it after my birthday party, but also listened to it at work. I was truly hooked into finding out what happened to Claire's sister Natalie. I did catch on relatively quickly what was at play, but I still loved diving into this world. I love Willingham's ability to create such an immersive and atmospheric suspense-driven thriller and I will consider her an auto-read author for me. And you should too....more
Ania Ahlborn won me over with her brutally dark horror novel, BROTHER, and I’ll read anything she writes moving forward! I have been excited to dive iAnia Ahlborn won me over with her brutally dark horror novel, BROTHER, and I’ll read anything she writes moving forward! I have been excited to dive into Ahlborn’s newest horror novel, THE UNSEEN, for months now and she doesn’t disappoint!
Without diving in too much, this book is a deep dive into grief in the most unique way. Isla Hansen, a grieving mother, is shaken when a mysteriously orphaned child appears on the edge of her family’s remote Colorado property, bringing with him an eerie but revitalizing energy. As the child becomes part of their household, Isla’s husband and children begin to notice strange, reality-bending anomalies that suggest something is deeply wrong with their new guest.
This book is a legit page turner! I could not stop turning the pages and picked this book up every chance I got. This book is nearly perfect (I didn’t looooove the ending) and has cemented Ahlborn as an auto-read author for me. Do not go too far down the rabbit hole to protect yourself from spoilers because if you find out the direction this book goes, you’ll ruin the entire journey! ...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
I was so excited to get an audio copy of Jenni Howell's BOYS WITH SHARP TEETH just from the cover alone. That being said, THIS BOOKS IS NOT L3.5 stars
I was so excited to get an audio copy of Jenni Howell's BOYS WITH SHARP TEETH just from the cover alone. That being said, THIS BOOKS IS NOT LGBTQ+. I am not sure if the publisher is trying to push this narrative, but it's very disappointing to see that this book was not queer (the cover says otherwise). Marin James has always lived in the shadow of Huntsworth Academy. When her cousin’s body is found on campus, she’s convinced Adrian Hargraves and Henry Wu are to blame. Disguised as a student, she infiltrates the school seeking justice. But as she’s drawn to the boys and their secrets, the lines between truth and illusion begin to blur.
Marin uncovers a dark, otherworldly secret within Huntsworth’s gates, and reality begins to blur. To enjoy this book, you have to suspend disbelief—something I expect with YA, which is why I rarely read it. IYKYK. I won't go into too many details, but the ability for Marin getting into the Academy gave Legally Blonde ridiculousness. Despite these flaws, the writing was haunting and mysterious, creating an atmospheric and suspense-driven storyline. Though the ending had believability issues that were continued throughout the story, I still enjoyed it wrapping up the way it did. As mentioned above, I don't normally read YA, so I am unsure if I'd dive into this author's works again, but I think Jenni Howell would slay writing adult fiction! ...more
Kate Alice Marshall is always a solid author for me and her newest novel, A KILLING COLD, is another perfect example of why her books are always a greKate Alice Marshall is always a solid author for me and her newest novel, A KILLING COLD, is another perfect example of why her books are always a great time! This book is centered around a very unique protagonist that I won't soon forget, Theodora Scott (Theo). Theo fell for Connor Dalton, a wealthy and charming heir, and six months later, he brought her to his family's secluded winter retreat, Idlewood. Threatening messages, eerie footprints, and a photo of herself as a child taken at Idlewood stir unsettling memories of a past she can’t fully recall. As Theo uncovers the Daltons’ dark secrets, she realizes the cost of truth could be her life.
I loved the mystery behind this book more than I usually enjoy these types of locked-room, family drama suspense stories. As Theo investigates this wealthy and mysterious Dalton family, you can't just help but immerse yourself right into the story. I did not expect this story to deviate into what it became, which I think will be hit or miss with readers. I alternated between audio and physical, and I enjoyed the audio narration more than physically reading as the setting was very atmospheric and it placed me right into the drama. If I had to recommend either physically reading or the audio, I would choose audio (via @librofm)! Kate Alice Marshall continues to be a staple in my reading and I cannot wait to see what she has in store next!...more
WE ARE WATCHING is only my second venture into Alison Gaylin's writing, but I've heard about her novels for a while now. This story is definitely origWE ARE WATCHING is only my second venture into Alison Gaylin's writing, but I've heard about her novels for a while now. This story is definitely original and one you won't forget! The story centers around an upstate New York bookseller, Meg Russo, and her daughter Lily, after a traumatic event leaves the family in shambles. Meg was driving with her husband Justin and Lily to Ithaca College, celebrating Lily's future in music, when a reckless driver forced them off the road, killing Justin. Several months later, Meg throws herself into reopening her bookstore, only to face escalating threats from conspiracy theorists obsessed with an old novel, The Prophesy, which they believe predicts the apocalypse. As the harassment grows violent, Meg uncovers chilling connections between the group and her husband's death, forcing her to confront dangerous truths to protect herself and her daughter.
WE ARE WATCHING kept me on edge and gave me AGIDA (if you don't know what agida means, look it up)! This story is unique and bizarre and I think I really enjoyed it, however there's a LOT that goes on while the story evolves and it is confusing to follow at times. I was frustrated with how much was being thrown in and I feel as if the story had less elements to it, it would've been easier to follow. I caught myself questioning what was going on, but not in the way where I'm excited for it to unravel. That being said, this book kept me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I am giving it a blanket 3-star rating because I ultimately did know pretty early on about what may happen, and given all the chaos that happened, I was right. I would read another Alison Gaylin novel again, that's for sure! If you love conspiracy theory and cult-like stories, WE ARE WATCHING will be the book for you....more
Nat Cassidy is such a unique and original storyteller! I have enjoyed each of his books that he has provided readers and WHEN THE WOLF COMES HOME is nNat Cassidy is such a unique and original storyteller! I have enjoyed each of his books that he has provided readers and WHEN THE WOLF COMES HOME is no different. This book is hands-down the most action-packed, adrenaline-fueled suspense story he's provided readers, but don't worry horror fans, he still provides all the makings of a fantastic horror story.
The story is centered around a young woman named Jess, a struggling actress, discovering a five-year-old runaway hiding outside her apartment, leading to a brutal confrontation with the boy’s father that sends them on the run. As they flee, a series of horrifying, surreal events reveals that the true danger is far worse than Jess ever imagined—and when the wolf comes home, no one will be spared. I won't dive into the story anymore since the synopsis is short and sweet, leading you to figure things out on your own.
WHEN THE WOLF COMES HOME is way more than just a potential werewolf story. Nat Cassidy weaves in various metaphorical messages involving relationships with parents and their children, but also provides entertaining, and at times, suspense-oozed storylines that will leave readers aching to race against the clock with Jess. The story is bizarre to say the least, but I've come to know that Nat Cassidy will never provide readers with anything straightlaced when it comes to his horror storytelling. This book is a bit of a pivot for the author as it dives into thriller territory at times. If you like 80s themed action-horror novels (think Survive the Night/Riley Sager, and Firestarter/Stephen King), then WHEN THE WOLF COMES HOME will be a perfect read for you. This story will have me thinking some theories about the world Cassidy has built here and I hope that he chooses to come to it again for more. Nat Cassidy is an auto-read author for me and this book is another landslide win! ...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
Carter Wilson was one of the first authors I read when starting my bookstagram account. His novel, Mister Tender's Girl, was one of my favor4.5 stars!
Carter Wilson was one of the first authors I read when starting my bookstagram account. His novel, Mister Tender's Girl, was one of my favorite reads of 2018. There's a scene in that book that still haunts me to this day. That being said, I haven't really caught up with this author's works in recent years. I was told by MANY of my bookstagram followers that I needed to read TELL ME WHAT YOU DID, and I am so happy I listened!
Poe Webb hosts a very popular podcast where she gets people to confess their darkest secrets and crimes, but she’s hiding one of her own. When a man appears on her true crime podcast claiming to be her mother’s killer, Poe is shaken—but she knows he’s lying. Because her mother’s murderer is already dead, and Poe is the one who killed him.
This book is utter suspenseful perfection! I was hooked from the very beginning and there's no slow down throughout the story. This book is the anti-slow burn, that's for sure. I am literally telling all my IRL friends that they need to read this when it comes out early 2025 because it's going to be a big hit for readers. I did take a half star off the rating because the timeline jumps, although appropriate for keeping up with suspense, it left me a bit confused while trying to follow, so I had to make sure and check for the timeline jumps. Otherwise, this book is a total landslide win for me! You MUST put this book on your TBR now!...more
4.5 stars! Camilla Bruce is an author whose books I’ve always meant to read of, but for some reason I overlook. I’ve read her bonkers novel, You Let M4.5 stars! Camilla Bruce is an author whose books I’ve always meant to read of, but for some reason I overlook. I’ve read her bonkers novel, You Let Me In, and it was not for me. I feel like if I read it now, it would be surely rated higher because it’s original and off-the-walls and that’s exactly what I’m looking for in a novel. Her newest novel, AT THE BOTTOM OF THE GARDEN, is exactly that! Clara Woods is a killer who’s unbothered by her actions, but when her orphaned nieces, Lily and Violet, arrive, they bring trouble—Violet can see Clara’s victims and ghosts and and Lily can see energy through colors. As Clara battles her ghosts and the girls’ powers, her plan to steal their inheritance begins to unravel. First and foremost, Clara is a GAY ICON. She gives full on Debbie Jellinsky Addams Family Values vibes and for that alone I almost gave this book a 5 star rating! This book dives into horror, psychological suspense, family drama, and camp. I loved every second of it. The only reason I didn’t provide a 5 star review is that the second half is much slower than the first half and I really wanted it to move faster along. That being said, this cast of characters are those you love, love to hate, and love to see chaos thrust upon them. If you want to read a campy version of Insidious or the Conjuring, AT THE BOTTOM OF THE GARDEN is the perfect book for you. I am a total fan!...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
Vi Keeland is a very well-known romance author, with a ton of books in her roster, but THE UNRAVELING is her first (to my knowledge) mystery-thriller Vi Keeland is a very well-known romance author, with a ton of books in her roster, but THE UNRAVELING is her first (to my knowledge) mystery-thriller release. I immediately got tuned into this novel based on the synopsis—when Meredith McCall (our protagonist) experiences a painful loss (you'll find out exactly what), she begins struggling in her as a psychiatrist and trying to move forward with her life. Grief-stricken, she begins an obsession with Gabriel Wright—following him around and becoming unhinged. As Meredith's obsession continues to grow, Gabriel ends up walking into her office as a patient, not knowing that she has become fully immersed in his life privately. When Meredith and Gabriel begin to get to know each other on a deeper level, boundaries are crossed and Meredith starts unraveling (hehe) her entire life. Is Gabriel worth risking everything?
You can totally tell that Vi Keeland is a romance author in the way she weaves this story around. It's truly a wild, fun ride. I love thrillers with a heavy romantic/sexual tone to it, and THE UNRAVELING is definitely that. This book dives into grief a LOT and I won't say what happened to have our characters grieving, but from someone grieving over the last couple of months, I fully related to Meredith's unhealthy and unorthodox methods of self-care and coping. It's hard to move on from something life changing and devastating and THE UNRAVELING truly dives into that. I really enjoyed this book and will totally prioritize Vi Keeland's next thriller if she chooses to continue down this path....more
Sally Hepworth's upcoming novel, DARLING GIRLS, is definitely one of her stronger novels as of late. I usually struggle with some of her newer releaseSally Hepworth's upcoming novel, DARLING GIRLS, is definitely one of her stronger novels as of late. I usually struggle with some of her newer releases because they're such slow-burn suspense stories that take awhile to get into, but they always pay off in the end.
The story is centered around three women, Jessica, Norah, and Alicia. As young girls, they were rescued by their foster mother, Miss Fairchild, and are living in pretty questionable standards of living. Miss Fairchild has effectively changed the course of their lives forever with how they were raised and it definitely can be hard to hear about as we dive into each of their stories. Trigger warning for child abuse, just saying! It's hard to really go down the rabbit hole with this one, but use your imagination on how this could go, but the ending really sold it for me. With such a slow burn, sometimes the payoff isn't worth it, but it definitely is in DARLING GIRLS. If you've liked the author's previous works, you'll love DARLING GIRLS. Heck, it may be my favorite one by Sally Hepworth yet!...more
I DID NOT EXPECT TO LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH! Wow, Marcus Kliewer's debut horror / psychological suspense novel, WE USED TO LIVE HERE, may be the best dI DID NOT EXPECT TO LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH! Wow, Marcus Kliewer's debut horror / psychological suspense novel, WE USED TO LIVE HERE, may be the best debut of the year. I said what I f'n said.
The story is centered around Eve and her partner Charlie and their move to an old house to fix-up. The house is in a small town, with properties not so close, but the house has good bones and they want to renovate it for themselves. As the couple begins to work on renovations, they are greeted by a man and his family at their front door. The father tells Eve that he used to live in this house as a child and wanted to know if he could show his kids around. Eve reluctantly lets them view the home. As soon as Eve lets this family in, you'll be in for a wild ride! That's my synopsis review and I'm not going to divulge anymore.
Less is more when knowing what is detailed in this book. Holy cow was this such an incredible read. WE USED TO LIVE HERE is the modern horror novel story that I absolutely love. I was supposed to go to bed early, but I ended up reading this book in one sitting. You will question everything. Everything. This book is for sure in my top 10 reads of the year and I will question your judgement if you don't absolutely love this book. Hearing that they are making this book into a Netflix film has me all excited because it's absolutely deserving of a film adaptation. Ugh, I can't say more, but I loved it and Marcus Kliewer is a genius and I am now a superfan. That is all. ...more
A lot of YA authors have started to come out with adult mystery/thriller novels since last year and for the most part, I've loved them. Kate Marshall A lot of YA authors have started to come out with adult mystery/thriller novels since last year and for the most part, I've loved them. Kate Marshall Alice, Ashley Elston, and now Amy Tintera have all successfully pivoted to this genre. LISTEN FOR THE LIE is a darkly comedic, fun and twisty whodunnit.
Our main character, Lucy Clase has been labeled as a murderer in her best friend's murder on a true-crime podcast. Lucy is an author who has tried to keep a low profile, but Ben Owens' "Listen for the Lie" has pulled Lucy out of hiding and forced her to confront the moments that she has tried to blank out of her memory forever. The night her best friend was killed.
LISTEN FOR THE LIE was so much fun and I did not expect it to turn out the way that it did. A bit slower than expected, but this book was such a great whodunnit. There's a good number of characters for readers to get lost into the mystery and hard for them to figure out how it ends, and each character is unique in their own way. Amy Tintera's writing style is sarcastic and funny at times, which gives you a break from the suspense at times and I personally loved it. LISTEN FOR THE LIE is the perfect cocktail between Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan is Killing It and Michelle Gagnon's Killing Me. I can't wait to see what Amy Tintera has for readers next!...more