4.5 Stars I have anticipated Jessica Huntley's new books since I read "How to Commit the Perfect Murder in Ten Easy Steps" because it was one of my fav4.5 Stars I have anticipated Jessica Huntley's new books since I read "How to Commit the Perfect Murder in Ten Easy Steps" because it was one of my favorite reads of 2024.
What would you do if you received a letter offering you a considerable amount of money to play a game on a remote island? The catch? They will expose a dark secret you have buried if you don't agree. Four strangers arrive to find out there will only be one survivor in "The Murder Maze!" Jane is a single mother. She also survived being kidnapped by a serial killer who killed her twin sister. Ryan lost his wife in a tragic car accident. He is now raising their twin daughters, who have Down syndrome, by himself. Andrew is a spoiled rich kid who spends his time bodybuilding, partying, and selling drugs. He's arrogant and doesn't care about anyone but himself. Christie had an appalling childhood. She's lost everything because of her gambling addiction and is desperate for money. The story is told from multiple perspectives, including the Mastermind, the game creator, so readers become familiar with all the characters. Jane and Ryan were my favorites, but when everyone's secrets surface, you can't look at any of them the same way. An unhinged creator insanely executes the game that no one deserves! Well, maybe Andrew does, lol.
This story is intense, fast-paced, and keeps you on your toes. It's the craziest locked-room-type thriller I've read!
Thank you to the author and Indie Visible for this ARC. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
Last year, the team at #ThrillerBookLovers had the opportunity to read "The Last Girl Left," so I was thrilled when we received ARCs of the upcoming rLast year, the team at #ThrillerBookLovers had the opportunity to read "The Last Girl Left," so I was thrilled when we received ARCs of the upcoming release "Gravewater Lake" by Sonya Sargent and A.M. Strong. Some of us were lucky enough to snag a promotional box with a signed book copy! These authors are not only talented but incredibly generous. I wish them great success with this chilling read!
"Gravewater Lake" is a story you'll want to curl up with by a crackling fireplace or enjoy under the warm sun on a sandy beach. It’s as dark and bitterly cold as the mysterious lake it’s named after. The characters are cloaked in deep, haunting secrets, and Gravewater Lake is the perfect place to bury them.
The narrative weaves through alternating timelines, pulling readers into an eerie and captivating mystery. We meet a woman who awakens on the icy edge of a lake, struggling to remember her identity. Not dressed for the biting cold and nursing a bump on her head, suspicion creeps in. Battling the freezing chill, she stumbles upon a solitary house, where a handsome yet mysterious stranger offers her shelter as a fierce storm rages outside.
As the snowstorm intensifies, it becomes clear that they aren’t the only ones trapped—several mysterious neighbors also find themselves stranded, each harboring their secrets. The woman, who temporarily takes the name Anna, navigates unsettling emotions and strange occurrences within the house. With each passing moment, she can’t shake the nagging feeling that her presence in this desolate place is anything but accidental.
The twists and turns in this riveting tale kept me teetering on the edge of my seat! When I thought I had it figured out, the author delivered a shocking conclusion that left me satisfied and slightly unsettled. If you love a good mystery with layers of intrigue, "Gravewater Lake" is a must-read that will not disappoint!
Thank you to the authors, Brilliance Audio, and Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse for providing this ARC through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and left voluntarily.
4.5 stars-rounding up From the moment I dove into "How to Commit the Perfect Murder in Ten Easy Steps," I was captivated by Jessica's unique writing st4.5 stars-rounding up From the moment I dove into "How to Commit the Perfect Murder in Ten Easy Steps," I was captivated by Jessica's unique writing style and her wicked dark humor. So, when I spotted the cover of "Horrible Husbands," I didn't hesitate—I knew I had to read it!
The story unfolds during a long-needed girls' weekend for three close friends. Though they chat constantly, each woman harbors deep, unsettling secrets that unravel as the weekend progresses.
Readers get a multi-dimensional view of a dark and deliciously twisted tale through alternating perspectives. It's incredible to witness the strength these women demonstrate as they rally to support one another through their troubling predicaments. The lengths they go to protect their friendships are nothing short of astounding. And the ending? A perfect blend of resolution and possibility that leaves you both satisfied and eager for more! ...more
In Alex Finlay's upcoming thriller, the intricate world of wealthy parents with sky-high expectations collides with the struggles of young adults at aIn Alex Finlay's upcoming thriller, the intricate world of wealthy parents with sky-high expectations collides with the struggles of young adults at a small private college, creating an incredibly intriguing premise.
Unless you've had the privilege of growing up rich, you've probably rolled your eyes and cracked a sarcastic joke about the hardships of being a privileged kid. However, this book flips that narrative, offering a fresh perspective that might make you reconsider, even if your sarcasm lingers!
The story unfolds during "Parents Weekend" at the elite Rawley Academy, where the usual hustle and bustle is thrown into disarray by the alarming disappearance of a student. When a tight-knit group of five teens fails to attend the first event, you're left wondering: Are they merely rebelling, or is something far more sinister brewing beneath the surface?
Finlay masterfully crafts a tense atmosphere, pulling readers deep into a chilling and suspenseful experience. The characters are richly developed, and the dual timeline and an interwoven narrative paint a haunting picture. With so many dark secrets tangled in a web of deceit, it’s nearly impossible to tell who is innocent—if anyone at all.
While this thriller features jaw-dropping twists and revelations that will keep you on the edge of your seat, it doesn't quite match the heart-pounding excitement of Finlay's previous novels. Still, I can't wait for his next release—Alex Finlay remains one of my top auto-read authors and I recommend all his books!
Thank you to the author and Minotaur Books for providing this ARC through Edelweiss. All opinions are my own and are shared voluntarily....more
Thank you to BookSiren for this gifted copy of "The Companion" by Jo Crow. Wow! She's an author who just popped up on my radar, and I'm always excitedThank you to BookSiren for this gifted copy of "The Companion" by Jo Crow. Wow! She's an author who just popped up on my radar, and I'm always excited when I find amazing authors.
This mysterious thriller captured my attention from the very first page. The story flows at a steady pace with intriguing characters. Kara, who is desperate for work, stumbles on a job that many might envy—a live-in companion for a woman who is semi-comatose after a horrible accident. Kara's interest lies in the perks offered with the job. She desperately needs to get her voice acting career back on track, and this house is the answer, with its high-tech recording studio.
But as Kara settles in, she starts to uncover some wild secrets. Before long, strange incidents occur around the house. My mind was spinning, and my imagination was in overdrive. I solved a few puzzles, but the final revelation sent chills down my spine! I'm excited to explore Crow's backlist to see if she always delivers this level of bone-tingling excitement!
3.5 Stars - rounding up Prepare yourself for a gripping journey into the depths of darkness with "Schroeder," a thriller/horror novel that does not shy3.5 Stars - rounding up Prepare yourself for a gripping journey into the depths of darkness with "Schroeder," a thriller/horror novel that does not shy away from its unsettling themes. Before diving in, it's important to take note of the trigger warnings, as this book is far from a light read; it plunges into a narrative that feels uncomfortably real.
At the heart of the story is Schroeder, a meticulous individual who navigates his day on a bicycle, stopping at various locations that serve as the backdrop for his horrifying acts. Each brutal encounter is recorded in a chilling journal, a testament to his sinister intentions and a window into his twisted psyche.
The narrative follows Schroeder on this tragic path, but we don't learn the precise reason for his vicious actions until the book's final section. These moments are poignant as we discover that his journaling began with a gift from his mother on his tenth birthday. Through his writing, he reveals the horrors of his childhood and the mistreatment he faced. It's haunting to see how his victims are interconnected with his past experiences.
In a world that has seen its share of devastating events, this story offers a thought-provoking perspective into the complexities of a perpetrator's mind. It's a challenging exploration of the factors that can lead someone down such a dark path, encouraging readers to reflect on the broader issues at play. #Schroeder #NealCassidy #realisticthriller #horror #triggerwarnings ...more
Thank you to the author and Thrillerscape Press for providing the gifted ARC through BookSiren. All opinions expressed here are my own.
"If You Lie" mThank you to the author and Thrillerscape Press for providing the gifted ARC through BookSiren. All opinions expressed here are my own.
"If You Lie" marks my first experience with this author, and I found it to be a fast-paced thriller filled with several unpredictable twists that held my attention throughout!
Olivia faces a brutal kidnapping that drives her to become a true-crime podcaster, aiming to support other women. I enjoy podcasts in novels, but I wish the podcast had a more prominent role in the storyline.
Olivia has been estranged from her sister, who has struggled with drug and mental issues for several years. When Quinn unexpectedly invites her on a cruise to rekindle their relationship, Olivia hesitantly accepts and is taken aback by Quinn's transformation.
The luxurious yacht creates an intriguing backdrop, heightening the tension during the locked-room scenario. As the journey unfolds with Quinn's fiancé and their friends on board, Olivia can't shake the feeling these individuals display qualities reminiscent of a new-age cult, and an unsettling danger lurks nearby....more
Ten years ago, Bridget Wilson thought her own life was over when her eighteen-year-old son, Jesse, was killed by a single punch issued by his best Ten years ago, Bridget Wilson thought her own life was over when her eighteen-year-old son, Jesse, was killed by a single punch issued by his best friend, Tom Billinghurst, also eighteen. Six months ago, Bridget and Tom secretly married in a special ceremony at HMP Nottingham, and now Jesse’s killer is her husband.
Wow...It's hard to believe anyone could fall in love with the person who killed their son. This domestic thriller follows the complex situation and is filled with enough twists to make your head spin. I thought I had the storyline figured out. Nope! Once the secrets start surfacing, it is a wild ride.
I’m a fan of Ms. Slater and was drawn to the cover and the outrageous synopsis. I'm glad I stuck through the sluggish beginning because once the pace picked up it was hard to put down.
The story follows numerous characters, along with jumping between the past and present, but flows pretty smoothly between POV’s once you become familiar with all the personalities.
By all rights, Jesse’s death seems like a tragic accident. But Tom still gets sentenced to 10 years in prison. During his sentence, he enters the Restorative Justice program; thus spending a lot of time with Jesse’s mother.
During their time together, they somehow fall in love and end up married just before he completes his sentence...despite the expected backlash from their families.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Ms. Slater for the opportunity to read this free digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s Published: May 20th 2021 by Bookouture Pages: 356 Recommend: Absolutely!
Ten years ago, Bridget Wilson thought her own life was over when her eighteen-year-old son, Jesse, was killed by a single punch issued by his best friend, Tom Billinghurst, also eighteen. Six months ago, Bridget and Tom secretly married in a special ceremony at HMP Nottingham, and now Jesse’s killer is her husband.
Wow...It's hard to believe anyone could fall in love with the person who killed their son. This domestic thriller follows the complex situation and is filled with enough twists to make your head spin. I thought I had the storyline figured out. Nope! Once the secrets start surfacing, it is a wild ride.
I’m a fan of Ms. Slater and was drawn to the cover and the outrageous synopsis. I'm glad I stuck through the sluggish beginning because once the pace picked up it was hard to put down.
The story follows numerous characters, along with jumping between the past and present, but flows pretty smoothly between POV’s once you become familiar with all the personalities.
By all rights, Jesse’s death seems like a tragic accident. But Tom still gets sentenced to 10 years in prison. During his sentence, he enters the Restorative Justice program; thus spending a lot of time with Jesse’s mother.
During their time together, they somehow fall in love and end up married just before he completes his sentence...despite the expected backlash from their families.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and Ms. Slater for the opportunity to read this free digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s Published: May 20th 2021 by Bookouture Pages: 356 Recommend: Absolutely!
On the eve of her wedding, Grace shocks her fiancee when she flees—and it's far deeper than just typical pre-wedding nerves.
"The Girl in the Fire" weaOn the eve of her wedding, Grace shocks her fiancee when she flees—and it's far deeper than just typical pre-wedding nerves.
"The Girl in the Fire" weaves a dark and haunting tale that draws you in with its gripping plot. The story invites you into dual viewpoints across different timelines, creating an intricate tapestry that can sometimes be bewildering, especially with some characters undergoing name changes. I was captivated by the stunning cover, but the exceptional writing truly held me spellbound, making it impossible to turn away from the pages.
Thanks to the author and Book Sirens for this gifted ARC. All opinions are my own.
After I read “The Second Wife”, I craved more books by Miranda Rijks. She has many that look and sound intriguing. I was excited when I was given the After I read “The Second Wife”, I craved more books by Miranda Rijks. She has many that look and sound intriguing. I was excited when I was given the opportunity to join the book tour for “The Insomniac”.
Thank you #ZooLoosBookToursfor the #booktour invite and thanks to #mirandarijks and #Inkubatorbooks for the #giftedbook.
I’ve suffered from annoying bouts of mild insomnia but can’t imagine living with the extreme insomnia that Daisy deals with. It’s so extreme that it’s affecting her job and personal life. Not only is she tired all the time but she’s also extraordinarily paranoid. It’s caused her to become a helicopter mom and irrational.
Through her job as a journalist, she gets the opportunity to review a new and luxurious spa and sleep clinic. She’s not as excited as expected and wants to pass up the incredible offer but feels like that will lead to termination. She reluctantly agrees to the short stay and struggles to be optimistic.
The clinic and surrounding area are beautiful! I’d eagerly jump at the chance if I were her. Her stay starts nicely but then she gets the feeling there is something amiss. Strange therapy and hypnosis sessions, along with her continued lack of sleep, make her paranoia kick into overdrive. She has a secret she can’t share and it’s beginning to surface. As her lavish visit starts to feel like a jail sentence, she decides to leave early.
We discover that the owner—Amity—has a hidden agenda. And part of that is exposing Daisy’s secret.
An eerie atmosphere and fascinating characters make this psychological thriller hard to put down! The author is two for two with me. I see another of her books in my near future!
Thank you to Inkubator Books and Zooloos Book Tours for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
After I read “The Second Wife”, I craved more books by Miranda Rijks. She has many that look and sound intriguing. I was excited when I was given the opportunity to join the book tour for “The Insomniac”.
Thank you #ZooLoosBookToursfor the #booktour invite and thanks to #mirandarijks and #Inkubatorbooks for the #giftedbook.
I’ve suffered from annoying bouts of mild insomnia but can’t imagine living with the extreme insomnia that Daisy deals with. It’s so extreme that it’s affecting her job and personal life. Not only is she tired all the time but she’s also extraordinarily paranoid. It’s caused her to become a helicopter mom and irrational.
Through her job as a journalist, she gets the opportunity to review a new and luxurious spa and sleep clinic. She’s not as excited as expected and wants to pass up the incredible offer but feels like that will lead to termination. She reluctantly agrees to the short stay and struggles to be optimistic.
The clinic and surrounding area are beautiful! I’d eagerly jump at the chance if I were her. Her stay starts nicely but then she gets the feeling there is something amiss. Strange therapy and hypnosis sessions, along with her continued lack of sleep, make her paranoia kick into overdrive. She has a secret she can’t share and it’s beginning to surface. As her lavish visit starts to feel like a jail sentence, she decides to leave early.
We discover that the owner—Amity—has a hidden agenda. And part of that is exposing Daisy’s secret.
An eerie atmosphere and fascinating characters make this psychological thriller hard to put down! The author is two for two with me. I see another of her books in my near future!
Thank you to Inkubator Books and Zooloos Book Tours for the gifted book. All opinions are my own.
"The Weekend Guests" is a gripping thriller that plunges deep into the tangled web of relationships among university friends. Bound by a sini3.5 Stars
"The Weekend Guests" is a gripping thriller that plunges deep into the tangled web of relationships among university friends. Bound by a sinister secret and complicated dynamics, their get-together takes a chilling turn.
The narrative unfolds across dual timelines and various perspectives, keeping you on your toes as you piece together the complexities of their past and present. North cleverly introduces an eerily mysterious character with a chilling presence, heightening the suspense and intrigue. Who doesn’t love a wildcard thrown into the mix to stir the pot?
When one friend invites the group and their families to her stunning cliffside home in Dorset, it quickly becomes apparent that hidden agendas are at play. What starts as a weekend getaway turns sinister, revealing underlying tensions and shocking revelations.
Throughout the story, some moments will leave you breathless, and others may leave you scratching your head. Despite the occasional confusion with the large cast of characters, the plot is entertaining, with some genuinely shocking “ick moments” that will linger in your mind. Overall, it’s a medium-paced ride filled with twists and unforgettable moments.
Thanks to the author and Harper Collins for providing an ARC through Edelweiss. All opinions are my own....more
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