Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme)
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Books:
domestic-thriller
(158)
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my rating |
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1668079348
| 9781668079348
| 1668079348
| 4.03
| 408
| Mar 04, 2025
| Mar 04, 2025
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really liked it
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Hot damn! What a twisted, twisted tale. From the very beginning of Count My Lies, I was drawn in by the deliciously unhinged premise that just got bet
Hot damn! What a twisted, twisted tale. From the very beginning of Count My Lies, I was drawn in by the deliciously unhinged premise that just got better with each page. Told in four increasingly shocking parts that turned everything inside out and upside down, the pile of lies grew right along with the page count. The truth, though, was what made this book sing. You see, thanks to a Gone Girl-esque vibe, I was positively hooked by the the unbridled deceit, underhanded manipulation, and well-hidden secrets that made this book into a multilayered treat for yours truly as they exploded into view. As for the storyline, it was both fast-paced and addictive. Told in chunks by multiple POVs, the story twisted and turned from each additional persona as they lended their individual perspectives. Giving an unguessable edge to this somewhat but pleasingly over-the-top plot, I happily held on for dear life as I flew through the pages. Did I predict some of these jaw-dropping twists? Well—yes. But that was most likely down to my incessant inhalation of anything and everything thriller. Even I, though, didn’t foresee that downright perfect conclusion. Both smile-inducing and triumphant, it just couldn’t have been better. All said and done, this debut tale of domestic suspense was packed full of plenty of morally gray characters in a well-plotted storyline that had no lack of sharp turns. Complete with distinct voices that filled out their personas as I read along, I was captivated by their individual dilemmas which only grew more complex with each passing page. It was the full picture, however, that had me at an utter loss for words. Now I’m on pins and needles to see what Ms. Stava comes up with next. Bingeable, head-snapping, and with a near pitch perfect plot, this masterclass in suspense will keep you riveted for sure as you fly through the pages in no time at all. Rating of 4.5 stars. P.S. Just a little forewarning that you should be prepared to not be able to put this book down. In fact, I read it in only a matter of hours without a single break to be seen. So you just might want to have all of your errands completed and a long stretch of free time in your future—otherwise you might just end up with a stack of unfinished chores as you ignore even your children. SYNOPSIS: Sloane Caraway is a liar. Harmless lies, mostly, to make her self-proclaimed sad, little life a bit more interesting. So when Sloane sees a young girl in tears at a park one afternoon, she can’t help herself—she tells the girl’s (very attractive) dad she’s a nurse and helps him pull a bee stinger from the girl’s foot. With this lie, and chance encounter, Sloane becomes the nanny for the wealthy, and privileged Jay and Violet Lockhart. The perfect New York couple, with a brownstone, a daughter in private school, and summers on Block Island. But maybe Sloane isn’t the only one lying, and all that’s picture-perfect harbors a much more dangerous truth. Thank you to Sophie Stava and Scout Press Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: March 4, 2025 Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling list of triggers. Content warning: stalking, infidelity, gun violence ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 02, 2025
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Mar 02, 2025
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Oct 13, 2024
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Hardcover
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0593832566
| 9780593832561
| 0593832566
| 3.81
| 2,433
| Jan 21, 2025
| Jan 21, 2025
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really liked it
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The last thing I’d ever want to do is marry into the Agarwal family, but boy did I love being a fly on the wall. In The Inheritance, dysfunctional fam
The last thing I’d ever want to do is marry into the Agarwal family, but boy did I love being a fly on the wall. In The Inheritance, dysfunctional family dynamics mixed brilliantly with a Succession-type vibe. Add in a violent storm making landfall on the remote island setting, and you’ve got yourself an out-and-out stunner that impressed me but good. But the last 100 pages were what won me over hook, line, and sinker. From the rising crescendo that accompanied the storm to the final twist that literally arrived with the very last page, Ms. Sakhlecha not only impressed me, she blew me away. This family easily won the award for truly messed up. With a controlling mother, multiple siblings hiding mysterious secrets, and a father willing to play them all off of one another, the dynamics between them were beyond good—they were utter perfection. Realistic and true-to-life, I shudder just thinking about whether there are really people out there that behave as they did. Sad to say, though, I’m sure that there are. And thanks to a small cast of suspicious characters and the eerie, isolated setting of a small Scottish island, it all came together to create a superb locked room mystery plot that I sped through in no time at all. I do have to mention, however, that while the storyline did toe the line of being a mystery/thriller, the bulk of it was much more of a family drama drenched in suspense. That’s not to say that the expertly employed gaslighting, complex relationships, and long-buried secrets didn’t strike the right chord and create a thoroughly addictive read for this thriller lover. After all, it not only did all of that and more, but it also made me think long and hard. All in all, I am duly impressed by this compelling, unpredictable novel. With palpable tension, precise plotting, and dual POVs that showed two sides of the story, this slow burning storyline was an utter slam dunk. You see, this family reunion gone wrong not only had me raising my eyebrows in the best possible way, but it also had my fingers flying at speed—and that was even BEFORE the fast-paced last third arrived on the scene. So if you love a good messy saga mixed with plenty of heart-pumping thrills, grab this book ASAP. After all, the well-developed plot downright sizzled from page one. Rating of 4.5 stars. SYNOPSIS: Meet the Agarwals, who have gathered on a private, luxury island off the west coast of Scotland for a much-anticipated family reunion. Raj, the patriarch and a business tycoon, is about to announce to his wife and three children the succession plan for his multimillon-dollar Delhi-based company. Shalini, the fragile matriarch, is ready to have her husband to herself after years of sacrifice to the family business. Myra, the golden child, owner of the island and host of the reunion, is, unbeknownst to her family, on the brink of bankruptcy. Aseem, the son and supposed heir, is torn between his love for his wife and his duty to family. Aisha, the youngest, a party girl whose antics are legendary, can’t pass up an opportunity to wreak havoc. And then there’s Zoe, Aseem’s wife, the outsider whose #InstaPerfect life is built on a foundation of lies. They’ve all got secrets they would die to protect. Who will survive this high-stakes reunion, and who will become a victim of their own greed? One thing is certain: this family gathering will shatter more than just their illusions of unity. Thank you to Trisha Sakhlecha and Pamela Dorman Books/Viking for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: January 21, 2025 Content warning: pregnancy, miscarriage, mention of: death of a sibling/child, infertility ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 10, 2025
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Jan 11, 2025
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Aug 13, 2024
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Hardcover
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1496738624
| 9781496738622
| 1496738624
| 3.81
| 1,186
| Dec 24, 2024
| Dec 24, 2024
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really liked it
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Once again, Terri Parlato pulled out all the stops with Watch Your Back and delivered an undeniable home run. The third book in a series, I’ve been lo
Once again, Terri Parlato pulled out all the stops with Watch Your Back and delivered an undeniable home run. The third book in a series, I’ve been looking forward to getting my Rita fix for altogether too long. This time around the well-developed characters and jaw-dropping twists kept my eyes firmly glued to the pages until the soul-satisfying conclusion. After all, the dynamite storyline was perfectly plotted with an attention-grabbing start and a deliciously unhinged climax that hit just the right chord. I was even tempted to skim despite wanting to make the book last, and I swear that I just barely resisted. As for the characters, Ms. Parlato managed to craft solid personas who not only delivered in spades, but also had me looking at them all with barely veiled suspicion as the plot rolled along. Told via the multiple POVs of Eve, Rita, and Nathan, the alternating perspectives elicited plenty of deftly obscured clues and perfectly plausible red herrings. And while I did somewhat put the puzzle pieces together before each well-thought-out twist, there were still quite a few that shocked me but good. All told, despite a slightly over-the-top feel towards the end of the book, I was utterly addicted to a storyline that clearly became an out-and-out winner. All said and done, this whodunnit of a plot was the perfect mashup of a low-key police procedural and suspenseful domestic thriller. With short chapters, immersive storytelling, and a sinister vibe, what was a step up from a slow burn utterly sizzled from the first page until the very last one. And while all of the books in this series could easily be read on their own, I beg you to reconsider. After all, why would you pass up the chance to get to know Rita better? Now comes the long, drawn-out wait for book four. At least, I hope that there’s another one coming! Please say that it’s so, my dear Ms. Parlato? I’m here ready and waiting. Rating of 4.5 stars. SYNOPSIS: Accidents happen, no matter how careful or well-intentioned you are. Psychiatrist Eve Thayer frequently reassures her patients of that fact. There are even times when accidents have good consequences—like when Eve met her now-husband, Nathan, at his collision shop after another car ran her off the road. After a whirlwind courtship, Nathan and Eve have settled into domestic life. They have a lovely home on a quiet street, a beautiful baby girl, and even the perfect babysitter to care for her. And yet, something isn’t quite right. The stress in Eva’s life is mounting, both professionally and personally. Though the clinic where she works has been remodeled since its notorious days as an institution for the criminally insane, she feels increasingly uneasy there. And in her own neighborhood, a break-in at a nearby empty house hasn't helped, either. Detective Rita Myers hasn’t yet figured out whether Eve is a target or a suspect, but every disturbing discovery in this usually peaceful neighborhood seems to revolve around her. Only as a deadly ice storm crashes through does it become clear just how far from perfect Eve and Nathan’s lives really are. And as the cracks in the surface come to light, so do the sinister secrets that lie beneath… Thank you to Terri Parlato and Kensington Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: December 24, 2024 Trigger warning: infidelity, missing child, dementia, blindness, mention of: knife violence ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Dec 02, 2024
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Dec 03, 2024
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Aug 07, 2024
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Hardcover
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0593537084
| 9780593537084
| 0593537084
| 3.51
| 5,982
| Jan 07, 2025
| Jan 07, 2025
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really liked it
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I’ve always been a massive fan of Alafair Burke’s novels, so, as soon as I read the synopsis for The Note, I was 100% game. I mean, who could pass up
I’ve always been a massive fan of Alafair Burke’s novels, so, as soon as I read the synopsis for The Note, I was 100% game. I mean, who could pass up a vacation prank-gone-wrong, long-buried secrets, and a group of bestie gal pals? After finishing the book in one single sitting, I’m happy to report that it was everything I love in a suspense/thriller. From the cleverly crafted multiple POVs to the well-developed backstories that made me fall for the characters despite their rather unlikeable ways, I was easily won over by this fast-paced plot from the very first page. The storyline itself was propulsive and alluring. With multiple mysterious deaths and a whole host of socially “cancelled” individuals, there was plenty of dirt to be aired. What made it all even better, however, was how utterly realistic it all felt. I mean, despite the obviously fictionalized histories and plot lines, I could still see this on a shock-and-awe Dateline episode for the masses. And I’m happy to say that it all finished up with an equally genuine climax and conclusion that left me both flying through the pages and believing every word. The only issue I had came back to how I didn’t quite love the characters in this novel. From a black-and-white fact-finder who was always convinced in her own opinion to a rash, foolhardy rich girl who grated just a bit, they weren’t exactly my favorites. Despite this, however, the multiple reveals—which all shocked me but good—and the tangled web of secrets and lies made up for any irritation that I might’ve had and I raced through the book in no time at all. All said and done, Ms. Burke has clearly done it yet again with her newest novel. At just over 300 pages, it was not only a quick, easy read, but I also had a blast putting on my armchair sleuthing hat as I tried to work it all out. And while it was a rather straightforward albeit mostly unguessable murder mystery premise, it was one—I have to point out—with a conclusion that totally evaded any and all of my well-honed suspicions. So while the reviews might be mixed, I recommend giving this one a try as I had a thoroughly good time. Rating of 4.5 stars. SYNOPSIS: Growing up, May Hanover was a good girl, always. Well-behaved, top of her class, a compulsive rule-follower. Raised by a first-generation Chinese single mother with high expectations, May didn’t have room to slip up, let alone fail. Her friends didn’t call her the Little Sheriff for nothing. But even good girls have secrets. And regrets. When it comes to her friendship with Lauren and Kelsey, she's had her fair share of both. Their bond—forged when May was just twelve years old—has withstood a tragic accident, individual scandals, heartbreak and loss. Now the three friends have reunited for the first time in years for a few days of sun and fun in the Hamptons. But a chance encounter with a pair of strangers leads to a drunken prank that goes horribly awry. When she finds herself at the center of an urgent police investigation, May begins to wonder whether Lauren and Kelsey are keeping secrets from her, testing the limits of her loyalty to lifelong friends. Thank you to Alafair Burke, Alfred A. Knopf, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: January 7, 2025 Content warning: murder, suicide, anxiety, xenophobia, mention of: gun violence, drowning ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 05, 2025
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Jan 05, 2025
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Jul 24, 2024
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Hardcover
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1639108394
| 9781639108398
| 1639108394
| 3.37
| 186
| Aug 06, 2024
| Aug 20, 2024
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liked it
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With quite the intriguing premise, What You Made Me Do introduced me to one truly dysfunctional family. With dark secrets and a multitude of long-buri
With quite the intriguing premise, What You Made Me Do introduced me to one truly dysfunctional family. With dark secrets and a multitude of long-buried lies, the story had a wealth of mysteries to uncover throughout the deftly layered plot. Told via multiple POVs and dual timelines, it was a pleasure to see each revelation from all sides. And let me tell you, the twists and turns were plentiful to be sure. There were, unfortunately, some aspects that didn’t entirely win me over, however. Narrated in a somewhat dry manner, it was hard to become fully invested. And while nearly all of the characters had deliciously deep backstories that illustrated fully fleshed out personas, I just couldn’t connect with nary a one. Well, except for Anneliese, perhaps. After all, her difficult life and complex history drew quite the captivating picture. The biggest hang up for me, though, was the biggest twist of them all. I can’t reveal what it was, but just know that it mixed shocking with nausea-inducing. Even worse, the conclusion seemed to double down on the twist with the off-putting level dialed up to a ten. I do have to say, however, that it was a finely spun bombshell. Despite seeing through several other reveals, this one was 100% unguessable even to this armchair sleuth master. All in all, I do have to say that there were plenty of winning attributes to this slow burn tale of domestic suspense. Thanks to various subplots and constant unease, I finished this debut novel in just a matter of hours. So as long as you don’t mind a book that almost felt as though it was a work of translation or the many disturbing topics at play, give this one a go. For me, it might’ve been a step too far here or there, but it still managed to keep me hooked, all things considered. Rating of 3 stars. SYNOPSIS: After surviving a nightmarish childhood, Anneliese Bakker is on the mend and searching for her birth mother. But when she meets Willem, she falls madly in love and finally finds a safe place to land. Engaged and expecting her first child, she moves into the Veldkamp mansion on a stately, tree-lined avenue in Amsterdam. And yet, nothing about Willem’s family is as it seems. Instead of the loving home she has longed for her entire life, she’s confronted with a cold and hostile household. Increasingly isolated, Anneliese is drawn to a creepy basement shrine to Louisa, Willem’s mother. Louisa Veldkamp was a legendary Dutch pianist who presumably drowned–but whose body has never been found. Though still revered by her fans, Louisa is a taboo subject in the family home. Haunted by her own demons, Anneliese must dig into the family’s past to untangle a dark web of secrets, inadvertently putting herself and her unborn child in grave danger. Not knowing who to trust, Anneliese has to decide just how far she is willing to go to safeguard the family life she so desperately seeks. Thank you to Barbara Gayle Austin and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: August 20, 2024 Scroll down for a potentially plot spoiling trigger list. Trigger warning: child abuse, ableism, incest, mention of: infidelity ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Aug 19, 2024
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Aug 19, 2024
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Jul 10, 2024
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Hardcover
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1838889396
| 9781838889395
| B08C5L1TVG
| 4.13
| 4,274
| Sep 02, 2021
| Sep 02, 2020
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it was amazing
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While I normally provide a synopsis at either the beginning or end of my reviews, this is one book that I firmly believe you need to go into blind. It
While I normally provide a synopsis at either the beginning or end of my reviews, this is one book that I firmly believe you need to go into blind. It’s not that the publisher provided blurb reveals to much. Well, not really. It’s that this is one plot that you’re going to want to experience all of the thrills and the chills without even a hint at the many surprises. Unbridled suspense. Well-rounded characters. A twisty, twisty plot. Palpable fear. All of the above describes The Stepdaughter to a T. But it was the deftly plotted storyline that was the true shining star to this slam dunk success. Told in six parts by multiple POVs, the tension only ratcheted higher and higher right along with the page count. Turning the events first one way and then another, there was simply no way that I could’ve seen behind the deftly woven curtain before each jaw-dropping reveal. The dazzling aspects of the plot, however, were easily matched step for step by the characters themselves. From a fraught family dynamic to perfectly crafted teenage behavior, each and every persona simply sang from the pages. And oh the secrets that they were all hiding. Somehow, though, Cross managed to make it all seem perfectly genuine and true-to-life. With, of course, plenty of fictional flair to make it all deliciously dramatic. The only teeny, tiny flaw in this magical novel was the conclusion. Altogether too brief for my liking, I would have loved to know more about the resulting demolition to each of the characters’ lives. While everything was certainly wrapped up with a nice, pretty, little bow, I wanted…well…more. But then, maybe I’m just greedy. After all, this was one truly impressive book and I’m not surprised in the least that it has been optioned by Netflix. A dynamite tale of domestic suspense, it was a downright page-turner from beginning to end. So, naturally, it’s no surprise that I finished it in just a matter of hours. A quick, easy read that kept me on the edge of my seat, the hefty dose of red herrings and suspicious individuals meant that I was utterly spellbound. What’s truly shocking, however, is that this was Cross’s debut novel. Having inhaled plenty of her ensuing works, I promise that this one was no fluke. She is a seriously talented writer with a knack for spinning non-stop suspense. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded). Thank you to Georgina Cross, Bookouture, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: Out now! Trigger warning: missing child, house fire, infidelity, dementia, mention of: death of a parent ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 13, 2024
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Jul 13, 2024
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Jun 16, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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1835254470
| 9781835254479
| B0D4S1QCP7
| 3.82
| 1,199
| unknown
| Aug 16, 2024
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really liked it
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Knowing my love for this author, I went into her newest book completely blind. After closing the cover, I have to say that doing so was a blessing. Wh
Knowing my love for this author, I went into her newest book completely blind. After closing the cover, I have to say that doing so was a blessing. While the synopsis wasn’t stuffed full of spoilers, it also would’ve lessened my love for this book. So, if you’re willing, go into this one unawares. I promise it will be worth it. If, however, you’re one of those people who can’t, you’ll find the blurb at the end of my review… I can’t tell you how overjoyed I was to learn that Paul Strom was back in the picture. After first meeting him in Best Day Ever, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I would be in for quite the ride within the pages of this sequel, The Second Mrs. Strom. After all, one of my favorite tropes just so happens to be that of the villain narrator. But add to that delicious bag of tricks the fact that Paul is a sociopathic narcissist? For this thriller lover, it truly couldn’t have been better. The plot and the characters, of course, had a delightful unhinged quality that I always equate with Kaira Rouda. Gifted at crafting scenes and personas that are perfectly unstable, they also somehow retain a true-to-life essence. Naturally, this book was no exception. Well-plotted and written with care, the ballooning suspense and sense of impending disaster just ratcheted higher and higher right along with the page count. Even better, however, were the multitude of twists that caught me entirely unawares. Needless to say, they were jaw-droppers for sure. Done and dusted, the unlikeable characters, epic mind games, and questionable morals won me over hook, line, and sinker. Now I just pray that this second book in the Paul Strom saga isn’t the last that we hear from him. Poised perfectly for a follow up, I’m throwing myself on Ms. Rouda’s mercy. As for you, fellow readers, if you haven’t discovered the perfection that can be found within these quick, easy reads, be sure to check them out ASAP. After all, those of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse simply can’t stop talking about Paul, Cecilia, and this killer tale of domestic suspense. Rating of 4.5 stars. Thank you to Kaira Rouda, Bookouture, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: August 16, 2024 Trigger warning: controlling relationship, infidelity, adoption As promised, here is the publisher provided synopsis: If you had met me a year ago, you wouldn’t have noticed me. A beautiful woman, but a struggling nobody in a tiny apartment, invisible… Meeting Paul changed that. And now here I am in Paris, after a whirlwind courtship and a stunning beach proposal I smile at my handsome husband, my eyes shining in the candlelight, my huge diamond ring sparkling on the starched white tablecloth. Other women look at me in envy. They see a couple completely in love. They’re wrong. Despite this incredible luxury vacation, my husband and I can’t escape our problems. I can’t get over what he did with that woman just after our wedding, and my bright smile can’t hide the hardness in my heart. I wonder if Paul knows the truth. That our first meeting, when we fell in love, wasn’t the coincidence he thinks it was. That what I want from him has nothing to do with his money. And now that he’s wronged me, I’ll stop at nothing to get it… ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jun 25, 2024
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Jun 25, 2024
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May 31, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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1835251021
| 9781835251027
| B0CZTV9MPP
| 4.15
| 983
| unknown
| May 29, 2024
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really liked it
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Oh. My. God. A.J. Campbell has done it again! With a blistering pace, ever rising dread, and top-notch twists, the author of Did I Kill My Husband? ha
Oh. My. God. A.J. Campbell has done it again! With a blistering pace, ever rising dread, and top-notch twists, the author of Did I Kill My Husband? had me in the palm of her hand. Layered with dark secrets and a heaping pile of lies, there wasn’t a chance of me working out the whos, the whats, and the whys. Well, I did have one sneaking suspicion, but as the plot twisted and turned, I convinced myself I couldn’t possibly be right. But when the final revelation was eventually laid at my feet, it still felt both mind-blowingly shocking and like the perfect answer to this superlative puzzle. As for the characters, I went from rooting for Christina to wanting to shake her more than once. Part suspicious and part oblivious, she was the perfect dupe for this stellar storyline all things considered. But it was the rest of the cast that perfected the plot. From the angsty teen son to helpful twin brother, no one was out of range from my distrustful side-eye. Was Christina really the culprit? Or was she being played for a fool? It wasn’t until the final timely revelation where all was revealed. Done and dusted, this book was only further proof of why Campbell is one of my favorite authors. Giving rise to an anxiety that utterly oozed from the pages, I quite literally raced through this book in just a single sitting. A gripping domestic thriller that reached a rather chilling crescendo, the short chapters kept me reading way too late into the night. All I know is that yet again Ms. Campbell had left me wanting more. One more word. One more page. One more heart-pumping ride. For that reason, I can’t wait to read whatever she comes up with next. I do, however, have one recommendation. Go into this one blind. You won't regret it for a minute. Rating of 4.5 stars. For those of you incapable of reading a book without perusing the synopsis first, here’s the publisher’s two cents: The police officer’s voice is steady as he tells me the news. ‘Your husband is in hospital.’ My heart pounds. I think about my children, safely tucked up in bed. What will happen to us if he loses his life? And more importantly…do the police know where I really was tonight? Everybody thinks Michael and I are the perfect couple. But everybody is wrong. Because my dear, lovely husband was at the heart of a scandal at the school where he teaches. He was cleared of any wrongdoing. At first I believed him. Now, I’m sure he’s been hiding something terrible. But I can’t tell the police a thing. Because my husband isn’t the only one with secrets. So, as I stand here knowing I have to tell my children that Michael is fighting for his life, I ask myself: what would be worse? For my husband, the much-loved local teacher, to die? Or for him to live, and for all his lies to come home again? In the end, the choice is easy. I know what I have to do… I’ll tell the police that I would never, ever hurt my husband. But will they believe me? Thank you to A.J. Campbell, Bookouture, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: May 29, 2024 Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list. Trigger warning: hit-and-run accident, cancer, gaslighting, blackmail, infidelity, mention of: grooming ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 26, 2024
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May 26, 2024
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May 26, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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0593855728
| 9780593855720
| 0593855728
| 3.84
| 14,855
| May 28, 2024
| May 28, 2024
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really liked it
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It’s been months since the accident that killed Ella’s best friend, Hayley, and Ella can’t stop blaming herself. Now Ella is back at school, and every
It’s been months since the accident that killed Ella’s best friend, Hayley, and Ella can’t stop blaming herself. Now Ella is back at school, and everywhere she looks are reminders of her best friend—including Sawyer, Hayley’s boyfriend. Little by little, they grow closer, until Ella realizes something horrifying… She’s in love with her dead best friend’s boyfriend. Racked with guilt, Ella turns to Hayley’s journal, hoping she’ll find something in the pages that will make her feel better about what’s happening. Instead, she discovers that Sawyer has secrets of his own and that his relationship with Hayley wasn’t as picture-perfect as it seemed. Ella knows she should stay away but finds herself inextricably drawn to him—and scared of everything she never knew about him. Perhaps it’s his grief. Or maybe his desires, cut short by tragedy. Or could it be something twisted only Hayley knew about? A terrifyingly realistic tale of dark romantic suspense, Everything We Never Said kept my eyes pinned to the pages. From characters that felt genuine and true to a plot that twisted and turned until a final timely reveal, the entire plot was quite chilling for even this adult reader. For that reason, while billed as a YA thriller, I think it was much more aligned to NA given the topic. Thanks to relatively explicit intimate scenesand a plot line that made a trigger warning essential, portions of this would have even been much more appropriate for an adult audience. It was only the characters’ ages kept it in the realm of NA. Back to the winning attributes to this blindingly good book, though. A quick, easy read despite the heavy themes, I thought I knew exactly where the plot was going for much of the slow burn first half. So you can imagine my surprise when a twist to end all twists arrived on the scene. Shocking but also perfectly set up by the storyline, it took a straightforward tale and turned it on its head. Add in the adrenaline-fueled climax and smile-inducing conclusion, and this book hit all the right chords. Was it just a bit over-the-top? Well, yes—but given the age range, it made perfect sense. My only hang up with this book was down to the genre. Namely, the strong romantic streak running throughout. Granted, I should have realized before I even picked this one up, but I was expecting something more akin to B.A. Paris, I guess. Instead, I found a twisted love story paired with a second half filled with plenty of thrills and chills. Ultimately, however, my discomfort with this was no fault of the plot. It was all down to me and my mostly anti-romance leanings. All said and done, though, this was a story that all teens should read. Sometimes toxic relationships happen and kids—just like adults—need to be willing to lean on others for help. From seeing red flags and then acting on them to learning to trust one’s instincts, multiple lessons were illustrated that are important for all ages to hear. I also got lost in the multiple POVs, authentic teenage behavior, and dark secrets. So much so, in fact, that I read this in just a single sitting. So if you’re looking for a book meant for more than one age group that addresses hard to tackle topics as well as possessing a killer plot, this is the one for you. Rating of 4 stars. Thank you to Sloan Harlow and G.P. Putnam’s Sons for Young Readers/Penguin Teen for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: May 28, 2024 Trigger warning: controlling relationship, domestic abuse, mention of: teen pregnancy ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 22, 2024
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May 22, 2024
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May 22, 2024
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Paperback
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0063280604
| 9780063280601
| 0063280604
| 3.92
| 32,655
| May 07, 2024
| May 07, 2024
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it was amazing
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On an ordinary Monday morning, Ariel Cafferty's phone buzzes with a disturbing text message. Something’s happened. I need to see you. Meet me under th
On an ordinary Monday morning, Ariel Cafferty's phone buzzes with a disturbing text message. Something’s happened. I need to see you. Meet me under the candelabra tree ASAP. The words would be jarring from anyone, but the sender is the only man she ever loved. And it's been several years since she learned he died. Seeing Drew’s name pop up is heart-stopping. Ariel’s gut says it can’t be real. But she goes to the tree anyway. She has to. Nobody shows. But the text upends everything she thought she knew about the day he left her. The more questions she asks, the more sinister the answers get. Only two things are clear: everything she was told five years ago is wrong, and someone is still lying to her. The truth has to be out there somewhere. To safeguard herself—and her son—she’ll have to find it before it finds her. And with it, the answer to what became of Drew. Holy amazing amazeballs of amazingness! The Five Year Lie just might be my favorite book of the year—and it’s not even half over. From the gripping mystery to the sweet romance, it just got better and better with each additional page. Best of all, though, was how the synopsis was just the beginning. A complex plot that revealed plenty of secrets, I didn’t have a shot of guessing even a one. Trust me when I say, this will win you over for sure. After all, there wasn’t a thing not to love. The characters had me from hello. Told via dual main POVs plus a mysterious third, each identity was crystal clear. And let me tell you, there were plenty of shocking cliffhangers and explosive reveals. It was the last half of the book, however, that really got me going. A thrilling game of cat-and-mouse that offered up twice the thrills thanks to dual timelines, my adrenaline was pumping and my fingers were flying as I raced to learn all the whos, the whats, and the whys. As for the characters, I was instantly pulled in by the narrators. From a revenge seeking techie to a snarky, intelligent mom who focused on learning the truth, both of their personalities won me over hook, line, and sinker. Add in the burgeoning love affair, and even this non-romance reader wanted them to ride off into the sunset. Paired with the mystery/thriller plot, it all brought a very real Laura Dave vibe. Somehow Bowen managed to perfect not one but two genres in this debut thriller. All in all, what the heart-pounding prologue started, the rest of the book easily lived up to. Thanks to compelling characters, fast-paced storytelling, and ever ratcheting suspense and foreboding, Sarina Bowen knocked this original premise out of the ball park. On top of all of that, it was wholly realistic in an utterly chilling way as it had me thinking long and hard about the repercussions of having technology intricately entwined in our daily lives. Quite frankly, this book had it all—intrigue, revenge, love, mystery, and plenty of dirty dealings. In short, it was simply sublime. Rating of 5+ stars. Thank you to Sarina Bowen and Harper Perennial and Paperbacks for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: May 7, 2024 ***If you’re on Instagram and interested in winning a copy of this book, head to my page (link in bio) to enter an upcoming giveaway in the near future! Trigger warning: none of substance ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 02, 2024
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May 03, 2024
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May 02, 2024
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Paperback
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B0BTR72G2P
| 3.57
| 14,776
| Mar 12, 2024
| Mar 12, 2024
|
liked it
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Fiona and Violet Seng were just children when their family’s Cessna crash-landed in the Washington wilderness, claiming the lives of their parents. Fo
Fiona and Violet Seng were just children when their family’s Cessna crash-landed in the Washington wilderness, claiming the lives of their parents. For twelve harrowing weeks, the girls fended for themselves before being rescued. Twenty-five years later, they’re still trying to move on from the trauma. Fiona repurposes it into controversial works of art. Violet has battled addiction and failed relationships to finally progress toward normalcy as a writer. The estranged sisters never speak about what they call their Alone Time in the wild. They wouldn’t dare—until they become the subject of a documentary that renews public fascination with the “girl survivors” and questions their version of the events. When disturbing details about the Seng family are exposed, a strange woman claims to know the crash was deliberate. Fiona and Violet must come together to face the horrifying truth of what happened out there and what they learned about their parents and themselves. Before any other secrets emerge from the woods. Despite a slow burn start, The Alone Time was the epitome of a psychological thriller. With compelling characters, dark truths, and a twisty twisty plot, once I endured the lengthy first half, I held on tight for the ride of my life. That’s not to say it was all sunbeams and rainbows. No, there was at least one very real flaw, but, for the most part, I had a good time. After all, I inhaled it in just one sitting during a very late night. With a decidedly dysfunctional relationship between Fiona and Violet, I sensed there was so much more to their time in the wild. About halfway through, these sinister secrets started to come out. At that point, there was a definite Stephen King vibe. Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t horror per se. Just a piece of what you might find in The Shining or Carrie. Unsettling and creepy, the truth was one of the more over-the-top aspects. Sadly, it also didn’t quite work for me in the end. The only other major flaw that I noticed had to do with the portrayal of a specific mental illness. While I can’t go into without spoiling the plot, let me just say that it made light of a legitimate condition and at the same time was somewhat off-putting. Still, it didn’t ruin the book for me, so take my opinion with a rather large grain of salt. All said and done, however, the dual timelines and multiple POVs achieved an impressive exploration of trauma on top of providing a shocking tale of suspense. Thought-provoking but also utterly disturbing, this twisted storyline will make me second guess getting on my next flight as much of it felt decidedly realistic. Well, except for that conclusion, which was the only other irksome bi. Despite that, though, much of this was the definition of a popcorn thriller and I’m already eager for Ms. Marr’s next book. Rating of 3.5 stars. Thank you to Elle Marr and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: Out now! Trigger warning: plane crash, PTSD in a veteran, dissociative identity disorder, mention of: infidelity ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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May 2024
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May 2024
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May 01, 2024
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Kindle Edition
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1613165188
| 9781613165188
| 1613165188
| 3.79
| 2,940
| May 28, 2024
| May 28, 2024
|
it was amazing
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After a long day at her hotel concierge job, Scarlett Russo is ready to clock out. Even more so when a smug, cheeky twenty-something sits down in fron
After a long day at her hotel concierge job, Scarlett Russo is ready to clock out. Even more so when a smug, cheeky twenty-something sits down in front of her desk. Introducing herself as Zoey Wilson, she throws a bomb into the air when she elaborates that she’s Scarlett’s former best friend’s daughter. From twenty plus years ago. And that she’s discovered a letter from her mom, Pepper, that lays out some troubling questions. The last thing that Scarlett wants to think about—or, worse still, discuss—is that final weekend before Pepper took off for New York when she made Scarlett lie through her teeth. After all, the memories of that fateful night of their senior picnic where two of their classmates died in a deadly car accident are bad enough. Worse still is the knowledge that she and Pepper were there—a fact that no one else knows thanks to the pairs’ pile of lies. What Zoey wants to know most of all, however, is who her father is. Because there’s yet another surprise in store for Scarlett. Pepper is dead and she refused to tell Zoey anything about her father before it was too late. Given that the letter mentioned abortion and an accident that occurred just before she left which changed Pepper’s mind, Zoey naturally wants to know more. Scarlett, however, made a promise to Pepper two decades ago. No one must know what happened that night. How will Scarlett keep a determined Zoey from discovering the truth? Who is Zoey’s father? And what really occurred at the senior picnic? If Scarlett isn’t careful, her carefully constructed world will unravel around her, leaving her marriage and life in tatters. Oh. My. God. With methodical plotting, dynamite characters, and a whole pile of delicious secrets, A Lovely Lie was one heck of an epic rollercoaster ride from beginning to end. What got me the most, however, was the fast pace and intricate plot. Alternating between multiple POVs and dual timelines, it was clear that Hendricks must have had a spreadsheet to keep track of who knew what when. Through her masterful writing, I was over the moon as I happily learned all about what happened twenty-two years ago as it slowly imploded before me. The cast of characters was simply divine. Between several I loved to hate and a few that had utterly perfect character arcs, their relationships and secrets were like a game of telephone unraveling. From their dysfunctional and toxic high school dynamics to the broken wreckage that resulted thanks to past, I got sucked into each of their personas. Well-developed and clearly formed, they all came alive before my very eyes. Granted, a few had slightly over-the-top, melodramatic behavior, but for characters still stuck in their teenage identities, even that fit the bill to a tee. As for the best part of this sublime tale of domestic suspense, the twists and turns certainly took the lead in a very packed list. Each delivered in a subtle but perfectly timed way, they took the plot I suspected and morphed it into one that was truly unguessable. So much so, in fact, that I gave each and every character the side-eye as I looked on them with suspicion. After all, they each had their own motives and, as their lies and betrayals were unearthed, I simply held on for dear life. Already a huge fan of Ms. Hendricks, it was no surprise that this book was a slam dunk from the very first word until the very last. I mean, I finished it in one sitting. If that doesn’t say it all, I don’t know what will. So pre-order this puppy today. You definitely won’t regret it. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded). Thank you to Jaime Lynn Hendricks, Penzler Publishing/Scarlet Suspense, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: May 28, 2024 Trigger warning: unplanned pregnancy, infidelity, fatal car accident, drunk driving, mention of: teenage pregnancy ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 31, 2024
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Mar 31, 2024
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Mar 01, 2024
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Hardcover
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125089199X
| 9781250891990
| 125089199X
| 3.69
| 3,113
| Mar 12, 2024
| Mar 12, 2024
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it was amazing
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Ginny and Thom Calhoun seem to have it all. A sumptuous house in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. Three loving adult children. Plenty of money in the ban
Ginny and Thom Calhoun seem to have it all. A sumptuous house in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. Three loving adult children. Plenty of money in the bank. A thriving business. All of which they celebrate each year at their home with their friends, colleagues, and family during their annual cherry blossom party. This year, however, as the canapés are being passed and the specialty drinks are being served, a scream rips through the crowd. It seems someone has been murdered. What most of the partygoers don’t know is that the Calhoun family also possess plenty of deep, dark secrets alongside their oodles of cash. Starting at the top with Ginny and Thom, they’ve ruled their childrens’ lives with an iron fist. By manipulating them both emotionally and financially, Trey, Nate, and Ellie Grace have, for the most part, done just what their parents desired. Not that they haven’t doled out plenty of lies themselves over the years. After all, these kids aren’t exactly as picture-perfect as the party they’re currently attending. Known as the black sheep of the family, Trey is hardly the golden boy that his mother’s adoration foretells. Irritated by the love and attention her older brother easily garners, Ellie Grace has always looked for attention and love anywhere that she could—including through her social media feeds. Then there is Nate. A new father who has finally brought his fiancée home to meet his family, there isn’t anything he won’t do to protect his son. But just how far would any of them go for what they most desire? As the police start to investigate and the multitude of secrets and lies are revealed, the one question is whether one of this supposed perfect family could be involved. Will they stick by each other and the Calhoun name? Or has the long-held resentments fueled by years of control be their undoing? Only one thing is certain. Nothing will ever be the same once the police are done with the Calhoun family. Secret by secret, the facade that they’ve each constructed will be ripped away, once and for all. Holy cow! Such a Lovely Family took me on the ride of my life! From the deliciously dysfunctional family dynamic to the slow reveal of secrets, once my attention was piqued, I quite literally couldn’t put the book down. After all, with plenty of revelations as well as more secrets than I could count, the constantly evolving story was a thing to behold. And, of course, I couldn’t overlook the fact that this plot had one of my favorite tropes. A locked room murder mystery for the ages, it was done to perfection. The characters themselves made the pages of this dynamite plot come alive. Eccentric, unlikeable, and completely contrary to their outside appearances, they each pulled me in deep. Even the kind, nosy neighbor down the street. But as each revealed their true nature, the plot took on a darker turn. I mean, beyond the requisite murder, of course. All I can say is thank goodness my family is nothing like the Calhouns. Although, I do have to say that they create a backdrop for one killer book. Pun wholeheartedly intended. The plot was a deftly woven fabric of intrigue and lies. Told via multiple POVs so that we are given a round robin view, I never knew when the next shoe would drop. Each and every time, however, it was at the perfect time and the perfect place to guarantee epic amounts of drama and suspense. An intensely readable novel, I absolutely loved how everyone had a hidden agenda as one revelation after another pivoted the plot in a new direction. Even the conclusion was pure perfection when it showed a dénouement Agatha Christie would’ve admired. By the last page of this addictive and unputdownable book, I was thoroughly in love with the family and their well-hidden secrets. Somewhere between a finely tuned family drama and domestic suspense, there wasn’t a thing missing, all said and done. It just seemed to flow which led it to be quite the quick, easy read. Needless to say, Thompson has quickly added herself to the list of some of my favorite authors. Now to dive into her backlist ASAP. Rating of 5 stars. Thank you to Aggie Blum Thompson and Forge Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: March 12, 2024 Trigger warning: controlling parents, blackmail, infidelity, a fatal shooting, drug use, getting roofied, mention of: carbon monoxide poisoning ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Mar 10, 2024
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Mar 11, 2024
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Feb 17, 2024
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Paperback
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1662513232
| 9781662513237
| 1662513232
| 4.00
| 12,061
| Jan 09, 2024
| Mar 01, 2024
|
really liked it
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When Ruby’s husband, Tom, decided relocating to the suburbs to build their dream house was their next move, she didn’t exactly put up a fight. Cottage
When Ruby’s husband, Tom, decided relocating to the suburbs to build their dream house was their next move, she didn’t exactly put up a fight. Cottage Grove seems like the perfect community—both friendly and safe as well as idyllically picturesque. Besides, after years as a trauma nurse, Ruby’s recent retirement means she no longer needs to be in the city center, so a new start might be just what she, Tom, and their daughter, Lily, need. Just months after arriving in their new home, however, Lily and then Tom disappear. Ruby knows that her daughter has plenty of problems, but to vanish seems rather dramatic. Suddenly alone in a big, empty house, she turns to the neighborhood true crime group as a distraction. Known as the Murderlings, they get together regularly and dig into cold cases. If nothing else, it’s something Ruby shows a definite knack for. Until, that is, crime comes knocking on Ruby’s door. While out rowing one morning, a body floats to the surface of the Cottage Grove lake. Shocked and confused, she immediately calls the police. It doesn’t take long, however, for the attention to land directly on Ruby. It seems that all of her neighbors have identified the victim as Tom—a likeness that Ruby can’t see. Is she kidding herself? Or is there something decidedly more sinister going on? As the police set their sights firmly on Ruby as their prime suspect, she decides she must search out the truth for herself. But with every turn Ruby seems to uncover new secrets. Secrets that only raise more questions than answers. After all, her friends aren’t the only ones hiding things behind their opulent doors. Ruby has her own skeletons buried in her past. Several, in fact, that she’d do almost anything to keep shrouded from view. Is Tom really the dead man in the lake? And why does everyone think she is the killer? Oh. My. God. Don’t Forget Me was one truly brilliant mind f*** of a book. Starting off as one thing and slowly morphing first in one direction and then another, the final reveal quite literally took my breath away like few others have. Action-packed yet also filled with plenty of gritty topicswell-written premise and ingeniously linked subplots. Ultimately, despite a few tiny flaws, my eyes were riveted to the pages as my thumb swiped left at what was record speed. The plot on this one was, for the most part, an absolute hole in one. Finely layered as the past intertwined with the present, the storyline had plenty of twists and turns—none of which I was able to see through. Add in the heaps of red herrings and the possible unreliable narrator and my mind was well and truly blown. Told in dual timelines of then and now, the shifting plot kept me firmly in suspense until the timely—and shocking—reveal. As for those characters, Ruby was a dynamite hit. Potentially an unreliable narrator since she even doubted herself, she was hard to pin down. At the same time, I could absolutely relate to some of her actions. Others, well, they went a little beyond what I could see myself doing. As for the rest of the cast of characters, most were only vaguely described. I would’ve loved to learn more about Daisy and the rest of the Murderlings as how often do you find a group of true crime fanatics within a murder mystery plot? The biggest bee in my bonnet, however, was the very over-the-top turn that the story took as the bodies began to pile up. Requiring quite the suspension of disbelief, the first and second halves of the book were hard to tally together. After all, what was a certain five star beginning quickly went off the rails. In the end, though, I still was utterly spellbound as I raced through the pages, so, ultimately, I guess my hang up was relatively minor. All said and done, this domestic thriller had me gasping out loud—especially when I reached that thrilling last page. Ending with quite the bang, I’m praying this is just book one of a series. After all, there are just so many delicious directions in which this one could go. Stuffed to the brim with long held secrets, well-perfected lies, and all-consuming guilt, this is not one to be missed. How I overlooked Rea Frey until now is the ultimate question. All I know is, I’m overjoyed at the prospect of digging into her backlist ASAP. Rating of 4 stars. Thank you to Rea Frey, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: March 1, 2024 Trigger warning: domestic abuse, mental health problems, drug addiction, mention of: infidelity, hit-and-run car accident, suicide ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jan 20, 2024
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Jan 21, 2024
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Jan 20, 2024
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Paperback
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9798212182843
| B0CCK3XKYK
| 3.81
| 192,780
| Apr 30, 2024
| Apr 30, 2024
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really liked it
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After their mother passes, three estranged siblings reunite to sort out her estate. Beth, the oldest, never left home. She stayed with her mom, caring
After their mother passes, three estranged siblings reunite to sort out her estate. Beth, the oldest, never left home. She stayed with her mom, caring for her until the very end. Nicole, the middle child, has been kept at arm's length due to her ongoing battle with a serious drug addiction. Michael, the youngest, lives out of state and hasn't been back to their small Wisconsin town since their father ran out on them seven years before. While going through their parent's belongings, the siblings stumble upon a collection of home videos and decide to revisit those happier memories. However, the nostalgia is cut short when one of the VHS tapes reveals a night back in 1999 that none of them have any recollection of. On screen, their father appears covered in blood. What follows is a dead body and a pact between their parents to get rid of it, before the video abruptly ends. Beth, Nicole, and Michael must now decide whether to leave the past in the past or uncover the dark secret their mother took to her grave. If you love dysfunctional families, dark secrets, and multiple POVs, Home Is Where the Bodies Are is most definitely for you. Starting off slow with a plot that felt decidedly more family drama than thriller, I was nevertheless wrapped up in the sibling rivalry and small town problems. Fear not, however, because it didn’t take long for the pace to pick up and some monstrous lies to be revealed. Needless to say, the distrust among these three siblings was palpable and it thankfully leaked onto the pages and directly into my bloodstream. The characters themselves sucked me right into the story. While perhaps not fully fleshed out or particularly well-developed, the flaws to their personalities made them wholly believable. Layered with realistic problems that could’ve easily been caused by trauma, I felt for this broken family as they gathered following the death of their mother. At the same time, the further that I read, the more I gave them ALLthe side-eye. Even the character I was rallying behind. In my book, that is the mark of quite the talented author. With an adrenaline-pumping climax and a soul-satisfying conclusion, this Jeneva Rose book was one heck of an introduction to her writing for me. Filled with ever ratcheting tension, plot charging drama, and an IV drip of revelations, it was a masterful slow burn of a whodunnit until it exploded into action. All I know is that it won me over thoroughly enough that I’m now looking forward to diving into Rose’s backlist ASAP. After all, I’ve heard nothing but good things about quite a few of them. So I ask you… Where should I start? Rating of 4.5 stars. Thank you to Jeneva Rose and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: April 30, 2024 Trigger warning: death of a parent, terminal cancer, drug addiction ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 26, 2024
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Apr 26, 2024
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Jan 04, 2024
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Hardcover
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1835251358
| 9781835251355
| B0CQP9HSLQ
| 4.04
| 1,160
| unknown
| Apr 08, 2024
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it was amazing
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One sunny Saturday, Ashley Morgan joins her husband, Danny, and their son, Elliot, at a blowout birthday party for a friend’s nine-year-old daughter.
One sunny Saturday, Ashley Morgan joins her husband, Danny, and their son, Elliot, at a blowout birthday party for a friend’s nine-year-old daughter. Lucy has pulled out all of the stops and happy children and smiling parents seem to be enjoying her handiwork. Until, that is, Ashley walks into her best friend’s garage and finds Lucy’s bloody body. Worse still, however, is the sight of Danny standing over her broken body holding a hammer. As soon as the cops arrives, it seems like a closed case. A blood-soaked Danny is put into handcuffs and escorted to a police car. Just before he is hustled off, he begs Ashley to believe that he was just trying to save Lucy. Initially she is sure that they’ve got the wrong man. After all, he’s always been empathetic and kind—the type of person everybody loves. The doubts soon start, though, so she does the only thing possible: she starts to dig for the truth. On Danny’s computer, Ashley finds messages from Lucy that have her thinking the worst. Those thoughts solidify into horror when she finds a business card for a divorce lawyer hidden in his desk. Was Danny going to leave Ashley for his childhood friend? Now determined to discover whether there are even more secrets to uncover, Ashley goes looking for answers and what she finds sets her world alight. Is it possible that Danny really did kill Lucy? And if so, is she now in danger as well? A trail of secrets. Unbound betrayal. Confusion over whether to trust or suspect. All three just barely scratch the surface for My Perfect Marriage. A.J. Campbell’s newest thriller, I was utterly floored by the brilliance held within these pages. After all, from the moment I read the attention-grabbing start, my eyes were fixed to the pages as this twisted tale took me on the ride of my life. Well-plotted and nuanced, the treacherous lies, stomach-curdling events and shocking revelations will keep you spellbound for sure. The characters felt wholly realistic and well-developed. From the gossipy townspeople to the blindsided wife, each and every one drew me in deep. Ashley, in fact, was portrayed in a clever, even-handed way and managed to never come across as melodramatic or over-the-top. In many plots such as this, that would’ve been a guarantee, but thanks to the sharp writing of Ms. Campbell, I needn’t have worried. It was the storyline, however, that made this book a hole in one. From the steady pacing that meant I lost track of time to the explosive climax which had my adrenaline pumping, I was constantly on the edge of my seat. But it was the unguessable twist that truly took the cake. Coming out of left field but also fitting perfectly into place, it made the whole plot fit together seamlessly, in my humble opinion. So much so in fact, that multiple subplots were nailed in just one go. There were a few teeny, tiny bits and bobs that irked me just a tad. Namely the unexplored epilogue. While it did answer all of the unresolved questions, there could’ve been so much more given the shocking conclusion. Additionally, I would’ve loved to hear from Danny some more. But then, you can’t have everything that you want, can you? Although I do have to say that I just so nearly did. All said and done, this book was Campbell at her best. The fourth that I’ve read by her, I was captivated from the very first page as the storyline unfurled before me naturally in a show of true genius. Perfect for fans of Shari Lapena and Lisa Jewell, it held all of the necessary ingredients for an addictive, unputdownable tale. So, obviously, I strongly recommend that you go out and grab this one today. After all, this one will win you over hook, line and sinker just as it did for me. Rating of 5 stars. Thank you to A.J. Campbell, Bookouture and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: April 8, 2024 Important Note: This book was formerly entitled How Can I Trust You? Trigger warning: fatal car accident, arson, mention of: infidelity ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Apr 07, 2024
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Apr 07, 2024
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Dec 28, 2023
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Kindle Edition
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1662511949
| 9781662511943
| B0CF3Z1WSP
| 3.90
| 784
| May 21, 2024
| May 21, 2024
|
really liked it
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After a disastrous family yacht trip, Ted’s estranged wife, Paige, has taken over the helm of Kingsley Global Enterprises as president. Reorganizing t
After a disastrous family yacht trip, Ted’s estranged wife, Paige, has taken over the helm of Kingsley Global Enterprises as president. Reorganizing the company and their direction, she has arranged for a weekend retreat in Laguna Beach for the executive board. Surrounded in opulence but also her sly, conniving family members, the next two days are guaranteed to be nothing if not interesting. Unluckily for Paige, however, her now estranged husband, Ted, and his brother, John, are hardly happy with her new rise to power and are intent to try and grasp it for themselves. Hoping to keep them at bay, she welcomes their wild child sister, Sibley, and Richard’s ex-wife, Serena, to the party. Little do the men know, but these three women have become fast friends and, through their alliance, they have learned a few secrets. Secrets that they can and will use to their advantage. Just like the last time the family was all together, though, things quickly get out of hand. Whether it is the harsh Santa Ana winds that are driving the angst or the fact that the Kingsleys are all together once again, they’re soon at each others’ throats. After all, this family has never exactly been about love and affection. There’s one question, however, waiting to be answered—just how far will each of them go to get what they think they deserve? Phew! What a wild ride! Kaira Rouda sure knows how to craft a deviously cunning yet wildly dysfunctional family. And just like the first in the series, Beneath the Surface, Under the Palms had me eagerly watching who was trying to outsmart who in what was a devilishly good read. All I can say is that this action-packed ride of thrills and suspense was even, if possible, a step up from the last book. And, if you know Rouda, that’s quite the statement. Right from the get-go, the plot was one shocking twist after another. Never knowing who was going to win in the end, I was totally blind as the plot unwound before me. Told through nearly all of the characters via multiple POVs, what could’ve been confusing was anything but. Instead, it felt more like an omniscient perspective that allowed me to see behind the curtain. Did that help me figure out who was the worst in the bunch? Happily, it definitely did not. As for the characters, they were each thoroughly unlikeable, but only in the best possible way. Devious and manipulative, they all tried anything and everything to win in the end. Were they over-the-top in a delicious soap opera way? Absolutely, and I enjoyed every scandalous moment. Even better, there were plenty of characters I loved to hate and just a few that I would’ve done almost anything to have come out on top. Did they? Well, I guess you’ll just have to read this one to find out. While I loved the first in the series, which was a decidedly more low key tale of domestic suspense, this thriller totally blew it away, in my opinion. With a definite Succession-like vibe with some far more dangerous plot twists thrown in, this despicable family has yet again earned my undying love. If you love a good melodrama complete with all of the required tantalizing scandals, but also want a good death or two, this should definitely be on your TBR. One truly epic rollercoaster of a ride, it was the perfect popcorn thriller for this suspense loving gal. Rating of 4.5 stars. Note: This series should definitely be read in order. This is no stand-alone, as you’d both be lost and missing out on quite a good time. Thank you to Kaira Rouda, Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: May 21, 2024 Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list. Trigger warning: threatening notes, choking to death, fatal stabbing, blackmail, wildfire, fatal shooting, mention of: infidelity ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Dec 19, 2023
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Dec 20, 2023
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Dec 20, 2023
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Kindle Edition
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1525811452
| 9781525811456
| 1525811452
| 3.45
| 7,643
| Dec 26, 2023
| Dec 26, 2023
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really liked it
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New to the golden, insulated world of wealth that her boyfriend Zach Van Ness belongs to, Lauren Brady is unsurprisingly nervous to spend the weekend
New to the golden, insulated world of wealth that her boyfriend Zach Van Ness belongs to, Lauren Brady is unsurprisingly nervous to spend the weekend with his siblings and their spouses on the family vineyard estate. As per tradition, every year on Zach’s twin brother and sister’s birthday, they gather together to celebrate. This will be her first encounter with the clan, and, needless to say, she’s rather intimidated. Arriving at the gates that guard the thousand acre property and its luxurious mansion, Lauren is utterly blown away. As soon as she steps through it’s opulent doors, however, she can sense a sizzling tension. Little does Lauren know, but the house—and the people in it—harbor more secrets and lies than she could ever imagine. Will the weekend bring out the best—or the worst—in this trio of couples? As the events get underway, each individual seems intent on keeping their personal troubles hidden from view. The stress of doing so, however, is starting to make itself known, with the pressure merely building and building. On top of the small party of six, though, there just might be a party crasher in their midst. And given that there’s an epic storm on the horizon, it’s only a matter of time until chaos ensues. Will they all make it out of this weekend alive? Or are their secrets far more dangerous than even they realized? I truly love discovering phenomenal new-to-me authors, and Tara Laskowski has shown herself to be a force with The Weekend Retreat. A quick, easy read that centered around devilish lies, unending greed, and scandalous secrets, it was definitely a rocking good time. And for this suspense lover, I couldn’t have fallen harder for both the story and the author behind it. As for the why to that undying love, the storyline was an undeniable home run. A tale of domestic suspense with a plot line that could rival any box office hit, I was spellbound from the very first word. Despite a somewhat slow burn start, as the secrets and lies began to bubble forth, so too did the foreboding and unease. It even came complete with a storm to end all storms, turning the plot into the quintessential locked room mystery. Add in the shock-inducing twists and the on point atmospheric setting and this was clearly an exemplary hole in one. As for the characters, they were simply sublime. An attention-grabbing mix of thoroughly unlikeable and engagingly sympathetic, there were certainly those I was rooting for over the others. But as the multiple POV plot twisted around and around, I felt my allegiances come into question as their dirty laundry came into view. After all, many of these dynamite personas had deep backstories and stunningly good character growth on top of some rather questionable motives. As I closed the cover on this novel (which had definite The Family Game vibes), I am dumbfounded by the fact that I hadn’t discovered Laskowski before. I mean, the riveting suspense and unguessable premise definitely kept me in awe. Granted, the climax did have a tinge of over-the-top melodrama, but given this dysfunctional family and their out of touch behavior, that was nothing if not to be expected. All I know is, this would make one spectacular TV series or film given the chance. So if you’re like me and have yet to read a book by this author, take this review as your siren’s song to check her out ASAP. Rating of 4.5 stars. Thank you to Tara Laskowski, Graydon House Books, and TLC Book Tours for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: December 26, 2023 Scroll down for a potentially plot spoiling trigger list. Trigger warning: infidelity, threatening messages, blackmail, fatal stabbing, fatal fall from a height, death of a sibling ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Dec 17, 2023
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Dec 18, 2023
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Dec 15, 2023
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Paperback
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1250283205
| 9781250283207
| 1250283205
| 3.53
| 8,284
| Jul 16, 2024
| Jul 16, 2024
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really liked it
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Packed to the gills with family dysfunction, sordid secrets, and over-the-top fun, One Big Happy Family was nothing like what I expected but everythin
Packed to the gills with family dysfunction, sordid secrets, and over-the-top fun, One Big Happy Family was nothing like what I expected but everything that I wanted. From the Agatha Christie-esque atmosphere to the setting so vibrant it felt like a character, this locked room mystery was a masterful whodunnit…mostly. After all, there were a few teeny, tiny issues that irked me just a bit. Did they ruin this fast-paced, twisty book? Thankfully, not in the least. The plot was certainly something to behold. Told in four parts from a (mainly) omniscient perspective, I was pulled into the action right from the start. And what a start that it was. The only section narrated in the first-person, Charley won me over hook, line, and sinker. Kind-hearted and endearing, she had quite the introduction to the nutty clan of Bishops. They, however, were quite possibly some of my favorite personas. Eccentric and quirky, there was a definite Alice Feeney feel to them all mixed judiciously with a delicious Kaira Rouda crazy train vibe. There was, unfortunately, quite a bit of unnecessary melodrama running throughout. In the beginning, I was utterly enthralled by each OTT moment, but by the second half, it became a bit much. Especially given the long-winded climax that required a definite suspension of all disbelief. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy each and every word. It just felt as though the two halves didn’t quite match up. Perhaps some editing could have rectified it. But then, that’s just this non-writer’s extremely humble opinion. All in all, though, with gripping flashbacks and giggle-worthy humor, Day crafted a novel that I felt was even better than his debut. A mystery/thriller chocked full of multi-dimensional characters and dark secrets, I simply flew through the pages. And when I got to that finale which left me in tears? Well, what can I say—few books can muster what this author delivered. So if you love a good locked room mystery or toxic family drama, this book is for you. Just maybe be prepared for an over-the-top feel. Rating of 4 stars. SYNOPSIS: The Precipice is a legendary, family-owned hotel on the rocky coast of Maine. With the recent passing of their father, the Bishop sisters—Iris, Vicki, and Faith—have come for the weekend to claim it. But with a hurricane looming and each of the Bishop sisters harboring dangerous secrets, there's murder in the air—and not everyone who checks into the Precipice will be checking out. Each sister wants what is rightfully hers, and in the mix is the Precipe's nineteen-year-old chambermaid Charley Kelley: smart, resilient, older than her years, and in desperate straits. The arrival of the Bishop sisters could spell disaster for Charley. Will they close the hotel? Fire her? Discover her habit of pilfering from guests? Or even worse, learn that she's using a guest room to hide a woman on the run. Thank you to Jamie Day, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: July 16, 2024 Trigger warning: dementia, drug addiction, gun violence, mention of: infidelity ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Jul 11, 2024
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Jul 12, 2024
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Nov 21, 2023
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Hardcover
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9798987197752
| B0CKNXPXLM
| 4.38
| 8
| unknown
| Dec 01, 2023
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really liked it
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Deena has never liked Sydney. Ever since she strolled into Rock Narrows two years ago, the true-crime writer has rubbed her the wrong way. Sydney, how
Deena has never liked Sydney. Ever since she strolled into Rock Narrows two years ago, the true-crime writer has rubbed her the wrong way. Sydney, however, has found herself a permanent place in their small town with the handsome Jake Swann. Now married and with a young daughter, she’s become a fixture to the area—a fact that doesn’t make Deena like her even an inkling more. When disaster strikes Deena one day at the pool, however, Sydney is the first one to offer her help. Feeling beside herself with regret for how she’s treated the woman since she arrived, Deena wonders if she’s misjudged the interloper a little too harshly and offers to lend a hand while Sydney is out of town. For Deena, she just hopes that helping out with a little childcare will make her guilt-ridden heart feel a little less grim. Keeping her eyes peeled on the Swann’s home front, Deena is alarmed to notice a good looking, too young blonde named Tierney hanging around Sydney’s husband, Jake. Right from the start, it sets her suspicions alight. Known for his attraction to beautiful blondes, Deena fears the worst. Little does Deena know, however, that sexual attraction is the last thing on Tierney’s mind. What exactly is she up to, then, socializing with a hot married man? The more Deena notices, though, the more her anxiety leads to suspicions. Not just about Jake, but others in town as well. It seems accidents have been happening a little too often around Rock Narrows and to her they seem anything but random. As she starts to dig into the occurrences, Deena finds a treasure trove of evidence—facts that harden the reality of the situation right in front of her. There is a dangerous individual in town and it’s fallen to Deena—and Deena alone—to stop a monster before she is caught in their deadly trap herself. Holy cow! A blindingly good follow-up to Crackshell, which was the first book in the Rock Narrows Suspense series, Green Peeler quickly had me under its thrall. What I wasn’t prepared for, however, was how truly epic this psychological suspense novel would turn out to be. A twisted tale of a monster looking to settle some scores, I raced through the pages just dying to find out how it was all going to end. And take it from me, but this one was a ride and a half. From the top, I was over the moon to be back in the small Eastern Shore town of Rock Narrows. Filled with true-to-life people and evocative descriptions, the entire plot walked a fine line between being driven by both lifelike, quirky characters and the magical development of the plot. Just as with the first book, however, the down-to-earth people were what won me over hook, line, and sinker. Without them, this novel would’ve been successful, but not the dynamite triumph that I just read. As for that plot, there were twists and turns aplenty from beginning to end. While the beginning was decidedly more of a slow burn, once the drama-filled introductions were over, I was swept up by one suspenseful twist after another. Trust me when I say that the foreboding was real and led straight into one barn burner of a climax. Even better, the conclusion was perfect and now has me eager to learn what happens to the Swann family next. The only slight hiccup I found was the thick Eastern Shore slang that several of the characters used. While not hard to understand in the slightest, it did take some getting used to just the same. Was it enough to turn me off of this book even the slightest? Absolutely not. Still, I felt obligated to mention that this one isn’t exactly written in perfect English. The language did, however, give a deep sense of authenticity to the whip-cracking plot. All said and done, though, this second book in the series was easily my favorite. Complete with short chapters, easy to follow multiple POVs, and enough vivid descriptions to make me long for me college days on the Chesapeake Bay, it was a total home run. Now I just have to sit back and impatiently wait for the next book in the series to (hopefully) come out. So if you’re looking for a brilliant indie author to try, Lizzie Qnert is where it’s at. After all, she’s quickly become one of my favorites. Rating of 4.5 stars. Thank you to Lizzie Qnert and Nordhoff Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own. PUB DATE: December 1, 2023 Trigger warning: drug overdose, drowning, domestic abuse, mention of: rape, fatal drunk driving accident, a hostage situation, electrocution ...more |
Notes are private!
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1
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Nov 21, 2023
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Nov 22, 2023
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Nov 06, 2023
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Kindle Edition
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