SPOOKY SEASON READ #1 2024 TW: Child Drowning, Reincarnation
“Katherine Marshall” began Agent Robbins has he formally began the interview with the suspeSPOOKY SEASON READ #1 2024 TW: Child Drowning, Reincarnation
“Katherine Marshall” began Agent Robbins has he formally began the interview with the suspect they believe is responsible for the Arson-“you should be aware that providing false statements to a federal agent, is a Federal offense-including those made today…”
But, how did we get to the point where Kate is the suspect sitting before agents McGee and Robbins, still smelling of smoke from a fire that most of her family has perished in?
WELL-it all started when a summons from her father gathered Kate-her two sisters-Amber and Bea-and their families-to a weekend at the Lake House-presumably to meet his new “friend” Susan.
And, it all ended with a fire at that same Lake House, two years later.
But between those two events are many TWISTS and TURNS that I promise you WON’T see coming!
And, many of the CHILLING SECRETS that will be revealed will come from Kate’s son-a toddler named Jack-who struggles to explain what happened from when he “used to be bigger”…
Kate’s husband Neil, is a scientist who doesn’t believe that reincarnation is possible but Kate knows that the things Jack is saying didn’t come from her, and their opposite opinions make the family dynamics throughout this book ring true.
I have never read anything by Gregg Dunnett before, but I am thrilled to have discovered his work. It was the perfect start to 2024 SPOOKY SEASON, and it kept me engaged from the first page through the last.
I can’t wait to discover his backlist!
AVAILABLE NOW!
Thank You to Storm Publishing for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts....more
Katy Sweeney is looking for her younger sister Phoebe- a vivacious blogger who disappeared while traveling solo in her van. Her journey was sup3.5 ⭐️
Katy Sweeney is looking for her younger sister Phoebe- a vivacious blogger who disappeared while traveling solo in her van. Her journey was supposed to take her on a complete loop of Australia, starting and ending in Perth.
Pheebsinwonderland Day 6- Besides the “necessities” all you need is common sense, Phoebe assures her followers-“Trust your gut and if something’s off-just leave!” She posts along with her TOP TWENTY SAFETY TIPs. #solofemaletravel, #womenwhowander
And, yet, just three weeks later, her BEAUTIFUL PHOTOS and CHEERFUL POSTS completely stop.
It’s been a year, and the case has gone cold, but Katy believes that people don’t just vanish into thin air-everyone leaves a trace-you just have to find it.
So, using Phoebe’s social media accounts as a map, Katy retraces her sister’s steps, searching for any clues the police may have missed.
Her first clue comes when she finds a Bobby pin, painted with nail polish-in the dirt at one of the campsites-which is a unique item that Phoebe always wore in her hair.
Teaming up with Katy is Beth (Lily) who also found trouble while living a van life and literally ran into Katy while on the run from an abusive boyfriend.
The story alternates between the POV’s of Katy, Beth and Wyatt-a sick, young boy whose Mom also disappeared after leaving their home one day.
I have mixed feelings about this book.
The author captured the dark side of Women’s Solo travel brilliantly, with descriptive prose and nothing is scarier to me than reading about or imagining the awful things that some humans are capable of.
The story started out strong but the pace became too SLOW by the midway point and 384 pages began to feel too long. Despite mostly enjoying it, the book took me longer than usual to finish.
And the book took a turn in the end which disappointed me. It was a unique story but there was a missed opportunity to really make this an EMOTIONAL crime novel, and I felt cheated by the ending. How you feel about it may determine your final rating too.
I paired my reading with the audiobook, narrated by Maddy Withington, who did a terrific job voicing all three characters.
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this title....more
Completely different from the heartbreaking “In an Instant” and the comedic “”Hadley and Grace”, the latest from S. E. Redfearn, (Suzanne Redfearn) isCompletely different from the heartbreaking “In an Instant” and the comedic “”Hadley and Grace”, the latest from S. E. Redfearn, (Suzanne Redfearn) is darker than previous work, and one of the better thrillers that I have read this year!
Otis Parsons, a violent pedophile, has been released from prison, and Dick’s sister Dee is the one who helped put him behind bars. He has written Dee a letter, telling her how much he is looking forward to meeting her 11 year old son, Jesse, and now he has moved back into his family home-just two doors down.
Her brother, Dick Raynes, is a scientist who has developed a formula which is able to predict which pedophiles have the traits in common which make them most likely strike again, and the numbers are staggering.
It could be as high as 86%.
He isn’t about to let Jesse become another statistic so he does what the law is unable to do, and protects his family.
FBI agent Steve Patterson investigates crimes against sex offenders, running a department that he personally created after his own son was killed by a vigilante mother who targeted the wrong person.
Because of this, he believes that our laws are founded on the principle of “presumed innocence” allowing forgiveness for past mistakes even though these same laws also leave us vulnerable. Civilians and Cops cannot be permitted to take justice into their own hands, because if there are no checks and balances, we would become a mutinous, violent society ruled by prejudice, assumption and fear.
When he follows up on the reported death of Otis Parsons, he meets Dee-and it’s practically “love at first sight”. So, his sense of right and wrong will be challenged when his suspicions lead him straight to her brother.
It’s a conundrum-and there is no good answer, especially when he learns that for some reason, Dick didn’t just stop with Otis.
TWO GOOD MEN-with differing beliefs and one woman in common.
This is a unique, thought provoking story that I really enjoyed from beginning to end, and it’s one which may have you pondering how you would feel if you were Steve, and alternately, if you were Dick.
It was interesting to learn from the authors note at the end of the book, that this was actually the second novel she wrote, but never published and it’s original name was “Average Dick” which she now admits was a terrible name. ☺️
I am definitely recommending this one, and you can pick up a copy on October 8, 2024!
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to watch for her review to see if she is recommending this as well!
Thank You to Blackstone Publishing for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!...more
He sends emails in the tone of a British Gentleman using ChatGPT to disguise his real identity…
But WHO is François Loubet?
He is a powerful money smugHe sends emails in the tone of a British Gentleman using ChatGPT to disguise his real identity…
But WHO is François Loubet?
He is a powerful money smuggler and he is using unsuspecting “Influencers” being protected by Maximum Impact Solutions to move his money.
Amy Wheeler is a private security officer, for Maximum Impact Solutions and she is currently on a remote island keeping world-famous author Rosie D’Antonio alive. (think an older Samantha from Sex in the City or even Blanche from the Golden Girls)
It was supposed to be an EASY job.
But dead bodies and bags of money, keep showing up with Amy’s blood always found nearby. She is being set up.
Amy will have to turn to the ONLY person she feels she can trust for help-a retired cop and “sometimes” local investigator who just happens to be her father-in-law-Steve Wheeler.
Steve has recently lost his beloved wife Debbie, and he talks to her from a bench near his home, finds comfort from a stray cat named Trouble, which he recently adopted, and enjoys pints and Pub quizzes with his neighbors.
He has no desire to travel the World only one step ahead of the several would-be assassins who are tracking both Rosie and (now) Amy.
But, he loves Amy, so he won’t say no.
The result? Another fast paced, mystery filled with a new cast of likable characters and the same trademark HUMOR we have come to expect from the talented Richard Osman.
YES- he has another HIT on his hands!
I have LOVED his Thursday Murder Club series ( and am glad there will be more) but I am now ALSO looking forward to more cases for the “ We Solve Murders” agency. If you enjoyed TMC-I do believe that you will enjoy this series too!
The acknowledgments chapter at the end of the book hints at which characters will be back and I am glad to see that the hilarious and IRRESISTIBLE Rosie D’Antonio will be one of them. Hopefully we will get to know Amy’s husband Adam a bit better in the next installment.
A buddy read with Mary Beth-Did she enjoy her first by Osman?
AVAILABLE NOW!
I paired my reading with the fantastic Audible narrated by Nicola Walker. I wish to thank the Chandler Public Library for the loan of both formats!...more
Margaret Thatcher has just been elected (imagine a woman as Prime Minister!!) and the Yorkshire Ripper is terrorizing Northern England. Yorkshire 1979
Margaret Thatcher has just been elected (imagine a woman as Prime Minister!!) and the Yorkshire Ripper is terrorizing Northern England.
And, now Miv’s father feels like a move away from Yorkshire might be what’s BEST for his family, threatening to move them all “Down South”.
12 year old Miv has already lost her mother (for all intents and purposes) and she doesn’t feel like she could survive losing her best friend, Sharon too. Inspired by her favorite adventure books, “The Famous Five” by Enid Blyton, she comes up with a plan…
If she and Sharon can solve “The Ripper” case, maybe she won’t have to move away.
They make a “list of all the suspicious people” and begin investigating.
What they discover is that many of the neighborhood boys and men are up to “no good” but could they also be responsible for bludgeoning prostitutes with hammers and stabbing them to death?
This book progresses “suspect by suspect” and is filled with late 70’s/early 80’s NOSTALGIA which I both remember and love. (especially the songs!!)
The denouement is both shocking and unexpected.
It’s part “coming of age” story, part Historical Fiction, and part mystery and it brought back my own memories of reading Trixie Belden and Nancy Drew mysteries. Even the hardback book with its striking blue dust cover feels reminiscent of those times, and will become a cherished addition to my book shelf.
The heart of the story is the friendship between the two girls! This book was a gift from my good friend Susan- whom I met late in life-but we share so many interests that I bet we would have also been “thick as thieves” if we had met as young girls!
We all know that the TRUTH lies somewhere between HIS version, and HER version.
So what about when we have SEVEN versions of the truth?
WHO DO WE BELIEV We all know that the TRUTH lies somewhere between HIS version, and HER version.
So what about when we have SEVEN versions of the truth?
WHO DO WE BELIEVE?!
Laurel Thibodeau was found brutally murdered in her own home-asphyxiated with a plastic bag.
Foul Play is suspected so naturally the suspicion falls on Laurel’s husband, Simon, who had gambling debts that only her life insurance policy could fix.
But there are other rumors too . . .
The group of six friends gathered for Alice Stone’s fortieth birthday, all have theories-and something to hide.
And before this party draws to a close, one of these six will also be dead as motives of jealousy, revenge, adultery, and greed are all revealed.
The question becomes not who in this group might be capable of murder, but, rather, WHO ISN'T?
The Shrink, the Patient, The Cop, The Boyfriend, The Daughter, the Minister and even the DOG, will all share their version of the truth, one POV at a time.
I enjoyed listening for the subtle (and not so subtle) differences as we hear their recollections, but of course that does lead to some repetition, which some readers or listeners may not enjoy, especially when this Audible clocks in at 13 hours and 45 minutes at regular speed!
But, the FULL CAST of narrators kept me intrigued and I found my first book by Edwin Hill, quite entertaining!
“Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder” might sound like it’s a COZY mystery-but it isn’t.
And, if you read the taglines- you might be expecting a thriller“Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder” might sound like it’s a COZY mystery-but it isn’t.
And, if you read the taglines- you might be expecting a thriller-but those taglines are misleading as well.
Lenny Marks is your latest neurodivergent character in search of acceptance after a traumatic childhood, which she doesn’t quite remember, and this is HER story.
Expect a well written DEBUT by Australian author Kerrin Mayne, more in line with “Elenor Oliphant is Completely Fine”.
It builds a bit SLOWLY as we get to know Lenny and her World, but has more “action” in the second half.
Routines help Lenny to stay CALM.
She bikes home from work at exactly 4pm each day, eats the same meals every week, and owns thirty-six copies of The Hobbit (currently arranged by height). She loves “FRIENDS” reruns, and a favorite pastime is playing Scrabble against an imaginary “Monica Gellar”.
She may NOT be good at reading people, or making friends, but she is VERY good with words.
Lenny is thriving as a 5th grade teacher at Selby South Primary School until a letter arrives in the mail from the Parole Board. She tucks it away in an attempt to ignore it but when that fails-Lenny starts to UNRAVEL.
Her BEST coping mechanism- rearranging the letters of words into as many anagrams as she can come up with isn’t working this time…(Maybe a bit overused but I was impressed at all the words she could scramble!) ...more
Told in three parts, this story read more like a FAMILY DRAMA than a thriller for the first two parts, and a POLICE PROCEDURAL for part three.
1990: PaTold in three parts, this story read more like a FAMILY DRAMA than a thriller for the first two parts, and a POLICE PROCEDURAL for part three.
1990: Part One
Two families will never be the same when on the day of Alec Salter’s fiftieth birthday party, just before Christmas 1990, his wife Charlotte (Charlie) vanishes. Fifteen year old, Etty Salter is the only one who seems concerned that her mother has failed to show up at the party. Then, while searching for her-Etty and her neighbor Morgan, find another body floating in the river-that of Morgan’s father- Duncan Ackerley.
Not wanting their Christmas plans to be ruined, the police quickly “conclude” that Duncan and Charlotte must have been having an affair before he killed her and committed suicide.
Case Closed despite having no body for Charlotte.
2022: Part Two
Thirty years later, Morgan Ackerley, a successful documentarian, has returned to Glensted with his older brother Greg to make podcast based on their shared tragedy with the Salters. Alec, stricken with dementia, is entering an elder care facility and Etty is back to help clear the house and put her father’s affairs in order.
When secrets get exposed-tragedy will strike again-and it seems to be related to the past.
Part Three:
With the podcast making national news, London sends Detective Inspector Maud O’Connor to Glensted to take over the investigation. Even with a messy personal life, she is clearly more competent than anyone who has worked the cases before. And, she has zero tolerance for her colleagues incompetence-or their sexism.
Needing an ally, she enlists the help Carrie Kessler, a friend and colleague who is currently on maternity leave in London.
Up until part three, this story has been a SLOW BURN, but the pace definitely picks up with these two on the case. Unfortunately, part three doesn’t begin until the 60% mark. I might have enjoyed this book more if these two women had made an earlier appearance.
Nicci French is a husband/wife writing duo (Nicci Gerard and Sean French) who has published many books and has countless fans, BUT this is my second time trying their work, and again they will earn only a three star rating. (average)
I failed to become emotionally invested at any point in the story, and found myself wanting to skim to get to the end-their work just doesn’t resonate with me.
Be sure to read a sample of reviews to determine if this might be a better fit for you.
If you are a fan, you can pick this up today.
Thank You to William Morrow for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for a candid review....more
Lisa Scottoline is back with another highly entertaining, stand-alone thriller that has a “catchy” title, and a snarky, likable lead character who youLisa Scottoline is back with another highly entertaining, stand-alone thriller that has a “catchy” title, and a snarky, likable lead character who you can’t help but root for!
TJ Devlin is the only child who is not a lawyer at Devlin and Devlin, the highly successful family law firm which employs not only both parents but also both of his siblings.
Instead he holds the title of “Investigator” given to him by his family after time in jail for an alcohol related crime.
His sister Gabby is whip smart, but prefers her pro bono work- making his older brother John the family MVD (most valuable Devlin)
So TJ is pretty shocked when at their father’s birthday party, John confesses that he needs TJ’s help. It appears that he accidentally killed one of their clients, an accountant he’d confronted with proof of embezzlement.
TJ may have to OBSTRUCT justice to save John, but he wants to make amends with his family and prove his worth. At the same time, Gabby needs TJ’s help to GET justice for her dying plaintiffs-prisoners who were experimented on by a large pharmaceutical company,
This would be a lot for anyone but TJ will have to balance both cases while also dealing with his own personal demons-AA meetings-the loss of love-and a newly adopted, diabetic cat named Mango, who tolerates him at best.
Don’t let the 400 pages scare you away! The chapters are short and this is compulsive “just one more chapter” reading! I was engaged from the first page through the last.
And, this story COULD be the prequel for the next chapter in TJ’s life…...more
After her younger sister is brutally raped, Millie Masters sets up a hotline for women who need help shaking off a man a“So Many Men, So Little Time…”
After her younger sister is brutally raped, Millie Masters sets up a hotline for women who need help shaking off a man at a bar, or who feel unsafe walking home alone late at night: “Message M”
Even on Mondays, there is always a call for help…
And, Millie is “on call” to rescue you.
But as her sister continues to become a shell of her former self, Millie becomes more and more OBSESSED with vengeance! She may be called a quitter when it comes to work, hobbies, relationships and diets, but not when it comes to MURDER.
She has decided that she needs to find and punish the man, that the police have failed to locate-her sister’s attacker.
Not since “Jane Doe” (Victoria Helen Stone) have I had as much fun reading about (and rooting for) a diabolical female serial killer.
Though obviously what women endure far too frequently is not at all funny, the story is filled with witty and sarcastic observations and fierce and loyal female relationships. The OVER THE TOP story shouldn’t be taken too seriously and just enjoyed for what it is-a deliciously DARK, and entertaining revenge ...more
Four people who find each other when they join an online support group for Victims of Stalking. They dub themselves “FYSAlex, Lucy, River and Bridget.
Four people who find each other when they join an online support group for Victims of Stalking. They dub themselves “FYST” which stands for F*** You Stalker Tw*ts”-a name that immediately clued me in that I might struggle with this book.
They keep in touch on WhatsApp-often making sure that one another makes it home safely-as this group of four used to be five until Natalie was followed home by her stalker for the LAST time.
At Nat’s funeral, they are handed a wreath whose attached card reads “ RIP” and promises that another one of them will be killed in ten days.
With the Police doing little to ensure their safety, they devise a plan of their own-the only way to STOP a stalker is to become one yourself-trading stalkers in order to keep each under surveillance.
The story unfolds through their four alternating POV’s and their WhatsApp group texts as we count down the days until someone dies….
Unfortunately, although I was able to keep track of who our four group members were, I often found myself confused about the back stories of each and about “WHO was WHO” in our supporting cast of characters.
In addition it’s a book which became extremely OTT, even for a stalker story with AT LEAST one twist too many.
DO read the author’s note at the conclusion of the book. She was unfortunately a Victim of Stalking fifteen years ago, and I applaud her for sharing her experience and the sobering statistics of Stalking in the UK. and for providing tips and resources for those who may be experiencing stalking now.
A buddy read with DeAnn-be sure to watch for her review for additional thoughts on this polarizing book!
Available Now
Thank You to Avon Books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley....more
#What Happened To Nina sucked me in from the first page-it was “unputdownable”! And, it’s NOW AVAILABLE!!
Dervla McTiernan originally made her name as a#What Happened To Nina sucked me in from the first page-it was “unputdownable”! And, it’s NOW AVAILABLE!!
Dervla McTiernan originally made her name as a bestselling author in Australia and New Zealand, but you can’t help but wonder if this book was inspired by the 2021 Gabby Petito/Brian Laundrie case in the U.S..
Nina Fraser and her long time boyfriend, Simon Jordan depart for a romantic weekend away at his parent’s lakefront second property in Vermont which is surrounded by gorgeous trails which the young couple planned to hike-
BUT ONLY ONE WILL RETURN
Simon will claim that Nina broke up with him, and he left her there, per her request but we know from the opening prologue from NINA- that what happened is probably not the tale he is telling…
WE WON’T HEAR FROM HER AGAIN (not a spoiler)
The two families will be pitted against each other—one seeking justice in the disappearance of their daughter, and the other desperate enough to clear their son’s name that they hire the best lawyers and a PR firm that doesn’t care if Nina’s parents are suffering as they start a media campaign that slanders the Frasers by planting wild accusations and conspiracies online to divert attention from Simon.
You will be a fly on the wall…and privy to all of the SCANDALOUS conversations and it feels very REAL.
This FAST PACED story unfolds from the alternating first person POV’s of Nina’s parents-LeeAnne and Andy, and from Simon’s parents, Jamie and Rory, but not from Simon.
An additional POV is that of Detective Matthew Wright as he tries to solve the case.
How far would you go for your child?
This is my second read from the author after being introduced to her work when I read another of her standalone books-“The Murder Rule”, and it DOES NOT disappoint !
Definitely recommended! A buddy read with DeAnn…does she recommend this one too?
Thank You to Scene of the Crime/William Morrow for the gifted copy provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review!...more
Originally an Amazon Original Audible, released in December 2021, this story is now available in print for the first time!
Lettuce Tomatoes Pickles OnOriginally an Amazon Original Audible, released in December 2021, this story is now available in print for the first time!
Lettuce Tomatoes Pickles Onions
Charlie Hudson, an autistic 17-year-old, is determined to escape Sawyer, PA and attend MIT as soon as she graduates high school — but in the meantime, she works as many hours as she can at “The Sawyer Sandwich Shop” (known as The Triple S to locals) to save money for college.
When shop owner Clay Cooper is found dead, each member of his staff becomes a suspect in the perplexing case-But, only one knows what really happened-Charlie-and she isn’t telling.
Charlie will have to figure out who to trust and what to do-using the rules of life she has learned from her mother and from TV- if she wants to protect the co-workers who are like family to her-and attain her dream of attending college.
What ensues is a story that was original, engaging and most of all SURPRISING!
Wendy Walker never disappoints!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this title! ...more
IT IS BETTER TO LET NINE GUILTY PEOPLE GO FREE-THAN CONVICT ONE INNOCENT PERSON OF A CRIME THAT HE OR SHE DID NOT COMMIT- That is the standard of the IT IS BETTER TO LET NINE GUILTY PEOPLE GO FREE-THAN CONVICT ONE INNOCENT PERSON OF A CRIME THAT HE OR SHE DID NOT COMMIT- That is the standard of the criminal justice system in the UK.
Guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in the U.S.
I knew from the opening pages that this would be a story to savor….
One day, seventeen year old Sophie left home angry-and never returned home.
Six weeks later, her parents, Harry and Zara have grown frustrated with the lack of progress made by the Detectives and each has taken matters into their own hands in an attempt to find her.
They have interviewed everyone in the neighborhood except the tenant at #210-a man who refuses to speak with them or answer the questionnaire that they have left at his door.
Convinced that he is hiding something-they become OBSESSED with getting him to open up.
Harry cannot even bear to utter his daughter’s name and despite not believing, he turns to a tarot card reader that Sophie would often visit. Zara has turned to prayer although she hasn’t visited a mosque in years.
As the two parents try to save themselves and each other, they end up pushing the other away in their grief.
This is NOT your typical “best selling” crime mystery. It is part character study and part legal thriller, the pace steady but not fast, the writing often POETIC and INTROSPECTIVE.
It unfolds in the alternating first person perspectives of Harry and Zara, and in a dual timeline between the weeks after Sophie’s disappearance and a year later in the middle of a MURDER trial, until we reach its UNEXPECTED and surprising conclusion.
If I hadn’t been invited by the Publisher to read this-I probably would’ve missed out, but I will be watching for the author’s books now.
If you have read books by Kia Abdullah, you will probably enjoy this author as well.
Imran Mahmood has worked on the Criminal bar in London for over 20 years and regularly appears in the jury trials of complex criminal cases, bringing an authenticity to the story, which I appreciated.
A buddy read with DeAnn. Be sure to watch for her amazing review for additional thoughts.
AVAILABLE NOW!!
Thank you to Bantam for the gifted copy, provided through NetGalley. It was my pleasure to offer a candid review....more
For some reason, I initially had a hard time getting into this one. Maybe, I should have waited for the Audible, because that format real3.5 stars ⭐️
For some reason, I initially had a hard time getting into this one. Maybe, I should have waited for the Audible, because that format really worked for me, with the first book in the series.
Ernest Cunningham survived a serial killer in book one, and lived to write about it-penning his novel, “Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone”.
The book earned him an invitation from the Australian Mystery Writers’ Society to join them aboard the Ghan, the famous train that runs between Darwin and Adelaide. He was hoping for some inspiration for his second book-Fiction this time-as he needed a break from real people killing each other.
Obviously, that didn’t pan out.
Still playing by Ronald Knox’s Ten Commandments of Detective Fiction, written in 1929, this will also be a “fair play” mystery, where the narrator will be RELIABLE, and if you follow the clues, you may solve the crime.
Here is your first clue: the killer’s name will be used 106 times.
There will be six writers on the Ghan- 5 will become “detectives” and one will be the murder victim.
Can you figure out who is who? I didn’t.
Here is one more clue to help you out-with both the first case, and now this one, the case is solved by a piece of punctuation. Last book, it was a full stop. This time, a comma saves the day.
Tate Kinsella, an actress with just one television commercial on her resume, is now a temp at a French bank. Nobody reallyGood Samaritan or Good Liar?
Tate Kinsella, an actress with just one television commercial on her resume, is now a temp at a French bank. Nobody really bothers to get to know the “temps”, so with no one to talk to at the company Christmas party, she decides to step out onto the 25th floor roof top terrace for a smoke.
It’s there that she meets “Helen” who is sitting on the ledge, apparently contemplating suicide. Tate succeeds at talking her down, and the two leave together to have a drink and talk about all that is wrong in their respective lives.
But, the next day, Tate learns that a woman has fallen from that same 25th story terrace the night prior-when she is arrested for the woman’s murder.
What really happened?!
The book opens with a prologue where Tate is speaking to her lawyer, Sarah, and the story moves forward and backward in time over six parts.
The TRUTH MAY BE BENT in one part, and what ACTUALLY happened is then revealed later on.
NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING is what is seems.
It’s been awhile since I have read a good PSYCHOLOGICAL THRILLER, and even longer since I read a great one-but this ORIGINAL gem is pretty great!
4.5 ⭐️
Did DeAnn agree? Be sure to check out her amazing review for additional insights as this was another fun buddy read for us!
My first read from Ruth Mancini who will now be a new auto request author for me! And, excited to add her backlist to my overflowing TBR stack! ...more
Let me introduce you to the “Nosy Neighbors” seen peeking through the mail slot of this ADORABLE book cover!!
Flat #2 is the home of the cantankerous sLet me introduce you to the “Nosy Neighbors” seen peeking through the mail slot of this ADORABLE book cover!!
Flat #2 is the home of the cantankerous seventy-seven-year-old Dorothy Darling -Shelley House’s longest resident. Always armed with a cup of tea, and her diary, she notes all of the coming and goings of the residence in her trusty notebook. She is seen on the left. (And, by the way that is MS. Darling to you!)
Beside her in that mail slot, on the right, is pink haired Kat Bennett. She has recently moved into Flat #1 as Joseph Chambers illegal subtenant, and she and Dorothy were not always accomplices-having gotten off on the wrong foot. Also in flat #1 is Reggie-an adorable Jack Russell terrier and scene stealer! (Or Reginald, according to Ms. Darling)
Rounding out the building is : Flat #3 Omar Siddiq and his daughter, Ayesha Flat #4 The anti-social tenant who frequently disturbs their peace Flat#5 Tomas’s Wojcik and his pit bull, Princess and Flat#6 Gloria Brown and her “latest no good”boyfriend.
This unlikely assortment of neighbors will have to band together if they have any hope of saving the historic Shelley House from demolition from an unscrupulous developer, Ferguson Alexander.
As eviction day nears, and things become dangerous, Dorothy and Kat must do something that neither one is comfortable doing-trust another person-each other-if they are to outwit and outlast Ferguson.
Once again, Freya Sampson has penned a delightful, COZY story of a community coming together, and written characters who will feel like friends by the end of the book!
There are reasons that Dorothy and Kat are both so closed off-and those secrets aren’t the only surprise revelations!
A new book from Freya Sampson is now something I am always watching for-she is three for three for me!!
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