You’re Invited, by Amanda Jayatissa, is a thriller about unexpectedly finding out, through social media stalking, that your old best friend is marryinYou’re Invited, by Amanda Jayatissa, is a thriller about unexpectedly finding out, through social media stalking, that your old best friend is marrying your ex-boyfriend and you didn’t even realize they were dating. Almost as shocking is when Amaya, long estranged from her old wealthy and now famous influencer friend, Kaavi, is invited to the wedding! There is a lot of history between these two, as well as a grand falling out that included a ban from the entire family.
This story is set in Sri Lanka and is full of rich cultural customs which make the story interesting and unique. I can’t say that I was a fan of these characters and the decidedly dark undertone of privilege, corruption, manipulation and secrets all to save face. The story changes perspectives halfway through which felt a bit disjointed and Kaavi’s perspective is vulgar. She’s a character you love to hate.
The final portion of the story picks up the pace considerably and is full of twists, turns and wild reveals. The conclusion is disconcerting, uncomfortable, and admittedly far-fetched, but also in keeping with the overall tone of the story. While intriguing, this story was somehow a bit off-putting for me. I’m sure others will enjoy it for the wild ride it is, but it wasn’t a favorite for me....more
The Family Game is a spell-binding, absolutely captivating thriller that is wholly unique, pulse-pounding, and well-written. I find some mysteries to The Family Game is a spell-binding, absolutely captivating thriller that is wholly unique, pulse-pounding, and well-written. I find some mysteries to be convoluted at times, and complex to the point of confusing. The Family Game is not that way. It’s layered and intricate, full of secrets and surprises, but also easy to follow and understand. It is loaded with twists and turns and I was riveted to every page of this fast-paced mystery.
Harriet is an author who is newly engaged to uber-wealthy magnate, Edward Holbeck. As close as they are, she has yet to meet his family. Edward has warned her that not only is he somewhat estranged from his family, but they also are highly unusual and like to play games…games that are more than good ole fun. As Harriet gets to know the family, she finds them eccentric, but rather delightful and a much needed stand-in for the family she lost long ago. However, the more time she spends with them and their odd assortment of games, the more disturbing and dangerous these unconventional competitions seem to be, and perhaps merely a cover for secrets that are much, much darker.
Suspenseful to the last, I found this novel to be thoroughly entertaining, unusual and fun. It’s definitely one of my favorites of the year!...more
Daisy Darker is a tantalizingly-titled, perfectly-named dark and creative reimagining of Then There were None by Agatha Christie. In Daisy Darker, AliDaisy Darker is a tantalizingly-titled, perfectly-named dark and creative reimagining of Then There were None by Agatha Christie. In Daisy Darker, Alice Feeney takes her own unique spin to create a deliciously eerie tale about the Darker family, called to gather once more for their grandmother’s 80th birthday, on October 31st, the day she was long ago predicted to die. This birthday is unIke previous ones, in that it entails the reading of her will, and act that will prove to be shocking to them all. As secrets are revealed and revelatory stories unfold, tragedy strikes, again and again.
This story is hauntingly creepy, immersively atmospheric and contains a whole cast of characters you love to hate, but are intrinsically intrigued by. Though I guessed some of the surprises, it was still an enticingly entertaining, nail-biting journey reading through the countdown to low tide, when those who remain could finally escape their island prison. Daisy Darker is another darkly thrilling novel by Alice Feeney and one I highly recommend....more
3.5 stars The Family Remains is the sequel to Lisa Jewel’s The Family Upstairs novel. It’s the continuation of Henry, Lucy, Rachel and Libby’s stories3.5 stars The Family Remains is the sequel to Lisa Jewel’s The Family Upstairs novel. It’s the continuation of Henry, Lucy, Rachel and Libby’s stories. Like the first novel, this is a highly unusual, unorthodox, disturbing novel, that is rather slow-moving, but oddly compelling. The story is at times, unpalatable and definitely plays with the grey areas of morality, but it’s a thought-provoking novel, to be sure, and it’s definitely aptly titled.
The story unravels the later lives of the key players from the twisted tale of The Family Upstairs. We get multiple perspectives from Henry, who goes on a grand quest to hunt down and find Phin, who clearly doesn’t want to be found. We follow Lucy and her children who go searching for Henry to bring him back, as well as Rachel and her sordid story from long ago that intertwines with Lucy’s, filling in some backstory. We get peaks into CDI Samuel Owusu, who has reopened the cold case of the disappearance of former popstar Birdy Dunlop-Evers when her remains are discovered in the River Thames, and snippets of sweet Libby’s current status within the family and in her own life.
This is not a plot-heavy novel, but it does reflect back on bits of the past, providing necessary backstory. It provides some much appreciated updates on current situations of the main players, where the previous story left the reader wondering, and it rounds out the story as a whole, bringing it to a final, fleshed out conclusion. This is undoubtedly a dark, unsettling story, one that really cannot be read as a stand-alone, in my opinion. But if you’ve read A Family Upstairs, I have no doubt that you will find this a worthwhile, though disquieting story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
3.5 stars The It Girl is an interesting, if not a spellbinding story. It is somewhat predictable, and some of the characters are admittedly hard to tak3.5 stars The It Girl is an interesting, if not a spellbinding story. It is somewhat predictable, and some of the characters are admittedly hard to take. Hannah, the narrator, is rather idiotic and infuriating at times, and April, the prima donna protagonist can be cuttingly cruel and obnoxious. Some of the staff are insufferable, and even the side characters have questionable qualities. But, those same characters are also rather intriguing, and the quintessential British/Oxford setting is definitely atmospheric and gives great vibes.
The story follows a group of college suite-mates from very different walks of life with diverse personalities, who become fast friends. The story revolves around the horrific murder of April Coutts-Cliveden, a spoiled, parentally-neglected “It” girl and leader of the friend group, who seems to have it all. A decade later, when the convicted killer dies in prison, questions regarding his guilt arise, and consequently questions as to who the killer could possibly be. Surely not one of the friend group!
This is a lengthy novel, coming in at over 400 pages, though the plot does keep it moving along. It’s a wild, dark academia tale and the tone of this psychological thriller is definitely dramatic. Though it’s not necessarily unique, Ware does a commendable job of casting doubt on each of the characters, which keeps the reader guessing. This wasn’t necessarily my favorite story by the author, but it was nonetheless an entertaining one....more
Things We Do in the Dark, by Jennifer Hillier, is a complex, emotional, captivating dark thriller that follows two timelines and two plots that are coThings We Do in the Dark, by Jennifer Hillier, is a complex, emotional, captivating dark thriller that follows two timelines and two plots that are connected to one another, but also distinct. Paris Peralta is found by her dead husband’s side, in shock, with a potential weapon in hand. She is hauled off as a suspect and the story truly begins from there.
Paris suffered a ghastly childhood and has had to make her own way in life. Intriguingly, Paris was not her childhood name, and not only does the story reveal her tumultuous past and how Joelle (aka Joey) became Paris, but it also follows her notorious mother Ruby, the “Ice Queen”, newly released from prison and discloses her story. Eventually the two backstories collide into the present and we uncover who is responsible for the death of legendary comedian, Jimmy Peralta.
Things We Do in the Dark contains some content that is quite graphic and there is some language included, but I also found it to be a very engaging story that made me feel for the characters. The author reveals the human side of Joey (Paris). We get glimpses of her affection for, and true connection to her older husband, Jimmy Peralta. We see her friendship with a fellow dancer who struggled alongside her, and we witness a second chance at friendship and love. Some have said the mystery was obvious and expected, but I didn’t think so. I thought the story was gripping and captured my attention throughout its entirety. While it wasn’t my favorite thriller of the year, it was a compelling, well-written, impactful story and I’m glad I read it....more
The Book of Cold Cases, by Simone St. James, is a chilling, ghostly mystery set on the cliffs of Lake Claire, Oregon. The story is a bit creepier thanThe Book of Cold Cases, by Simone St. James, is a chilling, ghostly mystery set on the cliffs of Lake Claire, Oregon. The story is a bit creepier than I’d been prepared for in certain parts, but also eerily compelling. The plot continuously pulled me in with a strong desire to have the mystery revealed and the secrets unraveled.
I was somewhat disappointed with the paranormal element. It seemed to have no rhyme, reason, or explanation. It just occurred, which caused that aspect to fall a bit flat for me. I did appreciate Shea and Beth as characters, how they contrasted, but also had vague connections and similarities, and I found their conclusions quite satisfying.
The Book of Cold Cases has a fairly fascinating plot, with a hauntingly atmospheric vibe and an intriguing premise. I went in with exceptionally high expectations, given the author’s previous work, and though I enjoyed this story and was entertained, I didn’t love it quite as much as her previous books....more
4.75 stars Book Lovers, by Emily Henry, is one of the funniest stories I have ever read! I laughed so many times at the back-and-forth banter between t4.75 stars Book Lovers, by Emily Henry, is one of the funniest stories I have ever read! I laughed so many times at the back-and-forth banter between the two protagonists, and also between Nora and her sister, that the reading experience was utterly delightful. This story absolutely warmed my heart.
This is a joyous story that celebrates family, the deep-abiding love of books and stories, and the rare connection between two people when you find someone who truly gets you. It’s a beautiful story with some meaningful lessons interspersed throughout. It was admittedly, steamier than I would have preferred, and I chose to skim those sections, but aside from that, Book Lovers is a gem in every way and decidedly one of my favorite books of the year. ...more
I am a longtime reader of Elin Hilderbrand’s books and I recently finished her latest novel, The Hotel Nantucket.
I am always drawn into Elin’s storieI am a longtime reader of Elin Hilderbrand’s books and I recently finished her latest novel, The Hotel Nantucket.
I am always drawn into Elin’s stories and finish them feeling satisfied, and this time was no different. She has a particular style and quality to her writing and stories that just can’t be replicated.
While the Hotel Nantucket has those same quintessential Elin qualities, there were also elements I struggled with. Her characters are always openly flawed, which I appreciate, but also rarely relate to in her stories because the lifestyle choices are not ones I’d make. Many of the characters in this particular novel had horrible morals and made some terrible life choices. When reading a book, I personally prefer to have either some of the characters be admirable and likeable, or at least evolve as the story progresses. Some of these characters did improve over time, but it was rather late in the story, which made me a bit disgusted with them for a couple hundred pages or so.
A good portion of the book felt like bad news, upon bad news, upon bad news and I have had my fill of bad news in life right now and therefore don’t really want to read about it.
I did, however, love the descriptions of the Hotel, was a fan of Sweet Edie, the tenacious and talented Lizbet and her relationship with Mario, as well as the two featured children. I delighted in the nods to past Elin Hilderbrand books and previous Nantucket characters, and I savored the camaraderie and family-feel to her stories.
Despite my issues with the novel, Elin always has a way of writing endings that aren’t impossibly perfect, but always make you feel good when you close the book. This story was no different. By the time I turned the final page, my heart was warmed, and I was satisfied and content. It’s the Elin-way....more
I am in the minority, but for the most part, One Italian Summer, by Rebecca Searle, missed the mark for me. I did enjoy the vivid and interesting descI am in the minority, but for the most part, One Italian Summer, by Rebecca Searle, missed the mark for me. I did enjoy the vivid and interesting descriptions of Positano and the surrounding areas. They were so expressively descriptive I felt like I could feel, taste, smell and breathe in the city myself. I also appreciated the premise of the story, just not the path the plot followed.
The behavior and choices the main character, Katy made were unpalatable to me. Her relationship with her mother was obsessive and unhealthy and her view of her life and the world, immature. In the story, Katy not only bailed on her relationship with her husband, but she also blamed her mother for choices in her mom’s earlier life when they were really not hers to question. After idolizing her, she then accused her mother of not teaching her how to live, being an impossible role model to follow, which is fair, but Katy also never took responsibility for her part, or ownership for her behavior as adults are expected to do.
I did not fully grasp the magical realism element; never found any type of explanation of how such an event occurred. I’m still unclear if one event and timeline impacted the other. Towards the end I accepted it for what it was intended to be, and it was indeed an interesting tool, but it could have been so much more powerful and effective if there had been some attempt to explain the phenomenon.
I did appreciate the conclusion and the way things wrapped up. In fact, that really saved the story for me, and I’m glad that I read it. I just struggled with several elements along the way that made the story less appealing and moving that I’d hoped....more
3.5 stars Head Over Heels is a sweet, gymnastics-themed love story. Two former elite level gymnasts, one who went onto Olympic glory and all the relate3.5 stars Head Over Heels is a sweet, gymnastics-themed love story. Two former elite level gymnasts, one who went onto Olympic glory and all the related aftermath, and one who was injured after the Olympic trials, ending her career before it had the chance to soar, meet years later. Ryan, the former Olympic medalist, now coach, needs Avery’s help training an Olympic hopeful on her mat routine. Avery, who has seriously struggled in the years after her injury, needs to rekindle a spark of purpose in her life.
This unexpected opportunity gives Avery a chance to revisit her old stomping grounds, which conjures up all kinds of negative memories and emotions, and ignites not only a passion for coaching, but also a new mission to help other gymnasts who suffer from the many abuses of the sport. And at the center of it all, she gets to work closely with Ryan, a previous crush.
This story is cute and relatively simplistic, while also addressing some deeper, darker issues that female gymnasts face. It seems to be geared to a younger audience, particularly teens to twenties, but I enjoyed it, nonetheless. Though it’s certainly not a favorite, it was an interesting and entertaining story....more
The Golden Couple, by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen was yet another absolute hit for me. All of this duos’ books are five-star reads for me and tThe Golden Couple, by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen was yet another absolute hit for me. All of this duos’ books are five-star reads for me and this latest release was no different. The two authors know how to write a compelling novel that immediately draws you in and keeps your attention throughout.
Avery Bishop is a highly successful therapist who has lost her license to practice, but successfully carries on anyway with her unorthodox methods. She claims she can fix any couple in 10 sessions, and then begins to infiltrate every area of their lives in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the people she’s helping, and to achieve her goals.
Marissa loves her husband, Mathew, and their son, Bennet, and they seem to be the perfect, “golden” couple until Marissa lures Mathew into therapy on a pretense, and reveals an infidelity. After his initial burst of anger, Mathew seems eager to forgive and move forward, perhaps a bit too accommodating. Things look hopeful. After a few smooth and successful sessions, complications occur and the situation quickly morphs into something much more complex, heavy laden with secrets.
This is a multi-faceted, interesting story, full of twists and turns, but easy to follow. There are many psychological layers unraveled and red herrings mixed in. It’s shocking, but also plausible, and far more emotional than I anticipated.
The Golden Couple is a thrilling ride and highly entertaining. I was wholly satisfied with the conclusion, but also sad to see it end. ...more
One of my Book of the Month selections for February 2022, was The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis. This was incredibly, my first book by this4.25 stars
One of my Book of the Month selections for February 2022, was The Magnolia Palace by Fiona Davis. This was incredibly, my first book by this author, but it will not be my last.
The Magnolia Palace is a historical fiction novel centering around the hidden stories, secrets and shocking revelations held within the walls of one of New York Cities renowned mansions, inhabited by an esteemed family during the Gilded Age. We follow the famous, but desperate model, Lillian Carter, known to the public as the famous Angelica, who finds herself accidentally, and fortuitously, becoming the personal secretary of the mistress of the Frick mansion. The family is complicated, difficult to work for and few last very long in their employ. But as Lillian stubbornly forges ahead, she discovers countless secrets, layered lies, and finds herself ensnared in the treachery.
Decades later, English model, Veronica Weber is locked in the former Frick residence, now museum after an unfortunate incident. While stuck there, she discovers hidden messages that take she and her companion on a long-abandoned scavenger hunt, and history is revealed.
This historical mystery is well-crafted and plotted. The two timelines blend together seamlessly to create an intriguing, suspenseful, thought-provoking story. I’ll be sure to read more by this author....more
4.5 stars Upgrade, by Blake Crouch, is a compulsively readable sci-fi thriller about a potential new upgrade that can, or should be made to humans in o4.5 stars Upgrade, by Blake Crouch, is a compulsively readable sci-fi thriller about a potential new upgrade that can, or should be made to humans in order to stave off our future extinction. It is close enough to some recent events that it makes this story absolutely gripping, but far enough removed from the Covid-story that it doesn’t feel overly familiar, or too tired from its proximity to real life.
Despite it’s scientific theme and the relevant data and jargon, Upgrade is an understandable and entertaining, fast-paced novel. There were admittedly a few short, technical sections that I skimmed, but they were few and far between. And though I disagree with some of his premises, hypotheses and conclusions, Blake Crouch writes a riveting story that is surprisingly moving and also thought-provoking.
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest offering by Bake Crouch, and in fact, read it in almost one sitting. His sci-fi is really the only in the genre that I read, and he has now proven to be an auto-buy author for me....more
A Flicker in the Dark is an entertaining and suspenseful, truly tension-filled story. Despite some frustrations with the main character, I found myselA Flicker in the Dark is an entertaining and suspenseful, truly tension-filled story. Despite some frustrations with the main character, I found myself captivated, continuing to turn the pages.
This might not be the most popular opinion, but I struggled with the ridiculously stupid choices the protagonist made all throughout the entirety of the book. She made the most nonsensical, thoughtless choices, missed obvious signs, and generally didn’t react in a reasonable or responsible manner, much of the time.
The story was also riddled with some overly done tropes that I’m personally, not a fan of. A person, under suspicion and in need of being hyper-vigilant, not thinking twice about mixing drugs and alcohol on a regular basis, apparently not concerned about her credibility. Or a person not taking critical, timely evidence to the police, but choosing to investigate on her own, alone, apparently unconcerned for her own safety. These kinds of character choices are frustrating and feel too easy.
I did like how the author cast doubt on so many characters, and the conclusion was gripping and definitely interesting. In fact, I think it was one of the best parts of the whole story. I just wish that the rest of the novel would have been a bit more credible.
I’m clearly in the minority on this, and it was an enjoyable thriller, but also, a little bit aggravating. ☺️...more
4.75 stars I finished this story last night, cuddled up on my couch, cozy lamplight on, tea at hand, it was bliss. I adored this story!
I was enthralled4.75 stars I finished this story last night, cuddled up on my couch, cozy lamplight on, tea at hand, it was bliss. I adored this story!
I was enthralled with The Maid, by Nita Prose. I loved the writing style, the plot, the cast of characters, and I especially adored Molly the Maid and her colloquialisms, cleanliness habits and view of the world. The surrounding cast of characters were charming and unique and I wanted to befriend them all…well, most of them. Some I wanted to wallop, right through the pages of the book.
The plot was engaging, the mystery intriguing and the various sayings, or expressions, were inspiring and noteworthy. There was a relatively minor event that took place that I found quite shocking and uncomfortable, and out of keeping with the tone of the story. And the repeated adage that you have to do bad things sometimes in order to do good, is not something I condone. Other than these two items, The Maid was an easy five star read for me.
This debut was a delightful and addictively entertaining novel. I am sad to say goodbye to these characters, though I relished the conclusion. I eagerly look forward to more from this author....more
I am definitely in the minority here, but I did not love The Paris Apartment, by Lucy Foley. I am glad that I read the story and I found elements of iI am definitely in the minority here, but I did not love The Paris Apartment, by Lucy Foley. I am glad that I read the story and I found elements of it to be intriguing and clever, but overall the story felt rather crass, graphic and a bit melodramatic. The tension and dramatic elements felt artificial and somewhat forced, as though the author was trying to make it as dark and twisty as possible for shock value.
The story is essentially about a bunch of people behaving badly and we get a voyeuristic view into their lives.
I recognize that Lucy Foley is a talented writer and gifted at plotting complex storylines, but I think her stories are just a bit too lurid and gritty for my liking....more
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