In the Blink of an Eye is a procedural/mystery centered on a missing persons unit that uses a unique AI An Original Twist on the Police Procedural.
In the Blink of an Eye is a procedural/mystery centered on a missing persons unit that uses a unique AI program to solve cold cases. This collaboration not only enhances their investigative capabilities but also raises intriguing questions about the role of artificial intelligence in law enforcement. The result is an unconventional partnership that challenges traditional methods and explores the evolving relationship between technology and human intuition.
DCS Kat Frank, grieving the loss of her husband, returns to work with a new assignment. She is going to lead a pilot program involving an AI “Detective,” the program is called AIDE (Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity) Lock. Kat, who has her own biases towards AI, finds herself working with Lock, who infiltrates her life, violates her personal information, and offers some beyond human capabilities that are helpful to solve the missing person cases.
They find that it takes the human element combined with AI to be successful; one without another doesn’t work.
Kat is the narrator, and she is a well-developed, relatable character. The cases are compelling, but Kat’s partnership with Lock takes this book to another level.
I can’t believe this is Callaghan' debut. The plot is multi-layered and complex, and the characterization is strong. Callaghan's knowledge and expertise with AI shine through, bringing authenticity and originality to the plot. It looks like book #2 is on its way, and while I really do not need another series in my life, this one is too good to resist.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group. ...more
Mystery, intrigue, drama, tension, and suspense! This one has it all!
The Swimmer is a psychological thriller about a woman obsessed with a married cMystery, intrigue, drama, tension, and suspense! This one has it all!
The Swimmer is a psychological thriller about a woman obsessed with a married couple, leading to an intense game of cat and mouse that she didn't see coming.
Meet Crazy Chloe Cooper, a 40-year-old bartender and sole caregiver to her dying mother. Chloe, always on the outside looking in, becomes obsessed with a married couple who move into a fancy house down the street, Adam and Jemma. But this couple has BAGGAGE, more than Chloe could ever imagine. Her obsession with Jemma and Adam doesn’t go unnoticed, and soon Chloe is drawn into a web of lies, resulting in murder and mayhem.
Narrated primarily by Chloe, she is intense and a bit too much, especially in the early chapters. However, she grew on me. Also shared are Jemma and Adam’s perspectives--they are not the most likable, to say the least. I wish we had more background on Jemma and Adam--a lot of the information about them comes from second-hand sources. Additional perspectives are shared through a true crime podcast, which adds some insight into the motives of the MCs.
The Swimmer has all the makings of a good thriller. The plot seemed to be headed in a specific direction, but after some twists and turns, it shifted into a much more intriguing and compelling plot. I wasn’t sure where this was going or which character would come out on top, and some of the events were a little over-the-top and hard to believe, but I was satisfied with the ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Montlake in exchange for an honest review.
Like it Never Was is a twisty popcorn thriller about a prank gone horribly wrong and the consequences coming to ligDelulu
“Forgetting is pretending”
Like it Never Was is a twisty popcorn thriller about a prank gone horribly wrong and the consequences coming to light 10 years later.
Meet Jolene, a spoiled brat who jumps from job to job on a whim. Her daddy is always there to bail her out. Jolene has been struggling to keep a buried secret, which comes to light when she comes into contact with her high school nemesis, Elizabeth Smith, a woman whom Jolene played a horrible prank on 10 years ago. After crossing paths with Elizabeth, Jolene starts experiencing some scary things--is Elizabeth out for revenge, is Jolene losing her mind, or is there more going on than it seems?
Narrated by Jolene, it is hard being in her head. She is self-absorbed and constantly makes stupid choices. Her voice is childlike, and it seems that she never matured past her 18-year-old self. She is hard to like, and it is hard to feel sympathy for her. Her reliability is in question as she often hears voices and ignores reality.
This is an easy, fast-paced, twisty read with some decent and somewhat predictable twists. The final chapter is a good one! One must suspend disbelief to fully enjoy this, which I did. However, I couldn’t get past Joelen, and being in her head was just a bit too much.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Mirror House Press in exchange for an honest review. ...more
The beginning was good, the ending was satisfying, but the middle was a frustrating circle of repetition.
Slow Dance is about two high school best frThe beginning was good, the ending was satisfying, but the middle was a frustrating circle of repetition.
Slow Dance is about two high school best friends who are soulmates but drift apart and reunite 14 years later. This is a will they or won’t they second chance romance.
Shiloh and Cary were BFFs in high school. Their relationship became romantic, but circumstances and miscommunication kept them apart. Almost 15 years later, they reunite. Shiloh, now divorced with two kids, is an administrator at a children’s theater, while Cary is an officer in the Navy. They take another stab at getting together, but their inability to communicate keeps pushing them apart (this happens over and over again). It gets old quickly.
Told through Shiloh and Cary’s perspectives, the timeline switches from past to present, sharing bits of their relationship from the past, which explain how they came to be in the present. I liked both of their characters but was frustrated by their inability to speak to one another. I wanted to shake some sense into both of them. If they had actually talked to each other and shared their feelings, they wouldn’t have wasted 14 years apart.
The plot in the middle comes to a standstill as it is nothing more than the repetitive circle of their relationship. This was frustrating to read, as not only was their relationship at a standstill, but so were the events in the novel, making it repetitive, boring, and difficult to read.
Much like the title suggests, their relationship unfolds like a slow dance. There are moments of awkwardness, missteps, and fumbling, but eventually, they find the rhythm together. Unfortunately, my annoyance at both of them detracted from the magic of their relationship.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and William Morrow in exchange for an honest review....more
What We’ll Burn Last is a thriller centered around a missing girl and a wildfire approaching a half-completed housing development, which is eeriSlow
What We’ll Burn Last is a thriller centered around a missing girl and a wildfire approaching a half-completed housing development, which is eerily tied to another disappearance from the same area 16 years ago.
I went into this book expecting the pacing and action to be similar to Before She Finds Me, which I loved for the action, drama, tension, and suspense. This book is quite different--it is a slow-burn read with minimal action until the end.
The narrative revolves around three women:
Leyna, a sometimes waitress who has never given up hope that her sister Grace, who disappeared 16 years ago, is still alive. Her obsession with uncovering the truth has isolated her from everyone. Meredith, mother to Grace and Leyna, lives a solitary life painting replicas of famous artworks in an unfinished housing development.
Olivia, the mother of Adam (Grace’s boyfriend) and Meredith’s neighbor, grapples with her hidden struggles.
All are keeping secrets about Grace and Adam’s disappearance. I didn’t like any of the characters, although Leyna is perhaps the most sympathetic.
The narrative structure is a bit choppy--perspectives will shift from the present to the past in the middle of a chapter, making it a bit confusing to remember which timeline I was in.
There are chapters also dedicated to the fire. I expected more tension and suspense from these chapters, but they were stagnant.
This was a bit of a struggle to read. It took me a week to get through it. Had it not been for the mystery surrounding Grace’s disappearance, which was intriguing and had many layers, I probably would have DNF’d. The only other element I was concerned with was whether or not Olivia’s dog, Goose, would make it out of the fire alive.
The ending is where the action, tension, and suspense finally come into play. However, the outcome fell flat. I also had some questions that were never answered.
This isn't a bad read; however, it didn't fully meet my expectations. The mystery is compelling, and while the intensity of the characters can be off-putting, it also adds a certain depth to the narrative.
Overall, this was a mixed bag that left me curious yet somewhat unsatisfied.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Mulholland Books in exchange for an honest review. ...more
The Last Party is an aptly named psychological thriller about an infamous murder that took place over 20 years ago and the ongoing obsessionSinister
The Last Party is an aptly named psychological thriller about an infamous murder that took place over 20 years ago and the ongoing obsession with crime in the present day.
The novel revolves around the brutal murder of three 12-year-old girls, a convicted murderer in prison, and a woman determined to have fame and fortune. How these events are linked together is the driving force of the novel.
Narrated primarily by Perla, a mother who has a mysterious connection to the notorious murder, the points of view of Leewood, a prisoner, and 11-year-old Sophie Wultz, they all have issues and are not likable. But this is not a novel that requires one to like the characters. Perla has a strong personality, and her voice is coldly compelling. She is soulless. Sophie, who is 11 years old going on 12, sounds and acts like she is 32 years old. And Leewood is disgusting in his own ways. All three characters are keeping some big secrets. All three kept me turning the pages.
The plot unfolds in small tidbits as Perla reveals her plans. While there are some twists and turns, some are easy to predict if you pay close attention to the details. However, this didn't detract from my overall enjoyment, as I was engrossed in the twisted minds of the characters.
This is a dark, disturbing read with a satisfying ending. It's fast-paced, and the batsh*t crazy game of cat and mouse kept me riveted. If you like novels with a good dose of obsession, manipulation, and a twisted plot, this one is for you!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review.
Summer Romance is a heartwarming novel about a newly single mother grappling with grief and rediscovering love.
Ali, a former acc A Sweet Summer Read
Summer Romance is a heartwarming novel about a newly single mother grappling with grief and rediscovering love.
Ali, a former accountant turned home organizer, is in a tough spot. Her husband has left her, and she’s mourning the loss of her mother, who was her biggest supporter. Her three children bring her happiness, but it’s not until Ethan arrives in town that she realizes she lost her voice and joy long ago.
Though a large portion of the novel revolves around Ali and Ethan's romance, a significant portion is devoted to Ali’s journey of self-discovery. Ali, is easy to identify with, making it even easier to root for her. She is honest, flawed, and very realistic.
The narrative is straightforward, and while the plot may be predictable, it's filled with endearing moments, some humor, and plenty of PG-13 chemistry between Ethan and Ali.
What I love about Monaghan's characters is that they have lived life--they are adults with real-life problems. They grow but make mistakes, and still, they evolve.
Overall, Summer Romance is a feel-good summer read with a charming setting and relatable characters. I recommend this one for a sweet escape.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam in exchange for an honest review....more
The God of the Woods is a quiet mystery/drama about the disappearance of a 13-year-old girl at a summer camp in 1975.
Barbara Van Laar, the dauTragic
The God of the Woods is a quiet mystery/drama about the disappearance of a 13-year-old girl at a summer camp in 1975.
Barbara Van Laar, the daughter of the prominent Van Laar family of Albany, New York, disappeared from her cabin one morning in a summer camp founded by her family. In connection with her disappearance, her counselor, Louise, her bunkmate, Tracy, her mother, Alice, and a young female detective, Judyta, share their stories. All are flawed, honest, and complex characters; each of their stories is impactful.
The plot slowly unfolds. Piece by piece, bits of the lives of the main characters intersect, coming together in profound ways. The timeline is non-linear, alternating between the past in the 1950s and the present in the 1970s; the non-linearity adds to the drama and trauma of searching for a missing child.
This is a rich, multilayered novel with multidimensional characters. Through exceptional characterization, especially the women, themes of motherhood, gender roles, sexuality, identity, and class are explored.
The setting is lush and vibrant, especially in the scenes in the woods surrounding Camp Emerson.
I could visualize the characters, the setting, the house named Self-Reliance, the camp, nature, and the fine details. Moore didn't just write a novel that takes place in the 1970s, she transports her reader to this time and place. There are a few flaws, but this novel is exquisitely written and emotionally impactful. My heart shattered as the events culminated in a tragically sad and painful revelation.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Penguin Group Riverhead in exchange for an honest review....more
A Talent for Murder is a gripping psychological thriller that revolves around Martha, a newlywed who suspects her husband of beinMasterful
4.25 stars
A Talent for Murder is a gripping psychological thriller that revolves around Martha, a newlywed who suspects her husband of being a serial killer. She turns to her old friend Lily Kintner, whom she had previously approached for help with an ex-boyfriend. Together, they uncover shocking revelations that lead to unexpected turns, resulting in a deadly confrontation.
The story is narrated by Martha, Lily, and a few other characters who share their perspectives. I didn’t even realize that Lily was a featured character until I was at least ¼ of the way in. Henry Kimball also makes some appearances, and I wish the book featured him more.
The Kind Worth Killing
This was such a fun read--I loved how the plot and the narrative unfolded. It starts out strong but gets even stronger as the plot develops. Where it ends isn't a place I could have even imagined from where it starts.
Packed with suspense and tension, my heart was beating out of my chest during the final confrontation. I couldn't predict how things would end. However, the very end loses some steam. Nevertheless, the conclusion is satisfying and ties up the loose ends nicely. Intricately plotted, Swanson takes the cat-and-mouse game to another level--highly recommended!
TW: Sexual assault
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and William Morrow in exchange for an honest review....more
The Darkest Water is a thriller about a social media stalker, a missing woman, and a murderer.
Struggling bakery owner Calvin heeds hisMessy
2.5 stars
The Darkest Water is a thriller about a social media stalker, a missing woman, and a murderer.
Struggling bakery owner Calvin heeds his wife's advice and reluctantly posts about his shop on social media. Shortly after, an innocent DM exchange introduces Calvin to a potential social media stalker.
At the same time, Detective Imogen Evans finds herself investigating the murder of a mysterious man.
Chapters alternate between Calvin and Imogen. Calvin is a clueless idiot, and I had to spend time alternating between rolling my eyes at his stupid decisions and yelling at him. Thankfully, Imogen, a main character in Edwards's The Lucky One , is intelligent, and her chapters are less chaotic than Calvin's. While I hope never to see Calvin again, I would be okay with another of Edwards' books featuring Imogene.
The plot has two timelines, one in the present and one in 1995. The chapters in 1995 provide a backstory for Calvin, but I found them boring. These chapters dragged out the plot, and their culmination in the present took the plot in a crazy direction.
One of the elements I always admire about Edwards's novels is his ability to seamlessly weave into the plot a serious theme into the midst of the events. This could have worked out better in this book. On the surface, this book appears to be a commentary on parasocial relationships and the dangers of social media. Instead, it takes a crazy, over-the-top turn and becomes a hot mess of ridiculousness. The pool scene at the end and cartoon-like villains had me rolling my eyes; however, I enjoyed the epilogue.
My main issue with The Darkest Water was that the plot tried to be two different things: a commentary on the dangers of social media and a suspenseful thriller. The two never blended, resulting in a messy read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer in exchange for an honest review....more
Succession and a Fake Marriage Trope=Not My Kind of Paradise
2.75 stars
The Paradise Problem is a rom-com about a fake marriage plot put in the spotl Succession and a Fake Marriage Trope=Not My Kind of Paradise
2.75 stars
The Paradise Problem is a rom-com about a fake marriage plot put in the spotlight during an island destination wedding.
Anna is a starving artist. Liam, a professor, is set to inherit a fortune on the condition that he first marries for five years. It's a good thing they married three years ago and never got divorced. This was not a romantic match; in fact, the two barely knew one another.
It just so happens that Liam's youngest sister is getting married on a remote, private island, and his family demands that he bring his wife to the wedding. Anna agrees to attend as Liam's wife for a fee, but family dynamics, close living quarters, and lots of drama create a spark between the two spouses, leading them to fall for real but to keep up the ruse of their fake marriage, they might lose out on true love.
Both Anna's and Liam's POVs are shared, which I liked. However, one of my main problems with this novel is Anna's character--she is immature and annoying. She is 25 years old and refers to the male anatomy as a "Goddamn" (I just couldn't get past this). Her character is not developed, and CL constantly refers to her pink hair as if that is what makes her artsy and edgy. She was just a mess of a character who felt forced and contrived. I liked Liam--he is vanilla and a safe character.
While the two of them have sexual chemistry, their connection lacked emotion and authenticity, which made it hard for me to buy into their relationship.
Unfortunately, the island is overrun by awful characters, most of whom are Liam's siblings and parents. His family dynamics are where the Succession vibes come into play.
Despite my issues with the characters, there were a few elements that I enjoyed. I liked the island destination; the description of the the resort was a nice escape. I found the last 20% the most enjoyable.
Once again, I find myself on outlier island, as most readers have loved this one. Sadly, this is far from my version of paradise.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review....more
The Last Word is a slow-burn mystery about a group of authors targeted for murder.
Private Inspectors, who"Why would anyone kill a writer?"
3.65 stars
The Last Word is a slow-burn mystery about a group of authors targeted for murder.
Private Inspectors, who happen to be inspiring authors, infiltrate a writer’s retreat to investigate murders linked to the group. They soon find themselves entangled in another murder, culminating in a surprising twist.
Natalka, Benedict, and Edwin, who appear in The Postscript Murders, are the main characters and stars of this book. You don’t have to have read The Postscript Murders to enjoy this one. Harbinder Kaur is also featured but plays a minor role. All of their POVs are shared, with Edwin’s being my favorite. He is such a lovely character.
The characters’ personal lives are as significant as the mystery. Natalka is struggling with the impact of the war on Ukraine. Benedict and Natalka are a couple going strong, but he is grappling with a bit of an inferiority complex, and Edwin might have found a new love.
The mystery is intriguing, and the setting of the writer's retreat is dark and eerie, but the excrutiagly slow pace made it challenging to immerse myself in the story. Despite the witty literary references and all the right ingredients, I had trouble connecting to the characters. However, when everything clicked, I was fully on board and enjoyed the twisty ending.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Mariner Books.
Look on the Bright Side is a novel about friendship, loss, and change.
This is the story of three women at a crossroads experiencin A Feel Good Read!
Look on the Bright Side is a novel about friendship, loss, and change.
This is the story of three women at a crossroads experiencing dramatic and traumatic changes in their lives. Two of the three characters are related to Harlow Smith, the MC in A Little Ray of Sunshine but you don’t have to read that one to enjoy this.
Lark, a medical resident in Oncology, is sent to work in the ER after being called out for getting too emotionally attached to her patients. When a renowned surgeon known as Dr. Satan offers her the opportunity to introduce her to his contacts in exchange for serving as his fake girlfriend for two months.
Although the plot suggests a rom-com, this is not a romance, although romance is mixed in. Rather, this is a good dose of women’s fiction.
The other two storylines revolve around a 67-year-old woman named Joy trying to cope with her brother's death, and Ellie, Lark’s mother, whose marriage is about to implode.
The narrative alternates between the three women, and a good chunk is told in flashbacks of Lark’s past. The beginning is centered on Lark, so I was a bit surprised when the other women's POVs were added, but this didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
I enjoyed all three characters, although Lark’s is dominant. She is a little annoying at first (she cries at everything), but she had me shedding a few tears in the end.
The setting in Cape Cod was my favorite part of the novel. Higgins transported me from dreary weather and added some sunshine! I also loved seeing many of the eccentric characters featured in Higgins’ previous books, especially Grandpop.
I needed a change of pace from the dismal thrillers I have been reading, and this book hit the spot. The characters are relatable and easy to like, the pacing is fast, the plot isn't too heavy, and the atmosphere is dreamy. This book was a much-welcome escape from reality!
Thank you to Elisha Katz from Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book. ...more
The Paris Widow is a thriller about a woman who, while on a trip to Paris, becomes entangled in a scheme related to h Reliably Entertaining
3.5 stars
The Paris Widow is a thriller about a woman who, while on a trip to Paris, becomes entangled in a scheme related to her husband's tragic death.
Stella and Adam, married for four years, are on a three-week European vacation. While in Paris, Adam is a victim of a horrific accident. As Stella tries to put the pieces together of what happened to Adam, she finds herself caught up in a dangerous world built on deceit, lies, and murder.
Narrated by Stella and Adam, Stella is the more dominant character, and she has more chapters. She is also a more developed character. Adam’s chapters were flat and not necessarily needed. Stella is a strong lead, but the narrative structure doesn’t do her any favors when her past is finally revealed.
Belle relies too much on telling instead of showing Stella's character development. Although we learn about her past and the events that shaped her personality, we never see her in action. As a result, when her personality changes in the second half of the novel, it feels inauthentic and unconvincing. Similarly, her previous relationship lacked depth and believability, leaving me unconvinced.
The Paris Widow shares plotlines and plot devices from The Marriage Lie, but the last 3rd takes the novel in a different direction.
There are some issues, especially in the telling aspect, and a few plotholes and plot devices that didn’t fully work, but it was fun to read and experience Paris and some other European cities. Also fascinating was the focus on the art black market.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Harlequin Trade Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review....more
When University Professor Nina inherits a mysterious house in the Caribbean from her recently deceased fathA Thriller with a Twisted Premise
3.5 stars
When University Professor Nina inherits a mysterious house in the Caribbean from her recently deceased father, she has no idea what is in store for her.
At the same time, Maria, a young nanny, is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the family she is hired to work for. Her only instruction is not to open the basement door, but will her curiosity lead her into danger?
I can't say much about the plot without giving things away, so I am going to avoid a summary. I went into this blind and had no idea what to expect. I could have never guessed what transpired.
In addition to Maria and Nina, a few other characters play a role in the events, including a mysterious woman named Lucinda, Joe, a local man intrigued with Nina, and Electrician Yang Joon-gi. The house is a character in itself and perhaps is the most powerful. The house is creepy and adds an additional layer of tension and suspense.
While the premise is beyond intriguing, the execution and character development is lacking. Joe and Nina must have had some lunch for what develops between them. I wanted to know more about all of the characters' backstories, especially Lucinda’s. More development would have added more depth and complexity to the plot.
Still, this is a fast-paced, unpredictable read with an original premise filled with riddles that morph into a life-threatening game of cat and mouse. I had a lot of fun reading this because I couldn't figure out what the house was or where the plot was heading.
Have fun reading this, but don’t think too hard, or you will get lost in the plot holes and eye rolls. Warning: This book requires the suspension of disbelief.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine in exchange for an honest review....more
In a small southern town, a woman leads the cause of a concerned parents' group to An Important Message
"History is full of unintended consequences."
In a small southern town, a woman leads the cause of a concerned parents' group to ban books from schools and local libraries to protect children from unwholesome beliefs. She then builds a free little library promoting books with values that align with their "wholesome" beliefs. Unexpectedly, someone switches out the approved books with the banned ones, causing readers and townspeople to reassess their lives and understanding of their truths.
The novel's structure plays a significant role, as each chapter is titled based on a banned book or the title of a "wholesome" book. The character at the center of the chapter reads a book that changes their lives in ways they could have never imagined. For instance, a wife realizes that her husband is a Nazi sympathizer, a brother tries to understand the belief that a book turned his brother gay, and a woman concludes that her marriage is over, and so on.
The cast of characters is quite large and eccentric, especially the title character herself.
Around the halfway point, the structure changes as we revisit some characters from the earlier chapters to see how their lives have changed since reading a banned book.
This novel isn't without flaws: the structure gets repetitive, parts are preachy, and the ending goes off the rails; however, I am willing to overlook these aspects because of the impactful message.
The tone is serious, but there is also a lot of fun and humor woven in to lighten it up. Through the banned books, themes of racism, gender roles, sexuality, antisemitism, and others are explored. In essence, this novel serves as a powerful commentary on the dangers of banning books.
"Gather as much knowledge as you can, because information is power. And choosing how to use it is freedom."
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and William Morrow in exchange for an honest review....more
The Instruments of Darkness is a thriller/mystery about a missing child, a group of white nationalists, and a menacing presence in aDark and Ghostly
The Instruments of Darkness is a thriller/mystery about a missing child, a group of white nationalists, and a menacing presence in an old, ominous house.
This is book #21 in The Charlie Parker series--I would not recommend reading this as a standalone.
Parker, working for lawyer Moxie Castin, is hired to solve the case of a missing two-year-old child, Henry. The police, prosecutors, and Henry’s father believe Henry’s mother, Colleen, is responsible for Henry’s death. But Parker believes something else is at stake.
Parker is the primary narrator, and we get a lot of his voice, which is welcome, especially since his presence was sparse in the last few installments of this series. A few other POVs are shared, but the most compelling is of Sabine Drew, a medium who hears the voices of the dead.
In addition to Parker and lawyer Moxie, Angel and Louis arrive in the second half of the novel. There are also a few brief glimpses of Jennifer.
The case of Henry’s disappearance and accusation of his mother being the prime suspect was compelling, but the side story featuring the white nationalists didn’t seem to fit, although I did enjoy reading how their storyline plays out. The paranormal entity wasn’t quite as sinister as I was expecting, but there is the potential that it will show up again. The ending was a little rushed yet satisfying.
Although I have a few gripes about this particular installment, it reminded me why I adore this series. It also highlighted how poorly written some of the thrillers I've read are. Connolly's writing is exceptional. The plot is intricate, the characters are multidimensional, and his inclusion of the paranormal is seamless and captivating. I am anxiously awaiting the next installment, but in the meantime, I will be rereading one of the earlier books in the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Atria Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. ...more
A Compelling Mystery Muddled by Many Characters and Plot Threads
3.5 stars
Lost to Dune Road is a gripping thriller centered on a former journalist, nA Compelling Mystery Muddled by Many Characters and Plot Threads
3.5 stars
Lost to Dune Road is a gripping thriller centered on a former journalist, now a Private Investigator, who tackles a case linked to the scandal that ruined her career. This novel highlights the rich and powerful in the form of a Jeffrey Epstein-like character.
Told primarily through the POV of Lee, a former Vanity Fair reporter, she is a driven character with a strong voice. Unfortunately, she is closed off, making it difficult to connect with her. The other POV shared is that of Amanda, a 20-year-old art student who falls prey to a wealthy and powerful man.
There are two mysteries, but as the plot progresses, other mysteries emerge. All were compelling, and there were some surprising twists that I didn’t see coming.
Unfortunately, there are some problematic elements. The plot is overly complicated. In addtition, there are too many characters to keep track of, a romance that fell flat and didn’t match the plot, and too many moving parts, which resulted in some parts being glossed over and creating plot holes. Another gripe is that information just seems to fall into Lee’s hands without much effort. This isn’t a bad read by any means; the plot and the characters just need to be simplified.
Thomas always brings strong characterization to the table, which is evident in this novel. Although I didn't love Lee, I understood her character. The case was fascinating yet sickening. The reveal of the killer caught me off guard, and there was one final surprising twist at the end. Overall, this is a worthy but flawed read.
TW: Sexual Assault
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Thomas & Mercer in exchange for a honest review. ...more
All right--there are a lot of problems here, but I enjoyed reading this one!
3.75 stars
Five couples are stranded on a remote island while filming a reAll right--there are a lot of problems here, but I enjoyed reading this one!
3.75 stars
Five couples are stranded on a remote island while filming a reality T.V. show--not all of them will make it out alive.
Lyla, a scientist struggling with her career, is dating struggling actor Nico. With the chance of a lifetime to film a reality show in the vein of Love Island, Nico persuades a reluctant Lyla to film with him. However, after they arrive on a beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, a hurricane hits, turning the relationship-themed show into one about survival. As a result, relationships flounder, power dynamics shift, and chaos ensues, leaving only the strongest to survive.
While there are multiple characters, the sole narrator, Lyla, makes it easy to keep track of each one. Had multiple perspectives been shared, there would have been too many voices, which would have diminished the tension and suspense. The reader is also privy to one contestant's diary.
The plot is one I have read before--a combination of Stranded, One by One, and (very loosely) And Then There Were None. I enjoyed this much more than One by One, which was insufferable boring. In this take, Lyla’s relatable voice and her struggle for survival had me captivated. There weren’t any crazy twists or OTT plotting, which is why I enjoyed it so much. I wasn’t quite sure which characters would survive, and I was happy to see a few of them die.
One Perfect Couple has a different feel from Ware's other novels, with parts reading like a popcorn thriller. Despite a few plot holes and a fizzled-out ending, it is wholly entertaining and worth reading.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Gallery Books in exchange for an honest review. ...more
"Soon, we may live in a world where they are nothing more than a legend."
The Gathering is a chilling murder mystery set against the stark backdrop o"Soon, we may live in a world where they are nothing more than a legend."
The Gathering is a chilling murder mystery set against the stark backdrop of small-town Alaska, where the murder of a teenager sets off a chain reaction of violence and prejudice against vampires.
Barbara, a vampire anthropologist (what a cool job title), heads to Deadhart, Alaska, to investigate the murder of a teenager. Her findings will determine if the human members of Deadhart can enact a cull on the vampire inhabitants. The town’s human inhabitants are itching for revenge, tensions are high, and a longstanding conflict is on the verge of imploding. Tension escalates, and longstanding animosities threaten to erupt as the narrative explores themes of hatred, racism, and the fear of the unknown.
If I had read the blurb for this book, I probably wouldn’t have read it. Vampires are not my thing, but this isn’t really a book about vampires rather, it is a commentary on hatred, racism, and difference. There is a political divide between those who believe vampires should be killed and those who believe that minorities should be protected.
Baraba is the primary narrator, but also shared are the POVs of Tucker, the former Sheriff; Beau, a vengeful human; and a mysterious girl being held in captivity. Barbara is a likable lead who, unlike many of our heroines, is out of shape, overweight, and not particularly beautiful. She is intelligent, open-minded, and has a compelling voice.
This was an enjoyable read, but the Britishisms coming from American characters took me out of the narrative. In addition, some of the characters were underdeveloped. These are minimal flaws, as the characters and plot kept me riveted. The tone is dark, and the plot delves into darkness. Thankfully, there is minimal gore involved in the human vs. vampire war. In the end, amidst the twists, turns, and deceit, the frigid cold setting of the novel intensifies the suspense as the conflict between humans and vampires reaches an unexpected resolution.
TW: sexual assault
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Meredith (Trying to catch up!)
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