Lucinda Berry is known for her dark psychological thrillers. So going into them I’m already prepared to be shaken. This one though? This went beyond dLucinda Berry is known for her dark psychological thrillers. So going into them I’m already prepared to be shaken. This one though? This went beyond dark and sits in the depraved category. The reason? It deals with a serial murderer/kidnapper that takes young girls who are virgins and does unspeakable things to them. And if that’s not bad enough there’s a twist at the end that really throws you over the edge because WOW! Now I know Lucinda Berry does amazing twists but man I did NOT see that coming. I wanted to giggle with glee but because of the subject matter and content of this entire book I couldn’t.
All in all, this is another great read from her and while I was able to stomach the content because I have read books like this before not everyone will be able to. So, check out the trigger warnings and understand that this book is DARK, unsettling, and quite upsetting in the grand scheme of things. But it is written well and shows readers how trauma affects people differently.
If you’re looking for a spooky season book to add to your TBR then this one should be on it! My Darling Girl is thrilling AND creepy. And for me, one If you’re looking for a spooky season book to add to your TBR then this one should be on it! My Darling Girl is thrilling AND creepy. And for me, one of the scariest things about it is the ambiguous ending. Is it a mental health thing that runs in the family? Is it an actual demonic possession? Those are the questions that keep me up at night. Jennifer McMahon knows how to write books that really get under her readers skin and I’m always looking forward to what creepy tale she comes up with next.
If you want a book that will creep you out and keep you invested from beginning to end then read this one. It’s got an amazing twist and a frightening ending that I still can’t stop thinking about.
I love Lucinda Berry’s books, but this wasn’t up to par with what I expected from her. When I start one of her books, I expect them to be dark, compliI love Lucinda Berry’s books, but this wasn’t up to par with what I expected from her. When I start one of her books, I expect them to be dark, complicated, and filled with unbelievable twists but unfortunately that wasn’t the case here. It was really tame especially when you consider the harder topics discussed in the book. Don’t get me wrong, this book isn’t BAD, it’s just not the writing I’m used to from her.
One of the things that grated on my nerves the most were these characters. All of them were insufferable and I detested them (especially Blakey). How these girls at the age of 16 and 17 would go along with her “little plan” was infuriating. These girls are nearly adults, and they let someone who clearly has issues talk them into it? It’s too wild to fathom. But I did like how this gives reason for what happens later when they are adults. The absolute toxicity, and psychopathic things that happened blew my mind even though I was expecting it! It just really packed a punch.
So, while this wasn’t as dark and disturbing as her previous novels and the characters are all annoying AF, there were some good things about it. I like how the story is a bit of a puzzle that needs to be pieced together to understand what happens later.
If you have a weak stomach, I don’t recommend reading this one. The authors go into extreme detail when it comes to murdered children so if this triggIf you have a weak stomach, I don’t recommend reading this one. The authors go into extreme detail when it comes to murdered children so if this triggers you, I will tell you to stay away. However, if you’re able to read extreme novels then and enjoy a locked room murder mystery then I would recommend this one.
This extreme mystery centers around a child murderer and the juror who “set him free”. One would think that’s the end of it and the juror can go on with their lives but unfortunately that’s not the case for Maria in this novel. She and her fellow jurors are harassed until someone confesses to being the person who voted to set him free and because of this she’s forced to take a sabbatical which she does. Right before she’s set to go back though her and her family go on a cruise. But its not the relaxing cruise they were expecting because someone on the ship is committing the same types of crimes as the murderer from her past… As I said this is a good mystery thriller but there were a few things that bothered me. Firstly, the juror vote ended in a mistrial and when this happens it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re set free then and there. The severity of the crime does matter and usually with a case like this one they’ll come right back for trial number two. However, this guy is set free and clear. I was so confused! It wasn’t an acquittal! So, I’m not sure how he could have gotten out the way he did. Secondly, this book is gruesome, and I wasn’t expecting it. I feel like it skirts the line of horror and thriller, and people need to be aware of this going in because not everyone wants to read the stuff in this book. I think trigger warnings should have been shown in the blurb. Finally, some of it felt too easy. I would have liked a little more suspense.
Other than that, I will admit that I liked this one and I read it fast. They left the ending open in a way that there could be a series made from these books so I’m looking forward to seeing if that happens.
Okay. This is one heck of a mind bender, and I felt like I was losing my mind while reading it. Is it scary? Sort of. There’re definitely a few parts Okay. This is one heck of a mind bender, and I felt like I was losing my mind while reading it. Is it scary? Sort of. There’re definitely a few parts that genuinely scared me, but I didn’t feel terrified the entire way through. Maybe I’m desensitized though because I’ve read and watched a ton of horror in my life. I recommend checking out some other reviews to see how the book made them feel though and not go off my feelings if you’re easily scared. ANYWAYS, this book was REALLY GOOD. It’s unique, dark, will mess with your head, make you feel claustrophobic (you’ll understand that aspect when you read it), and make you chew your nails to the quick. I was nervous- the amount of dread I felt while reading is incredible. The characters are great, their reactions to what is happening feel authentic and real, and some of them will make you want to rip your hair out. Finally, the overall feel of the book is tense. I don’t think there were any moments where the tension let up. It was from start to finish.
If you’re looking for a unique and creepy read, one that DOES live up to the hype then you need to pick this one up. Since fall is right around the corner it would make the perfect book for the spooky season. Just don’t go into it thinking everything will be wrapped up in a nice little bow because it won’t be. The ending will get you!
Darling Girls was so much better than I could have even imagined! I actually picked it up on a whim yesterday and finished it today because I was so iDarling Girls was so much better than I could have even imagined! I actually picked it up on a whim yesterday and finished it today because I was so intrigued by the characters and storyline. Basically, this book gives readers a glimpse into how bad the foster system can be for children. This book tells a tale of 3 foster children who find themselves in the thrall of a woman who seems sweet on the inside but is in all actuality a monster hiding in plain sight. Told in dual timelines readers will see when the girls are IN this home and then what happens when 25 years later a body is found on the grounds of their former foster home. It’s exciting, entertaining, and deals with a topic I don’t think I’ve ever read about in books. All around this was a total win for me and the ending really sealed the deal. This book is SO good and I highly recommend it!
A man returns to his hometown 30 years after the disappearance of his boyhood friend and is confronted by feelings and memories that he wished would hA man returns to his hometown 30 years after the disappearance of his boyhood friend and is confronted by feelings and memories that he wished would have stayed in the past.
Riley Sager certainly delivered with this mystery and it held my attention from start to finish. This one is sprinkled with grief, tension, dread, and even the supernatural. I ate it up! I love a storyline where the MC returns home only to be confronted with the past and that’s exactly what we get in this one. The characters here are all strong, captivating, and the emotions that they feel radiate off the pages. I think anyone that’s a fan of the author’s work should pick this one up. Perhaps it’s not a fan favorite (it’s going to be hard to top THE ONLY ONE LEFT which is my absolute favorite) but this one comes in second for me.
Was this book totally unrealistic and silly? Yes. I think the fact that none of these kids even thought about the consequences of their actions KNOWINWas this book totally unrealistic and silly? Yes. I think the fact that none of these kids even thought about the consequences of their actions KNOWING help would come was a little out there. But did I still eat this one up? Yes. This book is written like a true crime book even though it’s a fictionalized tale about what happens to 100+ people (mostly teens and young adults) when they become stranded in an amusement park after a hurricane hits. As the blurb describes, his is a perfect mix of Lord of the Flies mixed with Battle Royale but with body parts and kids doing terrible things to one another. There’s gore (but I’ve read worse, it's not THAT bad), a feeling of claustrophobia that’s hard to rid yourself from, and complete and utter insanity. I can understand why some readers wouldn’t have liked this one but if you’re able to suspend belief and enjoy a survival horror/thriller novel then I’d recommend it.
The Downing Kind by Jennifer McMahon is gritty, atmospheric, and chilling. I couldn’t help comparing it to PET SEMATARY by Stephen King, but without bThe Downing Kind by Jennifer McMahon is gritty, atmospheric, and chilling. I couldn’t help comparing it to PET SEMATARY by Stephen King, but without bringing the dead back to life. I think many who have read them will see the parallels too. A swimming pool filled with natural spring water that may be… cursed? It has healing properties and can grant wishes to those who want them bad enough but there IS a cost… and its high.
This was such an incredible read. I had the hardest time putting it down and read it in under 48 hours. While it’s not as scary as some of the author’s previous novels it gave me the CHILLS (especially that ending). It’s told in two timelines. The first starts with Jax who is called home when her sister drowns in the pool and the second being Ethel from 1929 who has ties to the pool as well. The way the author weaves both timelines and then brings it all together is intense, and I loved every minute of it. Honestly, I’ve loved all the books I’ve read from Jennifer McMahon and this one is going right into the top 3. I highly recommend it.
Ruth Ware is one of my favorite thriller authors, so it kills me to say that this one didn’t work for me. By all accounts it should have. I love lockeRuth Ware is one of my favorite thriller authors, so it kills me to say that this one didn’t work for me. By all accounts it should have. I love locked room/stranded/deserted thrillers, I love reality tv, and I love tropical locations in books. Unfortunately, despite it having all my favorite things I didn’t care for this one and here’s why. First, it’s SLOW. We get to know the characters prior to their trip to the Ever After Island in the Indian Ocean, which was fine, then we learn what is expected of them for the reality portion of the show (again, fine) then a storm hits. What happens next should have been tense and suspenseful because suddenly these people are stranded on an island with limited food and water, no communication to the outside world aside from pone radio device, and then eventually a killer. I wasn’t nervous for them (maybe a little thirsty) but not nervous. I never had a foreboding feeling that the killer was going to kill off anyone because it’s barely talked about in the book (small mentions YES but nothing big to where we should feel scared for these characters). And finally, we basically know who the killer is from the start. It’s extremely obvious from the get-go who it is making the mystery portion extremely lacking. The ending was too easy as well. Had it picked up in intensity I think I would have enjoyed it more.
Despite my feelings on this book, I’ll continue to read Ruth Ware because I love her books and she’s one of my favorites. But this one won’t go down for being a top read of the year.
Look Closer by David Ellis was so highly recommended on Instagram and tiktok that I had to read it. Did it live up to the hype? For the most part YES.Look Closer by David Ellis was so highly recommended on Instagram and tiktok that I had to read it. Did it live up to the hype? For the most part YES. These characters are diabolical, and the twists are insane. But it took 200 pages for the book to pick up for me. I thought the beginning was really slow. So slow that I almost didn’t even finish the book. But I pushed through and I’m glad I did because WOW. Things are not what they seem in this book and once you think you have it all figured out BAM, you’re thrown off the path and thrust into a new one. This is an edge of your seat, twisty cat, and mouse game and once it picks up it does so at a high rate of speed. I finished this 450+ pages in under 24 hours. The author is clearly VERY clever because writing a book like this cannot be easy. So, kudos to him. I can’t wait to read his newest one soon!
Lucy Foley is one of my favorite thriller authors, so it comes as no surprise that I ate this one up. While this was definitely more of a slow burn (fLucy Foley is one of my favorite thriller authors, so it comes as no surprise that I ate this one up. While this was definitely more of a slow burn (for such a short book) I found it to be gripping, somewhat creepy, and extremely entertaining. The suspense was lacking but honestly, I didn’t even care because I was so invested in how all these characters were connected. And while we didn’t figure out the connection until about 90 percent of the books the breadcrumbs the author left were fantastic. All in all, I thought this one was great. If you’re looking for a summer thriller with both likable and unlikable characters, a small town with secrets, and a murder then look no further because that’s what’s wrapped within these pages.
Listen for the Lie is one of THE BEST thrillers I have ever read. Dare I say it’ll be the best thriller of 2024? I don’t know because it’s only March,Listen for the Lie is one of THE BEST thrillers I have ever read. Dare I say it’ll be the best thriller of 2024? I don’t know because it’s only March, but it’ll be hard to beat this one. If you’re a fan of true crime podcasts and like the book THE NIGHT SWIM, then I highly recommend giving this one a try. It’s dark, funny, it delves into mental health issues (mainly the FMCs), and amnesia. The author writes the story in normal narrative with some podcast episodes thrown in that really help readers gain an understanding of the crime from many perspectives. I loved it!
What happens when you can’t remember if you killed your best friend? You’ll find out in Listen for the Lie-. This is a riveting, suspenseful, oftentimes FUNNY, thriller that will keep you glued to the pages from start to finish. I highly recommend it.
Simone St. James continues to impress me with her books! This supernatural thriller not only creeped me out, but it shocked me when it came to the endSimone St. James continues to impress me with her books! This supernatural thriller not only creeped me out, but it shocked me when it came to the ending. I wasn’t expecting the “who-dun-it” part to be who it was so I was giddy finding out! This is the perfect spooky thriller if you’re a fan of these kind of books but be prepared to have your skin crawling with goosebumps!
One of the things I love most about Simone St. James is how she can write a mix of genres in her books. This one is a mashup of horror (supernatural) and murder mystery, and I found it to be unique, scary, and intriguing. I’ve been checking my backseat at night when I get into the car because of this book. And I certainly don’t want to drive down secluded roads in the dark.
Murder Road is going to be one of my personal favorites this year, so I recommend it to those who like supernatural, murder mysteries, and fantastic characters who are flawed and realistic.
Keep Your Friends Close by Lucinda Berry is a friendship thriller/murder mystery. If you’ve read this author in the past, then you know she throws INCKeep Your Friends Close by Lucinda Berry is a friendship thriller/murder mystery. If you’ve read this author in the past, then you know she throws INCREDIBLE twists your way and that’s not different with this book. I’ll admit, I didn’t read the blurb for this one because I’ll read anything she writes so I went into it thinking it was a vacation thriller because of the cover- it’s not! This is a story about a group of friends, one murder, and finding out which one of them did it. The ending will likely surprise you because Berry doesn’t hint at anything- she holds her cards very close to her chest- and I was SHOCKED with how this one ended. Honestly, it’s a really great book and I think anyone who loves thrillers should read this one.
I’m going to start off by saying this book is good. GREAT even, and a very easy 5 star read. But the setting? It blew me AWAY. I felt like I was at thI’m going to start off by saying this book is good. GREAT even, and a very easy 5 star read. But the setting? It blew me AWAY. I felt like I was at this motel/apartment complex and was sitting by the pool with the gals while the kids splashed around. Seraphina Nova Glass transported me right into the setting and it felt like I was watching a vivid movie as I was reading. Who would have thought that a simple setting such as this would play such a huge role in my love for the novel. It was absolutely perfect for this twisted psychological thriller.
This story is filled with great twists. I did NOT see them coming either. The fact that the author could successfully surprise me, a seasoned thriller reader who feels like she’s read it all, is astounding. There’re so many layers to this novel too and one would think that the alternating POVs would get confusing, but they don’t. In fact, they blend so perfectly together I never felt lost even for a second. Honestly, I think this may be one of my favorite thrillers of 2024 and I’m anxious to read the author’s backlog! Highly recommended!
If you’re a fan of kids who do bad things, then this would be the perfect book for you to read. Nancy Tucker has written an intriguing, unsettling, anIf you’re a fan of kids who do bad things, then this would be the perfect book for you to read. Nancy Tucker has written an intriguing, unsettling, and emotional novel that at times was difficult to even get through. However, I think she has written a book that’s showcases what mental illness, emotional abuse, and neglect can do to a growing child’s mind. This book packs a big punch and won’t be for everyone, but if you can read books that deal with tough topics then I think this would be a great one to read.
What’s it about? This book is told in dual timelines in Chrissies perspective. Chrissie is very clearly abused and neglected in her home and readers will watch this little girl’s downward spiral as she acts out and eventually murders two little children. However, this isn’t just in Chrissies perspective as a child (this for me was the hardest but most intriguing part to read). We also see Chrissie as an adult after she gets out of the juvenile detention home. Chrissie had to change her name a few times because people remembered who she was, but she does get out and try to live a normal life. One of the hardest parts for her? Becoming a mother and having a daughter on her own. Readers will get insight into how Chrissie herself is as a mom- the detachment parenting style slowly starting to fragment, and eventually the end where we almost see an all-new woman who can finally realize that she doesn’t have to be like her own mother was to her.
This is a tough but thought provoking read that’s bound to leave you feeling raw and emotional but it’s also well written and attention grabbing. It’s hard to look away even when you want to.
No One Can Know is one of those twisted thrillers where there are a bunch of characters but none of them are trustworthy. I love books like this. I liNo One Can Know is one of those twisted thrillers where there are a bunch of characters but none of them are trustworthy. I love books like this. I like being shocked, I like the leadup, the twists, and most of all the reveal to see if the person “who-dun-it” was who I expected it to be. In this case, I was semi right about the killer, but I didn’t expect all the other smaller twists and turns that came about. So even though my guess was correct, there were still plenty of scenes that shook me.
If you’re a fan of domestic thrillers- especially the ones where estranged sisters are brought back together years after the murder of their parents, then this is a great book for you. As I said, it has some great twists and was entertaining to read. I finished it in less than 2 days!
Only If You’re Lucky is a great mixture of dark academia and thriller. While this one’s very different from the author’s previous novels I think she sOnly If You’re Lucky is a great mixture of dark academia and thriller. While this one’s very different from the author’s previous novels I think she slayed it because I was absolutely hooked from the start. The book centers around Margot after the loss of her best friend who tragically died one night at a party. It was ruled and accident, but Margot thinks the boy her friend was seeing may have played a role in her death. Fast forward one year later and Margot is in school studying English when she meets the enigmatic Lucy. Lucy is everything Margot wants to be, so she not only befriends her, but she moves in with her and two other girls as well. What starts as a fun new situation thanks to the frat house next door and all the parties they attend quickly becomes more malevolent when the boy from her past suddenly joins the fraternity. And what happens next will shock readers to the core. The twist is fantastic, unexpected, and brilliant. I didn’t see it coming although I do suspect that some readers will. It may not be completely original but the lead up TO the twist is so I was excited!
One other thing to note about this book is that it’s more of a slow burn, character driven novel. Books like this are not for everyone but I do recommend it because I think the author did an amazing job telling this story.
If you enjoy claustrophobic locked room thrillers with a bunch of family drama, then this is the book for you! The Night of the Storm takes place overIf you enjoy claustrophobic locked room thrillers with a bunch of family drama, then this is the book for you! The Night of the Storm takes place over one night when a family is trapped in a home together during a hurricane. There’s a lot going on for these characters to contend with (as if being trapped in a during hurricane Harvey isn’t enough) which makes it a very tense read. Readers can expect secrets, lies, mentions of cheating, and murder. Now, while I wasn’t completely surprised at the twist, the reasoning behind everything DID surprise me. I guessed the killer but had no idea WHY they did it until it was revealed. The fact that the author made it predictable AND shocking is fantastic! I didn’t expect that. Overall, I think this is a solid locked room thriller and I love how the author weaved the story because it kept my interest from beginning to end.
Elle G. Reads
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