Here I am on outlier Island! Most of my friends loved this book so I encourage you to read a variety of reviews. I was really anticipating this read aHere I am on outlier Island! Most of my friends loved this book so I encourage you to read a variety of reviews. I was really anticipating this read and I love Hitchcock's movies so I was all in!
The premise is good. Alfred Smettle (yes he was named after THE guy!) has bought a creepy hotel that looks like the Bates Motel from Psycho and has filled it with memorabilia. His Mother was a great Hitchcock film buff and Alfred grew up watching all the movies with her. He too soon became fascinated with the famous director. Now, it's his hotel's First Anniversary and he's invited five of his closest college friends to come and stay for a special weekend. The thing is something happened between them long ago and they really have not spoken for sixteen years. It will soon become clear as to why Alfred has gathered them all together.
The first half of this book was really dull for me. It just went back to their college years and told their stories. Nothing grabbed me. No one is particularly a good person so there is no one to root for here. It got a little better at the half way mark as the mystery picked up. I did enjoy all the mentions of various Hitchcock films and some quotes. I was surprised with the culprit and I did like the ending.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy.
This is my first time reading a Wendy Webb book and I really enjoyed it. Her writing flows really well especially when shifting through the different This is my first time reading a Wendy Webb book and I really enjoyed it. Her writing flows really well especially when shifting through the different characters and time settings.
In present day Minnesota, Cassandra and her cousin Maria want to learn more about their family who originated from Italy. Cassandra decides to travel to the tiny town of Santo Stefano to rediscover her roots. There she meets and befriends some of the townspeople. They are a friendly bunch and they begin to help her find out more about her ancestors. Meanwhile, the book also goes back in time and tells the story of her (great-great), and (great)-grandmother. Perhaps the townspeople of old were not as friendly!
I really enjoyed the Italian setting. The town and atmosphere was vividly described - as was the delicious food! The story was told at just the right pace and kept my interest all throughout. It's sprinkled with a tiny bit of "old world" magic that's just perfect for this time of year ...more
This is the second book in the Bow Street Duchess Mystery series. In some ways I enjoyed it more than the first one. Once again great writing and a grThis is the second book in the Bow Street Duchess Mystery series. In some ways I enjoyed it more than the first one. Once again great writing and a great feel for the time period. I just love that this series has a bit of everything mixed into the story. There's always a mystery to be solved, some romance brewing and a sprinkle of paranormal.
In this book Audrey, The Duchess of Fournier is at her country home and stumbles upon the body of her friend Charlotte. She calls for Hugh Marsden, the Bow Street Detective to come and investigate. She feels something is not right and her friend would not commit suicide. Audrey again finds herself alongside Hugh in helping him to investigate this startling case.
I'm enjoying this series and will continue with the next book. I'm anticipating the next mystery and the tension is building with Hugh and Audrey. I'm excited to find out if they will ever end up together.
I'd like to kindly thank Book Sirens and the Author for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy....more
Another hit by Kimber Silver! I really enjoyed her last book, "Broken Rhodes" and this book is no different! I enjoyed every bit of it!
In this second Another hit by Kimber Silver! I really enjoyed her last book, "Broken Rhodes" and this book is no different! I enjoyed every bit of it!
In this second book she takes us back to the wonderful small town of Harlow, Kansas and we reconnect with Sheriff Lincoln James and his now fiancé Kinsley Rhodes and their friends.
The book opens with yet another murder in the small town. It's revealed the man is, Jacob Miller who is the son of the leader of a religious sect called, "The Order." Who murdered him and why? Linc sets out to find the answers and is surprised to find out that Gabby, Kinsley's best friend was once engaged to the victim. There's a new character in the mix too. The suspicious, Dean McCormick, grows close to Gabby.
While this second murder stirs up this quiet town once again there's a lot going on. Linc is running for re-election and people are frustrated with the two recent murders. Kinsley is running her business and trying to plan her wedding while still trying to help Linc. She wants the Harlow of her childhood back. Oh and I was happy to see Linc and Charlene's love of donuts at the station still going strong! ...more
Book 2 of the Tate & Bell Mystery series. Another highly entertaining Victorian mystery!
This one was not as dark and gruesome as the first book. Once Book 2 of the Tate & Bell Mystery series. Another highly entertaining Victorian mystery!
This one was not as dark and gruesome as the first book. Once again Inspector Sebastian Bell from Scotland Yard is trying to crack the case. A man is found hanging off of Traitor's Gate on a meat hook. He is also missing his tongue! Bell will call upon his new friend (and love interest) Nurse Gemma Tate for some help.
The writing is wonderful. The atmosphere and Victorian era is vividly depicted. I enjoyed this one from start to finish. There were many characters being investigated and I did not guess the perpetrator. Sebastian and Gemma are getting closer romantically. I can't wait to read Book #3!
Published on June 24, 2024
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy....more
I liked this one! It's a slow building plot that kept me mostly engaged throughout.
A story about motherhood, grief and loss with some suspense and mysI liked this one! It's a slow building plot that kept me mostly engaged throughout.
A story about motherhood, grief and loss with some suspense and mystery. It's told in the alternating voices of Laurel and Corey. Both women are struggling. Laurel has moved into a new home on Cold Creek Lane with her husband and two very young children. She is trying to fit into the neighbourhood. Corey is living with her Mother at a Retirement Facility. She is not happy with her life.
I enjoyed the writing and the story. I listened to this one and both narrators were very good. Towards the end this one was more of a 3.5 stars. I liked the ending! It was an entertaining story and I'd gladly read another one from this author.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for granting me access to this Advanced Listening Copy.
I decided to listen to this one on Audio after I found out Netflix is releasing the movie in September. It was my first Elin Hilderbrand novel an3.5 *
I decided to listen to this one on Audio after I found out Netflix is releasing the movie in September. It was my first Elin Hilderbrand novel and I enjoyed it! She is always referred to as, "The Queen of Beach Reads" and I'm told this is her first, "Beach/Mystery" novel.
This is a light mystery about a couple and their family who gather in Nantucket over the July 4th weekend for their upcoming wedding. Hours before the wedding a body is washed ashore. Is it connected to the wedding?
This story has several characters and their past and present situations will all be explored. I think it will make a good movie. Very "whodunnit." I loved the way it ended!...more
I've decided to read some legal thrillers to commemorate my daughter recently being, "Called to the Bar."☺️ This is my first one.⚖️
This is a debu3.5 *
I've decided to read some legal thrillers to commemorate my daughter recently being, "Called to the Bar."☺️ This is my first one.⚖️
This is a debut novel and I think the writer is promising. It was a good debut. My enjoyment shifted from 3-3.5 stars throughout. This premise definitely caught my eye.
"Trials aren't about the truth. They're about what you can and can't prove."
Essentially what this one is all about. I don't want to give too much away as I enjoyed just reading it and finding out things along the way. It definitely went in a different direction then I thought it would. This is a book that some may like and others won't. It will rub some people the wrong way. I thought it was a clever and unique take that played with your mind.
Lila Dalton is in a courtroom. Where, she cannot tell you. She cannot remember anything about her past or this trial she is apparently involved in. All she can figure out is that he's a mass murderer. She doesn't even remember that she's a lawyer but she seems to know and understand the court proceedings. Now all eyes are on her. Can she muddle her way through it? It seems like her very life could depend upon it!
The writing kept me engaged but it is a complicated plot with lots of legal jargon. It does challenge you to think about the justice system. If you can suspend your disbelief in parts I think you will enjoy the story (and ending!) Also just love the cover!
Available August 27, 2024
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for granting me access to this Advance Reader's Copy....more
This had such a great premise and an ode (of sorts) to Agatha Christie's classic, "Murder on the Orient Express" that I knew I wanted to read it This had such a great premise and an ode (of sorts) to Agatha Christie's classic, "Murder on the Orient Express" that I knew I wanted to read it ...more
My first Bolton book! I listened to the audio. Good narration and great writing!
This is an intense police procedural that I buddy read with Darlin' DaMy first Bolton book! I listened to the audio. Good narration and great writing!
This is an intense police procedural that I buddy read with Darlin' Darla! That was seriously the best part. This was dark and as Darla said it was great to "have someone hold my hand while sitting in the dark!" ...more
Just love that cover! At first glance it looks like it might be a ChickLit book but this book is so much more.
The story starts out dramatically as MolJust love that cover! At first glance it looks like it might be a ChickLit book but this book is so much more.
The story starts out dramatically as Molly Monroe wakes up with a wicked hangover. She was at her work Christmas party the previous night and does not remember anything. Then she glances over and there is a man in her bed with her. They are fully clothed but he is a stranger. Things get dramatically worse as Molly soon discovers just what exactly she was up to last night. I was mortified for her. I was not expecting that! Things get worse. Her roommate and best friend Posey is found dead in the bathtub. The police do not suspect foul play but Molly does and goes on a quest to find out who killed Posey.
This one touches on a lot of important issues and I was drawn into the story right from the first page. There are some good surprising twists. This was another buddy read with Darla. She read the book while I listened to it on Audio. I was highly entertained. Did we feel the same way about this one? Please make sure to read her review to find out.
An awesome dramatized audio! Wendy Walker has done it again. She's written an entertaining short story that runs 4 hours 12 minutes.
This kicks off inAn awesome dramatized audio! Wendy Walker has done it again. She's written an entertaining short story that runs 4 hours 12 minutes.
This kicks off in a rush with a frantic 911 call. A wealthy couple has been found in their home. The husband dead. The wife gravely injured. What happened to this couple? Did the two kids try to kill their own Mother and Step-Father? Is there something more sinister going on? If you like piecing together a mystery and enjoy a dramatized audio with a full cast then this ones for you! Pure entertainment!
Vi Keeland usually writes steamy Romance Novels. This is her first Thriller and what a great effort! I was engaged all throughout the story!
Meredith iVi Keeland usually writes steamy Romance Novels. This is her first Thriller and what a great effort! I was engaged all throughout the story!
Meredith is dealing with a horrific situation. She's a psychiatrist who begins to obsess over a man. One day that same man walks into her office and declares he's her new patient. I don't want to give too much away. This one is very twisty, twisted and crazy! Although parts of it were a little too vulgar for my taste.
A fast-paced thriller that will keep you reading to find out what happens next. Great writing!
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Atria Books for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy.
This is my first book by this author. It's good but IMHO not spectacular.
I loved how the book started out. So much intrigue. It caught my attention rThis is my first book by this author. It's good but IMHO not spectacular.
I loved how the book started out. So much intrigue. It caught my attention right off the bat. I loved the setting of the shabby motel turned low income apartments. It set the mood and the descriptions of the place and people were interesting. I felt the book was quite slow moving and a little too OTT for me. It was hard to suspend my disbelief this time 'round.
Good writing and good narration and I'd try another one by this author again....more
This is my first Irina Shapiro novel but definitely not my last! She is a captivating writer! I listened to the audio and the great Imogen Church hitsThis is my first Irina Shapiro novel but definitely not my last! She is a captivating writer! I listened to the audio and the great Imogen Church hits this one out of the park!! I was totally mesmerized and invested in this story from the first to the last page. Church's different tones and exclamations and slower pace made this ever so entertaining. I thought it was a perfect narration ...more
Really enjoyed my first Sue Fortin book! She certainly kept me guessing!
Siobhan is married with a teenaged daughter and living in England. She and herReally enjoyed my first Sue Fortin book! She certainly kept me guessing!
Siobhan is married with a teenaged daughter and living in England. She and her husband are originally from Ireland and visit from time to time. On one fateful visit back Siobhan is having drinks with her two sisters, Kathleen and Corin at the local pub. A verbal disagreement erupts among the sisters and on that same night Kathleen goes missing. The police finally rule that Kathleen has just run away from her life (leaving behind a husband and teenaged son.) Six months later Siobhan is now back at home in England. She receives a mysterious call about her sister's purse being found and returns to Ireland with her daughter to try to piece together what really happened to Kathleen.
I really enjoyed the Irish setting ☘️ and family dynamics. This story has many facets to it and I more or less went in blind. I'd suggest not to read too many reviews that might reveal too much about it. I liked the fact that I could not piece together exactly what happened and loved the way it was revealed in the story. I'll be on the lookout for more Sue Fortin books!
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for granting me access to this Advance Reader Copy.
What an exciting story! It's an Australian setting and the narrator did a wonderful job! I was captivated and swept into the story from the start. A pWhat an exciting story! It's an Australian setting and the narrator did a wonderful job! I was captivated and swept into the story from the start. A psychologist who just might be getting too close to some of her patients. This is an Audible Original and is a freebie for subscribers.
A relatively short book that runs 6 hours 20 mins. Very satisfying. Highly recommend....more
This is my first time reading this author. Her writing is good and that premise was intriguing.
Jade, is flying to Spain. She may or may not have just This is my first time reading this author. Her writing is good and that premise was intriguing.
Jade, is flying to Spain. She may or may not have just won the lottery. She's hoping to have a great time on vacation and she's brought along her trusty new book, "How to live like a Millionaire." She meets a guy on the flight. He may or may not just be her dream man. He whisks her away to his luxurious villa and there she meets the housekeeper, Marta.
The story is told through Jade and Marta's point of view. I found Jade's story to be a little too drawn out. Once Marta's POV began I did enjoy this one a little more. It does have some twists and turns and a surprising ending. I did not much like the characters so that may have had an impact on my enjoyment of this.
It's a slow build but still a pretty entertaining one. I'd read something else by this author again.
I'd like to kindly thank NetGalley and Boldwood Books for granting me access to this Advanced Reader Copy....more
It looks like I'm in Outlier land with this one! It's been getting a lot of high ratings and I was really anticipating it.
I listened to the audio and It looks like I'm in Outlier land with this one! It's been getting a lot of high ratings and I was really anticipating it.
I listened to the audio and the narration is top-notch. In the beginning I was really captivated by the story. I was trying to figure out just what Evie was up to and what was going to happen with her and Ryan. It was going pretty well and then the flashbacks to Evie's other jobs started to happen. I did not enjoy those at all. I understand where the author was going adding in the back history but I think they were confusing. Then James and Lucca appeared in the story and I thought, "Oh yeah now this is getting good!" Then BAM! They were gone and the story took a nosedive. I really couldn't wait to finish it.
I do think with the right amount of tweaking this could work well as a limited series perhaps on Netflix. I'd watch it. For me this book had great potential but just ended up being ok. Nothing special for me and I don't get the hype ...more
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