ATTENTION FELLOW TWISTED PLOT LOVERS: Run to the bookstore, library or Audible when this little gem is released on JULY 1, 2017. NOFIVE EXCITING STARS
ATTENTION FELLOW TWISTED PLOT LOVERS: Run to the bookstore, library or Audible when this little gem is released on JULY 1, 2017. NO EXIT by Taylor Adams is your magic carpet ride out of a sweltering summer and into a snowy hell.
A kidnapped little girl locked in a stranger's van. No help for miles. What would you do?
Darby Thorne is a college student stranded by a blizzard at a highway rest stop in the middle of nowhere. She’s on the way home to see her sick mother. She’ll have to spend the night in the rest stop with four complete strangers. Then she stumbles across a little girl locked inside one of their parked cars. There is no cell phone reception, no telephone, no way out because of the snow, and BEST OF ALL---she doesn’t know which one of the other travelers is the kidnapper.
The very first twist left me breathless, and trust me, that's not the only bolt out of the blue. The uneasy suspense builds page after page until all the characters have gone off the deep end and completely off course. Darby Thorne is the reluctant leader of a child rescue attempt. I identified with her from the start, she cares about others-but she hates to get involved, you know? She is forced to overcome the reservations she originally carried and goes full throttle until the shocking climax of the story. Don't miss the Epilogue!
I cannot wait to see a movie version of this book. It's got humor, suspense and a straight forward narrative. Hey Hollywood! Here's the perfect script, we all need more escapist diversions from our boring lives (tee-hee). Please please make NO EXIT into a movie, thank you very much.
Update: I read and wrote this review in June 2017- I can't remember how I received the galley ☹️For unknown reasons, it looks like this little gem is just now widely published. Happy reading!
Merged review:
FIVE EXCITING STARS
ATTENTION FELLOW TWISTED PLOT LOVERS: Run to the bookstore, library or Audible when this little gem is released on JULY 1, 2017. NO EXIT by Taylor Adams is your magic carpet ride out of a sweltering summer and into a snowy hell.
A kidnapped little girl locked in a stranger's van. No help for miles. What would you do?
Darby Thorne is a college student stranded by a blizzard at a highway rest stop in the middle of nowhere. She’s on the way home to see her sick mother. She’ll have to spend the night in the rest stop with four complete strangers. Then she stumbles across a little girl locked inside one of their parked cars. There is no cell phone reception, no telephone, no way out because of the snow, and BEST OF ALL---she doesn’t know which one of the other travelers is the kidnapper.
The very first twist left me breathless, and trust me, that's not the only bolt out of the blue. The uneasy suspense builds page after page until all the characters have gone off the deep end and completely off course. Darby Thorne is the reluctant leader of a child rescue attempt. I identified with her from the start, she cares about others-but she hates to get involved, you know? She is forced to overcome the reservations she originally carried and goes full throttle until the shocking climax of the story. Don't miss the Epilogue!
I cannot wait to see a movie version of this book. It's got humor, suspense and a straight forward narrative. Hey Hollywood! Here's the perfect script, we all need more escapist diversions from our boring lives (tee-hee). Please please make NO EXIT into a movie, thank you very much.
Update: I read and wrote this review in June 2017- I can't remember how I received the galley ☹️For unknown reasons, it looks like this little gem is just now widely published. Happy reading!...more
I'm in a mood lately. A mood for unusual books and this one definitely fits the order. Maybe a little too well, 'cuz I don't underTHREE PUZZLING STARS
I'm in a mood lately. A mood for unusual books and this one definitely fits the order. Maybe a little too well, 'cuz I don't understand the ending! I know Iain Reid is all about the vague, unsaid mystery, but c'mon man! I need another hint.
I feel like I get the whole Iain Reid vibe and I love it--loved Foe!
SO....my thoughts are a little different than most of the enthusiastic reviews for The Escape Room
I listened to the audio for as long as I THREE STARS
SO....my thoughts are a little different than most of the enthusiastic reviews for The Escape Room
I listened to the audio for as long as I could stand it. No, it's not what you're thinking, the narrator/actress is pitch perfect for the book and I thought she was terrific. But, the story felt so long and SLOW and dare I say....boring? Yes, the main sleazeballs are stuck in an elevator for 30 plus hours, but most of the narrative revolves around the world of high finance--Wall Street banking at its finest and scumbaggiest (made-up word).
After chucking the audio, I turned to my precious baby named Kindle. I liked The Escape Room so much better then ... I could skim along at a fast clip!
I do understand why tons of readers have enjoyed this one! Corporate shenanigans, ruthless Gordan Gekko types and a sense of entitlement and greed rule the characterizations in the novel.
Megan Goldin tries to give us deep glimpses into the characters' lives, but in my opinion, she fails. It is all stereotype; superficial stuff and I simply could not generate any sympathetic feeling at all for any of the cardboard people, even the main character. To be honest, I was hoping EVERYONE would die by the time I finished. Which, by the way, was almost 20 days for me. A new low in novel speed reading.
The ending is super-satisfying, but I dare you to keep your eyes from rolling every minute of the last couple of chapters.
This sounds like I hated the book, but in its defense: it held my attention (intermittently), the ending is fun and overall, I liked it enough for three stars....more
Apparently, Foe is not on anyone's radar, I went to my Overdrive app and immediately found a copy to download. Aaaarrgghh- this book is so far superior to most of the crap out there!! I think everyone should read it and dissect it and marvel at the simple complexity of the story.
“Habitual, comfortable activity is the worst kind of prison, because the bars are concealed.” ― Iain Reid, Foe
It is the perfect novel for anyone's book club. Yes, I just said that. Trust me. Everyone will have a different opinion and you can discuss the ending alone for hours.
Foe is set in the near future, always my favorite time period for novels. The entire story takes place on an isolated farm smack dab in the middle of giant, genetically enhanced canola fields. Hen and Junior have been married just a few years when a stranger pulls into their driveway one night. He has exciting news for Junior. News that will alter his quiet life on the farm forever. He and Hen will never be the same. Or, will they?
That's all you need to know, the less you read about this short little book beforehand, the more surprising and memorable your experience will be! And it is an experience.
Iain Reid writes in a beautiful, spare prose that immediately connects to your inner reading goddess and you will not be able to look up from the page. I swear (and I never swear) I felt hypnotized as I swallowed up every sentence as fast as I could. I read it in a matter of hours. So lovely. Urgent. Thoughtful. Sinister.
A modern classic meant to be treasured and re-read over time. ...more
Apparently I had this gem on hold and one day ALL of my OVERDRIVE holds came to life! Yes, seven amazing little audio books to consume in THREE STARS
Apparently I had this gem on hold and one day ALL of my OVERDRIVE holds came to life! Yes, seven amazing little audio books to consume in 21 days. I buckled myself up and started in on them--I can do it, I can do it !!
In a very remote universe, The Need could be distantly related to The Vegetarian. It is strange, haunting and weird. LOL. How's that for a review?
Definitely targeted for new mommies feeling overwhelmed with all the responsibilities of life.
Of course, this audience really has ZERO time to be reading psyche thrillers, so I don't know what to say. Except this, I liked it/I hated it. I can't give away the plot because that's what will keep you reading.
I doubt I would ever have come across (much less read) this tender little gem of a book. Many, many thanks to Soft Skull Press for FIVE CHARMING STARS
I doubt I would ever have come across (much less read) this tender little gem of a book. Many, many thanks to Soft Skull Press for sending me a copy to review! I loved Nunez's National Book Award winner The Friend and I love this one even more.
“…Sigrid Nunez still views writing the way Edna O’Brien characterized it, as a lifelong vocation akin to being a nun or a priest.” – NY Times
Much like Nunez herself, the Woolfs devoted themselves to writing. They were unable to have children and were prone to adopting all kinds of pets, relatives, friends and fellow writers. Their pets were treated as dear family members and they took them on travels all over Europe. This included a tiny marmoset named Mitz.
Nunez has said that Mitz The Marmoset of Bloomsbury is 90% non-fiction. It is an intimate look at the personal world of Virginia and Leonard Woolf, as seen through the eyes of their pet monkey. But, don't take that the wrong way, because it isn't a silly book.
Mitz was hopelessly in love with Leonard and more than a bit jealous of Virginia. I fell in love, myself, with Mitz while reading of her adventures. Her walkabouts tucked into Leonard's pocket, Mitz carefully grooming the pet spaniel, ahhh she was precious! ( And, unfortunately, really messy according to some friends).
Nunez went through countless letters and journals from the Woolfs and developed a seemingly authentic account of the writers’ lives.
The stories combine into a glimpse of Leonard’s frailty, Virginia’s impending madness and the intense love they felt for one another. The world events that shaped their lives are ever present.
I was fascinated and charmed by this book. The words have an authentic feel, a spare, confessional style.
For fans of Virginia Woolf, The Bloomsbury group. And especially if you loved The Friend, you will fall in love with this tiny, powerful story. Set for a new paperback release soon....more
Shannon Kirk is one of my favorite psychological suspense authors. Fairly new to the arena, she has published three novels so far. I FOUR STARS Audio
Shannon Kirk is one of my favorite psychological suspense authors. Fairly new to the arena, she has published three novels so far. I was overly obsessed with her last two books: Gretchen: A Thriller and In the Vines. I absolutely had to go back and catch Method 15/33- her debut novel.
Shannon Kirk can tell a story like no one else. This novel is written in first person (the best way for creating tension!!) and is told from two perspectives. We hear, of course, from our protagonist, a pregnant teen ripped from a street corner and held prisoner by some evil captors. We also hear from the FBI agent who is trying to track down the kidnapped girl.
Don't be lulled into thinking that this is your same old "girl taken by bad guy" scenario. Nope. These bad guys had no idea what was in store for them. They messed with the wrong muchacha! She is whip smart, genetically blessed and a borderline sociopath. I loved this character!
It was fun to go back and read Kirk's first novel with her last two freshly in my mind. Kind of like cheating to get some perfect hindsight or something. You can just imagine those baby seeds of Gretchen and Lucy within the main character here. And, wow!-those intense visuals from In the Vines are on full display in Kirk's first novel as well.
Method 15/33 is a solid, compelling drama that reads super fast and features a kick-ass heroine to root for! Also, WHAT AN ENDING🙌
I used an Audible credit for this one. The female narrator was terrific, the male one playing the FBI agent--meh...I got used to him, though. ...more
After accidentally "discovering" Peter Heller by reading his latest, The River, I knew I needed to read more Heller.
As my holds trickle in oFOUR STARS
After accidentally "discovering" Peter Heller by reading his latest, The River, I knew I needed to read more Heller.
As my holds trickle in on Overdrive, I plan to read all of Heller's novels. Sometimes you just connect with an author's style and I definitely connect to Heller's beautiful way of weaving his words. Like The River, Celine is first and foremost a character driven book with a generous dose of gorgeous nature passages, featuring in this case, Yellowstone National Park and the state of Montana.
There is a mystery to be solved, but it is almost secondary to the narrative. You just can't rush Heller. His naturally flowing, unhurried style is meant to be relished.
Celine features one of the most charming main characters I've read in months. Celine herself is fascinating, wise and witty. An artist in her late sixties, she is also a private detective.(LIFE GOALS) Celine specializes in putting families back together and does quite well at her job.
Her partner, Pete, is a curmudgeon only Celine could love... and love she does. Their quiet banter back and forth, the way they so comfortably take care of one another through serious predicaments, is one of my favorite parts of the book. (RELATIONSHIP GOALS)
“There might not be a measure of happiness left in a life, but there could be beauty and grace and endless love.” ― Peter Heller, Celine
The audio version is outstanding. Despite some long-ish passages on Celine's childhood, I still loved this book.
“…Mag, I hope this isn’t weird, and I truly mean it as a huge compliment, but I think you’re a Jenny too. Maybe even the truestFOUR ENTERTAINING STARS
“…Mag, I hope this isn’t weird, and I truly mean it as a huge compliment, but I think you’re a Jenny too. Maybe even the truest Jenny.”
Are you a Gretchen or a Jenny? Sometimes a Gretchen can BE a Jenny. And vice versa. Got that?
Shannon Kirk is an outstanding writer. She cleverly weaves together a mirrored double plot line that has the reader climbing a ladder of suspense. You had best hold onto tight to each rung because when you reach the top, watch out!!! You’re about to be pushed off that ladder into a climactic scene I still can’t get my head around.
I had a difficult time rating Gretchen: A Thriller. For 75% of the book, I was 120% invested. LOVED IT. We have an astute and insightful main character, 15-yr old Lucy, who is on the run with her mom. Her father tried to abduct her when she was a baby and now that mom is in charge, she is not about to let that happen again. So, they run. And move towns a lot. Eventually, Lucy meets Gretchen. Gretchen is a weird kid with personality to spare. I loved everything about needy little Gretchen until I didn’t.
Okay, now about that last 25% of the novel. I admit to some eye-rolling and skimming some long passages about bones. Yes, bones. (By the end of the book, you will never look at lemons, jig saw puzzles or skeletons the same ever again!) I just wasn’t crazy about the direction Kirk took with the narrative. Despite some convincing writing, it was a tough sell on this psychological suspense fan. And I knocked off a whole star for the absurdness of it all.
I got over it. As that great American poet, Cardi B, says, OKURRRRRR!
The ending is INSANE and scary! Pure horror and a bit supernatural. It helps me put it into perspective and look at it like a Stephen King paperback. Gretchen could actually be a sister to King’s creepy Carrie.
I promise you will be entertained and isn’t that what we’re all looking for with a summer read?
Thanks to the author for allowing me to read and review an advanced galley. All opinions are mine! Gretchen is set for a July 2019 publication date....more
Well. No reason to read any more books this year. This is it. My favorite of 2019.
While I tend to devour the psychological suFIVE UNPUTDOWNABLE STARS
Well. No reason to read any more books this year. This is it. My favorite of 2019.
While I tend to devour the psychological suspense novels, I also love a good and messy family drama novel. Ask Again, Yes is a character driven family saga covering almost three generations from Ireland to contemporary New York state.
The story revolves around two couples living as neighbors, but not really as friends. There is something a little cold about one of the wives and even though the men work as cops together, the families never hit it off. Over the years, one child from each family becomes very close with the other, and at the age of fourteen, this couple realizes they may even love each other. But then, a tragic incident. Their friendship and love for each other is put to the test many times in the years that follow for our young lovebirds.
However, this is so much more than a run of the mill Romeo and Juliet story.
Mary Beth Keane is a remarkable and gifted writer. She writes with empathy and concern for all her fictional characters. She cares about them. And, so will you. She seamlessly weaves in alcoholism, mental illness, parental obligations and marriage…so very carefully woven together, the problems sneak up on the reader just as they tend to do in real life.
Heartbreaking at times-never sentimental, uplifting other times, Ask Again, Yes is one of those books you will always remember reading. I am putting it up there with my all-time fave The Poisonwood Bible.
The 🎧audio🎧 is perfection—I listened to this book constantly for two days. It is an unforgettable story!...more
PUHLEEZE. Just because you have a "quirky" character with OCD issues, you don't have to declare your novel the next Eleanor Oliphant IONE WANNABE STAR
PUHLEEZE. Just because you have a "quirky" character with OCD issues, you don't have to declare your novel the next Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine!! This is a wannabe and falls way short of Eleanor. That book had such a heartwarming feel to it whereas Valencia and Valentine has a pronounced sad and depressing tone.
This novel is a structural mess and totally confusing to the reader. You will eventually understand what the writer is trying to do (create a gotcha reveal), but it is an epic fail. Waaaaaahhhhh!
So sorry to bear such bad news, don't waste your money.
I was able to read this via the Amazon Kindle First Look program. I think I chose badly....more
Poor Phoebe Miller. She’s in a bit of a life slump right now. Oh, she’s still filthy rich, but she is on the other side of 30 and the FIVE SOLID STARS
Poor Phoebe Miller. She’s in a bit of a life slump right now. Oh, she’s still filthy rich, but she is on the other side of 30 and the pounds are creeping on while the once gorgeous face is fading. Her late father has been exposed as a nasty creep and she would rather hide out in her mansion with her expensive wine and plenty of Haagen-Daz than venture out to the shops where she will be recognized.
She has a sappy husband, no friends or family. Phoebe is lonely. Her interest is piqued when she notices new neighbors moving in across the street. Hmmm, an arguing couple with a gorgeous college-age son. Also, what the heck? There is often a little blue car manned and stationed within spying distance of her house. These two events keep Phoebe busy behind her own blinds peeping out. It took a while to get to a dead body in this story, but when it happened—I was shocked! Believe me, you don’t want to take your attention off a page for a minute!
This may sound like the premise of The Woman in the Window, but it is different than that book and, in my little ole opinion,-- remarkably better!
That is all you really need to know to get started. I had absolutely no idea what the book was about (so very few reviews yet!) and I think it is better that way. Addictive and just plain crazy, this novel speaks my language. Mark down this author Allison Dickson, this is her fabulous debut and I cannot wait to see what’s next from her!
The Other Mrs. Miller is set for publication on July 16, 2019. Thanks to Edelweiss for my advanced galley. All opinions are mine....more
I like THE FIRST MISTAKE. I was afraid I wouldn't.
I like it mucho mucho more than The Other Woman and since I gave that one a three star ratFOUR STARS
I like THE FIRST MISTAKE. I was afraid I wouldn't.
I like it mucho mucho more than The Other Woman and since I gave that one a three star rating, it seems only fair to give Jones’s newest novel four big ones.
There are only three main characters in THE FIRST MISTAKE and I love that. We have a wife and husband and wife’s best friend. That’s it. These three characters become so entwined, confused and convoluted--- you can’t even imagine!
While the writing borders on a bit cheesy for me, the characters are fleshed out and the situations are somewhat believable.
Jones really sells this saga in an interesting way. Similar to one of my faves, The Wife Between Us, the first part of the book is told from the wife’s viewpoint and the next part is told from the best friend’s point of view. I have to leave it at that. The fun is in trying to put the puzzle pieces together!
Serious psyche-suspense lovers will likely figure out what is going on a bit early in the book. Bummer. But, it is still a very fun read with its twisty story structure and snappy-fast dialogue. The ending is super-satisfying! That counts a lot in my book.
THE FIRST MISTAKE practically screams summertime read. It's a light story to quickly read and oh, so fun. I’m sure you will be seeing it at the beach, pool and everywhere!
Thanks to Netgalley for allowing me to read and review the advanced galley. This opinion is strictly my own....more
What if you got a call that your child had been kidnapped?
And, in addition to a cash ransom, you are tasked with an unimaginable demand: KiFOUR STARS
What if you got a call that your child had been kidnapped?
And, in addition to a cash ransom, you are tasked with an unimaginable demand: Kidnap someone else’s child now. Of course, you argue and plead NO NO NO!!! You’re not a child abductor! You can’t do to another parent what has just been done to you. It’s impossible. Okay, then we will immediately kill your child. WAIT. I will do it. Anything. I will.
Congratulations, you’ve just unwittingly joined The Chain. They own you now. It is never over. You might get your child back, but they know what you did to get her back and they have the ultimate extortion scheme in place. You will never tell.
Only, this time, The Chain has messed with the wrong mama bear. Rachel, our heroine, is one tough cookie. She is determined to put an end to this chain business.
CRAZY fun to read and Adrian McKinty sells it like hotcakes. The first half of the book is absolute spell-binding stuff! The second half does not read quite as fast, but the story keeps moving at a clip and the most satisfying ending in recent memory is waiting for you.
Not as far-fetched as it sounds, The Chain is actually based on the Mexican concept of exchange kidnappings whereby a family member offers him or herself as a replacement hostage for a more vulnerable kidnap victim. McKinty has a fascinating history himself, I loved reading about his life. https://deadline.com/2019/06/the-chai...
Super-fun and fast-paced, The Chain already had its film rights picked up by Paramount Pictures. I cannot wait to see this story on the big screen!
For all you peeps (like me) that adored Taylor Adams No Exit, I can promise this: you will freakin' love The Chain!
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for the advanced galley! Publication day is July 9, 2019. All opinions are strictly mine....more
Cyrus Haven is a psychologist with a past. He consults with the local police department as they are investigating the murder of a teenage fTHREE STARS
Cyrus Haven is a psychologist with a past. He consults with the local police department as they are investigating the murder of a teenage figure skater. Around this same time, he is brought in to study a young woman, called Evie, who is currently in a juvie hall. Evie has an extremely troubled history and has the unique ability to tell if people are lying or being truthful.
I found the story line initially interesting. I love a good procedural involving a psychologist with a past! Yes! A girl that is a human lie detector! Yes.
Unfortunately, the plot moves at a glacial pace. And is so REPETITIVE. I found myself not wanting to pick it up and finish it. Not a good thing with a suspense thriller. I was not a fan of the ending.
WHAT IS IT WITH THE ICK FACTOR IN THRILLERS THIS YEAR? (And the name Evie?)
I seem to be the outlier on this newest from Michael Robotham. Whatever, check it out for yourself and tell me you were spellbound and entertained. I dare ya.
Thanks so much to Edelweiss for the advanced galley. All opinions are mine!...more
Angie Kim has done the impossible. In one book, she offers something for EVERYONE. If you love to read literary fiction,FIVE MIC-DROP, WALK-AWAY STARS
Angie Kim has done the impossible. In one book, she offers something for EVERYONE. If you love to read literary fiction, mystery, women's issues, immigrant stories, or courtroom dramas--please, do yourself a favor and read MIRACLE CREEK. I will be thinking about this one for a long time.
There are so many themes in this sparkling novel, I don't know where to begin. If you've read Big Little Lies or Everything I Never Told You---then you know what I'm talking about! The family relationships, the secrets and betrayals...mothers and children, guilt, love and sense of duty..all these things are explored in MIRACLE CREEK.
I love the compelling and clever way in which the story is told: from an unfolding trial. BRILLIANT. I wonder why more mysteries aren't told in this manner? The constant thought running in my head: my gosh, this will make a terrific movie!
I also listened to the audio book as I read along with my Kindle. My favorite, lazy way to read anything! The narrator is absolutely amazing--I highly recommend the audio if you are looking for a juicy one to sink in your ears .
Thanks as always to Netgalley and the author for allowing me to read and review the advanced galley. All opinions are strictly mine....more
CALL ME EVIE will have you questioning everything and EVERYONE in this well-written TWISTY thriller!
Set in Australia and New Zealand, the stFOUR STARS
CALL ME EVIE will have you questioning everything and EVERYONE in this well-written TWISTY thriller!
Set in Australia and New Zealand, the story of Evie is different than the usual thriller. “Evie” is 17 years old with a bit of a murky past.
At the beginning of the book, Evie is undergoing a head shaving at the hands of her abductor all the while enduring a raging panic attack. For most of the book, you will be focused on finding out who the kidnapper is and what exactly is going on. Sometimes, Evie seems to care deeply for her abductor, and other times she is plotting her violent escape.
As you, the reader, begin going through the possible abductors (Evie’s dad, boyfriend, her friend’s dad or some rando character!) and focus on what the heck happened to make Evie and her abductor flee from Australia to New Zealand, your mind will change a hundred times before the final REVEAL!
This is a tough one to figure out and I found it very addictive to read....more
j e w e l s
>
Books:
books-bejeweled
(197)
Loading...
