12.31.2022 - The House Guest

Many thanks to NetGalley, Macmillan Tor/Forge, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by Hank Phillippi Ryan and wonderfully narrated by Stephanie Willing - 5 twisty stars!

Alyssa Macallan is feeling depressed - her wealthy husband has left her and she fears that he is plotting against her in the divorce proceedings.  She stops in at a random hotel bar for a drink where she meets Bree, also in fear of a man; in this case, an abusive ex-boyfriend.  The two commiserate and Alyssa invites Bree to stay in her guest house.  Alyssa finally feels less alone and has someone to confide in.  Then the FBI show up at the door and everything changes.

This is the ultimate cat-and-mouse thriller - my head was spinning with all the twists and trying to decide who was trustworthy and who wasn't.  While reading and listening to this book, I did plenty of eye rolling, questioning Alyssa's behavior; however, it was a fast-paced, well-written book that checked all the boxes for me for pure entertainment.  Don't miss this one!

12.30.2022 - The Narrator

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest domestic thriller by KL Slater - 4 stars!

Philippa Roberts is an extremely popular crime fiction writer, the one anticipated to receive a major award.  But on the day of the event, she disappears from public eye and a year later, there are no clues to her disappearance.  Then suddenly a draft from her next novel is found and the publishing world is set to release the book.  They once again hire the voice of all Roberts' audiobooks, Eve, to do the recording.  Eve has been struggling since her husband left her.  She had to move from London back to her mother's house with her young daughter.  When she is offered the narrator position, she has to relocate to London.  Her ex-husband takes advantage of that opportunity and whisks their daughter to his new home with his new wife.  Plus, details in the new book just aren't sitting right with Eve and she begins investigating.

As with all KL Slater's books, this was a twisty thriller that will keep you quickly turning the pages.  Everyone has questionable motives and this will keep you guessing until the end.  I also love books about books and audiobooks - a peek into the publishing world with this one as well.  

12.29.2022 - Those People Next Door

 

Many thanks to Harper Collins UK Audio/HQ for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest thriller by Kia Abdullah, wonderfully narrated by Tania Rodrigues - 5 stars!

Selma and her husband, Bilah, moved into a "better" neighborhood, trying to get their son Zane away from bad influences.   They have high hopes when they are invited to a neighborhood barbecue, but when Selma spots her neighbor, Tom, ripping out her Black Lives Matter banner, tensions between the neighbors quickly escalate.  Soon, things become dangerous.

If you don't have Kia Abdullah as a must-read author, that needs to change.  Her books are always 5 star reads for me and seem to get better all the time.  This is a situation all too common - skirmishes between neighbors - but goes in depth into all the layers involved.  There are a lot of relevant topics too - tolerance, racism, classism, protecting our families.  Plus, society seems to be very sensitive and on the lookout for any perceived slights, so that things can be misinterpreted easily.  I loved the twists but hated to see this book come to an end.  Another book from this author that you won't be able to put down - the narration on this one was perfect as well.

12.27.2022 - Exiles

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest chapter in the Aaron Falk police procedural series by the wonderful Jane Harper, perfectly narrated by Stephen Shanahan 5 stars!  You must read the first two in this series but this would also work as a stand alone.

One year ago at an Australian festival, Kim Gillespie's new baby is found in her stroller but Kim is nowhere to be found.  There were no clues and no witnesses.  Kim's family - husband Rohan, ex-husband Charlie and their teenage daughter, Zara - are desperate to find answers.  As everyone meets for a delayed christening, Melbourne Police Detective Falk gets drawn into the investigation.  

I love this series and was so excited to fall back into this world, especially listening to the audiobook and that Australian accent!  Typical of these books, they are very character driven and we see Falk's personal life more in this book.  There are multiple mysteries to solve here, and Harper is masterful at connecting all the dots for the reader by the end.  Highly recommended series - this was supposed to be a trilogy but fingers crossed for more!

12.26.2022 - The Blackhouse

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the sophomore novel by Carole Johnstone - 4.5 creepy stars rounded up!

Maggie MacKay has been told that she is special all her life by her mother, who claimed psychic abilities and saw them in her daughter as well.  When they visited a remote coastal village in Scotland when Maggie was very small, Maggie claimed that she was Andrew MacNeil and he had been murdered there.  This of course caused an uproar of media attention and caused Maggie to feel differently about herself as well.  As an adult, Maggie feels the pull to go back to the village to see what she can find out, but she doesn't get a warm response from the locals.  Soon she's scared and questioning everything.

This is a slow book, especially in the beginning, as it alternates chapters between Maggie in the present day and a man named Robert in the past.  The atmosphere is creepy and definitely a huge element in this story, along with myths and superstitions.  But once I got into it, I found that I couldn't put it down.  There's lots to sort out here, with many different locals to keep track of, but it's worth the effort!  Also plenty of topics - community, family,  mental health, and trying to figure out who you are.  Great read!

12.24.2022 - You Should Have Told Me

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam/GP Putnam Sons for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Leah Konen - 5 stars!

anie is struggling with new motherhood and relying heavily on her husband, Max, to help out.  When he disappears one night, she is beside herself with worry.  He was the perfect dad - why would he leave?  Max's parents and best friend don't see as concerned as she is.  Then when it's discovered that a local woman has been murdered and Max is a potential suspect, Janie wonders if she ever knew him.  

What a great book on so many levels.  It's a twisty thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat trying to figure it all out.  Both Janie and Max are keeping secrets and Janie worries that what she confessed to Max right before he left is the cause of his disappearance.  It's also a look at the other side of motherhood - when postpartum depression hits and nothing feels right.  This is such an unexplored subject - you just have to look at Pinterest or social media to see how motherhood is "supposed to be."  If your life doesn't look like that, you are shamed both internally and externally.  We as women need to be kinder to each other and - as the Publishers Weekly review of this book showed - change the view of women "histrionics."   Maddening.  Definitely a must read book!

12.23.2022 - Maame

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful debut novel by Jessica George, beautifully narrated by Heather Agyepong - 5 stars!

Maddie is known as Maame to her family, which in Twi means woman.  Maddie's place in her family is underlined by that meaning because she's had to take charge of her father, disabled by Parkinson's disease, both physically and financially.  Her older brother, James, is too busy living his own life, and their mother mostly lives in Ghana.  So while Maddie went to university, she has always lived at home taking care of everyone.  When her mother moves back home, Maddie finally gets the courage to move out.  But when tragedy strikes, Maddie is left trying to pick up all the pieces of her life.

This was a fabulous novel, made more wonderful by the beautiful narration.  I could not stop listening to the narrator's beautiful voice!  There is so much here to love - Maddie is a wonderful, naive character trying to do right by her family, feeling guilty yet trying to come into her own life a little as well.  It's a story of grief, trust, family dynamics, mental health, racism, navigating love and friendship.  One of my absolute favorite parts is that Maddie consults google as she tries to learn how to be in this world and stand up for herself.  There are serious subjects here but they are dealt with humor and truth.  This would be a great book club selection.  I fell in love with Maddie and this book - can't wait to read more from this author!  A must read!

12.21.2022 - The House in the Pines

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Dutton for gifting me a digital ARC of this debut novel by Ana Reyes - 4 stars!

When Maya was a senior in high school, ready to head off to Boston University on a well-earned scholarship, she watched her best friend die in front of her.  Aubrey was sitting across the table from Frank, an older man that Maya was infatuated with, when she just keeled over.  Seven years later, Maya is struggling - she's trying to get off a prescription medicine that she was given to cope with Aubrey's death.  Maya comes across an online video of another woman who dies just like Aubrey did, sitting across the table from Frank.  She becomes obsessed with trying to figure out what happened to these women, so she heads back home with her mom.

This was a creepy feeling, kind of mystical book that I very much enjoyed.  The story goes back and forth between Maya and Aubrey when they were younger and the present time, so that we get the back story as Maya is trying to solve the mystery of these women's deaths.  There's also the thread of an unfinished story written by Maya's father, who died in Guatemala before she was born.  An intriguing debut - I'm anxious to read more from this author!

12.20.2022 - One Last Secret

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Publishing/MIRA Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by the talented Adele Parks - 4 stars!

Dora is a high-class escort who is ready to leave that world behind for Evan, a close friend who knows what she does and still wants to marry her.  When Evan goes out of town on business, Dora decides to take one last job without telling him.  A client, Daniel, needs an escort at a weekend at a chateau in France - no strings attached.  But things don't go as planned.

As with all Adele Parks' books, you are in for a page-turner with lots of twists.  This one was full of tense moments and I really felt for Dora, even when I was wishing she would make better choices.  Midway through the book, we go back in time to Dora's past, giving more clarity into her world.  And that ending was quite a surprise!

12.17.2022 - What Lies in the Woods

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful mystery/thriller by Kate Alice Marshall, perfectly narrated by the amazing Karissa Vacker - 5 stars!

Three young girls played their made-up Goddess Game in the woods near their homes.  But then Naomi was stabbed 17 times and lived to help identify their attacker.  The girls' testimony put away a serial killer wanted for the murders of 6 women.  But they lied.  When the killer dies in prison, Naomi goes back to her hometown to meet with Olivia and Cass.  The secrets they hold are becoming too much to bear.

Wow - this was a great mystery and I did not see that ending coming!  I really felt for Naomi - she was so strong, refused to hide her facial scars, yet lived in fear and mistrust.  A podcaster, Ethan, comes to town and tries to talk Naomi into an interview.  Then there are all those secrets.  This was a well-constructed, multi-layer mystery that I couldn't stop listening to, especially when the talented Karissa Vacker was doing the narrating.  I can't wait to read more from this author - highly recommended!

12.15.2022

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest suspense novel by a favorite, Kaira Rouda - 4 stars!

Jody Asher is the perfect political wife to her husband Martin, who has been a congressman for 15 terms.  While he didn't have the ambitions that Jody did, life was good.  Until Martin's behaviors caught up with him right before their daughter's society wedding.  When Martin dies, Jody takes matters into her own hands.

This is a different book from Rouda - not quite edge-of-your-seat suspense, but more of an interesting look into politics and people who will do anything for power and prestige in a city where that's all that matters.  Told from different perspectives of the major players, we were privy to all the behind the scenes deceit.  I loved the messages between chapters from Jody and others, giving hints to newcomers to the DC political arena.  And Rouda knows whereof she speaks - her husband was a congressman.  This book has short chapters, dark humor, and lots of backstabbing!

12.14.2022 - Locust Lane

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this   mystery by Stephen Amidon and wonderfully narrated by Cassandra Campbell - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Eden is found dead in a wealthy neighborhood where that kind of thing never happens.  The three teenagers that were the last to see her are all questioned for her murder, and their parents quickly close ranks.  We also hear from Patrick, an alcoholic struggling since his own daughter's death, and Danielle, Eden's mother.  

This was a fabulous mystery - the author was skillful in setting up an atmosphere of wealth and privilege where opinions are more important than facts, and parents will do anything to protect their children.  But besides the murder mystery, I loved that we got to delve into the background of the characters, including the parents, to learn  more about why they behaved the way they did.  Everyone is keeping secrets that they are desperate to keep hidden.  I also liked that the ending was somewhat left open, leaving you lots to think about.  Cassandra Campbell did a great job at voicing all these different characters and I found myself listening to the audiobook more than reading the digital copy.  Highly recommended!

12.13.2022 - A Mother Would Know

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin/Mira Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this twisty tale by Amber Garza - 4 stars!

Valerie lives by herself in a big Victorian mansion that she is sure is also occupied by a ghost child.  She has a fragile relationship with both of her children, Kendra and Hudson, but when she starts having memory issues, Hudson moves home.  It's not quite the perfect reconciliation because Hudson is secretive, moody, and rarely home.  When a young woman is found dead nearby, Hudson's past comes into play and he's the first person suspected to be responsible.  But a mother would know, right?

I thought this was a really good read and one that had enough twists that you won't see coming.  It's an intriguing look into motherhood, the impact our choices make on our children, and how we view them and their actions.  Told basically from Valerie's view, there are some glimpses into the past from another character that kind of took some time to figure out the switch, but were quite illuminating once things became more clear.  The final twist at the end was unexpected!

12.12.2022 - All the Dangerous Things

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest thriller by Stacy Willingham, author of the wonderful book, A Flicker in the Dark.  This audiobook was narrated by the amazing Karissa Vacker, which made it all the better - 5 stars!

Isabelle Drake's life was changed forever one year ago when her toddler son, Mason, was taken from their home in the middle of the night and never found.  Isabelle hasn't slept much since.  She has a wall of suspects and leads, and has even resorted to speaking at true crime conventions to try and gather more interest and hope.  When a man approaches her about participating in a podcast to help solve the crime, after first hesitating, she eventually decides to participate.  But his questioning is starting to make Isabelle question everything else.

I loved this book and listening to Karissa Vacker narrate it was even better.  Because of her insomnia, Isabelle is left questioning her own motives as well as those of everyone else - and you'll have the same doubts.  I enjoyed the alternating chapters of the present with Isabelle's past - she has a history of sleepwalking and we learn what issues this caused as a child.  The twists and turns were unexpected and I couldn't stop listening to this one.  Willingham's sophomore book is even better than her first so I can't wait for more to come!

12.11.2022 - The Villa

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martins Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by Rachel Hawkins, wonderfully narrated by Julia Whelan; Kimberly M. Wetherell; Shiromi Arserio - 4 stars!

Emily and Chess were best friends when they were young but that friendship fell apart.  Now in their 30s, Chess proposes a trip to Italy and Emily is anxious to reconnect and possibly break her writer's block.  The villa is now an exclusive rental home but in the 1970s it was rented for the summer by a notorious rock star, Noel Gordon.  Noel invites an upcoming musician, Pierce, his girlfriend, Mari, and her stepsister, Lara, to join him.  It was a notorious time - Mari writes a famous horror novel, Lara composes a platinum album, and Pierce is murdered.  Emily is enthralled with the house's history - because houses remember - but her investigations bring up more trouble.

This was an intriguing story, told in dual timelines by various narrators, and was kind of a story in a story book.  The villa added to the atmospheric tension, and was inspired by many real life groups and murders.  There is a lot going on here but the multiple narrators really helped me keep track of people and timelines.  Another good suspense thriller by Rachel Hawkins!

12.10.2022 - The Vibrant Years

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Mindy's Book Studio for granting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Sonali Dev, the first book selection by Mindy Kaling - 5 stars!

Bindu inherits a million dollars and the 65-year-old decides to move into an expensive retirement community in Florida, leaving the home of Aly, her ex-daughter-in-law, whom she has been living with for decades.  Aly is crushed but also dealing with work disappointments, as she is passed over for on-air journalism assignments at the TV station where she works.  Aly's daughter, Cullie, living in California, and fighting for the integrity of the wellness app she created.  She pitches a new app idea to the company as a negotiation tactic - they love it, but Cullie hasn't even started developing this new dating app.  When Cullie is called back to Florida after an incident with Bindu, she enlists her mom and grandmother in helping her.

At its heart, this is just a wonderful story of love between these three generations of strong Indian women.  It's figuring out what they want their life to look like, and how to make that happen.  It's about the issues of sexism, racism, agism.  I loved each of these characters in different ways - this book will have you laughing and cheering them on!  This would be a great book club selection.

12.8.2022 - So Long, Chester Wheeler

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Catherine Ryan Hyde - 5 stars!

Lewis just lost his job, his boyfriend, and roommate and is desperate for money when he is talked into providing end-of-life care for his homophobic, grumpy old neighbor, Chester - a situation that neither is happy about.  But the two slowly come together and when Chester asks Lewis for his dying wish, the two set out on a road trip in Chester's old Winnebago.  

You know exactly what you will get when you read one of Catherine Ryan Hyde's novels - a book that will make you think, touch all your emotions, and hopefully come out a little better person.  This one was definitely no exception - the characters were amazing and as I am currently caring for my elderly mom, I found myself highlighting passages to keep in mind.  Highly recommended!

12.6.2022 - The Key to My Heart

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Lia Louis. 5 stars for a must read romantic book.  If you haven't read Eight Perfect Hours and Dear Emmie Blue by this author, stop and do that immediately! These books have cemented Lia Louis as a must-read author for me.

Natalie was living her dreams - happily married to Russ they just bought a cottage to fix up, her music career ready to explode.  Then it all came to a literal crash when Russ dies and her best friend and partner, Edie, shares a secret.  Over two years later, Natalie is still mired in all those hurt feelings.  But when someone starts leaving sheet music in a train station piano bench where she sometimes plays, she starts to feel a hint of hope and excitement.

This is a wonderfully written story that will pull at all your feelings but will give you hope after grief and loss.  I loved all the characters and you will feel for each of them as they navigate life.  I especially loved the ending - don't miss this one!

12.6.2022 - The Angel Maker

 

Many thanks to Celadon Books and Bookish First for gifting me a physical ARC of the latest thriller by Alex North, a must-read author for me - 5 stars!

Katie Shaw was a happy teenager on the cusp of her new life, except she chaffed under her parents' pressure to be in charge of her younger brother, Chris.  But the one day she didn't walk Chris home from school, the unspeakable happened.  Now married and with a young daughter, Katie still struggles with the guilt and the fear of something similar happening again.  So when her mother calls that Chris has gone missing, she knows she needs to help him.  Meanwhile, Detective Laurence Page is investigating a gruesome crime of a former psychology professor who believed in fate over free will and who is rumored to have been able to see the future.

This was another novel by Alex North that you will not be able to put down and, dare I say it, but I think this is my favorite.  There's a lot going on here but I loved going along on this ride of trying to figure out all the trails.  There's the palpable guilt that Katie feels and how it has formed her life, as well as Chris' trauma totally changing his.  Plus, the concept of an all-knowing God who can see the past, present and future and, therefore, all is destined is an intriguing plot twist here.  This would be a great book club book as well as being a gripping, tense thriller.  Don't miss this one when it comes out in February of 2023!

12.4.2022 - Drinking Games

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this memoir by Sarah Levy - 5 stars!  I started reading the digital copy but switched to the audio because the author narrated it - love listening to an author tell her own story.

Sarah Levy was 28, living in NYC, and was an alcoholic even though she wouldn't have given herself that label.  She was like many millennials feeling that she always had to be on her best game, in real life and in social media, and couldn't imagine navigating life without alcohol.  Until too many blackout incidents made her take a hard look at her life.

This was a look into Sarah's experience with alcohol and it was honest and real.  But it was never preachy - Sarah told her story before and after alcohol and how life looks now.  It's a tale for anyone with an addiction or even a drive to constantly be bigger and better instead of living.  Add to all that, it was a well-written, intriguing story and tough to put down.  Highly recommended!

12.1.2022 - We Knew All Along

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Mina Hardy - 4.5 stars!

When Jewelann attends her class reunion, she wants only to make her crush, Christian Campbell, realize what he lost.  She ends up in a hotel room with him and two of her sort-of friends from school, hoping to hurt Christian like he was hurt.  Shortly afterwards, Christian shows up in her life again - this time, invited to live in their carriage house by her husband, Ken.  Jewelann is struggling to keep all her secrets away from her husband and son, only to find everyone is keeping secrets.

While parts of this were over the top, it was a very entertaining ride along the way, especially all those twists!  I thought it was well-written and suspenseful and the story kept me turning the pages as quickly as possible to see how it would all end up.  The half star is because the story was set in Dayton, Ohio, near where I grew up - it was fun to see familiar places show up here!