8.30.2023 - The Hike

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam for gifting me a digital ARC of the new thriller by Lucy Clarke - 4.5 stars rounded up!

It's Liz's turn to plan the annual vacation with her best friends, Maggie, Helena and Joni.  She's a doctor, having issues in her marriage, and needs to walk off her stress instead of sit on a beach.  She plans a hiking and camping adventure in the mountains of Norway.  But none of the friends are equipped to deal with the physical demands of the hike, not to mention the stress among themselves, as each are keeping secrets.  But they must stick together to survive - plus they are being followed through the woods.

Told in alternating perspectives, we also know there is a murder and a search.  While beautiful, the wooded and mountainous terrain becomes deadly as well, and feels like another character in this book.  All of the women feel real and relatable, plus the stress of the climb as well as among themselves feels palatable.  This was a tense, atmospheric mystery, with lots of twists that I never saw coming.  I'm a fan of different perspectives with short chapters and Clarke's writing style really kept me engaged and glued to the pages!

8.29.2023 - The Puzzle Master

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me this intriguing book by Danielle Trussing - 4.5 stars!

Mike Brink was a promising high school football star when an injury left him with acquired savant syndrome.  It left him able to solve puzzles in ways that ordinary people can't.  He is called to meet Jess Price, a woman serving 30 years in prison for a murder.  She hasn't spoken a word since her arrest 5 years before.  She reveals a dangerous truth behind her silence and sends Brink into a hunt for the truth as well as an obsession for Jess herself.  At the heart of the mystery is the God Puzzle, an ancient prayer circle created by a 13th century Jewish mystic.  

First, I love books that take place in familiar environments - this one had two; Cleveland and Upstate NY.  Besides that, I love puzzles, although I certainly am no Mike Brink!  But I have to start my day with Wordle and Quordle.  This was a multi-layered book, mystical, mysterious, and takes you from ancient times to today's world.  It also has great characters - I really liked both Mike and Jess.  There's a lot in this book to unpack, but it's a great journey.

8.28.2023 - Good Bad Girl

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest book by a favorite, Alice Feeney, and wonderfully narrated by Katherine Press and Stephanie Racine - 5 stars!

On Mother's Day 20 years ago, a momentary lapse of attention caused Clio's baby girl to disappear and her life to implode.  On Mother's Day in present time, a woman is murdered in a care home and the detective in charge has three suspects - Frankie, who works in a prison library; Patience, an aide at the care home; and Clio, whose mother, Edith, is a resident in the home.  Is anyone telling the truth and how are all these people and crimes connected?

I absolutely adore Alice Feeney's writing style and twisty novels - I had a few gasps in this one that I just never saw coming.  The story is told from these different POVs and timelines, but the chapters are short and I couldn't stop listening to the audiobook.  The author brings all the characters to life and I felt for all of them.  Besides being a twisty tale, I loved all the personal and family drama - who doesn't love a messy family?  Another highly recommended book!

8.27.2023 - Learned by Heart

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown & Company for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest historical fiction novel by a favorite, Emma Donoghue - 4.5 stars rounded up!

In 1805 fourteen-year-old Eliza Raine is a school girl at the Manor School for Young Ladies in York. The daughter of an Indian mother and a British father, Eliza has always been judged by the color of her skin.  She has her own attic room away from the other girls. When a new student arrives, Miss Lister, a tomboy who likes to be known only by her surname, like a boy, they become roommates.  But soon their relationship goes further.  

I love Emma Donoghue's writing and this book is no exception.  Meticulously researched, this is a fictionalized true story of the relationship between these two young women  The rigid atmosphere of the Manor School with all its rules and punishments feels like a character in itself.  Interspersed between chapters are letters written from Eliza to Lister ten years on, when Eliza is in another institution.  You can feel the angst and power of a first love.  There is also much prejudice and classism present, as well as women's roles.  While it felt a tad slow at points, this is another winner from Donoghue!

8.26.2023 - Burn the Negative

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam/GP Putnam Son's for gifting me a digital ARC of this book by Josh Winning - 4 stars!

When journalist Laura Warren arrives in LA to visit the set of a new horror series, she witnesses a man jumping from a bridge, landing right behind her car.  She's filled with dread because this new series is a remake of a 90s horror movie.  One that she starred in as a child and has been on the run from ever since.  Because. the film was cursed.  In the movie, Laura played the young girl with the ability to tell people how the Needle Man would kill them.  Then eight of the cast and crew died in just the ways the movie portrayed.  Now it's happening all over again.

This is a fun homage to horror/slasher films, complete with quotes and mentions of some of those movies.  Plus, chapters were also broken up with other forms of dialogue, which I always like.  It was campy fun, but also had some real-life messages about facing our pasts, parental pressure, past trauma.  Horror/slasher fans will love this one!

8.25.2023 - The Glow

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by Jessie Gaynor - 4 stars!

Jane feels like she has two selves - PR Jane, young and anxious to get ahead in the world of self-care marketing; and Actual Jane, drowning in debt in a job she doesn't like, spending her time cyberstalking the new girlfriend of her ex.  When she gets in trouble at work, she finds a new wellness retreat that she hopes will save her career by transforming the owner, Cass, and her retreat into a high-end wellness brand.  

This is a satirical look into the world of self-care (think Goop).  Cass sort of reminded me of Masha from Nine Perfect Strangers.  I liked the character of Tom most of all.  Asked some interesting questions - Can a person really “do good” for others while profiting off them? And what parts of our selves do we lose when we trade power, influence, and beauty?  A good, light read.

8.24.2023 - It's Not a Cult

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Alcove Press for gifting me the debut novel by Lauren Danhof - 4 stars!

Glinda Glass is back living with her mom after dropping out of her graduate school program.  She's spending her days working in the dunking booth at the local Renaissance fair with her only friend, Troy.  But Glinda is desperately trying to keep everything from falling apart - after their father's sudden death, her mom has joined a cult and is totally obsessed with its leader, Arlon.  Glinda's twin sister, Dorothy, isn't speaking to her and their younger sister, West is not happy with her either.   Then Glinda learns that the cult is taking over their family home and making it into their commune.  Glinda is desperate to save her mom and their home, but she'll need help.

While this book covers lots of heavy subjects - grief, cults, abuse - it does so in a humorous, quirky way.  It is more focused on trying to heal relationships by being open and honest, and needing other people to get by in this world.  

Glinda continues trying her best but everything always seems to turn out wrong - you'll be rooting for things to finally go right for her.  This was an engaging, story and I can't wait to read more from this author!

8.24.2023 - The Enemy At Home

Many thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and Tantor Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this wonderful novel by Kevin O'Brien and fabulously narrated by a favorite, Hillary Huber - 5 stars!

It's 1943 in Seattle and the war is raging in Europe.  Nora's doctor husband is now stationed in North Africa and she is at home with their two children.  Wanting to do more to help, she gets a job at Boeing, becoming a real-life Rosie the Riveter.  But while the country needs the women's help, not everyone is happy about the women doing men's jobs.  Then the murders begin, seeming to strike young women with connections to the plant.  Nora fears her own safety but also the increasing feeling that something isn't right at home with her son.

This was a taut suspense thriller, made more so by the historical setting.  There are so many new rules and prejudices in the time and all of that added to the tense storyline.  Nora begins to look at everyone with suspicion and starts investigating on her own, not liking what she finds.  It's emotional and stressful and I loved the twists and turns.  This was a great mix of thriller and historical fiction and the narration was excellent!

8.24.2023 - The Sweetest Revenge

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, GP Putnam's Sons, for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Lizzy Dent.  4.5 stars!

Amy knew she shouldn't be dating Chris, her boss and the one who had the power to green light her TV series project.  When they were heading to her cousin's wedding where she was to be a bridesmaid and Chris was to meet her family, he dropped a bomb on her.  She missed her train and ended up spending her time in a bar getting drunk.  In that state, she pulled a stunt that was caught on video and went viral.  Shamed, she fled to London where her best friend Maggie lived.  She got a job making trailers that she wasn't happy in, and was to ashamed to go to NY to see her family.  Then she meets Jake, her new neighbor, and sparks seem to fly.  There's a competition at work and a new job on the line and it turns out that her and Jake could collaborate.  But then Chris is hired as her new boss.  

This was just a fun story.  Amy is kind of a train wreck with the best of intentions and a good heart.  She just can't seem to catch a break.  I really liked the characters of both Amy and Jake, and appreciated them taking their relationship slowly.  This would be the perfect rom com - no steamy sex scenes but there is some language that feels out of place.  It's about second chances, owning your mistakes, moving on.  I enjoyed Dent's The Summer Job and this one was a fast, fun read as well.

8.21.2023 - The Great Transition

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful debut novel by Nick Fuller Googins - 5 stars!

Climate change has definitely changed the future, and a movement of workers inspires the world to band together to save the planet and rebuild a new society for all.  They call it The Great Transition.  Teenager Emi Vargas was born post-Transition, into a utopia compared to the world known by previous generations. Her parents both suffered and sacrificed, playing pivotal roles in The Great Transition, but now their marriage is deteriorating. And when Emi’s mother goes missing amidst a shocking new political upheaval, Emi’s illusion of comfort and safety is shattered.

Wow - I'm not always very into dystopian books like this - real life is scary enough.  As I read this book, wildfires were burning in Hawaii and a hurricane was heading to Los Angeles, after the world experienced the hottest summer on record.  But this book is about more than just climate control and politics in the future.  It's about family - the struggles one family faced amidst all this turmoil, how differently they processed their experiences, and how they viewed the world on the other side.  It's about hope - and the biggest hope I took away is that this author is an elementary school teacher.  Let's pray that he imparts that hope and wisdom forward to the next generation.  I loved the sections where Emi was interviewing her mom for a big school report - and it came with marks and comments from her teacher!  Don't miss this amazing debut!

8.20.2023 - All Good Things

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing Lake Union Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Amanda Prowse - 4 stars!

Teenage Daisy has always envied the Kelleway family that lived next door and had a huge crush on their grandson, also her brother's best friend.  In contrast, her family just doesn't compare - her mom is depressed, her dad and brother mostly checked out, their house the worst on the block.  But when the entire Kelleway family gathers at the Italian restaurant where Daisy works for an anniversary celebration, some chinks start to show up.   

Told in many different POV from both Daisy's family and the Kelleway's, this is definitely a cautionary tale about the grass being greener on the other side, as well as the destruction family secrets can cause.  Always a good read from this author!

8.15.2023 - The One That Got Away

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this book by Charlotte Rixon and wonderfully narrated by Carl Prekopp and Katherine Press - 4 stars!

In the present, it's 2022 and a bomb has just gone off in a stadium full of fans.  In the past, it's 20 years prior when Clara and Benjamin meet at university and begin a relationship only to break apart.  In the present, Clara is not quite happily married and Benjamin is raising his son.  When Clara hears about the bombing, she fears Ben was at the stadium and drops everything to go there.

Told in a multitude of timelines and from the POV of both Clara and Benjamin, we learn about their relationship, their break up, and the fact that they could never let the other completely go.  There are a lot of trigger subjects here, both past and present.  Neither character is extremely likable, but they feel real.  They behave badly, they make mistakes, they wish for do-overs.  Sounds like real life.  I really liked Ben's son - the best character in the book.  The bombing was the opening scene and kept the tension high throughout.

8.15.2023 - The Trade Off

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, Minotaur Books, Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Sandie Jones and wonderfully narrated by Nathalie Buscombe, Sandie Jones, and Sofia Engstrand - 4 stars!

Stella is deputy editor of The Globe, who has her sights set on becoming the editor.  That means that nothing is sacred when it comes to getting the story, even the truth.  Jess is The Globe's new rookie reporter who is all about the truth.  But those lines keep getting blurred, and someone is now dead.  But who can Jess trust to help her uncover the truth?

This is somewhat of a slow burn, but an interesting look behind the covers of tabloid magazines and newspapers.  where the headlines are more important than the truth.  The story unfolds between the two POV of Stella and Jess and becomes a twisty cat-and-mouse game.  It was an entertaining ride!

8.15.2023 - The Invisible Hour

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest magical book by Alice Hoffman - 5 stars!

Ivy is pregnant and alone, and her parents offer no help, so she ends up meeting a stranger heading to a commune that is supposed to be all about peace and love.  But, of course, that's not the reality.  The leader, Joel, becomes infatuated with Ivy and marries her.  When Mia is born, she is sent to the nursery because the children belong to all.  But Ivy and Mia nurture their bond when they can, including their love of books, which are forbidden.  When Mia is at her lowest, Nathaniel Hawthorne's The Scarlet Letter, saves her.  The story then goes back in time to Hawthorne's life in Salem, MA.

I am always transported by Alice Hoffman's gorgeous writing, and this book was no exception.  I loved the theme that books are magical.  There are also the recurrent themes of women's place in both timelines and the control they have over their bodies and destinies.  It's about family - both the ones we are born into and the ones we create - and always love and magic.  Another wonderful world created by this author - don't skip the author note!

8.14.2023 - A Killer in the Family

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest in the wonderful police procedural series by Gytha Lodge - 5 stars!

The police have a serial killer on the loose, dubbed the "bonfire killer" for the pyres set to burn the two women's bodies.  Tension is high in the community as well as in the police station.  DCI Jonah Sheens and his team are working round the clock to find the killer, and get a match through a familial DNA database in the US.  Lives are about to be turned over quickly when the team focuses their attention on a single mother and her two teenage sons.

This series keeps getting better and better - but if you haven't read the other ones, never fear, it's great as a stand-alone novel as well.  But these characters and their interactions and history are so good and just add to the solid police procedural.  This one is pulled from the headlines after a woman uploads her DNA into a database, only to find that she is related to a murderer.  A must read that kept me guessing until the final page!

8.14.2023 - The Other Year

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse for gifting me both an audio and digital ARC of the latest novel by a favorite, Rea Frey and wonderfully narrated by Brittany Pressley - 5 stars 

On a two-week beach vacation, single mom Kate Baker looks away for just a month and her young daughter, Olivia, vanishes among the waves.  Kate's world is upended in a second.  Then suddenly Olivia resurfaces, happy and fine.  But what if she didn't come up?  In that other world, Olivia doesn't resurface.  Told in those two different timelines, Kate lives two very different lives - one with and without her daughter.  

This is a beautifully-written, emotional story of love and motherhood and how life can turn on a dime.  Every mother has had that instant heartbreaking feeling of having a child be there one minute and gone the next.  In most cases, the child is just hiding, and you find them the next minute.  The fear of the other timeline is always there.  This book explores those two different timelines in such a unique and thought-provoking way.  Highly recommended.

8.11.2023 - Shark Heart

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, Simon Element, Marysue Rucci Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this amazing debut by Emily Habeck - 5 stars!

Wren and Lewis are newlyweds when he begins to turn into a Great White shark.  This sort of transformation, resulting from a familial mutation, is common enough that hospitals have different teams to help patients and their families as they transform.  Wren is obviously devastated and devotes her life to taking care of Lewis, a task that becomes harder and harder as he transforms.  The second half of the book explores Wren's past and that of her mother.   

Wow - Emily Habeck is now on my list of people I want to have dinner with.  Can you imagine that conversation?  To be able to create a book with this premise and have it so full of heart, imagination, and is gorgeously written as well.  It's about the transformations we all make as we grow, love, become parents, grieve.  It deserves all the hype it is getting - I can't wait to read more from this author but how do you top this?  Highly recommended!

8.10.2023 - None of This is True

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Lisa Jewell, and honestly I think her best to date, which is saying something!  5 stars!

Josie and her husband, Walter, are celebrating her 45th birthday at a local pub when Josie notices a crowd at another table celebrating the birthday of Alix, a popular podcaster.  Turns out, Josie and Alix are birthday twins - born on the same date at the same hospital.  Josie has decided that she is due for some changes in her life and thinks she may be an interesting subject for Alix's next podcast, which she proposes to her when they meet again.  While recording sessions at Alix's home, Alix is intrigued by Josie's story.  But before long, Josie has totally intwined her life into Alix's.  Then things really take a bad turn.

Mind blown!  I couldn't put this book down and the ending was crazy!  I loved the Netflix series and podcast extracts which kept introducing new characters and their stories into the bigger story.  The tension kept building and building.  You won't be able to trust anyone and I won't give anything away.  Definitely a must read!

8.9.2023 - The Hundred Loves of Juliet

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Ballantine Del Rey Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this novel by Evelyn Skye - 4 stars!

Sebastian and Helene are incarnations of Romeo and Juliet, living many lives that always end in tragedy as different people in different bodies for centuries.  In present time, Helene is grieving after the death of her father and her failed marriage, in addition to suffering writer's block.  She flees to Alaska to be on her own and soothe her soul.  There she meets Sebastian and instantly feels like she has known him forever.  Forever is Sebastian's reality - he is immortal and has lost his Juliet over and over for hundreds of years.  Can they make this version of the love story work? 

While I liked the modern timeframe of this story the best, it was still interesting to go back in time with different versions of their love story.  It was a sweet story but the real life author's note at the end is what really touched me!

8.8.2023 - Tangled Vines

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Tantor Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new true crime book by John Glatt, narrated by Shaun Grindell - 4 stars!

This is the story of the Murdaugh family and its hold on the South Carolina low country where they lived and worked for centuries.  But the story really took off when prominent attorney Alex Murdaugh discovered the bodies of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, on the grounds of their lodge. Then months later, Alex himself was discovered shot in the head on a local roadside.  It's also the story of all the corruption this family was involved with, stealing their clients' settlements, making their own bad behaviors go away, and even covering up murders.

While this story has been in the headlines over the last couple years, this book really covered all the gifts and privileges this one family enjoyed for a century, and all the ways they abused that power.  It's shameful to know how many people this family had in their pockets and the power they wielded to allow their own bad behavior to go unpunished.  A must read for true crime buffs!  My only issue was that it was a little strange to listen to the audiotape narrated by a British voice when the subject matter was a deep southern family.  He did a great job; I just feel his voice wasn't the right one for this book.

8.7.2023 - Looking Glass Sound

Many thanks to NetGalley, Tor Nightfire and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest book by the queen of twisty psychological horror, Catriona Ward and wonderfully narrated by Christopher Ragland and Katherine Fenton - 4 stars!

The synopsis from Goodreads...In a lonely cottage overlooking the windswept Maine coast, Wilder Harlow begins the last book he will ever write. It is the story of his childhood summer companions and the killer that stalked the small New England town. Of the body they found, and the horror of that discovery echoing down the decades. And of Sky, Wilder’s one-time best friend, who stole his unfinished memoir and turned it into a lurid bestselling novel, Looking Glass Sound.  But as Wilder writes, the lines between memory and fiction blur. He fears he’s losing his grip on reality when he finds notes hidden around the cottage written in Sky’s signature green ink.

I don't typically use synopsis blurbs, but this book makes it difficult to review without giving anything away.  As typical with a Ward novel, you'll have to concentrate and work through this book, but it's always worth it because she is so good at walking you down one road, only for you to realize that it was a very different road indeed.  It's creepy, magical, fascinating, and above all, creative and wonderfully written.

8.7.2023 - The Last One

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria/Emily Bestler Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by an absolute favorite, Will Dean - 5 stars!

When Caz steps onboard the exclusive cruise liner RMS Atlantica, it’s the start of a vacation of a lifetime with her new love, Pete. On their first night they explore the ship, eat, dance, make friends, but when Caz wakes the next morning, Pete is missing.  Then she realizes the ship is completely empty.  And that's just the beginning.

This is a book that you just have to read - a thorough review and even a synopsis is tough without spoilers.  Spoilers are no fun, so none here!  I love Will Dean's books and will read anything he writes.  This one was unlike anything I have read before and I couldn't put it down.  It's tense, atmospheric, scary, and just a very wild ride.  The ending was just PERFECTION!

8.6.2023 - North of Nowhere

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this stand-alone thriller by Allison Brennan and wonderfully narrated by Eliza Foss - 4.5 stars!

Kristen and her brother, Ryan, have been in hiding with a family friend and their godparent, Tony.  Tony is raising the children as his own and they are all happy in a remote Montana town.  But now Boyd, their father, and head of a LA crime family, has tracked them down and plans to take them home.  Tony has taught them what to do in this event, but they will be sorely tested in a snowstorm in the Montana wilderness.  Boyd's sister, Ruby, cut off all ties with her family but rushes to Montana when she gets an emergency call.  Who finds them first could determine if they live or die. 

I'm not sure how I missed all the this author's previous works, but this was a great cat-and-mouse thriller, made more so by the atmospheric conditions of a Montana blizzard.  I felt immersed in the fight for survival that many of these characters found themselves, and you will be rooting for them.  There's a strong theme of family loyalty interlaced throughout, but family can mean many different things.  Great read!

8.6.2023 - Dead and Gone

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Goodreads Giveaway, St Martin's Press Minotaur Books for gifting me both a physical and digital ARC of the latest in the wonderful Detective Annalisa Vega series by Joanna Schaffhausen - 5 stars!

Chicago police detective Annalisa Vega has been assigned to investigate the death of ex-cop turned PI Sam Tran.  He was found hanging from a tree with a message written across his chest sending a message to police.  Annalisa begins investigating his open cases, sure that there is a link, and is surprised to see that her brother, Vinny, was one of Sam's clients.  Vinny hired Sam to find a stalker on his daughter's college campus.  One of Sam's open cases was a brutal double homicide from over 20 years ago.  Annalisa has to figure out how all this fits together, trying to keep both her and her niece safe in the process.

This is such a fabulous series and I was thrilled to escape into this book with these characters.  Certainly read the first two books first, although this could work as a stand alone as well.  Annalisa has so much bad history with her family, since she turned in her dad and brother, and now her other brother plays a role in her investigations.  I love the ongoing relationship with Annalisa and her ex-husband/boyfriend/coworker Nick, with a few surprises in this book in that category.  There are multiple storylines of investigation and I kept turning the pages to see how it would all end up.  Can't wait for the next book in this series!

8.4.2023 - Dark Corners

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Megan Goldin, wonderfully narrated by André Santana, January LaVoy, and Samantha Desz - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Rachel Krall, who has a podcast called Guilty or Not Guilty, and has been called upon by the FBI to go to Florida to assist on a case.  The search is on for a missing social media influencer, Maddison, who disappeared hours after visiting Terence Bailey, convicted for breaking and entering, but suspected of murdering multiple women.  When Maddison goes missing, authorities wonder if he is working with someone on the outside and why Maddison even went to visit him.  Rachel goes undercover at BuzzCon, a convention for social media influencers, to try and find out more about Maddison.  But suddenly Rachel may be in serious trouble.

This is the second in the Rachel Krall series and while it can definitely be read as a stand alone, it's a great series to start from the beginning!  This was an interesting look into the dark side of social media influencers and a peek into that surreal world.  Rachel is a great character and this is at its heart a good police procedural, with lots of tension and twists.  A must read series and I can't wait for more to come!

8.4.2023 - To Catch A Storm

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this first book in a new series by Mindy Mejia - 4.5 stars!

Dr Eve Roth studies storms and tornados, after a tragic event in her childhood.  When she comes through a storm in her weather plane, she sees a car burning in the middle of a rainstorm.  Then she discovers that the Tesla burning belongs to her husband, Matthew, a professor of chemistry.  Matthew has disappeared and Eve and his father, Earl, don't understand what happened.  Jonah Kendrick is a private investigator who is also a psychic.  Johan has seen his niece and Matthew in a barn and enlists Eve's help to find them.

This is a tense thriller, made more so by all the storms.  Plus, I love the idea of a scientist and psychic working together.  I'm so happy that this is a start of a series because there are some great characters here - especially Earl, who will capture your heart!  

8.2.2023 - The Bookbinder

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Books for gifting me a digital copy of this wonderful historical fiction novel by the author of The Dictionary of Lost Words, Pip Williams - 4.5 stars rounded up!

It is 1914, the war draws the young men of Britain away to fight.  Meanwhile, the women must keep the nation running. Peggy and Maude, twin sisters who live on a narrow boat in Oxford and work in the bindery at the university press.  Peggy has always been told that her job is to bind the books, not read them, but she reads whenever she can and takes home any rejected books.  She dreams of going across the street to Oxford's Somerville College to study in their library.  However, she feels responsible for Maude after their mother's death, because Maude has challenges.  When Belgium refugees arrive, Peggy's world seems to expand and she sees more possibilities for her life.  She falls in love with a wounded Belgian soldier and her dream of Oxford suddenly seems a possibility. 

This is another meticulously researched story by the author and will transport you to the past.  If you love books (and of course you do!), the bookbinding history is so interesting.  But this story focuses on education, its availability depending on class, and its worth.  While men are characters in this story, it's the women left behind whose stories are told in this book - and they are fascinating.  We see the generosity of souls, the acceptance of others, and always the work behind the scenes that is without glory.  Be sure to read the afterword.  Highly recommended!

8.1.2023 - The Trap

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for gifting me a digital copy of the latest thriller by Catherine Ryan Howard - 5 stars!

One year ago, Lucy’s sister, Nicki, left to meet friends at a pub in Dublin and never came home. Nicki is the third Irish woman to vanish in the last three years, and Lucy is completely obsessed with finding out what happened to Nicki.  There's been a police task force set up, Operation Tide, but the investigation is stalled.  So much so that Lucy feels she has no choice put to take some matters into her own hands.  Angela works in the Missing Person Unit but wants to be a Guarda.  An investigator, Denise, takes her under her wing and pulls her into the investigation.  But her latest venture is on her own and could cause big issues.  

Catherine Ryan Howard has done it again - made a thriller with twists that make you smack your forehead that you didn't see coming!  But you won't.  I loved that there was narration by a nameless person who is talking to his latest victim in the back seat, telling her everything.  Just added another creepy level to the book.  There's also social commentary about which missing people get all the press.  Highly recommended - I loved it!

8.1.2023 - Gone Tonight

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new thriller by Sarah Pekkanen, wonderfully narrated by Kate Mara - 5 stars!

After finishing school, Catherine is set to begin her dream nursing  job in Baltimore, when she discovers that her mother, Ruth, is suffering from Alzheimer's.  She changes her plans and continues working at the nursing home nearby so she can help her mom.  Ruth and Catherine have moved so many times and Ruth is estranged from her family.  Catherine has no real clue about her past, and with Ruth's memory failing, becomes obsessed with finding more information about her past. 

The story spools out in the past and present timelines and alternates between the POV of Ruth and Catherine.  And wow - the twists and surprises kept coming!  I started reading the digital copy but switched to the audio so I could continue listening all the time.  I don't want to give anything away - it was so deliciously creepy and surprising in all the best ways - a great read!

8.1.2023 - One Night

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Ballantine Bantam, for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Georgina Cross - 4 stars!

Invitations arrive in the mail to all the members of Meghan's family to meet at a remote location on the Oregon Coast and get the answers they've been waiting for.  Meghan died ten years ago and her accused killer, high school boyfriend Cal, has been in jail.  On the night they gather at the home, family friend Geoff shows up with an unconscious, bleeding Cal in tow, having run into him on the road to the home.  Was Cal the one who summoned them?  

This was a good locked-room mystery, complete with raging storm, power outages, and lots of suspects.  Meghan's mom especially hates Cal, whom she blames for Meghan's death, and feels like it would be poetic justice to just let him die.  But everyone is keeping secrets, from Megan's sisters and stepmom.  There was lots of tension and enough twists that kept me turning the pages!