11.21.2025 - Best Offer Wins

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this fabulous debut novel by Marisa Kashino, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Cia Court.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Margo is desperate to get out of the cramped apartment she shares with her husband, Ian, and get their real life plans back on track.  But they've spent 18 months and lost 11 bidding wars trying to buy a home in the Washington DC suburbs.  Margo gets a tip about the perfect house in the perfect neighborhood and soon becomes obsessed with buying it before it's listed.  She'll do anything to make it happen.  Anything.

I was likewise obsessed with this book!  The dark humor was pitch perfect, with laugh out loud scenes.  It was like watching a train wreck - I couldn't look away.  Margo was a character who I alternately loved and hated, but I was still rooting for her to get her dream house.  It was captivating from the first page and I was either reading the digital copy or listening to the audiobook.  The narrator totally nailed Margo and made her really come alive.  It's hard to believe this is a debut - bravo!  Can't wait to see what will be coming next from this author.  This is a must read if you like your humor on the dark side.

11.19.2025 - The Burning Library

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for gifting me a digital ARC of the new thriller by Gilly Macmillan.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

For over a century, two rival organizations of women have gone to deadly lengths to secure a valuable artifact in hopes that it will lead them to the original medieval manuscript where it came from.  Dr. Anya Brown gains international attention for her translation of a cryptic document, and is handpicked to join the exclusive Institute of Manuscript Studies in St. Andrews, Scotland.  But their motive for her hiring goes much deeper.  Meanwhile, Detective Constable Clio Spicer from Scotland Yard begins a private investigation into some suspicious deaths.  

This is a different type of book from Gilly Macmillan, and if you like smart thrillers with a nod to Dan Brown, you'll love this one.  Meticulously researched, with dark academic vibes and secret societies, the mysteries and puzzles are layered with centuries of corruption and obsession.  From private libraries to ancient churches, strong women are at the heart of this story, even when their motives and actions are more than questionable.  I loved both Anya and Clio, with their strong moral compasses, and thought this story was fascinating.  

11.18.2025 - One Small Mistake

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this thriller by Dandy Smith.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Elodie's dream has always been to become a writer.  She even quit her day job to purse writing full time.  But her latest book was rejected and she's feeling desperate.  She makes one small mistake telling a friend that she got a book deal that she really didn't.  Then things veer completely out of control and Elodie is abducted.

This story spools out from Elodie's POV as well as alternating chapters from her supposedly more perfect sister, Ada.   Ada's life isn't quite as perfect as everyone seems to think, and she will do anything to find her missing sister.  I liked the short, alternating chapters, and the tension built throughout the story.  Both Elodie and Ada are relatable characters, and you can easily see how Elodie felt she needed to stretch the truth.  There was a theme running throughout the book about the validity of a woman's choice to not have children which probably could have been left out, but this was an entertaining read from start to finish.

11.16.2025 - Haven't Killed in Years

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Amy K. Green.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Gwen Tanner is trying to live a quiet life, mostly trying to hide the fact that she is the daughter of a serial killer.  But someone knows the truth because body parts are arriving on her front door with ominous messages.  Gwen must figure out who the killer is without giving up all her secrets.

I loved this book - Gwen is a fabulous main character, full of dark, snarky wit.  She's never been able to have a close relationship with anyone because of her past, but now she fears that the few acquaintances she does have are in danger.  Those other characters are fabulous too, and you'll find yourself rooting for them.  The book is a perfect combination of light and dark, suspense and levity, and touches on our society's obsession with true crime.  Plus, I never, ever saw that ending coming!  Grab this one when it comes out this week!

11.16.2025 - The Lie She Wears

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing | Thomas & Mercer, and Brilliance Publishing for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by Elle Marr, with the audiobook wonderfully narrated by Emily Woo Zeller.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Museum curator Pearl Davis always had a strained relationship with her mother, Sally.  But when Sally dies unexpectedly, she leaves Pearl a letter from the grave…confessing to murder.  With the help of a friend, Pearl begins searching for the truth of her mother’s actions—and as she does, more cryptic notes emerge. But these letters aren’t just clues behind a confession. They’re a warning. Sally was terrified of something.  

This book was told from two different timelines and POV, and I was just waiting anxiously for them to intersect.  And they certainly did!  As I would expect from this author, this was a twisty read which also focused on mother/daughter relationships.  There were plenty of suspects that I didn't trust along the way.  Plus, Pearl's job researching creepy antique masks certainly added another level of suspense to the story.  Audiobook narration was great as well!

11.14.2025 - Strangers in the Car

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this thriller by C.M. Ewan.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Abi and Ben are driving home on a secluded road on a very foggy night.  Abi takes her eyes off the road for a second and almost hits a man trying to wave them down.  Ben thinks they should stop, but Abi doesn't want to.  However, farther down the road, they come across a woman and her child by a car pulled off the road.  They decide to stop and help.  But now strangers are in their car and this could be a very bad mistake.

Such a suspenseful read with very relatable characters in terrible positions.  The writing was great - very short cliffhanging chapters, alternating from events earlier in the day to the present, which just escalated the tension.  There were twists and turns throughout, and you can't help but put yourself in the position of Abi and Ben, trying to do the right things.  I don't want to give too much away, because this is definitely a book to pick up!

11.13.2025 - The Merge

Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this debut novel by Grace Walker.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

In the future, the Earth's climate crisis has escalated and the population is out of control, prompting new regulations for people impacting their daily lives.  The Merge is touted as a way to solve those issues - two people's consciousness is merged into one body.  No longer will diseases destroy lives.  There are rewards for those participating, and penalties for those not.  Laurie is dealing with early onset Alzheimer's and her daughter, Amelia, can't bear to see her mom's mind fade.  They are joined by a group of other Merge participants as they prepare to move to The Village, a luxurious rehab center for those who have merged.  

This book combines so many genres perfectly - sci-fi, dystopian and speculative fiction, psychological thriller, suspense, and horror- I can't believe it's a debut novel.  It was a wonderful combination of themes:  what would we do to save those we love, as well as being under the control of those making ethical decisions for us..  It never veers into a preachy book on politics, instead immersing the reader into all the emotional aspects.  It was brilliantly written - the POV begin with first-person narration from both Amelia and Laurie; then changes into first-person plural as they merge.   I couldn't stop thinking about this book when I had to put it down.  This is a must read debut!

11.11.2025 - Like Family

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House | Dial Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by Erin O. White.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars rounded up!

Let's meet the three couples in an idyllic Upstate NY town - Ruth and her wife, Wyn, are living the dream with their four children on a small farm.  Ruth's best friend, Caroline, and her husband, Mike, made the decision that he would donate his sperm to his cousin, Tobi and her wife, so they could have kids of their own.  Now those children have questions, as does Ruth's daughter from her first relationship.  All three couples are faced to confront their issues and secrets.

I love messy family dramas - one of my favorite genres.  This one had that in spades, but I did feel that it relied a bit too much on the LGBTQ+ storyline.  It was also a bit confusing for me to keep the characters straight for some reason.  It is a character-driven novel and I felt the writing was wonderful.  A bit slow, but I still loved the premise and the quiet tension running throughout these non-traditional families.  A good reminder to keep communication open so secrets don't fester.  Will look for more from this author!

11.11.2025 - Evensong

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic | Atlantic Monthly Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the new novel by Stewart O'Nan.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

The Humpty Dumpty Club is a group of older women who work together to help each other and their circle of friends in Pittsburgh.  While dealing with their own relationships, grief, aging bodies, and life in general, they do what they can to help each other.

I adored this book and the Humpty Dumpty Club.  How wonderful our world would be if we all had a chosen family like this that looked out for each other, picking up the slack when needed, and just being there.  It's a quiet, still, yet profound book with relatable humor and circumstances, especially if you find yourself being an older woman.  Emily is a recurring character and while I've read many of O'Nan's books, I haven't read these others.  Obviously it's not necessary to love this book, but I'm now very anxious to go back and read all about Emily's story.  Don't miss this story - it's wonderful!

11.9.2025 - The Weekend Crashers

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Jamie Brenner.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Maggie feels like there's been some distance between her and her daughter, Piper, so she schedules them for a relaxing knitting retreat in a cozy inn located in New Hope, Pennsylvania.  But when they get there, they find the inn has double booked, so it's also the venue for a bushcraft bachelor party.  Maggie ends up engaging in a competition with one of the dads - who could do their craft better?  The women do bushcraft or the men knit?  But Maggie and Piper's relationship is becoming the biggest challenge.

This was such a cute, cozy book that makes me want to go on a knitting retreat (minus the bachelor party) and just see all that yarn (even though I haven't knitted in decades).  Brenner is always stellar at creating strong women characters, and they shine in this book as well, tackling such topics as communication and following your dreams, and especially mother-daughter relationships.  Pick this one up for a completely charming read.

11.8.2025 - With Friends Like These

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books | Emily Bestler Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this debut novel by Alissa Lee.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Six young women met at Harvard and became fast friends, when a tragedy changed everything.  Twenty years later, five of the women still engage in a yearly game started when they were at Harvard, The Circus.  This year, there is much on the line for all of the women, but are they all playing by the rules?

After I got over the premise that these smart women would continue to play a killing game twenty years, I really enjoyed this debut.  There's the mystery of what happened to their other friend in college as well as mysterious happenings in the present.  Each of the friends are holding secrets, and some of their friendships are proving to not be as strong as they thought.  It's a quick and easy read and I'll be looking forward to reading more from this author.

11.8.2025 - Where He Left Me

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Nicole Baart.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Sadie and Felix are on sabbatical from their university positions and move to Felix's childhood home in the mountains of Washington State.    One morning, Felix leaves for a conference in California and doesn't return.  As a storm bears down, she discovers she's not alone on the property and will be forced to ride out the weather with strangers.

This was so atmospheric - alone in a remote location, creepy house, and of course a storm.  We also get background information on Sadie and Felix's relationship periodically which deepens their connection to the reader.  This was the perfect combination of tension-filled mystery and emotional pulls.  There were plenty of twists and turns along the way and a conclusion I definitely didn't see coming.  Put this one on your winter reading list for sure!

11.6.2025 - The Perfect Hosts

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row for gifting me a digital ARC of this thriller by Heather Gudenkauf.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Madeline wasn't thrilled about having a huge event for the gender reveal of her baby, but her husband, Wes, insisted.  But the party at their ranch descends into chaos when the celebratory explosive misfires, leaving one woman dead and a trail of secrets.  ATF Agent Jamie Saldano is brought on the scene to investigate. Battling his own demons from the past, Saldano unearths a web of deceit spun around the Drakes. The appearance of some unexpected houseguests only deepens the mystery. And as tensions mount, it becomes clear that the explosion wasn’t just an unlucky accident. But who was the target, and why? 

I love a good messy family drama, and this one had it in spades.  That beginning scene felt so real and emotional, especially for Madeline.  Jamie was another fascinating character, returning to the area where his life was torn apart.  Plus, when money is involved, things always get messy.  It's a tense, locked-room type mystery, and I was second guessing everyone.  There are multiple mysteries and questions to be answered, and we are privy to multiple points of view.  I couldn't put it down!

11.6.2025 - The Bridesmaid

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of the new thriller by Cate Quinn.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

When a celebrity bridesmaid is found murdered before an exclusive society wedding, forensic scientist Holly Stone is drafted as an unlikely undercover replacement.  As she works to unpick the lives of the notoriously private Kensington family, glamour-averse Holly discovers a new worst enemy in bridezilla Adrianna. Heir to a multimillion dollar fortune, Adrianna is set on throwing the event of the decade, and she won't let anything get in her way.  But it seems that everyone has secrets worth killing for.

This is a fun thriller with a fabulous main character in Holly Stone.  Desperate to find out what happened to her friend and former boss, she goes completely out of her comfort zone to try and blend in with the celebrity bridesmaids.  She's accompanied to the remote private island by an NYPD detective, posing as her assistant.  It's definitely a locked-room thriller that kept me guessing until the very end and I was completely shocked.  It's tense, over the top, and a fun ride.

11.5.2025 - Nash Falls

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing and Hachette Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the first in a new series by David Baldacci, with the audiobook narrated by the wonderful cast of MacLeod Andrews,; Christine Lakin, Larry Herron, Shiromi Arserio and Will Collyer.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Walter Nash is an intelligent and sensitive man, married with a teenage daughter.  He's at the top of his career with a high-level position at an investment firm.  Then he is approached by the FBI that he become their inside man to expose a money laundering enterprise going through his firm.  The FBI has been hunting Victoria Steers, the mastermind of this operation, for years.  They give Nash little choice but to cooperate, but soon things become very personal.  Nash must completely change in order to exact revenge.

Wow - fabulous and thrilling start to a new series!  Walter Nash is a fascinating character, and I liked how we get to know him and his character in the beginning of the book before his entire world changes.  It's fast paced and tense, keeping me glued.  I really enjoyed the audiobook, with a full cast, and ended up listening to the majority of it.  Be aware - this book ends with a cliffhanger, with the second book to come (hurry please!).  Baldacci has done it again!

11.4.2025 - The Tortoise's Tale

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for gifting me a digital ARC of this debut novel by Kendra Coulter.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

A giant tortoise (initially named Magic but she will have many other names) finds herself in an exclusive estate in southern California, where she becomes an observer of the humans and society she encounters, as well as the other animals living on the estate.  She's well loved by the young girls who are part of the owner's family, but all things must change.  But everything leaves a mark on the world and the tortoise's heart.

This story takes place from the 1950s to the 2020s, and we see the events through Magic's eyes.   While she understands what is going on around her, she cannot communicate with the humans.  The entire book is so creative and I loved how Magic saw the world and narrated the book with so much heart.  There are so many other endearing characters as well, although it's definitely more positive female representation than male.  The book is indeed magical and sweet, even when the storyline becomes sad, and your heart will definitely feel all the feels.  Because the author is a professor in animal ethics, those views are very prevalent throughout the book.  

11.3.2025 - We Love You, Bunny

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster, Simon Element, and Marysue Rucci Books for gifting me a physical and digital ARC of the prequel/sequel to Bunny, by Mona Awad.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

In Bunny, Samantha Mackey was a lonely outsider student at a highly selective MFA program, seduced by a clique of creepy-sweet rich girls who call themselves "Bunny."  Now, Sam has just published her first novel to critical acclaim.  But the Bunnies, furious at the way they were portrayed in the book, kidnap her, and it's her turn to hear their side of the story.  One by one, they take turns.

I would definitely recommend you read Bunny first, but that's no guarantee that you will be any less confused by this story!  But stick with it because  these books are addictive, taking you down literal and figurative rabbit holes into dark academia look at love and obsession.  Dark humor abounds, which I love, but be prepared for crazy!

11.2.2025 - The Kidnapping of Alice Ingold

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing | Thomas & Mercer, and MB Communications for gifting me a physical and digital ARC of the latest novel by Cate Holahan.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Alice Ingold is the college-aged daughter of an heiress and AI-tech icon.  Her mother is beside herself when she discovers that Alice has been taken from her apartment near Berkeley University.   The kidnappers are sophisticated and send the FBI on a scavenger hunt throughout the country, complete with riddles that must be solved.  Instead of a ransom, they want everyone to know the dangers of AI and the wealth disparity in the country. 

This story plays out with dual narrators, mother and daughter.  The AI plot line felt so real and scary, since you can definitely see it playing out in real life.  There's a big twist in this novel that shocked me, and from that point on, it was such a twisty cat-and-mouse game that I couldn't look away.  It was fascinating and I loved how it all wrapped up.

11.1.2025 - The New Year's Party

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA, and Harlequin Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this novel by Jenna Satterthwaite, with the audiobook narrated by the one and only Karissa Vacker.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

The New Year's party used to be an annual thing, as old friends gathered for games, food, and drink.  But as they've gotten older, they've gotten less close and it's been a few years since they gathered.  This year, they're going to set aside all of life's issues and have fun.  Only, can they put aside all their secrets?

This is just juicy fun and I was there for every minute.  Every character is hiding something along with life's normal stresses, so they are ready to just relax.  But it doesn't quite work out that way.  I loved how it was told from multiple POV so that we got to dig deep into what was going on with the characters and could just wait for the collisions you could feel were on their way.  There's dark humor, lots of drama, twists and turns, from the beginning to end.  Karissa Vacker makes every story she narrates better - she's fabulous.  

11.1.2025 - Falling Apart and Other Gifts From the Universe

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing | Lake Union Publishing, and Brilliance Publishing for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest novel by a favorite, Catherine Ryan Hyde, with the audiobook wonderfully narrated by Michael Crouch and Coleen Marlo.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Security guard Addie Finch is tough on the outside.  But on the inside, she's lonely, estranged from her son, and struggling through AA.  At work, she encounters Jonathan, a homeless teenager abandoned by his mother.  She offers his temporary shelter in her garden shed in exchange for maintaining her property.  When Addie faces a situation that sends her world spinning, her connection to Jonathan becomes her lifeline.

I don't know how Catherine Ryan Hyde continues to do it - her books always touch on a current theme and make the reader see and feel all aspects of the issue.  This time it's the unhoused and vulnerable, and the intricacies of Alcoholics Anonymous, making us look at groups of people that we may otherwise ignore.  It's also a look at found family and second chances, at processing our past and making peace.  As always with her books, very highly recommended.  The narration was perfect as well, allowing me an immersive experience between both formats.