2.21.2026 - Nowhere Burning

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Tor Nightfire, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest literary horror novel by Catriona Ward, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Christopher Ragland and Katherine Fenton.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Desperate to escape from their abusive cousin after the death of their mother, Riley and her younger brother, Oliver, run away.  Riley is intent on joining a group of teenagers living in the abandoned ruins of an infamous movie star's ranch, Nowhere.  There's a rumor that adults cannot enter Nowhere and Riley hopes that they can find a new family there.  But the Nowhere Kids may have a different idea.

When you actually really think about it, Peter Pan is kind of scary on its own.  But in Catriona Ward's skilled hands, she has made this retelling so frightening.  The story unfolds across three timelines, and at first I was confused as to how they all fit together., but never fear.  The best part of this book to me was the love Riley had for Oscar - it was so endearing in a book filled with darkness.  I alternated between the digital and audio versions, and thought the narrators really breathed life into their roles.  Sign me up for whatever Catriona Ward writes next.

2.21.2026 - Saoirse

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Celadon Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this beautiful book by Charleen Hurtubise, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Róisín Rankin.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

In Michigan, Sarah's childhood was defined and fear and silence.  As a teenager, she saw a chance to escape and took it.  Now, in 1999, she is an artist living on the coast of Ireland, where she is known as Saoirse.  She has a beloved partner and two daughters, and finally feels free.  But her secrets still haunt her and no one can know of what she did.  When her artwork wins an unexpected award, the spotlight on her threatens to unravel her lies.

This was a beautiful book, and the audiobook narration and production just added to that, with musical interludes and gorgeous voices.  I absolutely loved this exploration of the decisions made by a young, vulnerable girl and how they affected her entire life.  Told in alternating timelines of Sarah in the past and Saoirse in the present, it’s a testament to strong women surviving against all the odds against them.  It’s also a tribute to art, and how it can be used to work through trauma.  Heartbreakingly beautiful.  

2.21.2026 - A Sociopath's Guide to a Successful Marriage

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful debut novel by MK Oliver.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Lalla Rook has a lot on her plate.  She needs to make sure her husband makes partner so they can afford her dream house and get her daughter into a prestigious school.  Then there's the fact that there's a dead body in her living room and friends are arriving for her son's birthday party.  And her mother-in-law!  Just what is a girl to do?

Bravo, Mr. Oliver, on a fabulous debut - I'm very anxious to see just what your devious mind will come up with next!  I love a snarky, dark, twisted female main character and Lalla was that in spades.  Of course she's unlikable but you'll be rooting her on throughout every one of her misadventures - and there are many.  The dark humor was pitch perfect and had me laughing out loud at totally inappropriate things - just so much fun!  If you're like me and love this kind of humor, this is an absolute must read!

2.20.2026 - The Society

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for gifting me a digital ARC of the sophomore book by Karen Winn.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3 stars!

Vivian Lawrence was born into old-money Boston, but when her family fortune vanishes, so does her carefully curated life. Desperate, she turns to an old family legend about ties to the Knox and its inheritance, seeking a way into the exclusive secret society. She doesn’t expect that entry to come in the form of Peter, a Knox insider with movie star good looks and just enough roughness to his charm to make Vivian truly weak in the knees for the first time in her life.  Far from Boston’s glittering elite is newcomer Taylor Adams, a young nurse eager to leave her humble past behind. When the effortlessly glamorous Vivian lands in her ER after a suspicious fall, Taylor is instantly captivated. But then Vivian abruptly disappears without a trace, sending Taylor on a search for answers that pulls her into the Knox itself—as their new employee.  The further Taylor ventures into the Knox’s world of unimaginable wealth and dark history, the more the mystery of Vivian deepens. As Taylor will soon discover, more so than wealth or status, secrets are the society's true currency.

I was a huge fan of Winn's debut, Our Little World, and couldn't wait to read her new book.  While her debut was a 5 star read for me, for some reason, this book didn't hold my interest.  Told from both Vivian and Taylor's POV as well as from the Knox itself, over different timelines, I thought it was too long and not quite as suspenseful as I was hoping.  It seemed a bit far fetched to me that Taylor would become so obsessed with Vivian from seeing her in the hospital.  I typically enjoy secret societies and the mysteries held within, but while the writing was good, this one didn't quite make the cut.  But I'll happily read whatever Winn writes next!

2.20.2026 - A Good Animal

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful debut novel by Sara Maurer, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Michael Crouch.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Most kids are anxious to escape the farm country outside Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.  But not Everett Lindt.  He’s set on staying put, rebuilding his family’s sheep farm, and carving a future from the land he loves.  Then he meets Mary, a new girl in town with big plans.  When their relationship reaches a crossroads, Everett sees a life together; Mary, however, is desperate to find a way out. Together, they make an impulsive choice—one that will change everything.

This was a gorgeous, quiet, raw novel that will make you feel so much.  It was a coming-of-age novel about first love in all its powerful and painful glories.  I loved Everett’s heart – it was big and he didn’t hesitate to do whatever he could for those he loved.  I’m not a big animal person but I still felt emotionally connected to all the sheep and rams and learned so much fascinating information.  Although do remember that Mother Nature always wins.  It’s hard for me to think that this is a debut, because it was so beautifully written, making you slow down to appreciate it, though it was not a slow read.  I loved the audiobook production and narration and appreciated having both copies to totally immerse myself in this novel.  This is a must-read book!

2.19.2026 - Run on Red

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for gifting me a digital and physical copy of this thriller by Noelle West Ihli.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Laura and Olivia are on their way to a college party, driving through a very rural area, when headlights appear behind them.  It soon turns into a chase and a battle for survival.

Short synopsis, but this is a thrill ride from the very beginning and best to go into blind.  It felt like the scariest kind of movie, where young girls find themselves in scary situations and you're screaming at them to behave differently.  Although I'd probably be doing the same things, although hopefully my cellphone would be charged.  It's a short, intense read that kept me glued!  The physical copy is gorgeous, with sprayed edges, and a shiny cover - rereleased from a self-published novel, which I think is wonderful.  Read this with the lights on!

2.19.2026 - The New Neighbors

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Perennial for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Claire Douglas.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Lena is struggling after the end of her marriage as well as her impending empty nest once her teenage son leaves.  New neighbors move in next door and she starts becoming obsessed that they are planning a crime.  No one believes her because the couple are older and well respected.  But with a secret in her own past, Lena just can't let it go.

I am always up for a good neighborhood drama.  Who hasn't wondered just what those neighbors are doing behind closed doors?  Told from different POV and timelines, this is a slow-burn look into Lena's past as well as her current obsession.  Told in three parts, there are plenty of twists that kept me turning the pages to find out just what was happening with the neighbors and what happened to Lena in the past.  Another intriguing thriller from a favorite author!