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!  

11.30.2022 - The Ingenue

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new novel by Rachel Kapelke-Dale, beautifully narrated by Stephanie Willis - 4.5 stars!

Saskia, a former piano prodigy, returns home to Milwaukee from NYC after her mother's death.  She expected to inherit The Elf House, a mansion passed down to the women in her mother's family.  However, she finds out that her mother's will left the house to someone in Saskia's past and she is both devastated and livid.  She begins digging into the reasons for her mother's bequest while in turn exploring her own past and secrets.

I really enjoyed the author's debut novel, The Ballerinas, and found this one very intriguing.  Each of the chapters begins with an excerpt from Saskia's mother's feminist fairy tale books, which were very relevant.  We go back into Saskia's past to explain her present frame of mind.  There's lots to delve into in this book - family secrets, mother/daughter relationships, how being a prodigy with all its expectations does to a child, the people who take advantage of that, and the "MeToo" movement are all explored.    The narrator did a wonderful job voicing all these characters and I loved listening to this one too!

11.29.2022 - A Heart That Works

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Spiegel & Grau for gifting me a digital ARC of this heartbreaking and glorious memoir by Rob Delaney - 5 stars!

Rob and his wife, pregnant with Henry, their third child, moved from LA to London where he was busy creating and starring in a TV show.  But their world crashed around them when Henry was diagnosed with a brain tumor before his first birthday.  

I couldn't put this book down, even through my tears.  What an amazing family Henry was blessed to have and what wonderful care they gave him, as well as their other two children and their marriage.  This is a raw, unfiltered look at unfathomable grief, but also hope.  It's a thank you love letter to all those special people who care for sick people, especially sick babies and their families.  You will laugh, cheer, and rage along with the author.  He holds nothing back and we the readers are better for it.  I will definitely think twice about what I say to someone dealing with loss, as well as what to do and not to do.  Blessings to this family - a must read!

11.29.2022 - A Quiet Life

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for gifting me a digital ARC of the sophomore book by Ethan Joella - 5 sparkling stars!

Three people struggling with loss in a small Pennsylvanian town in winter.  Chuck's wife, Cat, died and he's filled with regret and sadness.  Ella struggles to exist while awaiting news about her missing daughter.  Kirsten's beloved dad was murdered and she can't move forward.  These three lives intersect as each try to navigate their new lives.

I absolutely adored Joella's debut novel, A Little Hope, and this one is equally as wonderful.  While each of these stories are sad, just like real life can be, you will be filled with hope and love as people come together to help each other.   It's about navigating grief and making a new normal.  It's also a reminder to live life as best we can so that we have as few regrets as possible and that we can, as Cat said, "Be someone's cardinal."  Highly recommended!

11.27.2022 - The Forever Witness

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for gifting me a digital ARC of this intriguing true crime book by Edward Humes - 5 stars!

Tanya Van Cuylenborg and Jay Cook were murdered during a trip to Seattle in the 1980s and detectives had few leads. There was only a single handprint on the outside of the young couple’s van. The detectives assumed Tanya and Jay were victims of a serial killer—but without any leads, the case seemed forever doomed.  Detective Jim Scharf couldn't let it go; when he was assigned to the Cold Case Unit, he made it a focus.  When new genetic DNA technology came into play, Detective Scharf chose the young couple's case to send for analysis.  

While this is definitely a true crime book, discussing all the details of this crime over the 30-year period, it's much more.  It's a look into how genetic DNA began and the pioneers who made it happen and made history.  It also looks into all the political, legal, and societal ramifications of this new technology and what we risk and gain by uploading our DNA into these genetic databases.  It's extremely well researched and fascinating - kudos to all law enforcement officers and genetic researchers who just want to bring a sense of closure and peace to these families.

11.24.2022 - Eligible

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of this modern-day retelling of Pride and Prejudice by Curtis Sittenfeld - 4 stars!

When Mr. Bennett has a health scare, Liz and Jane come back to Cincinnati from NYC to help out, even though Kitty, Lydia and Mary live there.  Mrs. Bennett is just anxious to marry off at least one daughter.  At a July 4th BBQ, Chip, fresh off a Bachelor-type reality show, takes interest in Jane, who is keeping a big secret from everyone.  At the same party, Liz meets Fitzwilliam Darcy, with much less enthusiasm.  

This was just so much fun.  I loved Mr, Bennett's humor and even though I sadly don't remember details of Pride and Prejudice, I thought this modern telling was just so much fun.  I'm sorry it languished on my TBR pile for so long!

11.23.2022 - Before You Knew My Name

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful debut novel by Jacqueline Bublitz - 4.5 stars!

Alice Lee, newly turned 18, and Ruby Jones, 36, both arrive in NYC looking for an escape and fresh starts.  But a month later, Alice is dead, the city's newest Jane Doe, and Ruby is the one to find her body.  Alice knows that Ruby can reclaim her name and solve the mystery of her death, while Ruby is trying her best to forget what she saw.

I thought this was a beautifully-written story that allows us hear the voice of the dead and forgotten, to name them, and have them count.  It's heartbreaking but also full of hope and new beginnings.  But dig further and it's a commentary on the fear for their safety that all women live with, where our politeness and fear of hurting someone's feelings overtake our own intuitions.  Much to think about in this book - can't wait to read more from this author.

11.21.2022 - Never Lie

 Many thanks to NetGalley, Dreamscape Media and Hollywood Upstairs Press for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest thriller by Freida McFadden, narrated by Leslie Howard - 4 stars!

Newlyweds Ethan and Tricia are searching for their dream house.  But when they visit the deserted mansion once owned by famous psychiatrist, Adrienne Hale, who disappeared 4 years ago, and in the middle of a blizzard, things don't turn out the way they planned.  Tricia finds a secret room with tape recordings Adrienne made of all her patient sessions and starts listening to them, unbeknownst to Ethan.  That's just one of the secrets here.

While you may have to suspend belief a lot of the time, this was still a twisty thriller that kept me engrossed to the end.  Plus, the remote setting during a blizzard added to the suspense of the book.  I totally guessed wrong with the direction of the book, so the twist was very surprising!  The narration worked well and was easy to follow, even with multiple characters.

11.20.2022 - I Know Where You Live

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for gifting me a digital ARC of the newest fiction book by a long-time favorite, Gregg Olsen - 4 stars!

Violet has never gotten over the sexual abuse she experienced from her grandfather, nor the fact that neither her mother or grandmother did anything about it.  But when her Papa shows up at her wedding when he was expressly told to stay away, that was it for her.  When he suffers an allergic reaction at the wedding and later dies, Violet is relieved.  Then she realizes that she's not the only one in her position who needs help living with abuse.

Lots of abuse trigger warnings in this one, but the author is sensitive to the feelings of the victims.  Told in short chapters from Violet, her sister, Lily, and mother, Rose, we learn how the abuse affected the entire family.  This is a good look into inherited trauma, the consequence of lies and secrets in families all tied up in a very suspenseful read.  

11.18.2022 - A Sliver of Darkness

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Ballantine Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful collection of short stories by CJ Tudor - 4.5 stars rounded up!

CJ Tudor writes the creepiest stories and I've loved all her books.  While not typically a fan of short stories, these really worked for me, especially because before each one, she wrote an introduction to the story.  Loved that glimpse into how the story came to be.  I had quite a few favorites but End of the Liner was probably the top - just a really good dystopian story that worked on so many levels.  But there was definitely something for everyone here - from dark humor to really disturbing!

A must read if you are a fan of CJ Tudor and her creepy, dark, wonderful imagination!

11.17.2022 - Book Lovers

Nora Stephens loves books - both in her personal life and in her business life as a cutthroat literary agent.  She thrives in the bustle of NYC and grudgingly goes along to Asheville, NC, on vacation with her pregnant younger sister as part of a tribute to one of Nora's author's best selling book.  They have a list of things they must accomplish while there.  Nora keeps running into Charlie, an editor that she met in NYC who wants to work on this author's latest book.  They've never been each other's biggest fans.  But maybe time together can change all that.

Another fabulous rom-com by Emily Henry - definitely a must read author for me.  And this is a book about books - it just adds to the must read!  While I felt at some points that it was a bit too bodice-ripping, this had lots of good themes about being true to yourself, grieving, familial responsibility.  Julie Whelan's narration was amazing!

11.16.2022 - Dark Rivers to Cross

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for gifting me a digital ARC of Dark Rivers to Cross by Lynne Reeves - 4.5 stars!

Lena's past is catching up to her.  She is running a successful river lodge in Northern Maine with her two sons, Jonah and Luke.  The boys were always told they were adopted and Jonah is desperate to know his true roots, while Luke is content with life the way it is.  Jonah's quest threatens to change everything.

I really liked this book and the way it explored difficult subjects.  While it's a tense, atmospheric thriller, the beginning dedication says it all - For women torn between impossible choices.  What would we do to protect our children?  What cost will they pay for those decisions?  What toll does trauma take on all parties involved?  The story is told in different timelines as we get the backstory of why Lena made the decisions she did.  A great read!

11.15.2022 - The Collector

Many thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and Dreamscape Media for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the second in this series of Danish crime books by Anne Mette Hancock and wonderfully narrated by Laura Jennings - 4.5 stars rounded up!  If you didn't read The Corpse Flower, this works well as a stand-alone, but much better together to see the character progression!

Ten-year-old Lukas disappeared from school and, unknown to his parents, he appears to have an interest in pareidolia, or seeing faces in inanimate objects.  Journalist Heloise Kalan's friend was the last to see Lukas at school.  Another of Heloise's friends, Detective Eric Schafer, is back from vacation and on the case to find Lukas.  When is jacket is discovered in the river, DNA is traced back to a soldier suffering from PTSD.  But things aren't what they appear to be.

I thought this book was even better than the first.  It's a really intriguing look into what we see and how we process it.  Just like Lukas' fascination with seeing faces in objects, how trustworthy are our eyewitness recollections?  How easy is it to overlook something important in the mundane?  This is a wonderful police procedural made better because it's a journalist and a detective, friends but with sometimes contrasting goals.  I can't wait to read more books in this series!

11.13.2022 - None of This Would Have Happened if Prince Were Alive

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster/Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by Carolyn Prusa - 4.5 stars rounded up!

A Category 4 hurricane is heading right towards Savannah, Georgia, and that isn't even the worst of Ramona's issues.  Over the next 48 hours, we go along for a crazy ride as she navigates her life - including a cheating husband, a demanding boss, a stubborn mom, and being responsible for two young kids and a stray neighbor, along with an assortment of animals. 

This book was just pure entertainment and I laughed out loud more times than is polite to mention.  Please don't tell me how serious all these issues are - they are! - but this book just makes you smile!  It's so relatable and just so much fun - don't miss this! 

11.11.2022 - Flight

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Mariner Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful novel by Lynn Steger Strong - 5 stars!

Siblings Henry, Martin and Kate have come to Henry and Alice's upstate New York home with their spouses and families to celebrate Christmas.  This will be the first Christmas since their beloved mother, Helen, died and the first not celebrated at her home in. Florida.  Each of the sibling couples have issues between themselves and each other, which are amplified with their grief as well as a disagreement over what to do with their mother's home.

This was such a beautifully written novel.  I did have some trouble keeping the characters straight in the beginning but soon got lost in the story and that worked itself out.  This is such an honest look into how everyone processes feelings of grief, siblings, parenthood, art, and even money differently.  This one really touched my heart - highly recommended!

11.11.2022 - Sunset Beach

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Mary Kay Andrews - 4.5 stars!

Drue Campbell is down on her luck - her mom just died, she's trying to recover from injuries sustained from her kiteboarding career, she's been fired from her waitress job, and has no prospects.   When her estranged dad shows up at her mom's funeral, he informs her that she has inherited her grandparents' cottage on Sunset Beach, and also offers her a job at his law firm.  But the downside is that her dad has married her old best friend, and she's her new boss.  When Drue discovers some newspaper clippings about a missing woman in her mom's possessions, she starts looking into the case.  She also starts quietly investigating the death of a young woman at a nearby hotel - and starts questioning the involvement of her father or his law firm.  

This is definitely not just a light beach read - I really got interested in this story and characters from the beginning.  While there's just the slightest hint of romance, there are multiple mysteries to be solved.  Drue is a wonderful character and you'll be rooting for her the whole time.  I also loved the author's note at the end of the book describing her own beach cottage adventure.  A must read!

11.10.2022 - Now is Not the Time to Panic

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ecco for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful novel by Kevin Wilson - 5 stars!

In the 1990s in Coalfield TN, two teenagers who have both lost their dads and feel lost and lonely, come together and create art.  Frankie wants to be a writer and comes up with a quote; Zeke wants to be an artist and illustrates the poster.  They sign it with drops of their blood.  Then with a copier in the garage stolen by Frankie's brothers, they make copies and start putting them all around the town.  But the townspeople get scared and bad things start happening.  Twenty years later, Frankie is now married and the mother of Junie, living now in KY, gets a phone call that threatens to expose her.

Oh my gosh, did I love everything about this story.  I loved how the writer's note was the beginning of the story, explaining the phrase and making me already love the story before I started to read.  This is a sweet coming-of-age story about two young people who don't fit in with anyone but themselves, trying to express themselves in art, and make a spot in the world.  It's about friendship and secrets that both unite us and set us free.  It's an absolute must read!  

11.8.2022 - The Family Game

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group Ballantine Books for granting my wish and gifting me a digital copy of the latest thriller by Catherine Steadman - 4.5 stars!

Harry is a novelist who just moved from England to the US where her fiancé, Edward, lives.  Edward is Uber-wealthy, coming from a very powerful family, the Holbecks.  Edward has been somewhat estranged from the family but engaged and with Harry newly pregnant, they accept an offer from Edward's sister to join the family for Thanksgiving.  There, Harry is introduced to Robert, the patriarch of the family, who slips her a secret cassette tape that he says she must listen to.  It gets weirder from that point, with Harry becoming involved with the games this family plays - and these aren't your average board games.  This family plays to win at all costs.  But Harry is keeping her own secret that she doesn't want the family to know.

While this one is definitely a bit over the top, I dove deep into this book and didn't want to stop reading.  It's mad fun trying to figure out how it will all end up and the ending was quite satisfying.  Block out some time to play The Family Game!

11.6.2022 - The Last Party

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of the newest book by a favorite, Clare Mackintosh.  5 stars!

Rhys Lloyd hosts a big party on New Year's Eve to celebrate the beginning success of new investment properties on Mirror Lake.  The properties are on the border of England and Wales, and are a huge bone of contention with the Welsh townspeople, so Rhys extends an invitation to some of them as well.  But by midnight, Rhys is dead.  And pretty much everyone had a reason to kill him.

Clare Mackintosh is such a skillful writer - if you haven't read I Let You Go, you must!  Still one of my very top favorites.  And this one is another winner and it kept me turning the pages as quickly as I could.  We are introduced to Detectives Leo Brady and Ffion Morgan, from different departments brought together to investigate this murder.  There are a lot of characters, pretty much all suspects, and we hear from many of them, including past timeframes, and everyone has secrets.  More good news - this is the first in a series featuring Ffion Morgan - can't wait to read more!

11.5.2022 - American Mother

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Grand Central Publishing and Bookouture Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest true crime novel by the one-and-only Gregg Olsen and wonderfully narrated by Karen Peakes - 4.5 stars!

A few years after the Tylenol tampering tragedies, Stella Nickell is on trial for lacing Excedrin capsules with cyanide, causing both her husband and a complete stranger to die.  Gregg Olsen meticulously researches the background and family of Stella, including Cindy, the daughter who would later testify against her in court.  

I have been a true crime junkie since my teens, and have eagerly awaited Olsen's books, whether his true crime or fiction books.  I really enjoyed listening to the discussion between the narrator and author at the end of the book, as well as his afterword.  It's so frightening to think that someone could be so evil as to tamper with a product that could kill any one of us.  In this case, as in so many, it all comes down to money.  Another winner by this author!

11.3.2022 - Carry the Dog

Many thanks to NetGalley and Algonquin Books for gifting me both a physical and digital ARC of this wonderful book by Stephanie Gangi and allowing me to participate in the blog tour - 5 stars!

Bea is nearing 60, still relying both for financial and emotional support on her ex-husband, Gary, an aged rock star who isn't able to reciprocate well.  Bea's childhood was fraught with trauma.  Her mother, Miri, was a photographer who exploited her children to get those perfect shots, in a series dubbed The Marx Nudes.  It all ended in tragedy and Bea has been mostly estranged from her remaining family ever since.  Decades later, both Hollywood and the Museum of Modern Art are courting her for projects involving her mother's photos, which have been kept in a storage space.  

I adored this book, even though the subject matter of childhood trauma and exploitation is a serious one.  Bea had to come to terms with her past before she could move into a new future, and she realizes that she had one memory of her past that was different from reality.  As we age, I think we are all forced to face our pasts and become comfortable with our face in the mirror in more ways than just looks.   I loved these characters, flaws and all.  This is a coming-of-age story for grownups and gave me so much to think about.  I also loved the author's note, so be sure to read that.  Can't wait to read more from this author!

11.2.2022 - Haunted in America

Many thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest book by Leslie Rule and narrated by Lisa Flanagan - 4 stars!

This audiobook contains ghost stories from the author's previous four books as well as updates and additions.  Never having read these books, I was intrigued to listen to all these different stories from around the country, divided into chapters devoted to hotels, amusement parks, restaurants, etc.  

I started listening to this on Halloween and finished on All Souls Day - how perfect is that?  While I'm a huge fan of the infamous Ann Rule and her daughter, Leslie, I had only read her true crime book so all of these stories were new to me.  No matter what you think about ghosts and spirits, this book will make you wonder.  The author has meticulously researched all of these events and gives you the facts as she knows them.  Fascinating to listen to and the narration by Lisa Flanagan was perfect!

10.31.2022 - The Girlfriend

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by a favorite, KL Slater - 4.5 stars rounded up!

As she is preparing for a huge blowout of a Halloween/birthday party, Jennifer gets a knock on her door from two police officers telling her that her husband, Cole, has been in a car accident and is dead.  Days later, while still reeling, Sara shows up on her doorstep with baby Rory in her arms.  Sara says that she is the rightful owner to Jennifer's home and that Rory is Cole's son.  How does Jennifer begin to tell her own children that Sara is moving in with them?  

This is such a fast-paced thriller that will keep you guessing with all the twists.  I really felt for so many of these characters and especially all the kids.  Another fabulous read by this author - don't miss it!

10.30.2022 - The Daughter-in-Law

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by Shalini Boland - 4.5 stars rounded up because I couldn't stop listening and reading it.  The audiobook was wonderfully narrated by Katie Villa, who seamlessly narrates both male and female voices - and there were quite a few characters in this book.

Seb had a brief online relationship with Caroline, flew to Australia to meet in person, then married her and returned home to England and his family pub.  His parents greeted her with less than an enthusiastic welcome.  Now the newlyweds are trying to get to know each other while living and working with his family.  But everyone here is keeping secrets.

Go into this one as blind as possible - there are so many twists and turns right up until the last page.  Shalini Boland is so good at creating tension and suspicion among her characters so you'll never see what's coming.  Another fast-paced must read from this author!

10.28.2022 - The Couple in the Cabin

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful novel by Daniel Hurst and perfectly narrated by Eilidh Beaton and Matt Bates- 5 stars!

Hell knows no fury like a woman scorned!  When happily married Grace returns home early and unexpectedly from a work event, she discovers her husband, Dominic, with another woman in his backyard man cabin.  She reacts quickly and locks the pair inside the cabin.  Dominic and his mistress are desperate to get out.  But has she done this before?

This was the perfect combination of mystery, dark humor and just plain entertainment - a fabulous audiobook!  Told in the POV of both Grace and Dominic, we learn the backstory of their relationship and their pasts.  You can't help but feel for Grace.  Plus, it was so helpful to have two good narrators for each POV - they were both great and it made for seamless listening.  This was my first book by this author - I definitely need to read more of his books.  I couldn't put this one down!  

10.28.2022 - We Are the Light

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster Avid Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the new novel by Matthew Quick - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Lucas Goodgame lives in an idyllic Pennsylvania town, aptly named Majestic.  He works at the local high school counseling students while his wife, Darcy, is a speech teacher at the nearby elementary school.  They love to go to the Majestic Theater to watch films.  But it was there that the unimaginable happened and 19 people died, including Darcy.  The town thinks that Lucas is a hero, but he feels much different.  The shooter's brother, Eli, begins camping out in Lucas' backyard and and the two form an unlikely pair.

Told in epistolary form as Lucas writes letters to his Jungian analyst, we are privy to the backstory of the tragedy and how the survivors and town struggle to heal.  This sadly all too common tale of mass shootings focuses on the people and town and less about the shooter.  But it's a beautifully written book filled with so many important topics - grief, mental illness, PTSD, family, community.  While it may seem to be a depressing subject, in the author's skillful hands, it is a book filled with light and hope.  Highly recommended.

10.27.2022 - The Widowmaker

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the second Black Harbor book by Hannah Morrissey, wonderfully narrated by both Adam Verner and Xe Sands - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Twenty years ago, rich businessman Clive Reynolds disappeared.  But now his car, a 1978 Porsche dubbed the Widowmaker, has been found submerged with a body inside.  New investigator Ryan Hudson has been assigned the case - his first as lead investigator - but he is distracted by the murder of his partner and friend.  When a witness to the murder, Morgan Mori, was just photographing the Reynolds Christmas party, the two storylines become entwined.  And Morgan is dealing with her own demons.

I was so intrigued with Morrissey's debut novel - Hello, Transcriber - which also took place in Black Harbor.  This one was just as dark, atmospheric and powerful with great characters.  I really felt for Morgan and Ryan and was intrigued at their past stories and how they are trying to move on.  A main character from the first book, Nik Kole, is back with a minor role here.  Black Harbor is the perfect name for this town with lots of dark secrets - don't miss this book!  

10.27.2022 - The Resemblance

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the debut novel by Lauren Nossett, narrated by Saskia Maarleveld - 3.5 stars rounded up!

At the University of Georgia, a fraternity brother steps off a crosswalk and is struck and killed.  The witnesses say that the driver looked just liked the victim - and he was smiling.  Detective Marlitt Kaplan is first on the scene.  The daughter of a UGA professor, she is no stranger to the campus.  But Marlitt's past starts to affect her investigation of the fraternity life at the school.

I always enjoy police procedurals as well as novels set at universities - it seems the perfect backdrop for so many emotions.  This was a good debut novel but I did feel slightly uninterested and that the story rambled a bit.  The detective characters didn't seem to have each others' backs and everyone had their own agendas.  The narration was good and I was intrigued to listen to figure it all out - I'll be anxious to read more from this author in the future.

10.26.2022 - Such a Pretty Girl

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by T. Greenwood - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Ryan Flannigan is living a quiet, peaceful life in Vermont with her daughter Sasha.  But that peace is shattered when she learns that a photo taken of her in 1977 during the blackout in NYC was found in the possession of a pedophile and sex trafficker.  The photo was inscribed on the back by her own mother.  Then Henri, the photographer, is found dead by suicide.  Ryan goes back to the West Village with Sasha to attend his memorial and is forced to confront her past.  Her mother, Fiona, took Ryan to live in an artist apartment building so that Fiona could realize her dream of becoming an actress.  But it was Ryan who became successful.

Told from Ryan's point of view both in the 1970s and 2019, this was a wonderfully-written introspective of mother and daughter relationships.  This is a look at stage moms who will sell their young daughters to get close to their own dreams.  It's the selling out of young girls, putting them in films way too old for them and much worse. The grittiness of NYC in the past becomes almost another character and you can feel, taste and smell the city.  I loved how Ryan found her family in Gilly, his family, and Henri - people that would always be there for her when her own mother wasn't.  This is heartbreaking in its realism and I loved it.

10.24.2022 - The Nursery

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Sue Watson - 4.5 stars!

Emily is a single mom to teenage Sofia, living in a small town where she can blend in and escape her past.  But now it seems that her past may be catching up to her - she's caught someone looking in her windows.  And it appears that Sofia is keeping secrets of her own - she is suddenly acting out and has befriended a stranger on Instagram.  Emily glances a message from this person - Your mother isn't who you think she is.  

This was another addictive read from Sue Watson.  I didn't see some of those twists coming but was glued to the pages to see how it would end up.  The characters were great and you were never quite sure of any of them!  I liked how most chapters ended up with a hint of what was to come - it really kept the tension high and kept me reading.