11.28.2023 - The Mystery Guest

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for gifting me a digital ARC of the follow-up book to one of my favorites, The Maid, by Nita Prose - 5 sparkling stars!

Molly  is now Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, now training Lily, to be a new maid.  When a famous author, JD Grimthorpe, drops dead on the floor of the hotel's tea room right before making a big announcement, Molly is once again being looked at as a suspect by Detective Stark.  While there are plenty of other suspects, Molly feels certain that she holds the key to this mystery, because long ago Molly knew the author and her beloved Gran was his maid.

This was one of my most anticipated reads, because I love this character so much.  Molly is pure innocence and lives out the life lessons that Gran taught her.  This book takes the reader back to Molly's childhood, giving even more depth to her character.  I enjoyed those "before" times with Molly and Gran as they worked together at the Grimthorpe mansion.  I flew through this book and then was sad it was over.  But I'm hoping we will hear more from Molly in the future!

11.27.2023 - The Other Half

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Vintage Anchor for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful book by Charlotte Vassell - 4 stars!

Rupert is the perfect example of "the other half" - he lives with no rules, , no job, no budget, no worries, no thoughts to his boorish behavior.  He decides to hold his 30th birthday party at the local McDonald's - but burgers aren't really on the menu.  Instead, it's champaign and cocaine.  When his girlfriend, Clemmie, is found dead the next day, who could have killed her?  Detective Caius Beauchamp just happened to be the one who found Clemmie, so he's in charge of her case, for now.  Because the other half extend into every part of life.  Can Caius find her killer before her case is turned over or forgotten?

I adored Caius and can't wait to read more of his story - because this is the first of hopefully more to come.  He's pining for a woman who left him and moved to France, so he has decided to change.  He tries to eat right, exercise, read the right books, but you know, life interferes. This was a good "who-dun-it" made even better by Caius and his coworkers.

11.26.2023 - The Islanders

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Amazon Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest stand-alone thriller by Caroline Mitchell - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Claire and her husband, Daniel, and their daughter, Kitty, take refuge in Daniel's boyhood home located on remote Selkie Island off the Ireland coast.  Claire, a doctor, is devastated by guilt over the loss of a child in her care and Daniel hopes the island can provide her with time to heal.  But Claire can't escape the secrets that the house and Daniel's family hold tight - Daniel's parents were lost at sea and the history of the goings-on at the house linger.  When Kitty goes missing, Claire's world crumbles even farther.

Wow - this was such a creepy, atmospheric novel and the setting was a huge part of the plot.  The house is full of past ghosts and the family has kept so many secrets.  Told in two different timelines, we learn about Daniel's family and what was really going on inside their home.  But the twists - wow - they kept coming and I was shocked.  You've got to add this to your reading list!

11.24.2023 - The Christmas Party

 

Many thanks to the author for gifting me a digital ARC of the first book (of two, I believe) in the Bailey Family saga.

Erin and her husband Aaron are hosting their annual blowout Christmas party at the hotel they own and operate.  But this year, Erin is inviting her estranged mother and two sisters that she hasn't seen in over a decade.  Can they resolve their differences and move on?  Or are there way too many secrets going on for that to happen?

This was a light read and I enjoyed the sibling dynamic and trying to figure out what was going on.  I will definitely be up for reading the next in the series to find out what else is in store for this family!

11.22.2023 - There Should Have Been Eight

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for gifting me a digital ARC of this novel by Nalini Singh and allowing me to take part in the book tour - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Seven friends gather at a crumbling mansion in New Zealand for a reunion of sorts.  They were all the best of friends years ago but much has happened in the interim.  They are still mourning the loss of Bea, and being back together and at the mansion where Bea and her sister Darcie spent time just brings everything to the forefront.  Then strange things start happening and no one knows who is responsible or who they can trust.

I love a locked room mystery and this one hit all the right notes - creepy mansion, half burned, remote location, a snowstorm that keeps them locked in.   There was even a creepy doll and hidden passages!   I also really liked Luna's character - a photographer who is losing her vision.  You could sympathize with her and feel her fear about her prognosis.  There's a lot going on here and I thoroughly enjoyed every bit!

11.21.23 - The Premonition

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and HighBridge Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this newly-translated work of Banana Yoshimoto, beautifully narrated by Kathleen Li - 4 stars!

Yayoi is 19 years old, from a happy home, and a brother she's close to.  But she's always felt like there were things that she knew that she shouldn't, and things she thought she remembered.  She eventually decides to move in with her aunt, Yukino, who has always lived a very unusual life, not caring what anyone else thinks.  Slowly, Yayoi comes into new revelations about herself and her life.

This is a very quiet book, with quirky characters who march to the beat of their own drums.  But it's a story of family secrets, feelings that go deeper than what we've been told, and gaining confidence in believing our own thoughts.  It's a quick read and I loved the narrator's voice - it added to the quietness and thoughtfulness of the book.

11.17.2023 - Day

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Pulitzer-prize winning author, Michael Cunningham - 4.5 stars rounded up!

On the same day, April 5th, on three consecutive years, 2019, 2020, and 2021, we get a glimpse into the days of a family.  Dan and Isabel live in Brooklyn with their two children, Nathan and Violet.  Isabel's brother, Robbie, lives in the attic.  Robbie is looking for a place he can afford on his teacher's salary while he contemplates going back to medical school.  We also meet Dan's brother, his friend, and son.

I loved this book - from the quiet cover to the quiet, beautiful prose inside.  While it takes place during Covid, that word is never mentioned.  It takes us back to that time, the fear, the anxiety, what it means to be family, and how everyone can fit together.  It takes us on a journey, familiar yet new, and I enjoyed every bit.

11.14.2023 - After Dark

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer Amazon Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest psychological thriller by Minka Kent - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Afton Teachout is trying to move on with her life, after being accused of killing her mom's boyfriend.  While she never had to go to jail, she was in a different type of prison.  Still living in the same small town where she is an outcast, she's trying hard to work and take care of her grandma.  When a sudden windfall comes into her life, she does all she can to help out her best friend, Sydney.  Sydney's family were always there for her when her mom wasn't.  But things soon spin out of Afton's control.

Best go into this one as blind as possible so that you can fully enjoy the ride!  I raced through this book and loved the alternate timelines so that we could get the whole picture of Afton and Sydney's past as well as the present events.  I really felt for these characters and wasn't sure how it was all going to end up.  Lots of possibly unreliable narrators and viewpoints to add to the mix!  Grab this one for sure!

11.12.2023 - The Good Part

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group Putnam, GP Putnam Sons, for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Sophie Cousens - 5 stars!

Lucy Young is 26 and tired.  She's tired of her job, where she seems relegated to being the runner instead of an idea person, she's tired of her lousy apartment, she's tired of horrible dates, she's tired of being broke.  When she comes across a wishing machine one night after a particularly horrible date, she wishes that she could just get to the good part of life.  Then she wakes up the next morning in a completely new life.

I really loved the premise of this book - it seems we are always waiting for the good part to come and don't focus on the good parts right in front of us.  When Lucy wakes up after her wish is granted, she's happily married, the mother of two children, has a great job, no money worries.  But what did she miss to get there?  This book had me laughing - Lucy's son Felix is amazing - and really thinking about all that goes into making up the good parts of life.  The old adage is certainly true - be careful what you wish for!  Highly recommended! 

11.10.2023 - Husband and Wife

 

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

Husbands and wives and the secrets they keep from each other.  Patrick and Luna head out to an overnight dinner event, leaving their son with his parents, Nicola and Cal.  They have a bad car accident and both end up in the hospital in serious condition.  A single mother was found murdered and now Nicola believes that Patrick or Luna may know something about it.  

I loved this twisty tale of both husband and wife relationships as well as those between parent and adult children.  Nicola is mourning the close relationship she once had with Patrick, and her and Cal worry that they won't be able to see their grandson.  I really felt for her and could feel the emotional roller coaster she was on, wanting to do the right thing but fearful of the repercussions to her family.  The story is told from multiple POVs and timelines, but each chapter is titled so there's no confusion.  I raced through this one!

11.8.2023 - Ravening

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Tor Publishing Group for gifting me a digital ARC of the second book in the Green Creek series by TJ Klune - 4 stars!

This is the story of Gordo whom we first met in Wolfsong, as witch of the Bennett pack.  Gordo struggles with his relationship with Mark, and with the pack in general after being left behind.  

I loved Gordo in Wolfsong, and how he stood up for Ox when he was so sorely needed.  This book explores Gordo's past while continuing the story and struggles of the Bennett wolf pack.  No one immerses you in a fantasy world quite like TJ Klune and I'm here for whatever he writes.  

11.8.2023 - The Day After the Party

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest psychological thriller by Nicole Trope - 4 stars!

Katelyn and Leah have been best friends since they were 6.  Leah's family basically took Katelyn under their wings, since her mom was neglectful and an alcoholic.  Decades later, Katelyn is throwing a big party to celebrate her 36th birthday and Leah is by her side as always.  But now the tables have turned a bit - Katelyn is happily married with a young daughter and Leah is divorced and struggling.  Katelyn wakes up the day after the party in the hospital with temporary amnesia and doesn't remember anything about the night.  But others do and it could cause huge problems for everyone.

This was a quick read - mostly because I kept turning the pages to see what exactly happened at the party!  I thought the relationship between Katelyn was so interesting and added much depth to the story.  While once Katelyn wanted Leah's life, now Leah wants Katelyn's.  I liked the flashbacks into their past that really explored the friendship dynamic.  Then there are those husbands!  Another good read by Nicole Trope!

11.6.2023 - When I'm Dead

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press Minotaur Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Hannah Morrissey - 4.5 stars!

Black Harbor is a bleak, dying industrial town.  The job becomes personal when medical examiner Rowen discovers that her teenage daughter's friend has been killed.  Then things turn worse when her daughter, Chloe, is missing.  Together with her husband, Axel, a Black Harbor detective, they search for Chloe but their differing opinions may tear the family further apart.  

I love this Black Harbor series and it's getting better as it goes!  But each book focuses on a different group of people in town, with just a few mentions carrying over, so it's a great stand-alone read as well.  The atmosphere of the town adds to all the mystery, and the author keeps the tension high throughout.  I did feel for the parents - they are both devoted to their jobs, which takes them away from family at the most inconvenient of times.  Morrissey also captured the teenage viewpoint and the mean girl attitude that can devastate their targets.  I can't wait to read more in this series!

11.3.2023 - West Heart Kill

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for gifting me a digital ARC of this debut novel by Dann McDorman - 4 stars!

Upstate NY at a private, isolated hunting club.  Add a raging storm and a cast full of rich, unfaithful, scheming characters.  End up with three corpses within four days.

Wow - this has to be hands-down the most unique murder mystery I remember reading!  Taking place during the Bicentennial weekend, this book reads sort of like a screenplay, where the reader is part of the production.  I loved all the side bits about the history of the genre and more.  It was a tad confusing to me for some reason, but that may just have been where my head was at when reading.  Because there's nothing better to me than discovering a new, creative way to tell a story - and this author nailed that!  Can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

11.3.2023 - My Daughter's Husband

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for gifting me the audio ARC of the sequel to My Daughter's Boyfriend, by Daniel Hurst.  The audio cast narration by Harrie Dobby, Adam Sims, and Tamsin Kennard was pitch perfect.  4 stars!

Years have passed since the events in My Daughter's Boyfriend, and Ellie is madly in love with Kyle.  They are getting married in Turkey and mom, Dawn, couldn't be happier.  Until she finds a letter that lets her believe that Kyle is lying.  Dawn will once again do whatever she has to in order to protect her daughter.

While it's more enjoyable to have read the first book before this one, the author provides all the necessary background.  Told from multiple POV, this is another fast-paced, tense thriller made better by the narration.  Pure entertainment!

11.3.2023 - The Gift

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Hollywood Upstairs Publishing and Dreamscape Select for gifting me an audio ARC of this short story by Freida McFadden and perfectly narrated by Alyson Krawchuk - 4.5 stars!

Stella is broke, even though she's working two jobs while her husband is in school.  It's Christmas Eve and it will be their first Christmas together.  She's desperate to find a memorable gift for him.  So when a pawn store owner offers her a trade, she can't refuse.

Inspired by the class O. Henry tale, The Gift of the Magi, this is a creepy story that McFadden fans will love.  I thought I knew where this would go, but the end left me shivering!  Behind the thriller, some good messages in here as well.

11.2.2023 - Christmas Presents

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penzler Publishing Mysterious Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this novella by Lisa Unger - 4.5 stars!

Madeline is the survivor of a horrible night in her small town, that left her disfigured, one of her friends dead, and two others missing.  Her boyfriend at the time, Evan Handy, was convicted and is in jail.  Madeline now runs a bookstore in town and takes care of her father, the sheriff, who is recovering from a stroke.  A true crime podcaster, Harley, comes into town wanting to investigate those crimes and also more missing girls, most recently a young girl named Lolly.  But opening up the past is hard on everyone.

This is marketed as a novella, but it is a fully-fleshed thriller.  While it takes place at Christmastime, don't look for this to be a Hallmark story!  But it's definitely a suspenseful book with characters you will be rooting for, even when you may also be yelling at them to make different decisions!  Put this one on your Christmas thriller list!

11.1.2023 - The Exchange

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Doubleday for gifting me a digital ARC of the sequel to The Firm by John Grisham - 4 stars!

In the years after Mitch exposed all the corruption happening in his Memphis law firm, he and his wife, Abby, now have a new life in NYC with their twin boys.  A colleague and friend from Rome summons him to ask for his help on a huge construction project lawsuit, and asks that his daughter, Giovanna, a law associate, help Mitch.  They head to Libya but Mitch gets sick and Giovanna is forced to go on her own.  Then the worst happens and she is kidnapped.  Mitch and Abby are suddenly in the midst of a terrorist negotiation.

I love John Grisham's books but this is not a legal thriller as you might expect.  It's certainly a compelling thriller but more in the vein of terrorists and international politics.  I kept trying to figure out how Abby got so involved, and I never quite felt the connection to any of the characters.  But it's still a new John Grisham book and a must read!