3.8.2025 - Name Not Taken

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Little A and Brilliance Publishing for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest book by Madeleine Henry, with the audiobook wonderfully narrated by Natalie Naudus.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars rounded up!

Devon and Richard are engaged, but come from two very different backgrounds.  Devon's was traumatic, being raised by a single mother with mental health issues, while Richard comes from a very wealthy family.  But after dating and living together, she had still not met his family until now.  And it is not going well - the family seems to question everything Devon does and are making Richard question her as well.  Let the mind games begin.

While domestic suspense is usually one of my favorite genres, this one was just okay for me.  I felt bad for Devon and wished she could have stood up for herself better, plus there are so many unreliable narrators that you will be questioning everyone.  I switched to listening to the audiobook and enjoyed it, but was a tad confused with the ending.  I'm blaming it on maybe too much multitasking when listening.  This was also an Amazon Prime First Read selection so try it out for yourself!

3.8.2025 - Message Deleted

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest psychological thriller by KL Slater.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Saffy is trying to get her life back on track and is waiting to go in for a job interview when she receives a text message from her best friend, Leona.  The message says - Can't speak, don't text or call, please just come.  Then the message is deleted.  Saffy is afraid that Leona is in trouble from her husband, Ash, so she rushes out of the interview to check on her friend.  When she gets to their house, Leona says everything is fine and that she didn't send the message.  Then the police show up at Saffy's door because she was the last one to see the family before they all went missing.

As always with Slater's books, this is a twisty book, with short chapters from different POV and timelines, giving the reader lots of suspects and clues along the way.  I felt for Saffy, with all her fears making her overprotective and anxious; definitely not a reliable narrator.  I never guessed how it was all going to play out and thought the ending was perfect.

3.7.2025 - The Undoing of Violet Claybourne

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark for gifting me a digital ARC of the new novel by Emily Critchley.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

It's 1938 and Gillian Larkin is sent away to school while her dad is an expat in Egypt with his new wife and son.  She's used to being a loner but is befriended by her roommate, Violet Claybourne.  Gilly is thrilled when Violet invites her to spend Christmas with her family at Thornleigh Hall.  Gilly is dazzled by the family's wealth and glamour, and especially by Violet's older sisters.  But when there is a terrible accident on the grounds, Gilly's loyalty and conscience are put to the test.  

I was a big fan of the author's previous book, One Puzzling Afternoon, and was excited to read her latest.  This book has such a gothic, dark feel, full of unlikeable characters that drip with privilege and secrets, and who will do anything to protect themselves.  Told from Ginny's prospective, we feel her need to fit in at all costs and her resulting devastating decisions.  I felt for Violet and her undoings (OCDd behaviors).   It's a heartbreaking story, full of betrayal and gaslighting, but it will keep you turning the pages well into the night.  

3.5.2025 - Black Tunnel White Magic

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Mulholland Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this fascinating true crime book by Rick Jackson and Matthew McGough.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

In June 1990, Ronald Baker, a straight-A UCLA student, was found repeatedly stabbed to death in a tunnel near Spahn Ranch, where Charles Manson and his followers once lived. Shortly thereafter, Detective Rick Jackson and his partner, Frank Garcia, were assigned the case. Was there an occult factor?  Their investigation soon focused on Baker's roommates, one Black and one white, and the investigators' dogged pursuit of truth and justice.

I thought this was a fascinating look back at LA in the 1990s, where race, police brutality, and satanism were the headline stories.  But it's also such a close introspection of police work at its finest, where finding the truth takes priority over everything else.  These detectives worked for years and even decades to get justice for families.  It's a look back at the effects of the Rodney King and OJ Simpson verdicts, and you'll recognize many names from that era.  Now that our movements and conversations are tracked by cellphones and cameras, this is true, gritty detective work when DNA was in its infancy.  The crime itself was horrifying and such a tragic loss of a young man, but kudos to Jackson and Garcia for their devotion.  

3.4.2025 - The Last Days of Kira Mullan

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins William Morrow for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by the husband and wife writing duo known as Nicci French, and the second in the Maud O'Connor series.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Nancy North is trying to get back to normal after suffering a psychotic break that blew up her life.  She and her partner, Felix, have moved into a new flat and are anxious for a fresh start.  She's doing everything right, but things still seem wrong.  She hears mysterious voices that triggered her first episode, but she tries to justify it as the sounds of a new flat.  But when the young woman in the downstairs flat is found dead, everyone says it's a suicide.  But Nancy feels differently, and no one will listen except for DI Maud O'Connor.

I love this series, but you don't need to read the first book to enjoy this one.  I enjoy how in both books, Maud doesn't make an important appearance until the story is well developed, but she is a great character.  This is part police procedural, but it's also a great story about mental health.  That aspect is done really well, and you can feel Nancy's frustration at being labeled, gaslit, and trapped.  It's a good mystery as Maud tries to figure out exactly what happened to Kira.  Told from both Nancy's and Maud's POV, this is the perfect combination of genres and I couldn't put it down.  Hope there are more books to come in this series!

3.2.2025 - Wild Dark Shore

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this wonderful book by Charlotte McConaghy, wonderfully narrated by the cast of Cooper Mortlock, Katherine Littrell, Saskia Maarleveldm and Steve West.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 5 stars!

 

Dominic Salt and his three children (Raff, Fen, and Orly) are caretakers of Shearwater, a tiny island not far from Antarctica, and home to the world’s largest seed bank.  With sea levels rising, the Salts are the only inhabitants and are packing up the seeds before being transported away.  During a terrible storm, a woman washes up on shore. As the Salts nurse the woman, Rowan, back to life, they all come back to life a bit.  Until secrets start showing their faces.

 

This is a wonderful atmospheric novel.  You can see the beauty of the landscape, the wildlife, but see the damage the world has done as well.  The Salt family is completely isolated, running out of food and time, with no way to communicate with the outside world.  When Rowen enters their tiny circle, she keeps the real reason she is there to herself, but the Salt family is full of secrets as well.  It was taut and tense, as the family fight the elements as well as their personal demons.  The audiobook was fabulous, with a full cast making the story even more immersive.

3.1.2025 - Killer Story

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing/Brilliance Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this memoir/true crime story, written and narrated by Claire St. Amant.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Claire spent almost a decade in network television covering the biggest true crime stories for 48 Hours and 60 Minutes.  In this book, she details how she got there, the cases she covered, and the toll it took on her psyche.  

This was a fascinating look behind the curtain of all those true crime stories I have watched for decades.  Besides going over the cases, it was fascinating to see how these shows develop and get produced, and the race against the clock to beat the competition.  The story of how she almost got indicted for a felony was unbelievable as well.   I appreciated that the author narrated her story, feeling that it adds a more personal touch.  If you're a true crime junkie, this book is for you.

3.1.2025 - Profile K

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Avon/Harper 360 for gifting me a digital ARC of this stand-alone thriller by Helen Fields.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Midnight Jones is a data analyst for Necto Corporation in London.  After a potential employee or student takes a Netco-developed test, she analyzes the data to determine the person's fit for that position.  When she gets a profile completely off the charts, she tries to tell her superiors that she received a Profile K - which they all said doesn't exist and is strictly a training protocol.  But Midnight is convinced that she uncovered a very dangerous person, one who may kill again.  

This one was definitely dark, but completely fascinating, partly because with AI and technology advances, you can see how something like this test software could be on the horizon.  Midnight is a wonderful character, as she devotes all non-working hours to care for her twin sister, Dawn.  Midnight didn't know who she could trust and felt completely let down by everyone she went to for help.  The murderer's story was beyond creepy, but I flew through this one.  As always with Fields' books, it's immersive, tense, and gripping.  

2.27.2025 - Close Your Eyes and Count to 10

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing/Park Row for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Lisa Unger.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Extreme adventurer Maverick Dillon is hosting the ultimate game of hide-and-seek.  Set on a remote island, the game quickly turns into a game of survival instead of a social media stunt.  As a storm threatens, and everyone has their secrets,  Adele is a single mother of two teenagers, desperate to win the prize money to offer them the stability they need.  But has she made a mistake coming to this island that may cost her everything?

I always look forward to Lisa Unger's books, and this was a perfect escape book.  Plus, I always enjoy an atmospheric,  locked room mystery, and this one ticked off those boxes in spades.  There's some warnings here about social media and influencers, and how blurry the lines are between gaming and the real world.  A bit implausible at times, I still was thoroughly invested to figure out everyone's secrets and just how things would end up.  Tense and full of thrills!

2.27.2025 - Back After This

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine Books for gifting me the latest rom com by Linda Holmes.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Cecily Foster loves to make podcasts, but is worried about the company she works for and the boss who always disappoints her.  When he offers her the chance to host her own show, she's thrilled until she learns that it is about her dating life and she will be coached by an influencer, Eliza Cassidy.  The premise is that Eliza will find Cecily 20 dates, all to be recorded for the podcast.  To add to the mix, Cecily meets Will on the street while he's rescuing a dog, and they seem to have a spark, but Eliza warns her off.  

While rom-com is not usually my favorite genre, there are a few must read authors for me, and Linda Holmes is one.  She writes about characters you will care about, with sharp dialogue, and realistic settings.  Plus in this one, you'll learn a lot about the behind-the-scenes world of podcasts and audio, as well as social media.  And there's Buddy the Great Dane!  It's a good story of finding love without losing yourself.

2.26.2025 - The Strange Case of Jane O

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Karen Thompson Walker.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

A year after her child is born, Jane suffers from a series of strange episodes and seeks out a psychiatrist.  Then she goes missing, only to be found unconcious in what appears to be an episode of dissociative fugue.  She has no memory of what happened when she awakes.  As the psychiatrist delves deeper, he begins questioning everything.

Go into this one as blind as possible, so that you can explore all the magic slowly unfurling on these pages.  It's beautifully written and drew me in right away, as the pieces of the puzzle slowly fit into place.  That's what it felt like - just something slowly clicking in your mind, rather than a big in your face twist.  It's that perfect mesh of reality and speculative mystery revolving around our memory, identity and love.  A must read!

2.25.2025 - The Housemate

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Datura for gifting me a digital ARC of this mystery by Sarah Bailey.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4 stars!

Three housemates.  One dead, one missing and one accused of murder.  Dubbed the Housemate Homicide, it's a mystery that has baffled Australians for almost a decade.  Olive Groves worked on the story as a junior reporter and became obsessed by the case. Now, nine years later, the missing housemate turns up dead on a remote property. Oli is once again assigned to the story, this time reluctantly paired with precocious millennial podcaster Cooper Ng.  What really happened to the housemates that night?  

This was an intriguing mystery, with the murder taking place years ago but suddenly thrust back into the present time.  I loved Cooper’s character, and he was a good contrast to Oli’s more traditional journalistic style.  Oli was an interesting character as well – she’s engaged to a wealthy man from her past whose wife was killed, leaving him to raise their twin daughters.  But is he hiding something from Oli?  

2.24.2025 - Scout Camp

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing/Citadel for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest true crime story by James Renner, this time, one that is deeply personal.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

In the summer of 1995, James Renner was a youth counselor at the largest Boy Scout camp in Ohio.  One night there, sexual violence ended with one counselor dead and another hospitalized.  What exactly happened at that camp?  

This book hit home for me, because my boys were also part of the Great Trails Council and just a couple years behind Renner's experiences with the Boy Scouts, although mine quit the organization before getting involved with the summer camps.  In fact, my grandkids (boy and girl) are now part of the Scouts organization.  I would have been appalled to know that these secret societies were happening at camp, encouraged by adults who should have had no dealings with young men.  This book is brutally honest as Renner explores how his violent upbringing and his camp experiences left scars on his soul, leaving him to battle his demons to this day.  I've been a fan of Renner's books, but appreciated his honesty and openness in sharing his personal experiences.

2.24.2025 - Something in the Walls

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this creepy tale by Daisy Pearce, wonderfully narrated by Ana Clements.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4 stars!

 

Mina is a newly-certified child psychology with little experience and unable to find her path.  She meets journalist Sam Hunter at a grief support group, and he approaches her with a proposition.  Alice is a 13-year-old who supposedly is being haunted by a witch in the remote village of Banathel.   Alice feels this is an opportunity to gain experience and improve Alice’s life.  But Alice’s behavior becomes more disturbing, and the townspeople feel that she is evil and they aren’t shy about expressing it.  

 

This was such a creepy, atmospheric story and I thought the writing was hauntingly beautiful.  The narration of the book just added an additional layer.  Mina is dealing with past trauma and has some ulterior motives in connecting with Alice, as does Sam.  This is a dark and twisty tale that will have you guessing just where the evil lies.

2.23.2025 - The First Girl

Many thanks to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer/Amazon Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Claire McGowan.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Karen Walker's first love went on to become known as The Bagman, a serial killer currently locked away for life.  Ever since, Karen has had to deal with the weight of not knowing what he was capable of and defending him.  But now, ten years later, as her book of her account of the crimes is about to be published, another young woman is abducted in similar circumstances.  It can't be The Bagman, can it?  She must return to her hometown to see if there's any chance of saving the girl.

As always with Claire McGowan's book, this was a tense thriller.  I liked the way it was written - the reader got excerpts from her book filling in the past history, plus the dialogue was such that Karen was talking to The Bagman, again giving clues to their relationship and her thoughts.  It was also a good police procedural as the hunt was on for the missing girl with even an amateur sleuth team getting in the action.  Loved the ending too!

2.20.2025 - The Nanny Share

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Bookouture Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest psychological thriller by Emily Shiner, with the audio perfectly narrated by Ashley Rose Kaplan.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Julie is the nanny for two little girls from different families in the exclusive Blackwood neighborhood.  The mothers were best friends until months ago, and now don't speak.  But when the little girls go missing on the same night, everyone is suspect.

Wow – what a twisty tale this was!  My mouth dropped quite a few times.  Everyone has secrets – everyone – and it’s suspenseful waiting to see what will happen to the missing little girls and just who is responsible.  Told from multiple POV, all of the characters fall apart in different ways when the girls go missing.  A quick read – always look forward to Emily Shiner’s books!

2.19.2025 - Famous Last Words

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Gillian McAllister.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

It's June 21st, the longest day of the year, and new mother Camilla's life will never be the same.  After her maternity leave, she's going to drop off Polly at nursery and return to work a a literary agent.  But when she wakes up, her husband Luke is no where to be found.  In his place, a cryptic note on the table.  Then breaking news about a hostage situation erupts and the police tell her Luke is involved, but not as a hostage.

Wow - I read a lot of thrillers but this one really grabbed me from the very beginning.  Cam's strong belief in her husband and her disbelief that he could do something like this felt palpable.  The tension kept ratcheting up as we hear from multiple POVs over a stretch of time.  Niall, the hostage negotiator, was a fabulous character as well, just trying to do the right thing no matter what.  This line from the book resonated with me throughout - "Funny how things look different depending on what you know to be true."  Enough said because I don't want to give anything away - but this is a must read if you love thrillers!

2.17.2025 - All the Captive Girls

Many thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book in the series by Linda Hurtado Bond.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

When we catch up with Tampa Bay crime reporter Mari Alvarez, she thought she had survived the worst and life would go back to normal.  But then a killer everyone thought was dead contacts her and starts a cat-and-mouse game where a loss will mean the end of everything she loves.  

I have enjoyed this series, made more realistic by the fact that Linda Hurtado Bond is a crime reporter.  This was a tense thriller where you didn't know who you could trust or what was going to happen around the next corner.  I felt for Mari as she was in a no win situation, plus I was anxious to see if the relationship between her and Tony, a police officer, would solidify.  What added so much to this story was the possibility of what AI could do and how you couldn't trust pictures or videos.  A scary premise made more so by its reality.  I'd like to hope there are more books to come, but this was a great series.

2.11.2025 - Blood Ties

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for gifting me both a physical and digital ARC of Jo Nesbo's latest thriller.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Brothers Carl and Roy Opgard have killed their way to the top in their small town of Os.  Carl runs the fancy spa hotel and Roy has big plans for an amusement park.  But the sheriff seems to be closing in on them and feels he has new evidence in past murders.  The brothers are used to covering their tracks, but they won't go down without a fight.

I'm a huge Nesbo fan, especially of his Harry Hole books, but somehow I missed the first book in this series.  Didn't matter - this book definitely stands on its own and I thoroughly enjoyed it, even though it's filled with unlikeable characters.   It's also full of action and suspense, with family loyalty on the line, bringing up the question of just how far people will go to protect their secrets and maintain their power.  Plenty of twists and turns, and Nesbo is fabulous at bringing to life the atmosphere of these small Norwegian towns.  .  

2.10.2025 - Nothing Ever Happens Here

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Publishing Graydon House, Harlequin Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by Serephina Nova Glass, narrated by the wonderful cast of Brittany Pressley, Stacey Glemboski, and Petrea Burchard.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Nothing ever happens in a small Minnesota town - until it does.  After surviving an attack where the perpetrator was never found, Shelby Dawson has tried to move on.  But an anonymous note on her windshield with the same words that her attacker used, Shelby is terrified.  Meanwhile, a group of senior citizens in the home that Shelby manages decides to investigate on their own.  Shelby's friend, Mackenzie, is also reeling because her husband disappeared the night Shelby was attacked and hasn't been seen since.  

Told from multiple POV, this is a fun thriller.  You may have to suspend reality a bit, but it's worth it!  I loved the group of senior citizens - from the one who has a not-so-secret podcast to their banding together to investigate the crimes around them.  They added humor and personality to this mystery, for sure.  There are quite a few characters and the plot is a bit on the slower side, but I was anxious to see how it would all play out.  Plus, the Minnesota weather and small town feel made this an atmospheric read.  I thought the cast narration was spot on, and I quickly switched to listening to the audio.  

2.10.2025 - The Bookstore Keepers

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories, and Brilliance Publishing for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest novella in the Once Upon a Time Bookshop Stories series by the wonderful Alice Hoffman, with the audio perfectly narrated by Jennifer Jill Araya.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

We once again meet the Gibson sisters as they are running the bookstore on Brinkley's Island in Maine.  I love this series and have so enjoyed each short story as we see the sisters through different phases of their lives, capturing all the ups and downs of both romantic love and mother-daughter relationships.  These stories are heartfelt, relatable, touching.  Start at the beginning to get the full impact of this wonderful series - I can't wait for more to come!

2.9.2025 - Three Days in June

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by a favorite, Anne Tyler.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Gail Baines is having a bad day.   She has problems at work, her only daughter, Debbie, is getting married and Gail is feeling left out, and her ex-husband, Max, shows up at her house unannounced with a cat.  

As the title states, this story takes place over three days - the day before the wedding, the wedding day, and the day after.  In between, we are privy to the backstory of Gail and Max's marriage and divorce.  This was the perfect book for me right now - and I love when that happens!  Because my son is getting married in a few days and our issues would rival these fictional ones.  Anne Tyler is always marvelous at human feelings, with stories that highlight the good and bad parts of life and relationships, with relatability, sensitivity, and humor.  I couldn't put this one down and loved every word.  Very highly recommended!

2.8.2025 - Isola

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Dial Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Allegra Goodman, this month's Reese's Book Club pick.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Marguerite is a 16th century French noblewoman, orphaned as an adult and put under the guardianship of Roberval, who has only his interests at heart.  Marguerite believes that her home and riches will eventually be turned back to her once she is married off at the age of 15.  But Roberval decides to rent out her home and forces her to join him on a trip to New France (Canada).  She takes along her nurse, Damienne, but must leave behind her best friend and teacher.  On the voyage, Marguerite befriends Roberval's servant, Auguste, and they soon begin a relationship.  When they are discovered, Roberval leaves them alone on a small, uninhabited island.  

I would never think that a novel set in the 16th century could be so gripping, but this one sure was.  It's based on a true character, lending even more emotion to the events that Marguerite endures to survive.  It's a coming-of-age story of a privileged child that turns into a tale of courage, the will to survive, and faith in the darkest of times.  A must read for historical fiction fans!!

2.8.2025 - We All Live Here

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking Pamela Dorman Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Jojo Moyes.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Lila has a lot going on.  Her ex-husband is having a baby with the woman he left her for and she has to see her every day at school pickup.  Her mother passed away and her stepfather has basically moved in with her and her two daughters, in a house that is becoming a money pit.  She has writer's block for her new book, and then her biological dad turns back up.  

As with all Moyes' books, this one will tug at your heartstrings.  I love a good family drama and this book's many characters and their emotions felt real and relatable,  These characters are dealing with a lot - grief, loss, uncertainty - but there are so many lighthearted, humorous moments along the way.  It explores real family - those related to us and not - with all the ups and downs involved.  I was always anxious to get back to this family and I already miss these characters, especially Gene who was such a hoot and was trying so hard to be better.  A must read!

2.4.2025 - A Long Time Gone

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest in the Ben Packard series by Joshua Moehling.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Ben Packard was just a boy when his older brother, Nick, disappeared. Ben watched him walk out the back door of their grandparents' house and he was never seen again.  Decades later, Deputy Packard finally has some new information that may lead them to the location of Nick's body and provide some closure for their family.  When Ben and his mom visit his grandparents' house, he comes across another dead body.  Is there a connection?  

This is one of my favorite series - just wonderful characters in a sharp police procedural.  If you haven't read the first two, you definitely should, but this would stand alone on its own merit as well.  Both mysteries are gripping and tense, and kept me guessing, but it's the characters that really shine.  I loved Ben's mother and she added some comic relief to the suspense.  I also appreciate that nothing is over the top graphic.  The author juggles both mysteries, family dynamics, a small town Minnesota setting, and I couldn't look away.  I can't wait for the next book in this series - highly recommended!

2.3.2025 - Lies and Other Love Languages

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing/Amazon Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this novel by Sonali Dev.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Advice columnist Vandy Guru built her career teaching others how to live honestly and courageously, but after the loss of her beloved husband, Vandy’s public veneer can barely conceal her grief. When her beloved daughter Mallika suddenly disappears, Vandy feels like everything is slipping out of her control..  Mallika dreams of being a choreographer, but is not willing to sacrifice on the type of dance she wants to do.  Vandy's best childhood friend, Rani, once sacrificed everything for Vandy, but knows she must confront their history.

I'm a fan of Dev's novels and after finishing and loving her latest, There's Something About Mira, realized that I have let this one languish on my TBR pile.  While I enjoyed the story and was anxious to uncover all the secrets between these three women, I wasn't quite as invested as I usually am with her books.  While the writing is still wonderful and immersive in Indian culture, I didn't feel the same connection to the characters as I usually do.  I liked how the story changed timelines and perspectives to better understand the characters' actions.

2.3.2025 - A Killing Cold

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this wonderful book by Kate Alice Marshall, gorgeously narrated by the wonderful Karissa Vacker.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4.5 stars rounded up!

Theo is newly engaged to Connor after a whirlwind romance.  Connor is wealthy, a member of the powerful Dalton family, and he brings Theo to Idlewood, his family’s isolated winter retreat, to meet his family for the first time.  Theo’s past is a big unknown, which the Dalton’s are not happy about.  While at Idlewood, she starts getting messages, seeing footsteps in the snow around their cabin, and a strange feeling about the place.  Some people will do anything to protect their secrets.

 

What a fabulous story and even better audiobook, with the perfect combination of author and narrator.  This is a tense thriller filled with family drama.  Just what lengths will people go to to protect their family secrets?  And there are so many secrets to uncover, from Theo’s past to just what happened at the retreat all those years ago.  The setting was perfect – isolated and snowy, making for a perfect locked-room mystery with no shortage of questionable characters and motives.  I really liked how everything came together at the end – don’t miss this one!

2.3.2025 - The Mother Next Door

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this chilling true crime book by Andrea Dunlop and Mike Weber, with the audiobook narrated by the authors.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Munchausen by proxy has fascinated and horrified both professionals and the general public since this disturbing form of child abuse was first identified.  But widespread misinformation still swirls around these cases, because who could believe that a parent (especially a mother) would intentionally harm their child?

This is such a disturbing subject, but this book tackled it as sensitively as possible, from the viewpoints of a novelist whose own family experienced MBP and a detective who has worked on more medical child abuse cases than anyone in the country.   With most cases where mental illness and crime intersect, it's difficult for the public, medical professionals, and the justice system to understand and treat these perpetrators, but this book should open eyes to the fact that these cases aren't a rarity and something must be done to protect the innocent children.  It was an in-depth look into 3 cases as well as the author's own family connection, and it was heartbreaking.  I liked the fact that the authors narrated the book, making it feel even more personal.  Hopefully this book shines more light on this very dark issue.

2.1.2025 - There's Something About Mira

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing/Amazon Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Sonali Dev.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Mira Salvi's life is going according to plan - she loves her job, she has a fiancé that her family adores, even though as a busy surgeon he can't accompany her on their engagement trip to NYC.  Mira is anxious to enjoy her time as a tourist in the city.  A chance fall leads to her discovering a beautiful ring on a chain, which she thinks is so romantic.  Desperate to reunite the ring with its owner, she posts on social media and it goes viral.  Only one other person seems to be as anxious as she is - journalist Krish Hale. They reluctantly join forces to trace the ring back to its rightful owner.

Best not go into this book thinking that it's going to be a rom com.  While there are sweet and humorous moments, this is a wonderful book about trauma, forbidden love, standing up for yourself, and magical coincidences.  The characters are so great - I could easily picture them in my mind.  Mira was conditioned to be the peacemaker in her family and to hide away anything that wasn't perfect, and it was fabulous to go along her journey of self-discovery.  Krish was another tortured soul, but was such a kind and caring man.  It's emotional and I loved the ending.  Grab this one for sure!

1.30.2025 - Hold Strong

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing Amazon Publishing, for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by one of my all time favorite authors, Robert Dugoni, co-written with Jeff Langholz and Chris Crabtree.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Sam Carlson works as a projectionist in small-town Minnesota, dreaming of a future with his girlfriend, college-bound Sarah Haber.  When the Japanese bomb Pearl Harbor, Sam is sent to the Philippines, eventually to be captured as a POW.  Meanwhile, Sarah is recruited to Washington DC to be a code breaker.  She intercepts a message about a Japanese convoy, prompting an unimaginable decision by the government.  

This is an amazing book, based on an extraordinary true story, that will have you both questioning humanity and glorifying it.  The courage of men in unimaginable situations shows just how strong the human spirit can be.  I'm not sure I've ever read a book that so thoroughly documented the facts behind the story, in an almost page-by-page note section at the end.  Do not miss the Afterword either,  This book is heartbreaking, inspirational, and definitely taught me about yet another war atrocity, the hell ships, and those poor souls who inhabited them.  In addition, the role of women in code breaking was fascinating.  I am grateful to these authors for shining light into dark spaces of our history in the hopes that it is never repeated.  Do not miss this book - very highly recommended!

1.30.2025 - Just One Taste

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Lizzy Dent.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Food critic Olive Stone and her chef father have been estranged.  So she was shocked to discover that he willed her his beloved restaurant.  His dying wish was for Olive and Leo, the sous-chef at the restaurant, complete his cookbook.  But Olive is determined to sell the restaurant as much as Leo is determined to convince her not to.  They do agree to work on the cookbook, and begin a 4-week food tour in Italy.

I always enjoy Lizzy Dent's books and how wonderfully she writes about food along with romance!  And this book will certainly have you salivating for real Italian food.  But it goes deeper - Olive has to come to a better understanding of her relationship with her father and how her feelings have shaped her life and personality.  A book that will have you dreaming of travel, food, and love!

1.29.2025 - Dead Money

Many thanks to NetGalley, Random House Ballantine Bantam for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful debut thriller by Jakob Kerr.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Mackenzie Clyde is a lawyer who works for Silicon Valley's most ruthless venture capitalist as an unofficial problem solver.  But when the CEO of tech's hottest startup is murdered and Mackenzie's boss has a fortune at stake, she is sent in to resolve things quickly.  With the police out of their depth, the FBI is called in to investigate with Mackenzie assisting.  She's not a detective and is used to being underestimated, but Mackenzie is determined. 

Wow - I was shocked to learn that this is a debut novel, because even at over 400 pages, it kept me glued.  Told in the present during the investigation along with many flashbacks, you can't help but root for Mackenzie.  Raised by a single mom who worked long hours, Mackenzie is used to being overlooked and having to prove herself.  With an insider's look into the tech world with so much money involved, the plot was so well crafted and kept me guessing with its twists and turns.  If you are intrigued with the tech world or just love a great thriller, this is the book for you.  Do I dare hope for a sequel?

1.27.2025 - Good Dirt

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for gifting me a digital ARC of the sophomore book by Charmaine Wilkerson, the author of Black Cake.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Ebby's life changed forever when a gunshot after a home invasion killed her older brother, Baz.  Old Mo, a beloved, centuries-old jar was also destroyed that day.  The crime was never solved, and Ebby had to live with in the public eye, as their family were one of the few Black families in their well-to-do New England town.  When Ebby's wedding falls apart, she was thrust back in the spotlight.  She flees to France, but her past caught up with her there.  But her time there provided time for her to explore just how important Old Mo was to their family and their history.

I was a huge fan of Black Cake and absolutely loved this book as well.  Wilkerson's writing is so beautiful and brought all the characters to life.  Told in different timelines and from different perspectives as the reader learns the heartbreaking yet hopeful story of the enslaved men who created the jar, and how these stories were passed down through generations.  We watch as the current generation struggles with classism, racism, and generational and current trauma, yet it's such an engrossing story of the spirit triumphing over that trauma.  Very highly recommended!

1.25.2025

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful series debut by John McMahon, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Will Damron.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 5 stars!

The Patterns and Recognition (PAR) unit of the FBI is a team of five brilliant but misfit agents tasked with solving cold cases.  Gardner Camden may have social issues, but he’s got an amazing analytical brain that excels in puzzles and codes.  Work is a priority for him, along with visits to his young daughter and elderly mother.  When a serial killer from one of Gardner’s solved cases, who has been presumed dead for over a decade, is found murdered, the hunt begins to find the killer who is murdering serial killers.  Gardner and his team track him across the country, hoping they can solve the riddles before it’s too late.

This was such a fabulous book and audiobook!  Think Slow Horses (which I also love), a group of intelligence agents who all made mistakes, but come together as a strong team.  It also reminded me a bit of Mind Hunters, and I loved the peek into the mind of a serial killer and those who hunt for them.  But the characters were where this book really shines – I loved all of them, but especially Gardner.  They felt real, I felt for them, and I can’t wait for more books featuring this team.  Highly recommended!  

1.24.2025 - Final Victim

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book in the Detective Megan Carpenter series by Gregg Olsen.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Detective Carpenter is called to the scene of the brutal death of a detective from another jurisdiction, with the body lying across two county lines.  Then just a day later, a retired detective is found dead in his home.  Megan is sure that there is a link between the deaths.  She works with her partner, Ronnie, to investigate and Megan finds herself in the middle of a deadly plot.  They find even more linked murders and Megan must face some hard truths about her past before they blow up her life.

I'm a big fan of this series and while I would encourage starting at the beginning, Olsen gives plenty of details to understand the important parts of Megan's history.  I love the relationship between Megan and Ronnie as Megan has slowly allowed herself to get close to people.  This is a great police procedural and I'm anxiously awaiting the next book to find out what happens after that ending!

1.23.2025 - I'll Come to You

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Recorded Books Media for gifting me an audio ARC of this wonderful novel by Rebecca Kauffman, perfectly narrated by Elisabeth Rodgers.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

A story of family, set in 1995, all touched by the impending arrival of a baby.  We get glimpses into each of the family members' lives, thoughts, fears, joys.  

I absolutely loved listening to this book.  Beginning in January and going through the end of 1995, told in the POV of many different family members, we are privy to their emotions about all the happenings in the family and extended family.  A couple struggling with infertility, an older couple divorced and struggling, an older son who defaults to lying rather than facing his emotions, an older couple facing a health crisis.  The writing was just beautiful and pulled me into caring about this family.  I appreciated that it was set in 1995, before cellphones were in everyone's pockets, so that communication required more effort.  These characters felt real and relatable and I cared about them and their stories.  Highly recommended!

1.22.2025 - The Husband

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me with a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Daniel Hurst.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Lachlan and Jenny have been married for over 20 years and are parents to teenagers Bonnie and William.  A true crime documentary has become wildly popular, featuring the unsolved murder of a young woman in the small Scottish village where Lachlan grew up.  The documentary is causing Lachlan to act uncharacteristically angry, and Jenny feels that he needs to face his past by returning to Scotland.  

Told in alternating POV from Lachlan and Jenny, we know Lachlan's secret right away, but that doesn't take away any of the mystery.   In fact, it's perfect to see what each person is thinking as the story unfolds.  Just how well do we know our partners and can we ever run away from our pasts?  This one kept me glued and the ending was perfect.

1.22.2025 - The Note

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Alafair Burke.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars rounded up!

Three friends are reuniting in the Hamptons, but a chance encounter with a pair of strangers leads to a drunken prank that goes terribly wrong.  May, Lauren, and Kelsey are each hiding secrets from each other, testing their friendship and loyalty.

I'm a fan of Burke's mysteries and thrillers, and I enjoyed the plot of this one, especially the exploration of women's friendships.  None of the characters are very likable and, in fact, I found myself getting them confused a bit.  There are plenty of twists and turns to keep you engrossed in this one.

1.21.2025 - The Rival

Many thanks to NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, Wednesday Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest by Emma Lord, narrated by Jesse Vilinsky.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4 stars!

Sadie feels like it’s now her time.  She’s a freshman at the college she’s always dreamed of attending and is hopeful to get a coveted spot on the school’s famous zine.  Plus, she needs a break from being the peacemaker in her loud family, and from the intense rivalry she’s always had with her neighbor, Seb.  But now, Seb got pulled from the waiting list and is once again in competition with her.  

This is a cute, rival to lover, young adult story.  That is not my normal go-to genre, but I’m a fan of Emma Lord’s past books, so had to read this one too.  And her writing does not disappoint.  Besides the interaction between Sadie and Seb, there are more important subjects in the book such as unfair expectations on college scholarship students and the disproportionate funding of athletic teams.  It’s fun to watch these characters come into their own and learn to stand up for themselves and their friends.

1.21.2025 - When You Care

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this insightful book by Elissa Strauss.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Journalist Elissa Strauss delves into the history and power of caregiving in our personal lives and our wider community.  This is a subject that explores how our current societal value system ignores the subject and price of caregiving, but it's a subject that every human will face - as a carer and as a receiver of care.

As someone who has spent the last 3+ years caring for an aged parent in our home, this book struck a chord with me.  I loved how Strauss talked about the privilege of not only giving care but receiving it.  She uses many historical and personal stories talking about the value of caregiving of children, spouses, parents, strangers.  She also acknowledged all the challenges caregivers face - from monetary, to stress, to resentment, to fulfillment.  Those in charge of making policy decisions would be aided by reading this book.

1.20.2025 - Clever Little Thing

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Group Viking/Pamela Dormer Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this psychological thriller by Helena Echlin.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Charlotte is the mother of Stella, a somewhat difficult child by everyone else's measuring stick, but Charlotte loves Stella's spirit and drive.  However, now pregnant with their second child and enduring terrible morning sickness, they rely on help from Blanka, their babysitter.  When Blanka leaves suddenly and then dies, Stella's personality suddenly changes.  Charlotte is convinced that Stella spirit is being overtaken by Blanka.

This was such a creepy tale, and I was completely engrossed in it!  It was a nod to the difficulties of motherhood and caretaking, of not being taken seriously.  Charlotte was an unreliable narrator, surrounded by everyone not believing her and thinking her crazy.  I loved Charlotte's strong maternal instinct and the powerful way she fought for Stella.  Told in timeframes of Then and Now, this was definitely a clever book!  Anxious for more from this author.

1.17.2025 - The Favorites

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Layne Fargo.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Katarina Shaw and Heath Rocha have been connected since they met as children.  Both had difficult and abusive childhoods, but Katarina had a dream and she brought Heath into it with her.  She dreamed of being an Olympic ice dancer like her idol, Shelia Lin.  Through true grit and determination, they became a duo not to be dismissed, until an incident at the Olympic Games brings their partnership to an end.  As the 10-year anniversary of their final skate approaches, an unauthorized documentary reignites the public's obsession with Shaw and Rocha.  Sensational rumors have always swirled around them, but it's time to set the record straight.

I absolutely loved this novel!  The story spools out from first person POV to the transcript of the documentary interviews and it's the perfect way to tell this story,  It's not only a fascinating look into the ice dancing world, but it's such a good story about the characters' drive, dedication, and the obsession to win at all costs.  I couldn't read fast enough because I loved all the drama, tension, and excitement.  If you're a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid or couldn't get enough of the Tanya Harding story, this book is for you.  It's a must read!

1.16.2025 - The Last Room on the Left

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Putnam for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Leah Konen.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Kerry has hit rock bottom.  Her husband left her, her drinking is out of control, and her book deadline is looming and she can't write a word.  She accepts a caretaker position at a redone remote motel in the Catskills, where the lack of internet and people will hopefully spur her to write.  Then a blizzard hits and she sees a dead, frozen body buried in the snow.  Or did she?

I am a fan of Leah Konen's books, and this one should be read with as little info as possible.  It's a good locked room mystery, with the blizzard and lack of creature comforts adding to the creepiness.  Plus, there are unreliable narrators and plenty of unsavory behaviors from different characters.  Again, I'm keeping this review as simple as possible because reading without spoilers is important!  Pick it up - just hope the lights don't go out while you're reading!

1.15.2025 - Cross My Heart

 

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

Rosie was dumped in her wedding dress, and dreams only of finding that one true love.  She's a year out from a life-saving heart transplant and working at her parents' bridal shop.  She begins messaging local celebrity author Morgan Thorne, through an anonymous service called DonorConnect, to learn more about Daphne, his deceased wife who she believes was her donor.  She becomes convinced that they are meant to be together.  But then she discovers rumors that Morgan might have had something to do with Daphne's death.

This was a great thriller and just what you would expect from Megan Collins.  Rosie was such a fun main character - heart of gold, but with a history of obsession and bad decisions.  I loved the plot and it kept me guessing as to just what was happening and who was trustworthy.  Text messages were incorporated into the storyline as well, which I always enjoy.  Definitely a must read if you love twisty thrillers!

1.15.2025 - When She's Gone

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing Thomas & Mercer for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by Rea Frey.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!!

Cora Valentine, a gymnastics Olympic hopeful, is kidnapped from a haunted house on Halloween.  She finally escaped but no one was ever charged.  In the present, Cora has a young daughter and lives a quiet life, desperate to protect Lulu from harm.  But her worst fears come true when Lulu goes missing on Halloween.

I'm a huge Rea Frey fan and her latest is gripping, suspenseful, and twisty, as well as an inside look into the competitive gymnastic world.  Told in dual timelines, this book shows you the underbelly of sports and humankind - greed, jealousy, revenge, stress.  Cora was such a realistic character and I felt for her the entire book, as she struggled with coping with her past trauma, family issues, and fear.  This one hit all the marks for me and I couldn't put it down.  Bravo!

1.14.2025 - What Happened to the McCrays?

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by one of my favorite authors, Tracey Lange.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Kyle and Casey McCray split over 2 years ago and Kyle hasn't been back to Potsdam NY since.  Living a somewhat nomadic lifestyle, he's somewhat settled in Spokane WA when he gets word that his father has suffered a debilitating stroke.  Returning to NY is tough, because Kyle has to face the people he abandoned years ago.   The longer he stays home helping his dad, the more he realizes just how his departure affected the people he left behind.  He begins to find hope again when asked to coach the middle school hockey team, and even begins thinking he might be able to stay.

No one writes family drama and real characters like Tracey Lange.  I have loved each of her books and while it's hard to pick a favorite, this might just be it.  I loved the Upstate NY setting and how pulled I felt into these characters' lives and the community surrounding them.  Small towns have their own unique feel, where everyone knows your story, good or bad, and it's tough to rewrite it.  Just what happened to the McCrays and can Kyle and Casey make their way back together?  Lange is wonderful at showing both sides of the story and how decisions and lack of communication can have lasting and haunting consequences.  Plus, I loved the story of the middle schoolers and their hockey team.  This is a beautifully-written story that will have you feeling all the emotions.  As with her other books, this would be a great book club pick.  Highly recommended!

1.14.2025 - The Main Character

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria/Emily Bestler Books for gifting me a digital ARC of this novel by Jaclyn Goldis.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars rounded up!

Ginevra Ex is a famous author who is known for writing her mystery novels based on a real person.  For her next book, she picks Rory, a disgraced newscaster, and offers her a lot of money for telling Ginerva her story.  When the novel is completed, Ginerva gifts Rory with a train ride through Italy.  But Rory is surprised to see that Ginerva also invited her estranged brother, her ex-boyfriend, and her best friend.  Just what is she planning?  And who can Rory trust?

This book was promoted as being an Agatha Christie type locked-room mystery, and while it did take place on the Orient Express, it didn't have the same tight mystery as I was expecting.  There were quite a few characters and the POV changed often, so I found myself a bit confused at times.  This is a very character-driven novel, more so than a mystery.  I enjoyed the descriptions of the various locales as well as the historical aspects.

1.13.2025 - Better Left Unsent

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Atria Books, Emily Bestler Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Lia Louis.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Millie Chandler's heart was broken in public two years ago, and she vowed to keep all her emotions to herself ever since.  But to get those feelings out, she writes emails that she never sends expressing her opinions - to her boss and coworkers, friends, and family.  She just never sends them, keeping them in her drafts folder on her computer.  Then one day, after a computer glitch at work, all her emails get sent.  Can Millie mend all the fences she just magnificently mowed down?

Isn't this a worst nightmare for anyone using email?  To have something sent to someone that was never intended to reach them?  Millie's draft emails were the perfect way to get out all those feelings we have but can't express without hurting others or ourselves, until the worst happens.  Lia Louis always writes books that touch on your emotions, and this one did that with a situation so relatable.  There are lots of unlikable characters in this book as well as the mystery as to how those emails really did get sent.  A nice, light read to curl up with on these cold days!

1.13.2025 - More or Less Maddy

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books/Scout Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest release by a very favorite author, Lisa Genova.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Maddy Banks is excited to start her freshman year at NYU.  But soon she finds herself totally overwhelmed and low, finally culminating in a trip to the university health center and a prescription for antidepressants.  She starts feeling so great and then soon spirals into a terrifying mania, until she is finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder.  Can Maddy figure out her new life and still fulfill her dreams?

No one can write about how medical issues affect people like Lisa Genova, no surprise seeing as she is a Harvard-trained neuroscientist.  Her books are always at the top of my most-anticipated reads, and this one is the perfect showcase as to why they are always 5 star reads for me.  Mental health issues are still fraught with so much stigma that it's difficult to get proper treatment when needed.  While Maddy struggles to accept and deal with her diagnosis, this book highlights just how much the rest of Maddy's family and friends have to deal with as well.  Genova's writing is always sensitive, understanding, and so informative that they are complete must reads.  This one touched all my emotions and left me feeling brighter and hopeful for Maddy, and so many others dealing with mental health issues.  Highly, highly recommended!

1.12.2025 - Wife, Mother, Liar

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest psychological thriller by Sue Watson.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Jill and Wendy were next door neighbors and best friends, sharing everything.  Until the day that Jill's son and Wendy's daughter went to prom, and one didn't return home.  Estranged now, Jill invites Wendy to a remote cabin for a girls weekend, to reconnect and hopefully find some answers.  

Sue Watson has done it again - once I started this book, it was hard to put down.  I love domestic thrillers and this was a good one, told from alternating POV of both women.  But who is telling the truth and just what really happened that prom night?  The tension builds and secrets start coming out until that shocking end!