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!  

1.11.2025 - The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for gifting me a digital ARC of this series of short essays edited by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

If you love books, bookstores, and libraries, you will find yourself in these pages.  From all over the country (and probably close to you wherever you are), booksellers and librarians share their stories about how they love books, how they got their jobs, why they hate the thought of banning books.  There's lots of love shown to James Patterson here too in various stories.  I learned a lot - how libraries reflect their communities and strive to include people in such unique ways.  This was just like listening to friends talk about books - because everyone who knows the magic of reading is your friend.  

1.10.2025 - Wild Failure

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House Ballantine for gifting me a digital ARC of this short story collection by Zoe Whittall.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Ten short stories about women living in a man's world, specifically dealing with queer life and feminism.  I have a love/hate relationship with short story collections, but couldn't resist since I'm a fan of the author.  Each of these stories left me wanting more, yet feeling satisfied.  There's a lot of tough subjects here but also compassion and dark humor.  I'm probably not the target audience, but the stories are thoughtful and the writing will draw you in.

1.10.2025 - The World After Alice

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by Lauren Aliza Green.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Morgan and Benji surprise their family with their wedding invitation to Maine.  Their families have been fractured since Alice, Morgan's best friend and Benji's sister, killed herself 12 years ago.  All the family members have secrets they are holding themselves, making a potential powder keg of an event.  Just how well does anyone know their loved ones?

I'm a sucker for family drama and this one had it in spades.  Benji's family imploded after Alice's death, with dad Nick remarried with another daughter and mom Linnie bringing a date along with his own secrets.  But at the heart of it all is grief.  How does the world go on after someone we love dies, especially by suicide?  So much unresolved guilt, blame, and pain.  While not all the characters are very likable, I felt for so many of them, especially Benji who just wanted to fix his family and make everyone okay.  The writing was beautiful and the epilogue amazing.  Wonderful debut - looking forward to more from this author.

1.9.2025 - College Girl, Missing

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for gifting me a digital ARC of this true crime story by journalist Shawn Cohen.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars rounded up.

Lauren Spierer was a young college student attending Indiana University when she disappeared in 2011.  Even though her story drew global attention and the case remains open, with Lauren never found.  She was out partying with classmates and was last seen in a townhouse complex with several wealthy, connected male students.  

Like so many these days, it's hard to look away from true crime stories.  The author investigated the story when it happened and remained connected to Lauren's family.  While this book does put a spotlight on the conflicting testimonies of those involved as well as the police investigation, nothing really new is brought to light.  Hopefully this book will keep media interest in this cold case, but at the end of the day, Lauren's family still has no answers.  Should be a cautionary tale read by students heading off to college campuses.  

1.9.2025 - Mothers and Sons

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown and Company for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest by Adam Haslett.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Peter is an asylum lawyer in New York City, overworked and isolated. He spends his days immersed in the struggles of his clients only to return to an empty apartment and occasional hook-ups.  But when the asylum case of a young gay man pierces Peter's numbness, the event that he has avoided for twenty years returns to haunt him.  Peter is mostly estranged from his mother, Ann, who runs a women's retreat center she founded after leaving his father.  The secret that both mother and son share is the one that they can't talk about and has torn them apart.  

The story plays out in the present, alternating between Peter and Ann, as well as gradually revealing the past incident that has caused their rift.  It's interesting to see how these family dynamics played out - and there were a lot of issues in this family.  Even though Ann spent her life listening to people's problems, she often failed at that in her own life.  This looks at how traumatic events carry over in our lives, especially when they are hidden.  There were a lot of heartbreaking immigration stories, highlighting this issue,  I did feel that they tended to slow the book down, especially in the beginning, but the last part of the book tied everything together perfectly and kept me glued.

1.7.2025 - Presumed Guilty

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by a long time favorite, Scott Turow.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Rusty is semi-retired now after moving away from Kindle County and his latest trial.  He's living with his fiancee, Bea, and life is good.  Until Bea's son, Aaron, disappears.  Aaron is on probation for drug possession and he'll be sent back to jail if he doesn't return.  He eventually shows up, with a somewhat flimsy story, of camping with his girlfriend, Mae, and leaving her after a fight.  But days later, Mae still hasn't returned home and suspicion falls directly on Aaron.  Bea begs Rusty to return to court one last time to defend her son.  Does Rusty believe in his stepson and the court enough to provide justice?

Decades ago, when someone asked me what my favorite book was, I always said Presumed Innocent.  I have read Scott Turow's work ever since.  His latest, the third in this series, is once again a gripping legal thriller that I couldn't put down.  It's a long book, for sure, but it doesn't feel like it, as Turow performs his magic.  The courtroom scenes are tense and gripping, and the legal maneuvering fascinating.  I felt for the characters and was so invested in the outcome.  If you loved the Presumed Innocent movies and series, you'll be anxious to reconnect with Rusty.  Highly recommended!

1.6.2025 - Leave No Trace

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of the second book in the Kat and Lock series by Jo Callaghan.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

When the body of a man is found crucified at the top of a hill in the British midlands, AIDE Lock—the world’s first AI Detective—and Detective Kat Frank are thrust into the spotlight as they are given their first live case.  Then a second body is found dead in the same manner, and suddenly the team is thrust into the media spotlight.

I was a huge fan of the first book in this series, In the Blink of an Eye, and recommend you start with that to learn the backstories of these characters, even though you could definitely read this as a stand alone.  Lock reminds me of Data from the Star Trek series - can make calculations in the blink of an eye but struggles to understand human emotions and gut reactions.  Kat is still struggling with her empty nest and heart after the death of her husband and their son's departure to college.  I love all the members of this detective team and it was so fun to get reacquainted with them and watch them investigate these horrific murders.  This is definitely a nod to the near future as AI seems to be integrated more and more into our world.  I especially thought the virtual autopsies were fascinating.  Can't wait for more books in this series - highly recommended!

1.3.2025 - The Heart is a Star

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Central Avenue Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this novel by Megan Rogers, originally published and loved in Australia.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4 stars!

 

Layla Byrnes is exhausted – she’s an anesthesiologist on leave from her job, with two young kids, a dissolving marriage, a needy lover, and disconnected sister.  Her mother, who lives on the opposite coast, is unstable and always threatening harm to herself.  This year, Layla feels that the threats are real.  Layla drops everything to get to her mom and to learn what she has to tell Layla about her dad’s death.  

 

This is a story of generational trauma, family secrets, fractured friendships, and coming to terms with our own stories despite all that.  Although not in the same circumstances, many (most) women can relate to Layla’s exhaustion from trying to be everything for everyone and feeling like a failure most of the time on all fronts.  There are a lot of unlikeable characters here, but many are relatable, especially when the secrets come out.  Left me thinking, which is what a good book should do.

 

1.2.2025 - The Three Lives of Cate Kay

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by Kate Fagan.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 5 stars!

Cate Kay is the author of a bestselling book trilogy that struck box office gold as a film series. But Cate Kay doesn’t really exist.  Her true identity has been hidden until now.  As a teenager, she and her best friend, Amanda, dreamed of escaping their difficult home lives and moving to California to become movie stars.  But the day they were to leave, tragedy struck.  Cate has been on the run ever since.  

 

This is a fabulous debut and I love how the story is told in snippets from the POV of a whole cast of characters, even very minor ones, to completely flesh out the events.  In addition, Cate has footnotes at the end of most of those other voice chapters, filling in even more information from her point of view.  It also includes a book within a book, which I thought was done really well because it again added dimension to the story of the two friends.  It was unique, very well written and completely absorbing.  I was always anxious to get back to reading and loved the ending.  Can’t wait to read more from this author – bravo for a wonderful debut!

1.1.2025 - The Perfect Boyfriend

Many thanks to NetGalley, Bookouture and Bookouture Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest by S.E. Lynes, with the audio perfectly narrated by Tamsin Kennard.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4 stars!

 

Kirsty is happily married and pregnant, working as a midwife.  At the hospital one day, she runs into a man she instantly recognizes as Hughie, her former boyfriend who disappeared years ago.  But the man insists she is mistaken.  

 

Told from both Kirsty and Hughie’s POV through a documentary, as well as from the past so that the reader gets both sides of the story.  I liked the past glimpses – the characters felt like real teenagers, and you could feel the angst.  This is a twisty one that had me gasping at one point – didn’t see that coming, although not sure it necessarily needed to be a big surprise?  Loved the accents and thought the narration was perfect.  As always with SE Lynes’ books, this was a well-written psychological thriller that will keep you guessing.