12.20.2025 - The List of Suspicious Things

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Sourcebooks Landmark, and Tantor Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this debut novel by Jennie Godfrey, narrated by the cast of Joanne Froggatt; Mark Noble; Asif Khan; Gemma Whelan; and Simon Harvey.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Set in the time when the Yorkshire Ripper was at large, 11-year-old Miv is struggling.  Her mom is sick and her aunt has moved in to help.  Her dad is talking about moving.  Everyone is scared.  Miv is best friends with Sharon, and she just can't fathom moving.  She thinks if she is able to solve the case of the disappearing women, just maybe they could stay put.  Miv and Sharon make a list of all the suspicious people and things in their community and begin investigating.

This was a fabulous book - a mix of coming-of-age, thriller, mystery, history, but most of all, friendship.  It brings back thoughts of Nancy Drew, as these young girls see their neighborhood people and happenings with such innocence.  The audiobook production was fabulous, because the story is told by Miv's voice in first person, and through others in third person, so the cast narration was perfection.  But it's not a fluffy tale as themes of racism, abuse, bullying, and mental health figure prominently.  The pace was perfect and I never guessed that ending.  Bravo for a fabulous debut!

12.20.2025 - The Water Lies

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing | Thomas & Mercer for gifting me both a physical and digital ARC of this book by Amy Meyerson.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4.5 stars!

Tessa, pregnant with her second child, can’t understand why her toddler is throwing a tantrum at their local coffee shop, shouting “Gigi” to a woman Tessa has never seen before.  But the next morning, that woman is found dead in the canal in front of Tessa’s home.  The dead woman’s mother, Barb, won’t believe that her daughter’s death was an accident, and heads to CA for answers.  Together, the two women hunt for the truth.

This was a book that sucked me in from the very beginning.  Told from each woman’s POV, you couldn’t help but feel for both Tessa and Barb.  Each woman was on a different point of their motherhood journey, and their fear, pain, love, and grief were palpable.  It was so atmospheric; I had never heard of the Venice Canals in LA, but the author painted such a picture of them that they were part of the story with the tourists and neighbors as constant voyeurs.  I admired both women for believing in their instincts, even when no one else did.  They sure found plenty of suspicious people though and I didn't guess the culprit.  Loved Barb’s book club friends too.  I’m looking forward to more thrillers from this author!

12.16.2025 - The Cut

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this creepy horror novel by C.J. Dotson.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars!

Sadie flees her abusive fiancé with her toddler once she finds out she's pregnant, fearing for all of them.  She ends up at a historical hotel along Lake Erie, working as a housekeeper which allows her to stay for free at the hotel.  But there are so many weird happenings from the beginning - people going missing, strange noises, drips in the walls, strange creatures, and even a too-helpful older woman who cares for Izzy, her young daughter.  

I really enjoyed the premise of this book - I felt for Sadie as she tried desperately to get away from Sam and raise her children in safety.  The old hotel felt so creepy and scary.  Sam consistently gaslighted Sadie, so she didn't push back much when no one believed her about the hotel happenings.  But then it seemed to get repetitive, even though it's not a very long book.  There were flashbacks to Sadie's life with Sam showcasing the abuse, which I'm not sure were completely necessary.

12.16.2025 - She's Going to Pay

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this thriller by Alexandra Ivy.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Jesse Hudson left her small hometown of Canton, Missouri, behind, and has been trying to find a place to land ever since.  Her mom died when she was very young, and when she was a teenager, her stepmother and stepsister disappeared.  Her beloved dad, Mac, became a murder suspect but he too vanished.  Jesse is back in Canton to try and sell her dad's old bar and declare him dead so that she can move on for good.  But things don't go quite as expected.

The latest pick of the Between the Chapters Book Club, this is a twisty mystery that had me questioning every character for their part in the story.  The story had a little bit of everything - mystery, suspense, creepy happenings, even a hint of romance.  It kept me quickly turning the pages to figure out all the twists and the ending was satisfying.  Jesse was a relatable character, damaged by her childhood trauma, but desperate to find meaning and validation.  You'll be rooting her on to find out all the answers she's been seeking.  

12.15.2025 - The Heir Apparent

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Cardinal and Hachette Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the December Reese Book Club Pick by Rebecca Armitage, with the audiobook wonderfully narrated by Shakira Shute.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Lexi is in her second year of her medical residence in Australia and lives on a farm with her two best friends, Finn and Jack, and hoping to become more than friends with Jack.  Then the news hits that her father and twin brother have been killed in a skiing accident.  Suddenly, Lexi is whisked back to England, because her grandmother happens to be Queen, and now Lexi, or Princess Alexandria, is next in line for the throne.  This is a role she publicly disavowed, and the public is not thrilled that she's back.  Her grandmother needs an answer, her sister-in-law is grieving, her uncle is determined to oust her and claim the throne, and Lexi's world in Australia with Jack feels very far away.

This may seem at first glance like just a light-hearted book, but it really delves into a lot of territory.  There's loss, grief, family secrets, loyalty, and self-discovery all wrapped up in a really good story.  If you are intrigued by the Royal Family (and who isn't?), you'll see obvious parallels and learn a lot about traditions and expectations.  But there are terrific characters in their own right in this book, and you'll be rooting for them. The narration and production were great and I loved the accents of the different characters.

12.14.2025 - The Birdwatcher

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Jacquelyn Mitchard.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4.5 stars!

Felicity Wild and Reenie Bigelow were childhood best friends, although they grew apart as they got older.  But when Felicity is on trial for a double murder, Reenie knows she didn't do it.  A journalist for a woman's magazine, she convinces her boss to let her investigate for a story she will write on the case - a brilliant grad student turned high-priced escort, now charged with murder.  

This is a slow-burn mystery, with an emphasis on female friendship.  I really liked how each chapter begins with a description of a unique and fascinating bird and their behavior, symbolically relating it to the story.  As with all Mitchard novels, the story rich in character development and those relationships are more important than the mystery of exactly how the two men died.  Felicity stays silent through her defense, highlighting the mystery, but it's the characters you will be invested in.  Beautiful writing.

12.13.2025 - Crush

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Group | Viking Penguin for gifting me a digital ARC of this book by Ada Calhoun.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars rounded up.

A couple has been married for a while, with a teenage son.  The wife is a flirt and men always respond.  Her husband, Paul, who doesn't work, enjoys watching her flirt and asks her to consider opening their marriage, as long as she tells him about it later.  The wife isn't particularly interested, although she misses kissing, but soon starts up an online relationship with David, a college professor from her past.  It doesn't get physical because they are geographically far apart, but David soon occupies all her thoughts.  

This is apparently semi-autobiographical, and was an interesting take on marriage and relationships.  There's even a trip to a counselor and best friend nearby to unpack their issues.  It's also a book big on books, with lots of quotes and passages from other books that she shares mostly with David.  It's written in a conversational tone and thankfully doesn't get graphic.  Thought provoking for sure!

12.13.2025 - Dear Writer

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books | Washington Square Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this helpful book by Maggie Smith.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

I adore Maggie Smith's poems and have bought her books for myself and gifts.  She's also a teacher, and this book is a wonderful guide for anyone interested in writing (especially poetry).  She breaks down creativity into ten essential components, with prompts and examples.  But even if you are not a writer (me!), I loved the gentle reminders to take time to stop and look around at all the blessings in the world.  Magic can be found in the every day.  Any book from Maggie Smith is a treat.

12.11.2025 - Wreck Your Heart

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this wonderful story by Lori Rader-Day, perfectly narrated by Lauren Ezzo.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 5 stars!

 

Dahlia “Doll” Devine had a tough upbringing and has had no contact with her mom since she was six.  She’s now singing country songs at McPhee’s Tavern, owned by Alex, who continues to rescue her.  But now her boyfriend, Joey, left her and took the rent money with him, so she’s back to relying on Alex.  Then out of the blue, her mom shows up at the bar, only to go missing soon after, and the stepsister she didn’t know she had turns up looking for her as well.  Then a body is discovered outside the tavern.  It all sounds like a country song.

 

This was just so good.  I loved the way it was written, as if Dahlia is sitting across from you telling you her tale and even asking you questions along the way.  This book has it all – family drama, an intriguing mystery, a hidden treasure, wonderful characters, a touch of romance, and even dogs.  You won’t be able to stop rooting for Doll and the ending was very satisfying.  The narration was perfect – sounded just like I would expect Dahlia to sound.  This is a new to me author and I now need to go back and read her others!

12.9.2025 - Loves of Our Lives

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Simon Element for gifting me a physical and digital copy of this gorgeous book by Josie Balka.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

I was a huge fan of Balka's book, I Hope You Remember, buying copies for myself and as gifts.  I will be doing the same with this new book of poems, covering the entire human spectrum of love.  With chapters exploring Romantic Love, Lost Love, Family Love, Toxic Love, Friendship Love, and Self-Love, you will find yourself laughing, crying, reflecting, feeling.  I'm not typically a poetry person, but Balka will touch you with this collection in so many ways.  Highly recommended!

12.9.2025 - Spasm

Many thanks to NetGalley and GP Putnam Sons for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by a long time favorite, Robin Cook.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

NYC Medical Examiner Jack Stapleton gets a call from an old medical school friend, Dr Robert Neilson, about some strange happenings in his small town located in the Adirondacks.  His wife, Laurie Montgomery, Chief ME in NYC is ready for a break, so the two head upstate to see if they can assist.  But trouble is brewing in Essex Falls with a homegrown militia group with foreign assistance training in the woods.  It soon appears that a dangerous bioweapon might be in play as well.

This book is number 15 in the Jack Stapleton & Laurie Montgomery series, which I've read most of, but you could certainly read this as a stand alone.   Robin Cook is a master at medical thrillers, typically involving current topics that make the reader feel scared about the real life possibilities of such issues.  Such is the case here, with fanatical people with weapons and terrorist infiltration. The possibilities are more than frightening.  I liked the Adirondack setting and enjoyed getting reacquainted with these characters.  More please!

12.9.2025 - Dark Sisters

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin’s Press and Brilliance Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this fascinating book by Kristi DeMeester, with the audiobook narrated by Austenne Grey.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4.5 stars rounded up!

A curse bridges generations, binding the fates of three women.  In the 1700s, Anne Bolton is a healer facing persecution for witchcraft who bargains with a dark entity for protection.  In the 1950s, Mary Shephard is the perfect wife in a suffocating religious community, who falls for Sharon and begins a forbidden affair that could destroy them both.  In present time, Camilla Burson, the daughter of a preacher, defies all the expectations put upon her to uncover an ancient power.

 

When I started this book, I wasn’t sure what I was reading, but I was soon completely enthralled in these different worlds.  The point of view is told through these three different timelines and women, each captivating in their own right, and woven through each is the legend of the Dark Sisters.  The more recent timeframes also take place within a religious cult.  There’s a lot to unpack here, but I couldn’t stop listening to this one.  With realistic themes of misogyny, religious fanaticism, purity rituals, this book is atmospheric, scary, creepy, and the horror kept building.  The audiobook narration added to the creep factor and I couldn’t look away.  

 

12.7.2025 - Dark Humor

Many thanks to NetGalley and Severn House for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Matt Goldman.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Private investigator Nils Shapiro has decided to take the law into his own hands.  It's been two years since his wife was killed, and despite the efforts of law enforcement and FBI, her killer, Sammy Sykes is still on the loose.  A trip to see Sammy's daughter in prison opens up a potential lead into finding Sykes' location.  His hunt takes him from Minnesota to Europe, but can he both survive and ensure his daughter's safety while bringing down this murderer?

I'm a huge fan of Goldman's stand alone books, so I requested this one without delving too deep.  I didn't realize it was #5 in a series, although it's apparently been a while since #4, so if they are like me, everyone has forgotten most of the details!  But never fear, I enjoyed this book thoroughly, even not knowing what happened before.  It has spurred me to read those other four books though.  This book was filled with great characters, gritty action and suspense, and Goldman's trademark dark humor (hence the title).  Loved it.

12.7.2025 - The Pursued

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for gifting me an audio ARC of this fascinating true crime story by Corey Mead, narrated by Nikki Zakocs.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

From 1977 to 1981, Ruth Finley, an ordinary wife and mother from Kansas, was tormented by an elusive maniac known as the Poet. The police, already on edge from BTK’s reign of terror, spent years searching for the stalker. Meanwhile, his cryptic letters in rhymed verse grew more disturbing and violent, spilling into deeds like stabbing and kidnapping.

Go into this one as blind as possible if you can.  I hadn't heard of this case before and it made for a more compelling narrative.  I appreciated the perspective from the police and detectives who worked doggedly on this case, while at the same time the BTK serial killer was still at large.  I can't imagine the pressure and fear they felt, as did the community.  Taking place well before cellphones, they did everything they can to uncover the perpetrator.  I felt for all involved.  If you are a true crime buff, this one is for you.

12.6.2025 - The Time Hop Coffee Shop

Many thanks to NetGalley, Park Row and Harlequin Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of the latest book by Phaedra Patrick, with the audiobook narrated by Nicola Barber.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 4.5 stars!

 

Greta Parks once starred in the famous Maple Gold coffee commercials, along with her husband and daughter.  Now, her fame has faded, her marriage is unraveling, and her teenage daughter is distant.  When Greta stumbles upon a mysterious coffee shop, a magical brew suddenly transports her to the picture-perfect town of Mapleville.  There, her life and relationships are always perfect.  But what happens when Greta is forced to choose between these two realities?

 

I have been a huge fan of everything that Phaedra Patrick has written and enjoyed this magical realism story centered around the reminder to be careful what you wish for.  Greta is certainly relatable as she looks back on her past thinking how much better it was than the present.  The coffee commercial world was also a look into how cultures have changed. This was a light-hearted book about second chances.  The narration was great and I enjoyed listening to this one.

12.3.2025 - Needle Lake

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House | Dial Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the sophomore book by Justine Champine.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Ida is a teenager, neurodivergent and with a hole in heart, bullied at school and just never fitting in.  Her only place of solace is Needle Lake, where she can escape by diving into the lake and staying under as long as possible.  Her older cousin, Elna, comes to stay with Ida and her mom, opening her up to new experiences.  Ida is captivated.  Until an event forces them to take a road trip to San Francisco where nothing will be the same.

I loved this book.  Told from Ida's perspective in her thoughts, we are privy to a young susceptible girl who is entranced by this more-worldly cousin.  It's atmospheric with beautiful prose, and very character driven.  It's a short novel, but one that packs an emotional punch.  It's suspenseful, heartbreaking, and ultimately hopeful.  

12.2.2025 - Canticle

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Spiegel and Grau for gifting me this wonderful debut novel by Janet Rich Edwards.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

In 13th Century Bruges, Aleys is sixteen years old and serious, stubborn, prone to religious visions. She and her only friend, a young scholar, have been learning Latin together in secret—but just as she thinks their connection might become something more, he abandons her for the monastery. When her family falls on hard financial times, her father promises her in marriage to the unctuous head of the weavers’ guild, and in desperation she runs away from home, eventually finding shelter within a community of religious women who do not answer to the church.  Among the hardworking and strong-willed Beguines, Aleys glimpses for the first time the joys of a life of song, friendship, and time spent in the markets and along the canals of Bruges. But forces both mystical and political are afoot. Illegal translations of scripture, the women’s independence, and a sudden rash of miracles all draw the attention of an ambitious bishop—and bring Aleys and those around her into ever-increasing danger, a danger that will push Aleys to a new understanding of love and sacrifice.

I just finished this book and while I should probably take some time before reviewing, I also want to get my thoughts down about this amazing debut novel.  While it’s easy to judge past behavior based on today’s societal views, this book opens up a look into history where religion rules every part of a person’s day and where women are no more than chattel.  As a Catholic, it was fascinating to go back in time – again, not judging as much as learning in the hopes of doing better.  If you are interested in how women come together for each other no matter what, this is your book.  I’m awed by the research and faith in this book, and I feel so unworthy compared to what those in our past dealt with and gave up.  In a society where religion is passe, and only half of Americans even consider themselves religious, to subject yourself to what these people did in our past is almost inconceivable.  To think that this was a debut novel is in itself inconceivable.  While I can’t imagine the time and research involved in this book, I’m hoping that this author has more stories to tell.  Sign me up for whatever she writes.

12.1.2025 - Before I Forget

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin’s Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this amazing book by Tory Henwood Hoen, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by the fabulous Barrie Kreinik.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own – 5 stars!

 

Cricket Campbell feels stuck in her job with a wellness company and her life in NYC.  When her older sister, Nina, decides it’s time to move their father who is suffering from Alzheimer’s into a care home, she decides to move into their beloved Adirondack lake house to take care of him, hoping to also repair their strained relationship.  While Arthur no longer knows Cricket, he now seems to have the ability to predict the future.  But for Cricket, believing in her dad’s prophecies must also mean facing her past.

 

Oh, this book.  It gutted me in the best of ways.  Anyone who is dealing or has dealt with a loved one with Alzheimer’s will see their lives in this book, with the sentiment that you must laugh or else you’ll cry at the forefront.  This book perfectly melds the two, with humor and sentiment on every page.  I loved the Adirondack lake setting, and the loving care both daughters showed to their dad.  It’s about memory, what we choose to remember and what we choose to forget, and at what cost.  This book was a privilege to experience.  As always, Barrie Kreinik was an exceptional narrator, making this book even better.

 

12.1.2025 - Kill Clause

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing | Amazon Original Stories, and Megan Beatie Communications for gifting me a digital ARC of this short story by Lisa Unger - a free November First Reads Amazon selection.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Paige is a hit woman who does what she's told without question.  Until a small child is involved and her ethics take over.  But where will that leave her?

It's a short story, so you need to go into it as blind as possible.  But Lisa Unger has given us a complete short story, one that was satisfying from beginning to end.  Paige was a great character, as were others in this book, and I was rooting for her.  Easily read in one sitting, it's a must read for Unger fans and thriller fans in general.