3.29.2026 - Read Between the Lies

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Mindy's Book Studio for gifting me a digital ARC of this psychological thriller by Jesse Q. Sutanto.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

After years of rejection and slogging in a day job she doesn't really like, Fern's debut novel has just sold.  She joins an online community of other debut authors with a book coming out the same year.  But soon, she discovers that her high school nemesis, Haven, has landed a much bigger book deal and has joined the same online debut group.  The two also have a shared past involving their friend, Dani, reopening old wounds.

I enjoy books that give some glimpses into the book world.  In this book, it's a behind-the-scenes look into just how our favorite books become published, especially a debut.  This story plays out through Fern's point of view in present and past timelines, and the reader can see how her high school issues changed her.  She becomes obsessed with Haven once again when they are thrust into the same circles online as Covid forces everyone to stay home.  Neither Fern nor Haven are likable or trustworthy, so if you're like me, you'll be questioning whose narrative to believe.  Certainly bullying, and especially online bullying, is horrible, and this book shows how quickly someone can be canceled because of missteps large or small.  An intriguing story!

3.28.2026 - Upward Bound

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House | Hogarth for gifting me a digital ARC of this wonderful debut novel by Woody Brown.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Upward Bound is an adult day care center for adults with challenges.  From the viewpoint of 12 different people who interact with the facility in some way.  We mostly hear from Walter, a non-speaking autistic adult who is very intelligent and capable but needs assistance communicating.  Through family tragedies, he spends his days at Upward Bound while his mom works.  We get the viewpoints from other residents, staff, even the Target cashier where the group visits on Fridays.

I was so blown away by this book and won't forget it.  It should be mandatory reading by everyone but especially anyone interacting with neurodivergent or other challenged people.  It is a beautiful look into those in our society who have been overlooked and gives them a voice.  It's all done so sensitively, with humor and heart.  It's also a nod to the way there are not good options for many among us and what programs are available are underfunded and the carers aren't adequately compensated.  Much like sticking our elderly in nursing homes, we as a country need to do better to help those who need more assistance, in a way that values them as a unique person.  The author was the first nonspeaking person in history to graduate from UCLA; he then went on to receive a creative writing degree from Columbia.  I hope this is the first of many books from this author - bravo to all involved!  Very highly recommended.

3.27.2026 - The Survivor

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the US debut thriller by Andrew Reid.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Ben Cross was fired on his first day at his new job in NYC.  He thought his day couldn't get any worse.  But when he's on the subway, he starts receiving anonymous text messages from someone with proof that they've just killed someone, then kills another as proof that they aren't bluffing.  But Ben wasn't picked at random; he's got a past that he's been keeping secret.

This is pretty much non-stop action; be prepared for some gore as well.  Taking place mostly underground in the subway system allows for even more tension and fear.  I loved the character of Detective Kelly Hendricks - she's on punishment duty with the transit police for following her gut instinct; now that instinct may save the day.  There are themes of nature vs nature, past trauma, and those in charge with ulterior motives.  Told from multiple POV and past timelines, this book kept me at the edge of my seat.  Looking forward to more from this author!

3.26.2026 - Son of Nobody

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, WW Norton & Company, and Recorded Books Media for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new novel by Yann Martel, author of the amazing Life of Pi.  The audiobook was perfectly narrated by Robin Wilcock and Aaron Willis.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Harlow Donne is a Canadian academic researcher working on his dissertation.  Leaving his wife and young daughter in Canada, he accepts a scholarship to work for an Oxford Don, deciphering Ancient Greek texts while also pursuing his own research into the history of Troy and the Trojan War.  In his research, he finds new and potentially groundbreaking information about Psoas, the son of nobody, but nobody cares, including his Oxford sponsor.  

This is not an easy read, but it is a worthy read with many layers.  I will admit that I know next to nothing about Greek mythology, but it was still fascinating.  We learn of Harlow's family life, his Oxford dealings, the work he's doing, and the story he builds from following Psoas' path.  Because of its unique format of presenting Harlow's family life, I found the audiobook with its dual narrators easy to immerse myself in.  It's a good book to listen to while you read.  It's heartbreaking in the comparison between what Donne gives up to dedicate his time to a project no one cares about.  

3.25.2026 - 51%

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Level Best Books and the author for gifting me a digital and physical copy of this wonderful book.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Imagine a not-so-distant future, where the government controls everything, even the people.  Need to get into high school or college?  Need to make sure your children have all the advantages possible?  One of the Big 6 Syndicates will give you money for a percentage.  But be careful, because if you get to where the syndicate controls 51% of you, they have control and chip you.  When a young immigrant woman, a 51%'r, is brutally murdered, NYPD, Inc. Detective Jude O'Keefe and his partner, Crime Marketing Consultant Haylee Navarro, catch the case.  They have to crowdfund enough money to investigate the case and Haylee knows this case won't bring in any money.  But Jude is determined to find the killer.  

This book is unlike anything I've read - and I've read a lot!  The premise is so scary because it's so real.  Who can afford to send their kid to college now?  We have to pay entrance fees to drive into some cities.  We're calling to defund the police.  One big medical bill can have us reeling.  AI has its fingers all over our lives and social media rules.  But what sets this book apart from other dystopian books is that it is not only a thriller, but it has plenty of humor, different speech jargon, science that feels real rather than made up, and characters you will love and root for.  Once I started reading it, it was tough to put down and I found myself thinking about it in between.  Even if this genre isn't something you would normally read, you must read 51%!

3.23.2026 - Where the Truth Lies

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by the author duo known as Katherine Greene.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Based on real events, childhood sweethearts Rhett and Lucinda seem to have the perfect marriage and the child they always wanted.  But 15 years ago, the couple was involved in a tragic event which has now reared its head along with new evidence.  Lucinda’s dad has always smoothed out all the rough edges for her, but can he save her this time?

I am a big fan of this writing duo and was so anxious for their latest book - and it did not disappoint.  Told in three different timelines from multiple POV, this story is atmospheric and full of dark secrets.  Its small town setting adds to the tension, where everyone pretends to believe your story, but is more than happy to gossip about you behind your back.  There aren’t likeable characters here and toxic masculinity and violence abound.  I liked the short chapters and the addition of text conversations in between to further the story and keep me absolutely glued to the pages until that final surprise ending.

3.22.2026 - Daughter of Egypt

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest historical fiction by Marie Benedict, with the audiobook narrated by Bessie Carter and Suehyla El-Attar.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

In the 1920s, we follow Lady Evelyn Herbert as she obsessively pursues the lost tomb of Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt's only female pharaohs.   In alternating chapters, we learn Hatshepsut's story in 1486 BC.  Eve has studied with her father and his archeologist, Howard Carter, since she was a girl, but her mother is more insistent on her finding the right husband.  Both of these women, thousands of years apart, were strong and determined to rise above societal expectations.

Marie Benedict's books are always meticulously researched, bringing strong women's stories to life.  Their grit and determination in times when women's roles were extremely narrow in scope were fascinating.  While Hatshepsut's story was fictional, the author made a compelling story about why she was almost completely erased from history.  The book transports you to far away lands, opening your eyes to not only the women's role, but the discussion of the possession of artifacts was also fascinating.  Be sure to read the author's note at the end.  I liked having both formats of this book - just hearing the names pronounced was big when I went back to the book!  

3.20.2026 - Two Kinds of Stranger

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Atria Books for gifting me a digital and physical ARC of the latest in the wonderful Eddie Flynn series by Steve Cavanagh.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Social media influencer, Elly Parker, had the perfect life, that is until she discovered her husband had been having an affair with her best friend.  But she's still doing her mission of doing a random act of kindness daily.  But her latest small act sets off a series of events she never saw coming.  When she's arrested, she knows she needs the best - Eddie Flynn and his team.

The worst part of an Eddie Flynn book?  Finishing it and having to wait for the next!  Thankfully, there's hope and Cavanagh has already announced that book #10 will be coming.  You can read each of these books as a stand alone or out of order, but it is fun to see Eddie's progression from con man to lawyer.   I carried around this latest book and my Kindle around wherever I was, hoping for just a few more minutes of reading.  This book has two legal trials being held at the same time, both of which require Eddie's magic, and a plot that will have you gripped until that last final twist at the end.  I'm not sure if I could pick a favorite, but this might be it!  Highly recommended!

3.19.2026 - Wolf Worm

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Tor Publishing, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest novel by a favorite, T. Kingfisher, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Mary Robinette Kowal.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Sonia Wilson is a talented scientific illustrator—but she is only able to follow her dream because of her father’s reputation as a renowned scientist. Such is the lot in life for a woman in science in 1899. And after his death, she is left without work, prospects, or hope.  When the reclusive Dr. Halder offers her a position illustrating his vast collection of insects, Sonia jumps at the chance to move to his North Carolina mansion.  But once there, she encounters dark happenings in the woods and questions she just can't answer.

Only T. Kingfisher could write this book and keep me reading about disgusting insects!  Definitely be prepared to be grossed out!  But the story is just so dark, twisted, and well-written that I couldn't stop reading.  The audiobook was fabulous, making the words come alive and bringing an extra creepy factor into the story (not that it needed it!).  I could never have guessed where this one was going to go, but I loved the ride!

3.18.2026 - The Hiding Season

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine | Bantam for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Ava Glass.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Maya Landry is looking for a fresh start after a painful divorce.  She lands in Montana and is hired as a summer caretaker of billionaire ski lodges.  She enjoys the peace and quiet - until she opens one of the doors and finds a dead body.  There's no cell service, so she heads down the mountain until she can contact the police.  By the time they get there, the body is gone and they don't believe her.  Later that night, a stranger walks up to her and tells her that someone knows she was up on the mountain and they are willing to kill to keep their secret.  Only one thing is certain: The people who committed the murder are coming for her. Maya is the only person alive who might reveal what happened up on the mountain. And they want her gone.

I love the Emma Makepeace series by Ava Glass and was excited to read this book, which is not a spy novel per se, although it does have lots of people in the alphabet agencies.  You won't be able to stop rooting for Maya, who is just an average person caught up in an unbelievable situation.  She's gaslit, she doesn't know who she can trust, she's on her own.  There's a lot in this book - a little romance, action, corruption, and danger lurking at every corner.  Did the author possibly leave it open as the start to a new series?  Here's hoping!

3.17.2026 - The End of My Life is Killing Me

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Zibby Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this memoir by Annabelle Gurwitch.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Annabelle is an author, TV host, and actress who was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer found when getting a Covid test.  She decided early on that she didn't want to be on a cancer journey or be a cancer warrior; her motto was no runs, no ribbons, no religion.  What she did to was to embrace the ordinary in life.

I loved this book and it is applicable to anyone, because we're all going through something, even if it's not cancer.  It's a reminder to slow down, appreciate friends, eat the bread.  It's also a look into the inequalities of medicine and drug access throughout the country, let alone the world.  Annabelle didn't just bemoan those inequalities; she became a different kind of warrior, educating herself and speaking out at conferences around the world.  It's full of dark humor - the kind that gets people through tough times.  The cover - perfection! 

3.16.2026 - What's Mine is Yours

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest domestic suspense book by Leah Mercer.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Ava and Emily were once close friends but have fallen apart.  After a break-in at Ava's neighbor's house, her daughter Lexi is scared to be home.  Ava is desperate for the friendship to be restored and offers to switch houses with Ava.  Both women have secrets they will do anything to keep.

Told in alternating perspectives, this story plays out slowly, keeping the reader engaged and guessing until the end, plus there are some crazy twists!  What's that old saying - With friends like these, who needs enemies?  A quick read because you'll have to know how it ends up!

3.16.2026 - Everyone in This Bank is a Thief

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Mariner Books, and HarperAudio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest in the Ernie Cunningham series by Benjamin Stevenson, with the audiobook narrated perfectly once again by Barton Welch.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Ernest Cunningham and his fiancé are trying to get a bank loan for his detective agency with no luck.  So they are when they are called to a bank, but they find the senior executive missing and he's the only one with the combination to the vault.  Then a man with a gun appears to rob the bank and takes them and the other people in the bank hostage.  The doors are chained shut.  No one in or out.  Which means that when someone in the bank is murdered, everyone is a suspect.  And everyone in the bank is a thief.  

This series is just so much fun, and even though you could read it as a stand alone, it's much better if you know all the back stories.  Ernest will give the reader all the clues necessary to solve the puzzle, but you probably won't - only Ernest can solve this case.  It's pure over-the-top fun - multiple mysteries to solve, snarky humor, suspicious characters, and just a smart plot.  The narration was also wonderful and I mostly listened to this one.  Bravo once again on a fabulous series - can't wait for more! 

3.16.2026 - Life: A Love Story

 

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

Flo Greene is 92, recently diagnosed with cancer, and is writing a letter to Ruthie, a younger woman who grew up next door but is still like a surrogate daughter.  She is leaving the house and its contents to Ruthie, but is explaining the value of things that would easily be discarded.  But Flo is also not done living, and is helping another neighbor, Teresa, to take more chances.

I just loved every page of this short but so meaningful book.  It's definitely a reminder that the small things in life are what make up our lives, and we should never take them for granted.  It's also a testament to sticking things out when they get hard, and making forgiving a conscious act.  Of course, probably every senior can relate to the fact that their house is full of stuff - meaningful to us, but not appreciated or wanted by our children.  I loved the idea of putting the meaning of these things in a letter, but Flo also realized that they still may not be important to others and suggested relevant donation options.  It was just lovely, made me feel all the emotions, and is very highly recommended!

3.15.2026 - The Last Page Cafe

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Avon Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Kate Storey.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Erin runs The Bookmark Cafe, a local community hub where people can relax with a coffee and treat while reading or working.  Erin is scarred from a previous relationship and is scared of any change or risk, so much so that her book club reads the last page of their selection first just to make sure it's worth the chance.  When a new member arrives, Erin is uncomfortable with her feelings towards him.  She's also scared because she's received a letter raising her rent, and she fears she will have to shut down the cafe.

What a lovely novel and just what I would expect from this author. The characters are all wonderful (even the cat!) and you just can't help rooting for all of them to make some changes.  It's also the story of the power of a community, both for having safe places for people to gather and the larger aspect of caring for each other.  I liked how the book club embraced their name in a new way, and the ending was just perfect.

3.15.2026 - Someday This Will Be a Funny Story

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor for gifting me a digital ARC of this collection of quotes by Nora Ephron.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Nora Ephron was the queen of looking at everyday life and giving us a reason to smile.  I loved this little collection of her quotes - there will be something for everyone in here.  You'll nod your head in understanding, smile, and maybe even tear up a bit.  Because isn't that life?  Loved it.

3.14.2026 - You Did Nothing Wrong

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful book by CG Drews, with the audio narrated perfectly by the wonderful Saskia Maarleveld.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Elodie is a single mother to Jude.  They've been rescued from a bad situation by Bren, who whisked her away to a whole new life.  He's renovating his parents' old home and they have a new baby on the way.  But Jude starts hearing voices in the wall.  What's going on?

Okay – wow – that was crazy good!  I never knew what was happening and what was coming next, but the creepy feeling is so strong throughout the entire book.  Is the house haunted?  Is Elodie an unreliable narrator?  Is Jude?  Bren?  It was brilliantly written so that I questioned everything and everyone up until that ending.  Lots of themes explored but especially motherhood and past trauma.  I think I was traumatized in the best possible way after reading this – don’t miss it!  I had both formats, but I'm such a huge fan of Saskia Maarleveld's narration that I mostly listened to this one.  

3.14.2026 - Such Sheltered Lives

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Simon & Schuster | Atria Books | Emily Bestler Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the adult debut by Alyssa Sheinmel.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Rush’s Recovery the Hamptons  promises its wealthy guests the utmost discretion. But when a body is discovered, how long can the center’s secrets stay buried?  The current guests are a British aristocrat, Lord Edward; Amelia Blue, daughter of a 90s rock legend; and Florence Bloom, a pop star.  There are strict rules of interaction between the guests, but they don't always listen.  

This was definitely a slow-burn mystery, but I loved the premise and setting.  A recovery center in the Hamptons for the wealthy?  It's a look into those issues that affect humans no matter their bank statement - addiction, mental health, self-worth, and family problems.  The characters appeared unlikeable in the beginning, but as the story progressed, my feelings towards them changed.  It's also a look into these recovery centers and the control they wield over people.  Very atmospheric!

3.12.2026 - Once and Again

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Atria Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by a favorite, Rebecca Serle.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

The three women in the family share a special gift - they are each given a silver ticket at birth that allows them to go back in time and change events - but only one time.  The three women also share a complicated relationship with their mother, with each feeling not quite enough.  The matriarch, Sylvia, lives in a cottage on their Malibu beach home, with Marcella and Dave in the main home.  The daughter, Lauren, is now married to Leo and living in West Hollywood.  But one summer changes things for all of them.

I love Serle's writing and this magical realism book about second chances and the impact of the choices that we make every day is the perfect example of why she's a favorite.  It was more of a quiet book, focused more on Lauren, motherhood, and the relationship between the women.  But it's also emotional and will make you cherish the present and the people in your life.  Even though the women characters take the main stage, there are plenty of good male characters in here as well, and Lauren's relationship with her dad is special.  Keep your tissues close!

3.11.2026 - Darkening Song

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press | Saturday Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful novel by Delphine Seddon, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Cherise Silvestri, Mei Mei MacLeod, and Milly Oldfield.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Eva is just 18 years old and an intern at a record label when she discovers 16-yer-old Alora online.  When no one at her label is interested, Eva takes matters into her own hands.  She offers Alora representation as her manager, with neither of them knowing what's involved.  But Eva was right and Alora is soon a superstar.  But fame is difficult and soon their lives start to unravel.

Novels set around music acts are a hit or miss for me, because it's sometimes hard to relate to that world.  But this novel pulled me in from the beginning as these two teenagers take on the male-dominated music industry.  There are heartbreaking moments, past trauma that rears its head, and ambition taking center stage over friendship.  This is a cautionary tale in a profession that values fame at all cost, and we've seen real life examples forever.  There are a lot of trigger warnings to pay attention to if needed, but the darker parts of this book were important and the ending was pitch perfect.  The audiobook production was wonderful and included songs, which further pulled me in, and I would highly recommend this book in that format.  

3.11.2026 - All the World Can Hold

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon and Schuster | 37 Ink for gifting me a digital ARC of this novel by Jung Yin.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

This book follows three main characters who were scheduled to take a cruise to the Bahamas, leaving out of NYC, the week following the 9/11 attacks.  They leave instead on the Sonata out of Boston, boarding with all the weight of the world.  We meet Franny, who has gathered her family on the cruise to celebrate their mother's 70th birthday.  Doug is an aging actor and former star of Starlight Voyages, the Love Boat-style tv series filmed on the Sonata.  Lucy is the only Black female grad student in her department at MIT, who took her roommate up on the offer of a free cruise, right when tech companies are trying to hire her.

While this is not a 9/11 book per se, the way the world changed on that day hangs over the pages and characters.  But even so, life goes on, and we follow these characters with their own personal baggage.  While these characters' storylines don't really interact, I was invested in each one.  It reminded me once again that all those revolving around us have private stories behind the facade presented to the world.  I also appreciated how the end of the book was an update on the world after 9/11, bringing the novel back into the real world. 

3.10.2026 - A Far-Flung Life

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Scribner for gifting me a digital ARC of the new novel by M.L. Stedman, author of the wonderful The Light Between Oceans.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

This is a sweeping and epic story of a family, a tragedy, and the aftermath that reverberates for decades set in remote Western Australia beginning in 1958.  The MacBrides have lived on a vast sheep station, Meredith Downs, comprising of over a million acres.  The lives of the family are changed on a sunny afternoon when a tragedy befalls them.  Matt, the youngest MacBride, is plunged into a moral and emotional dilemma that will haunt him throughout his life.  How do you choose between love and duty, sacrifice and happiness?

At its heart, this is a book about people just trying to do the best they can in their circumstances, not even knowing what the right path would be, and the secrets they hold dear to protect those they love.  I was transported to a different time and place, and felt the weight of the characters' decisions along with them.  While this could be a depressing story, it was hopeful and showed the strength and resilience of our human souls.  I loved the multi-generational aspect of this story and these characters will stay with me.  Highly recommended!

3.10.2026 - She Fell Away

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Atria Books | Emily Bestler Books for gifting me a digital and physical ARC of the debut thriller by Lenore Nash.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Lake Harlowe is working as a State Department diplomat in Wellington, New Zealand, running away from her past, hoping for a calmer posting than her last.  But then a young man is found dead in his AirBnB and soon after an exchange student, Bowie Bishop, vanishes.  Lake becomes obsessed trying to find Bowie before time runs out.

I'm so excited with the hope that this is the first in a new series because I loved it.  I'm not sure I've read a book about the duties of diplomats working to protect American citizens overseas, and it was an interesting storyline.  Lake is a wonderful character = multilayered, willing to go outside the lines when she feels it's necessary, full of secrets from a complicated childhood, determined to get answers.  The mystery kept me intrigued from the beginning and I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

3.8.2026 - The Secret Lives of Murderers' Wives

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of this debut novel by Elizabeth Arnott - this month's Good Morning America Book Club pick.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

In California in 1966, three women, Beverley, Elsie, and Margot, form an unlikely friendship after the discoveries that each of their husbands are convicted killers.  With those husbands either dead or behind bars, the women attempt a new future for themselves.  They each struggle with the fact that everyone questions how they couldn't have known about their husbands' crimes.  When a string of killings hits the news, the three women figure that who is better to catch a killer than those who have lived with one?

Another fabulous book to review on International Women's Day because this book at its heart is a story of female friendship and empowerment.  In the time period, women were definitely second class citizens, and it was so fun to see these women take on the investigation of these murders.  They were not about to accept society's opinions of them and supported each other to the end.  It was also interesting to see the fallout on the families after these husbands were convicted.  Wonderful debut!

3.8.2026 - Served Him Right

Many thanks to NetGalley, Harlequin Trade Publishing | Park Row Books and Megan Beatie Communications for gifting me both a digital and physical ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Lisa Unger.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Ana Blacksmith has gathered her closest friends and sister Vera for a brunch to celebrate her recent breakup from her boyfriend Paul. But when shocking news about Paul arrives, all eyes are on Ana, the angry ex with a bad reputation. Suspicions only intensify when Ana’s best friend falls deathly ill after the brunch.  But Ana is not the only one who had a score to settle with Paul. 

This is the perfect book to review on International Women's Day, as it showcases strong women taking back control of their lives.  While this is a bit more of a slow-burn thriller than normal for Unger, I was there for all of it.  I loved the coven and their poisonous/medicinal herb garden, explained perfectly by this quote - "Girls, remember this, the only difference between poison and medicine is the dose."  Be sure to read the author's acknowledgement at the end for the real-life inspiration for this novel.  This was a great revenge novel - Paul was a horrible human and there are many suspects lining up to do him harm, so it will keep you guessing until the end.  

3.7.2026 - This Story Might Save Your Life

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books | Pine & Cedar, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me an audio ARC of this wonderful debut novel by Tiffany Crum, narrated by the fabulous duo of Julia Whelan and Sean Patrick Hopkins.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Best friends Benny Abbott and Joy Moore host a very popular podcast about surviving, finding humor in near-death experiences.  Joy's husband, Xander, is their manager.  However, the next survival story may be their own.  When Benny arrives at Joy and Xander's house to record, he finds shattered glass and an empty house.  Benny will stop at nothing to find them, even as the police zero in on him as their prime suspect.

This was a fabulous debut and just a wonderful listening experience.  The narrators are top notch, of course, and the sound effects just totally immersed me into the story.  This book has it all - mystery, suspense, romance - and it kept me guessing until the end.  Told from Joy's POV before and Benny's POV afterwards, the podcast is a major character and there are plenty of other shady characters as well.  I truly felt invested in this story and characters, and it's a true testament to friendship.  Plus - extra points for all the Happy Days references!  Bravo to all involved for a fabulous debut!

3.6.2026 - Ruby Falls

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic | Atlantic Crime for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Gin Phillips.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

In 1928, a Chattanooga man disappears down a hole in the ground and discovers a 150-foot waterfall in the middle of a mountain that he names Ruby Falls, after his wife.  Soon, visitors can buy tickets to see the falls for themselves.  A friend of Rub, Ada Smith, has been sneaking into the caves at night, enthralled with the beauty and freedom.  But it's the Depression and Ruby Falls is struggling.  A famous mind reader and mystic agrees to go into the caverns and attempt to locate a hidden hatpin using only his psychic abilities.  He'll be joined by his wife, his manager, a guide, a businessman and a reporter.  But Ada and another guide, Quinton, will be following the party at a distance in case they run into trouble. .One of them will be dead before the end of the day.

What a unique locked-room mystery - set almost entirely underground in just one day.  It's claustrophobic and full of tension as the group must get back to safety before they completely lose their light.  It takes you back to a different time period in the country, with the Depression looming, and women's rights as a theme.  It was a bit of a slow burn and for some reason I had trouble keeping the characters straight in my mind, but it was a good, atmospheric thriller based on real life (be sure to read the acknowledgements for more info!)..

3.6.2026 - Lady Tremaine

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and St Martin's Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this amazing debut novel by Rachel Hochhauser - the March pick of Reese's Book Club.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

A retelling of Cinderella - from the evil stepmother's POV.  Etheldreda is twice widowed and now in charge of caring for her two children as well as her spoiled stepdaughter.  Her house is falling apart and she's doing all she can to hide the fact that they have no money, because getting her daughters married to a good man is of the utmost importance.  

It's so hard to believe that this is a debut novel, because Hochhauser has created a world that is so vivid and imaginative that you will fall into it and only look up when the book is done.  I loved how the author took the stereotype we all know of the evil stepmother and turned it around, so we see that what's important is what a mother will do for her children.  It's good to have a reminder that things are not always what they seem behind closed doors - even castle doors.  I loved the way these women eventually figured out that all they needed at the end of the day was themselves, and the ending was perfect.  This book had everything you need for the perfect reading escape, and you'll even learn a bit about falconry too.  Highly recommended!  

3.5.2026 - Where the Girls Were

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House | Dial Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this novel by Kate Schatz.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

It's 1968, and 17-year-old Baker's future is shining bright.  She's the valedictorian of her high school and will be attending Stanford in the fall, hoping to become a journalist.  But then she meets Wiley at a party with her cousin and becomes pregnant.  Instead of being the shining star of her family, she's now an embarrassment.  She's sent to a home for unwed mothers, where she is sequestered in an old Victorian home with a group of pregnant girls.  

This was an interesting book and it would make a good book club pick, with hot-button relevant topics, especially for women who came of age in this time period compared to now.  Baker seemed ultra-naive about her body even for this era, and her mom was definitely worried more about appearances than anything else.  Some of the scenes were heartbreaking and the end was a little over the top, but I enjoyed the book thoroughly.  Be sure to read the author's note as well!

3.4.2026 - One of Us

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Viking Penguin for gifting me a digital ARC of this novel by Elizabeth Day.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Martin and Ben used to be best friends, but ever since Ben's 40th birthday party, they haven't spoken.  Martin never quite fit into Ben's privileged world, but gets pulled back in when Ben's wife, Serena, invites him to the funeral of Fliss, Ben's sister.  

This is a slower, character-driven novel, told from multiple POV, but it pulls you into a different world, one of entitlement and political privilege.  It's apparently a sequel to The Party, which I didn't read, but there's plenty of information here and it works perfectly as a stand alone.  It's hard to find too many likable characters here, but there's plenty of dark humor that kept me entertained from the first page.  There's plenty of drama and secrets among all the political and human behavior themes, and I thought the ending was pitch perfect.  

3.4.2026 - Judge Stone

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Little Brown and Company for gifting me an audio ARC of this wonderful book by James Patterson and Viola Davis, with the audiobook narrated by Viola Davis.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Judge Mary Stone is the most respected person in Union Springs, Alabama.  A case comes before her that will tear the town apart, putting many at risk, including Judge Stone.  And the judge knows that this is a no-win situation because criminally speaking, a law has been broken, but ethically is another story.  No judge can satisfy everyone, but she's willing to fight for justice.

This was a gripping story that was brought to life through Viola Davis' narration.  There's courtroom drama and tension, as well as characters that you will love and that will break your heart.  There are a lot of relevant, hot-button topics here but this author duo handled them perfectly, showing the personal side of the laws.  I'm not always one for these celebrity books, but this is a must read legal thriller - but the audiobook shines with Davis' narration so I would highly recommend that version!

3.2.2026 - Missing Sister

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, William Morrow, and Harper Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest thriller by Joshilyn Jackson, who also narrated the audiobook.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Penny and Nix were twins, but when Nix dies in a tragic accident after college, she leaves behind a cryptic voicemail to Penny, that has left her desperate for justice ever since.  Five years later, Penny is a rookie cop when she is called to her first murder scene.  When she sees the victim, she knows instantly that he's one of the three men she holds responsible for Nix's death.  But the decisions Penny makes right after that will put her on the wrong side of the law and searching for a woman who may also be searching for the same men.

This was a good thriller, and I appreciated having both formats to keep reading.  The author did a great job narrating her book, which isn't always the case.  I liked the fact that this book went into morally-gray areas, making you put yourself in various positions.  The revenge theme was strong throughout.  It was a bit of a slow burn, but certainly picked up heading towards that wild ending!  

3.2.2026 - The Ghost Women

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dutton for gifting me a digital ARC of this creepy story by Jennifer Murphy.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

In 1972, the body of Abel Montague, a student at St. Luke’s Institute of the Arts, is found hanging from a tree in the forest. An ancient Hanged Man tarot card is found in the back pocket of his pants and his body has been positioned into the exact pose illustrated on the card.  St Luke's is a former monastery that once housed a secret order of monks who carried out witch trials and executions.  When Detective Lola Germany arrives on the scene, she believes they are dealing with a ritualistic murder.  When conducting her interviews, Lola discovers his girlfriend was part of a group of friends who call themselves witches.  Then more students are found dead, each body arranged to make a tarot card.  

I love a dark academic thriller and this one had so many dark happenings within its pages, from ghost trees to tarot cards to creepy characters.  There's the group of young women who call themselves witches who all are keeping secrets, as is the detective.  This story is told from multiple POV as the secrets and twists are played out.  It's thick with tension until the very end - read with the lights on!

3.2.2026 - Wait For Me

Many thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for gifting me a physical and digital ARC of the latest book by Amy Jo Burns, and allowing me to participate in the Little Free Library ARC drop-off as well.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Elle Harlow was a big folk star in the 1970s, but suddenly disappeared at the height of her fame.  Marijohn Shaw's dad always insists that he was the last one to see Elle when she stopped at his gas station, and has become obsessed with her since then.  We learn the background of Elle growing up in Appalachia to her rise to stardom in Nashville.  Almost 20 years later, Marijohn finds a piece of Ella's past after a meteor strike in their small Pennsylvania town.  What is the connection between these two women?

What a beautiful story – I didn’t just read this book, I felt it.  What I loved most was the sacred relationship between women, not just mothers, but those women who change us, make us better, are there for us no matter what, even when they aren’t next to us.  I loved the quote – So much of a woman’s life was this relentless unspooling.  All the things we lose remain in us and change us.  Burns’ writing was just gorgeous – the song lyrics were like poetry and just touched my heart.  It’s two different love stories that are told with tender words, not explicit sex, and It’s also an ode  to country music and how life’s scars write songs that touch us all.  This is a must read!

3.1.2026 - Lake Effect

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, HarperCollins | Ecco and HarperCollins Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful book by Cynthia D'Aprix Sweeney, with the audiobook narrated by Marin Ireland.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Set in the 1970s amid the sexual revolution and moving forward through the AIDS crisis and into the 1990s, this book explores those and other cultural touchpoints through the lives of two neighboring families torn apart by a decision, causing ripples for years.

This book was wonderful and will transport you back to a past that seems so far away but if you lived through these times, you’ll be experiencing all kinds of nostalgia, both good and bad.  Interesting to read about the women’s pressure to be thin, going to Weight Watchers and taking Dexatrim – not sure we’ve come very far on that front or many others.  Sweeney is wonderful at creating characters that are so relatable and human, with humor to grease the hard parts.  The narration by the wonderful Marin Ireland was fabulous as always and I switched over to listen to this one exclusively.  Highly recommended!