7.22.2026 - The New People

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little, Brown & Company for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut novel by Andrea Uptmor.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Newlyweds Emma and Rachel move from Chicago to a conservative Indiana college town when Rachel, a best-selling novelist, gets a job as a tenure-track professor.  Emma is struggling in her job as an adjunct professor at the college, desperate for something to call her own.  The house they bought cheap when the housing bubble burst and the recession hit, seems to have a new issue daily, and Emma feels a strange presence in the house.  Maybe it's because they aren't alone.  Charlotte and Dirk lost the house to foreclosure and are secretly living in the attic above the garage.  Charlotte is desperate to make the new people leave.

This book was fabulous and it's hard to believe it's a debut.  Told from the alternating POV of Emma and Charlotte, it is an emotional read, without ever veering into maudlin or sappy territory.  I felt so invested in these characters, and felt especially bad for Charlotte and Dirk.  They are representative of so many stories from that time, when greed ruled and individuals didn't matter.  It's definitely an exploration of grief and loss, but it's so much more.  It's filled with bright spots, humor, empathy for others, and the ending had me crying happy tears.  I loved this book and highly recommend it - I'm here anxiously awaiting for more from this author!

7.22.2026 - Indie Darling

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Lauren Nossett with the audiobook perfectly narrated by Amara Jasper.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Kelly Williams is a private investigator in Nashville who only takes women for clients.  Her latest client, Sarah-Faith, comes to her after receiving threatening messages, and Kelly soon realizes that she is better known as Seraph, the lead singer of the indie music sensation The Garden Snakes.  After an incident at a performance, Kelly is soon pulled into a dangerous web of secrets and lies.

So creative and inventive - I loved the Nashville music scene as well as the lyrics that give hints to the story.  This one is a little hard to review without inadvertently giving anything away, but it's a mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.  Then, once you're done reading, be sure and check out the author's website for a final clue!  Kelly was such a great main character - I'd love to see this be the start of a series featuring her investigations.  The narrator did a great job voicing all the characters.

7.22.2026 - Deadly Does It

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the second in the Mason & Mann Mystery series by Abbi Waxman.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Mason and Mann are on a new case - one that hits close to home.  Mason's AA sponsor is in danger, but investigating the reasons could put the detectives in trouble as well.

The first book in this series, One Death at a Time, was so fun and I was eager to dive back in.  I would recommend reading that one first but it's not completely necessary, as enough details are given.  This book has the humor, crankiness, and smarts of the first and we get some backstory into Mason and her family as well, plus following along with the latest mystery.  The perfect summer mystery book!

7.20.2026 - The Half Life

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Rachel Beanland.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Eileen is still mourning the death of her brother in Vietnam when she meets Paul, a Navy officer.  Soon afterwards, he gets orders to report to the Mediterranean island of La Maddalena, where Paul will be heading up Radiological Controls aboard a submarine tender.  Rather than be separated, they quickly marry and Eileen finds herself newly married in a country where she doesn't speak the language and the rules for a Navy wife are long.  She soon becomes involved in the local politics and meets an Italian journalist, who awakens her in many ways.

I really enjoyed this look at a woman in the 1970s who is just on the cusp of figuring out who she is.  I couldn't help but relate it to my mom who got married quickly when my dad was being sent to France in the late 1950s.  The pressure on being perfect in a situation where you don't know the language or culture had to be so difficult.  Eileen was a strong woman, trying to keep her marriage going, but discovering that there's a big world out there.  Beautifully written and a personal story (be sure and read the author's note), it was told in the form of a written letter to a person unknown until the very end of the book.  That person may have learned more than she wanted to!  Very entertaining and informative as only the best historical fiction is.

7.20.2026 - Destination Funeral

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the latest novel by Paige Harbison, with the audiobook perfectly narrated by the author.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

When Babe dies, her two daughters, Didion and Sammie, and their two friends, Matt and Austin, are summoned to Mercy Island for the reading of the will.  Didion arrives and realizes that all the old resentments and hurts traveled along with her.  What should be a quick weekend takes a twist when they wake up and it's Saturday - again.  And then again.

Told from Didion's POV and from two different timelines - the present and summers past - we gradually learn exactly what happened to break all these people apart.  While at first I wasn't a fan of Didion's character, I gradually changed my mind and found her relatable.  Any daughter who has had to step up to family responsibilities will understand her complicated feelings and will be more compassion towards her.  I was a huge fan of Harbison's previous book, The Other Side of Now, and she once again did magical realism to perfection.  It never felt hokey to me but instead was a wonderful way of peeling back all the layers.  Extra kudos because the author once again narrated the audiobook and did it to perfection, showing her great range of dialects.  Perfect book for this summer.

7.19.2026 - The Story Keeper

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, HTP Books | MIRA Books, and Harlequin Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new historical fiction novel by Kelly Rimmer, with the audiobook wonderfully narrated by Siho Ellsmore.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Fiona Winslow once called Wurimbirra home, and after her uncle's death, she bought it with the hope of restoring it.  She quickly learns that the townspeople consider the house haunted, and she begins wondering when strange things happen.  When she finds a book, The Midnight Estate, in her uncle's library, she is plunged into a tale that seems to mirror her own.  

This is a book-in-a-book story done so well – I was equally invested in both storylines and was anxious to get back to both.  The creepy, possibly haunted, Gothic mansion in Australia with a graveyard in the back was the perfect setting for this mysterious tale.  I felt emotionally for so many of these characters in both stories – this book was a testament to the power of the stories of those before us that have shaped our lives.  Another great read by this author, and the narration was perfect!

7.18.2026 - The Last to Drown

Many thanks to NetGalley and Dynamite Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest thriller by a favorite, Noelle W. Ihli.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Kaia is going on a women's rafting trip as a way to honor her deceased husband.  But now all she feels is dread.  Because there are stories about what happened at Camas Creek seven years ago, when a rafting guide murdered a group of rafters on this same stretch of water.  The true-crime community has never stopped asking questions.  Apparently for good reasons.

Noelle Ihli is now a must-read author for me - each of her books has been a non-stop thrill ride.  But this one had me so gripped from the first page that I'm not sure I breathed well the whole time.  I just couldn't put it down because it was so intense.  The descriptions of the white water rafting were so frightening - good thing that's not on my bucket list!  Besides all the action, I felt very connected to these characters and invested in their stories, especially Kaia.  If you like high-intense books, this is a must read!

7.17.2026 - The Death Row Club

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books | Scout Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the debut book by V.A. Vazquez.  All opinions expressed in this book are my own - 4 stars!

An invitation to the Death Row Club brings adult children of serial killers together for a secret retreat.  The retreat is founded by Greer Woods, the host of the hit true crime TV show To Catch a Killer.  Nicola's world has just fallen apart as her father is arrested for the murder of five women.  Nicola counted on Greer as a friend, but she hasn't returned a call since the show about her father aired.  Then a mysterious girl arrives at the retreat, shattering the club's fragile peace.

This was an intriguing debut - I loved the fact that the book mostly focused on the victims and the children of the serial killers, as opposed to the killers themselves.  The story is told from two POV - Nicola and Steffanie, a young woman desperate to escape from her father.  It was a twisty locked-room mystery and an ending I wasn't expecting.  I will be looking forward for more from this author!

7.17.2026 - Heat Trap

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Publishing and Brilliance Publishing for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the Amazon Original short story by Ellery Lloyd.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

A group of friends gets together every year for a summer getaway.  As per usual, Lizzie has taken on the task of organizing everything for their stay in France.  This year, she's excited to bring along her new boyfriend, Mal.  But something sinister is happening.

This was a quick read - actually, I listened to the audiobook, which was done well.  For a short story, this one had all the requisite thriller components to keep me completely interested, and it could have been fleshed out into a novel.  But I enjoyed my little time with these characters and story!

7.17.2026 - Catch the Devil

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Knopf for gifting me a digital ARC of this true crime story by Pamela Colloff.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

This is the true story of the murder of a young girl in Florida in the 1980s and the man wrongfully imprisoned for that murder.  The conviction relied on the testimony from Paul Skalnik, an inmate, conman, and pedophile who received deals for snitching.  

The book was so well researched and documented, first giving us the history of Paul's exploits before delving into the story of the convicted man, James Dailey.  How incredibly sad that the legal system has allowed this man to linger in jail on death row for decades based on the false story from a conman, who was freed to continue his crimes over and over again.  The author's account of this travesty of justice is gripping and compelling.  So many people in this book should be so ashamed of themselves for allowing this mistreatment.  I pray that it gets the word out to someone who can possibly allow this man to live his remaining few years in freedom.  Highly recommended.

7.16.2026 - The Romance Revival

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Gallery Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest romance novel by the writing duo known as Christina Lauren.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Emery and Luca have been married for 3 years.  He's the love of her life, but he would never know it.  Her top-secret job consumes her, and she keeps waiting for things to calm down.  Which they never do.  Until an accident takes Luca from her, and she'll break all the rules to bring him back.

As you would expect from this duo, this was a sweet romance that will have you thinking about how much you take people in your life for granted.  What you might not expect is the medical/science plot line, but I loved it.  This is not a rom com, and has a mystery involved that I certainly didn't guess right about.  I liked that the story is told from both the POV of Emery and Luca, giving us access to their private thoughts.  Wonderful second chance romance novel - with a twist!

7.15.2026 - Perfect Life

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine | Bantam for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by the writing duo of Meredith Lavender and Kendall Shores.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Este Walker didn’t move to Winter Park, Florida, to make friends. Five years ago, she ghosted her life in California to reinvent herself among the lakefront estates of Florida’s elite.  Now, her husband Beau and her best friend Nora are the only company she needs.  But Este's secrets are catching up with her, and Beau may be keeping secrets of his own.  Then a mysterious death causes Este to go into investigation mode.

I read and enjoyed the first book in the Winter Park series, Happy Wife, which centered on Nora.  While I would recommend reading that one just for the back story, it's not necessary to enjoy this one fully.  Told from two different timelines and full of interesting characters in an atmosphere where everyone has a few skeletons in their closet, the twists and turns in this book will keep you flipping the pages.  I'm always up for a good domestic suspense because who knows what all those neighbors are getting up to in their so-called perfect lives, so here's hoping for another book in this series!

7.14.2026 - This Changes Everything

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the new novel by one of my long-time favorites, Lisa Scottoline.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

Julia' rushes from Tuscany back to Pennsylvania when she learns that the grandmother of her best friend, Courtney, has been murdered.  Julia hasn't had any psychic abilities since she got married and had her daughter, but during a phone call with Courtney, she has a premonition.  Despite all the turmoil back home, she is adamant that she must try to help Courtney find the murderer.

This is a sequel to The Unraveling of Julia, and I loved it.  I used to say that I would read a shopping list if Lisa Scottoline wrote it, and that still holds true.  While I'm probably more partial to her legal thrillers, she has proven that she can write wonderful books in just about any genre.  These books have a supernatural element, but still have the tense atmosphere of her normal thrillers.  Plus, this one is ripped out of today's headlines, and there are so many secrets in this small town.  Long time readers will appreciate getting reacquainted with Bennie Rosato and Mary.  Dare we hope for another book featuring Julia? 

7.14.2026 - Country People

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Random House for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Daniel Mason, this month's Good Morning America Book Club Pick.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Kate and Miles move with their two children, Olive and Wesley, from California to rural Vermont, where Kate has received a one-year visiting professorship position at a small college.  Miles has been working on his PhD dissertation for years, with no paying job to his name.  The culture shock from organic liberal California to the country is big, but the family and their dog, Giuseppe, enjoy exploring their new world.  In fact, Miles gets involved with a group searching for a mythical world below ours as well.

This is not always an easy read, and there's no real extreme plot.  But I liked the immersion into the every day of their lives into their new world, because it's the every day that makes up our lives.  The intermittent transcripts of radio calls added satire and humor into the sometimes difficult topics of Russian folktales and literature.  What sold me was the family and community bonds, and I closed the book with a smile on my face.

7.13.2026 - By the River's Edge

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing | Thomas & Mercer for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest true crime novel by Gregg Olsen.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

In 1990 in Washington state, three women's bodies were found on the banks of the Spokane River. They were part of a close-knit alliance of sex workers whose oath to protect each other was, in the end, hopeless. For twenty-two years their brutal murders went unsolved.  In 2012, a DNA cold hit pointed to Douglas Perry.  A repeat offender, he was currently incarcerated in Texas.  But there was a twist - the facility was for female prisoners.  The man they were hunting was now a woman.

I will always read anything Gregg Olsen writes - and I've read a lot of his books.  The subject matter is always meticulously researched and, especially important in this book, sensitively written.  The story of the nation's first transgender serial killer is a wild one, and it is most definitely sad.  It showcases how mental illness, addiction, and poverty cause so many to live on the fringes of society, always in harm's way, and how evil people exploit that.  The true heroes of the story were the law enforcement officers who were diligent about keeping the women's names and stories in the forefront for decades, wanting to bring some semblance of peace to their families.  

7.13.2026 - The Forest Becomes Her

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this wonderful novel by Julie Carrick Dalton.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

In Concord, Massachusetts, a centuries-old forest has been removed to make way for a new, eco-friendly housing development.  The locals are upset, but out-of-towners are flocking to put down roots in their dream homes.  A tragedy soon leaves one of those new residents unmoored, and she feels the pull of the absent forest.  And she's not alone - two other women are experiencing their own trauma and relationship to the land.  They are drawn to save the last remaining oak tree.

This story really touched me, with the three main women characters going through the natural stages in life – adolescence, pregnancy, menopause, illness, grief, guilt, death.  These themes are all entwined with our obligation to take care of our natural world as well.  I felt for each of these characters and loved how they helped each other.  There’s plenty of magical realism here, but it fits in well with the characters’ paths and their connections to each other as well as to nature.  Plus, there’s the underlying mystery of the development and the desecration of the forest.  Fascinating!  The audiobook production and narration were very well done.

7.12.2026 - In Wonderland

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Little A for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by one of my favorite authors, Joyce Maynard.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

It's 1986, and 14-year-old Frances has always dreamed of a different life, away from her parents too busy fighting with each other to pay attention to her.  When she gets the opportunity to go to the Maine summer home of her dad's childhood friend, Forrest, and spend the summer being a mother's helper, she feels like she stepped into her dream.  But nothing at Wonderland is quite what it seems.

I'm a huge fan of Joyce Maynard, and she has yet again shown why.  While this is a relatable and heart-breaking coming-of-age story and a nostalgic look at a time before our electronic screens took all of our attention, it's also a perfectly-written psychological thriller.  I felt so much for Frances, longing for love and desperate to be an adult, not quite realizing that the adult world and relationships can be so complicated.  She gets drawn into the relationship between Forrest and his wife, Regina, not realizing the consequences.  It explores themes of manipulation, neglect, classism, family secrets.  Absolutely loved the ending.  This is a book that I couldn't put down and is absolutely a must read.

7.11.2026 - Sisterhood Above All

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press | Saturday Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Kathleen Barber, this one co-written with #BamaRush content creator Amayah Shaienne.  The audiobook production featured a full cast narration, which I'm a huge fan of.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Ava has dreamed of being a Gamma at Southern State University forever.  It's the last connection she has to her late mother and she's determined to wear the Gamma letters.  But prospective pledges are expected to earn their spots, so when president Madison asks her for a special favor, she grudgingly goes along with it, only for there to be disastrous consequences.  Rival sorority Theta president Shay tries to rise above all the hyper-rush mentality, but she and Madison have a grudge that goes way back.  

Sisterhood above all - whew!  There is enough drama and mean girl behavior in these pages to curl your hair!  I do love an academic thriller, and this certainly gave a different side of college life.  I have zero experience with Greek life, but appreciate what it should be.  It was good to see some of that positivity and supportive behavior from some of these women.  But reality aside, this was a soapy, fun thriller. - perfect for a summer beach read!

7.10.2026 - Hot Girl Murder Club

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Ashley Winstead, with the audiobook narrated by the wonderful Brittany Pressley.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars rounded up!

Scout Sage, is still grieving the death of her sister 10 years ago at a Hollywood party.  Now an aspiring pop star, Scout becomes the prime suspect in a string of Hollywood murders and all her dreams as well as justice for her sister take back seat.  The young detective assigned to the case begins to unearth secrets about fame and power in Hollywood.

This was entertaining, with lots going on and multiple POV and timelines, as well as focusing on lots of important issues, such as exploitation and harassment, and female empowerment.  I liked Grey, the detective, and her dedication to investigating her own past trauma.  I mostly listened to Brittany Pressley narrate this story, and she was as brilliant as always.

7.8.2026 - The Man

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Putnam Books for gifting me a digital ARC of the new book by Laura Sims.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

It's the 1960s, and Judith Stanley wants to do something just for her.  She takes a photography class at the local junior college, and when she shows her professor, Paul Sorenson, her work, he says that she is extraordinary.  He wants her to consider publication, but she refuses.  But she begins receiving strange phone calls and knows that someone is following her - his shadow shows up in every picture.  She's sure that her attacker from the past is back.  

This book was wonderful in all the best, creepy ways.  You could feel the fear and tension pouring off of Judith, as she tries to pursue her passion.  She's unaccustomed to the praise she receives from Paul, but is frightened and not willing to take things further.  In the second part of this book, things have taken a turn, and we see how quickly ambition can take over our morals.  It left me questioning just what was real and what wasn't, and the ending just added to that feeling.  It's a psychological suspense novel that will leave you looking over your shoulder.   I loved this author's previous book, How Can I Help You, and this was another winner.

7.7.2026 - Habits of the Sea

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Atria Books for gifting me a physical and digital ARC of the new book by Shea Ernshaw.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars rounded up!

The night Clay Lockhart's wife dies, a violent storm tears their home and the land beneath it away from the Scottish coast, sending it adrift into the Atlantic.  Thirty years later, 12-year old Ellie discovers the fabled floating island and finds Clay still living in the farmhouse on the hill.  When the island vanishes overnight, no one believed that Ellie saw the island and she even questions herself.  But decades later, the island resurfaces.  Ellie, now in her 30s, returns, determined to uncover the truth.  What she finds is Clay, who hasn't aged a day.

This book is a lot of things - a mystery, a romance, magical realism, climate control warning - but it is all wrapped up perfectly with such beautiful, lyrical writing.  It's magical, mystical, and I was entranced from the beginning.  Clay and Ellie's story is the central part of the book, and it's definitely a love story for the ages.  It's a book that will break your heart, but yet it still feels hopeful, that life and love will outlast everything.  I truly felt transported while reading this and was sorry when it was over.  Don't miss it!

7.7.2026 - Pretty Dead Things

Many thanks to NetGalley, St Martin's Press | Minotaur Books, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me a digital and audio ARC of the new book by Kelsey Cox, narrated by a talented cast.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Twenty-five years ago, Isabelle Whitmore vanishes without a trace.  In the present, Isabelle's sister, Ingrid, returns home just in time for a construction crew to start digging up the ranch owned by Isabelle's boyfriend, who was always suspected of the crime.  The pagent girls and now pagent moms, and the same toxic relationships fester.  Everything comes to a boiling point as an ice storm brings down the power grid during the pagent, trapping everyone inside.  

The full cast on this audiobook made this a real listening treat, to go along with a wonderful, twisty story told from two different timelines, including a cold case disappearance from decades ago.  Taking place in small town Texas, where the girls are mean and the pageant life is all important, it’s filled with so many potential suspects.  So of course it’s also filled with over-the-top situations, but that ending?  Mind blown.  After Cox’s wonderful debut, Party of Liars, definitely no sophomore slump here.  The perfect summer thriller is here!

7.6.2026 - Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster | Avid Reader Press for gifting me a digital ARC of this amazing debut novel by Ben Reeves.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Travis is Death in the modern world. He doesn't look like the Grim Reaper; instead, he's young and handsome, wears jeans and a T-shirt and lives in a small town.  He's a watcher whose job is to offer people comfort in their final hours of life.  He remembers each death he witnesses.  Then he meets the neighbors across the hall - single mother, Dalia and her young daughters - and he loses some of his detachment.

Oh my goodness, this book.  I sincerely hope that readers don’t pass this book by because it is sad.  It is sad and a reminder that death will come for all.  But it's such a beautiful look into ordinary lives and what's meaningful at the end.  Of course it's a reminder to appreciate life while we have the privilege to have it, but it's so uniquely written as to go beyond those platitudes.  In between the main story of Travis's burgeoning feelings for Dalia and her family, we get little glimpses into some of the deaths that he witnesses.  It's also interesting that Dalia is a midwife, bringing new life into the world as Travis shepherds them home.  These stories are indeed sad and yet so comforting to those who grieve, reminding us that life is all the more precious because it is not forever.  I'm hoping that we all have a Travis to be with us as we begin life after this one.  A remarkable debut that I'll be thinking about for a long time.  Highly recommended.

7.5.2026 - The Great Wherever

 

Many thanks to NetGalley, Henry Holt & Company, and Macmillan Audio for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of the debut novel by Shannon Sanders, with the audiobook narrated wonderfully by Keylor Leigh.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

Aubrey is grieving the recent loss of her father as well as the end of a relationship.  At 32, she's working multiple gig jobs and struggling to survive in Washington DC.  When she learns that she has inherited a shared stake in a Tennessee farm from her father, she's hoping it will help get her out of debt.  But when she meets with the relatives with whom she now shares ownership of the farm, she discovers the backstory of the land.  The wishes of the Black man who bought and owned it ended up dividing the family and drawing attention from outsiders.  

Okay, first, this book makes me feel that everyone really needs to prioritize inheritance issues, because what we want may not be what happens.  I really liked the combination of the supernatural narration of this complicated family drama along with the story of the characters in multiple timeframes.  Plus, the snarky humor from the deceased as well as from Aubrey made for lighter reading portions.  The subject of Black land ownership was eye opening, as always with these historical racism themes.  I felt that the audiobook production was great and the narrator brought life to the story and voices - even the dead ones!  Anxious to read more from this author.

7.5.2026 - The Last Time We Saw Her

 

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

A group of family and friends have gathered in Portugal's Azores to honor the tenth anniversary of Sydney, who went missing and is presumed dead after a summer camp trip.  One of the friends is making a documentary about the incident, and the others are grudgingly going along with it.  Sydney's sister, Olivia, an author whose stories bear a marked similarity to the incident, has always been silently accused of her sister's death but was never charged.  When one of the group is killed, they realize that nothing has been resolved and the past is far from dead.

This was an atmospheric, tense read, with a closed case coming back after a decade.  There's plenty of family drama and toxic friendships here, both present and past, to keep things interesting as well.  There are a lot of characters' POV to keep track of, and I didn't always do a great job of that, but it was well written and the twists kept me intrigued throughout.  

7.4.2026 - All the Lies We See

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Intrigue Ink Publishing for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book in the wonderful Jess Lambert series by Christina McDonald.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 5 stars!

Detective Jess Lambert is days away from the trial of the woman accused of killing her daughter when she wakes in a seedy hotel room with no memory of how she got there. On her phone is a viral video showing Jess calmly shooting the woman in cold blood.  Jess has no other choice but to run, and she must find out who's behind it all.

This is a wonderful police procedural, and Jess is such a wonderful character.  I've read and loved all the books in this series, but of course I lose all memory once I read them, so this could easily be read as a stand alone.  But it's a great series, so start at the beginning.  McDonald writes gripping police procedurals, typically with a touch of the supernatural, and it works so well.  Just an extra creepy feeling amongst all the tension.  But this book takes all that to a different level, because of the explosion of AI into our lives.  It's frightening to think how easily Jess' situation could happen to any of us.  And people believe what they see.  Scary stuff but makes for a great thriller!  Can't wait for more in this series!

7.4.2026 - Julia at the Drive-in

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing | Amazon Original Stories for gifting me this short story from Rainbow Rowell.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4 stars!

This is such a sweet coming-of-age story, as Julia transforms her looks and suddenly becomes noticeable.  You can easily sit and read this quickly, but it's full of nostalgia (drive ins!) and remembering how much we all, but especially teenagers, feel the need to be seen.  

7.2.2026 - The Housewife

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest book by Natalie Barelli.  All opinions expressed in this book are my own - 4.5 stars!

Jodie has always wanted to be a housewife and has perfected her skills in cooking, cleaning, and being the perfect mate.  After a quick romance, she marries psychologist Dr Roy Davies and moves into his perfect Beverly Hills home.  But reality is a bit different - his friends think she's a gold digger, Roy still has pictures of his late wife, Deborah everywhere, and even Marie, the housekeeper, doesn't like her.  But Jodie is keeping her own secrets.

I love dark, sarcastic humor and this book was filled with it.  Add to that a twisty thriller that kept me flipping the pages and you have the perfect summer thriller.  The short chapters continue to build the tension as Jodie sneaks around the house trying to find answers to all her questions, with the fear of someone always looking over her shoulder.  Jodie is the kind of character that you can't help but root for, even when she behaves badly - she had me laughing out loud at her witty commentary and behavior.  If you love your domestic suspense on the dark side, this one's for you!

7.1.2026 - Dead but Dreaming of Electric Sheep

 

Many thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for gifting me a digital ARC of the latest novel by Paul Tremblay.  All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 4.5 stars!

Julia is a former gamer, now working menial jobs and living with her uncle.  Her estranged mother, a CFO for a big tech company, reaches out and offers her a temporary job with a payday she can't refuse.  All she has to do is chaperone a man in a vegetative state - one who has proprietary AI implanted.  But what if he's not really dead?

Worry.  Worry more.  Because the best sci-fi novels are the ones that feel way too real, and with AI, all bets are off.  This book has Trembley's trademark humor mixed in with the terror, and characters that you will love.  Julia names her charge Bernie, and we hear from his POV as he struggles with memories, only knowing that he needs to find someone.  As Julia learns more about the company's intentions and Bernie's condition, she turns her back on everything to help him.  Fascinating.