In the vein of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None," Alice Feeney cleverly invites you to eccentric Nana Darker's 80th birthday party on HalloIn the vein of Agatha Christie's "And Then There Were None," Alice Feeney cleverly invites you to eccentric Nana Darker's 80th birthday party on Halloween night to celebrate with the Darker family and the reading of the will in DAISY DARKER.
Dark, Spooky, Twisty, Shocking!
Will anyone be left alive?
Matriarch Beatriz Darker (Nana) has invited her family to her isolated weathered Gothic home, Seaglass, on a remote island cliff off the Cornwall coast, where the incoming tide cuts them off from the mainland for hours until the water recedes once again.
There is no leaving for eight hours. The storms are raging, and the setting is atmospheric and chilling. Are you ready?
Each family member is harboring hidden secrets.
Nana makes the family members clock in as an employee when they enter her home so she can have a record of the last time they came.
In attendance Nana's son Frank, his divorced wife Nancy, and their children Rose, Lily, and Daisy. Daisy is the youngest of the daughters and was born with a broken heart. She has died several times with multiple surgeries. Also Trixie, Lily's daughter, and Connor- a family friend who grew up with the girls.
Nana, a children's book author and illustrator, based her successful series on her granddaughter, DAISY DARKER'S LITTLE SECRET
The room is surrounded by clocks. When midnight strikes on Halloween on her 80th birthday, Nana is found DEAD.
This locked room mystery begins when the clock strikes midnight when Nana is found dead. Then one by one, the killing continues. Each time a VHS tape is located, with each one significantly titled: Watch Me, Hear Me, Notice Me, See Me. They consist of videos from their childhood, and each one contains a clue.
Not everyone is happy with their lot. When Nana is found dead at midnight – an eerie chalk poem on the wall, everyone is a suspect because almost all of the Darkers and a family friend, Connor, have reason to see her gone.
As the bodies pile up, the list of suspects narrows. Who could want the Darker's dead?
Now everyone is a suspect.
The police cannot be called as there is no way in. They are trapped in this locked-room mystery to the countdown to the tide. More murders and so it continues. One dead every hour. In a family filled with devastating secrets, no one will go unpunished.
Who will be next?
Daisy narrates the story from past to present. Pay close attention to the clues! You will second guess everyone, including Daisy.
What an atmospheric and claustrophobic classic locked-room mystery thriller and domestic drama! Clever twists and vivid descriptions of the remote and stormy gothic setting elevate the plot and send chill bumps down your spine.
Feeney knows how to spin a story when it comes to dysfunctional families. This is one you may want to return to for Halloween. Go into it blind and enjoy the ride.
For fans of Lucy Foley, Ruth Ware, Carol Goodman, and Agatha Christie.
Stephanie Racine’s stellar audiobook narration is not to be missed.
The "queen" of Nantucket beach reads, Elin Hilderbrand delivers her 28th novel—THE HOTEL NANTUCKET, a tribute to the beach island with the author's peThe "queen" of Nantucket beach reads, Elin Hilderbrand delivers her 28th novel—THE HOTEL NANTUCKET, a tribute to the beach island with the author's personal complete Blue Book guidebook, included. Fans will love this one.
One thing for sure, the author knows NANTUCKET!
The starring ghost is Grace Hadley, a teenage chambermaid who died under suspicious circumstances in a hotel fire in 1922.
The historic HOTEL NANTUCKET has been purchased and reopened ($30 million in renovations) by a London billionaire, Xavier Darling.
The goal is to attain five stars "Five Keys" from Shelly, an undercover hotel blogger called Hotel Confidential, who has not been awarded top honors to any spot visited thus far. She will be a tough one to crack.
Xavier hires Lizbet Keaton as the general manager. Lizbet is well-loved on the island. Lots of history and drama here as we learn about her past, all the new hires, the backstories, and their unique personalities.
The haunted hotel is something to be overcome and quite fun. Grace's 19-year-old body was found in the attic, and it alleged she was mistress to the hotel's owner, Mr. Bendict. They say her spirit still is in the building until it is proven Jackson's wife caused the fire that killed her.
From gossip, delicious food and wine, entertainment, intriguing guests, staff members, ghost, and lots of secrets! Multi-plotted, genre-bending drama with loads of scandal.
If you have read Elin's books, you will enjoy characters from previous books and landmarks. A lengthy book and a lot jam-packed in one book, but the Blue Book at the end is worth the read. If you have not visited Nantucket lately, you will be ready to board a plane to make the trip!
I was a VP for resort hotel groups worldwide, interior designer, B&B Inns, and sold hi-end condo hotels, so I always enjoy stories about intriguing hotels. There is always something fascinating going on.
Ironically, I read about the (real) fire on Nantucket Island this past weekend (July 10) online at the Veranda House historic hotel—a 17th-century building 18-room boutique hotel completely renovated in 2020. Appears there was a massive fire with severe damage to the building and others. Luckily it appears there were no fatalities. It is yet to be determined the cause of the fire and could not help thinking about the fire in the book and the ghosts.
If you enjoy historical hotel ghost stores, I highly recommend Camille di Maio's The Beautiful Strangers. Set in the legendary iconic Hotel Del Coronado in Southern California between the timeline of 1892 and 1958 with a little Hollywood blending fact and fiction.
A special thank you to #LittleBrownandCo and #NetGalley for an ARC to read, review, and enjoy! I also purchased the audiobook narrated by Erin Bennett for a highly entertaining listening experience.
"Beautifully rendered —emotional, heartfelt, thought-provoking, and inspiring."
MOVIE: Soon to be a motion picture starring Joey King. Celebrate Vale"Beautifully rendered —emotional, heartfelt, thought-provoking, and inspiring."
MOVIE: Soon to be a motion picture starring Joey King. Celebrate Valentine's Day with a paranormal romance, streaming on Paramount+ February 11th, 2022. Here is your chance to read the book before the movie! Watch Trailer.
Marc Klein acclaimed screenwriter, producer, and author's debut novel— THE IN BETWEEN is an emotional and heartfelt story of love and loss and is perfect for fans of movies: If I Stay, Five Feet Apart, and Ghost.
Even though this is a Young Adult novel, all ages are assured to relate. An impressive debut, the character development is superb with characters you care about and linger long after the book ends.
My favorite was Skylar's grandpa Mike (a wise man)—I loved this man! Both Tessa and Skylar come alive on the pages, and you find an instant connection with both. Meticulously researched with dual timelines, a 5 Stars read! I adored the book and looking forward to the movie. Fans of contemporary authors Colleen Hoover and Nicholas Sparks will enjoy.
THE IN BETWEEN —written by Marc Klein (Little Brown), a heartfelt story follows two seventeen-year-old teens. Tessa and her first love, Skylar. Until all comes to a tragic end that might lead her into the afterlife, starring Joey King (The Kissing Booth) and Kyle Allen (The Map of Tiny Perfect Things).
Tessa is a complex, enigmatic character. She grew up in foster homes and never feels like she belongs. She puts up her walls and does not like to get too close based on her past. You connect with her immediately.
She is kind of a loner and loves photography (she is quite good). She loves her vintage camera and does not care about digital and even develops her own and loves black and white. Color is her favorite color (as is mine).
One day, Tessa lands in an old movie theatre to watch a film that is in French (one she does not speak). A good-looking (hot) guy about her age, Skylar, comes in and sits next to her, and translates for her. He is smart, funny, and intelligent.
They have an immediate connection. She learns much from him. He grew up differently than her, a jock, but is quite intriguing and like no one she has ever met before. They fall in love.
What is not to love about first loves? They are emotional and scary, exhilarating and exciting.
There is an accident that leaves Tessa in the hospital. She died and came back to life with heart damage. She is devastated. She learns Skylar did not make it.
She meets a cancer patient in the hospital, and she tells her about "the in-between" and after-death communication (you will find yourself googling with a lot of different types).
Tessa, at first, does not understand, but strange things start occurring. She wants to know more. Is Skylar trying to communicate or reach out to her? Is there a message?
Klein brilliantly uses dual timelines to explore both storylines (before and after) about how our deceased loved ones reach out to us via ADCs (after-death communications). How do the dead mourn the living?
I was immediately hooked and intrigued. The "before chapters" occur before the accident that kills Skylar and showcases Tessa and Skylar's summer romance. There are two storylines, the love story, and the ghost story.
The "after chapters" occur after the car crash when Tessa thinks Skylar may be reaching out to her from the other side. The author blends the two with a cohesive style that keeps your turning the pages.
Even though I am not a massive fan of the paranormal or romance novels; however, I enjoyed the book immensely. Beautifully rendered, the lyrical prose is heartfelt and has much depth and emotion that goes beyond the couple's romance to the insights of love, their parents, grandparents, and how our past can often define us.
The author writes impressively with topics of ADC, photography, medical, and writing from a teen's point of view.
"In the end, I have learned that we cannot shun our deepest selves. Our ghosts make us who we are and who we hope to be. And like the bittersweet memories of first love, we carry these hauntings inside us, tethered irrevocably to our hearts...."
"In life... in death... and everywhere in between."
I highly recommend reading the book before the movie. I look forward to more novels by this talented author and cannot wait for the motion picture.
INTERVIEW: Stay tuned for my upcoming #AuthorElevatorSeries Interview on Feb 11 with Marc, where we go behind the scenes of the book, movie, and this exciting author, screenwriter, and producer. It is one of my favorite interviews. EPIC!
I purchased the e-book and the audiobook narrated by Christie Moreau for a highly entertaining and award-winning performance.
Is the pandemic bringing you down? Want some laughs? READ THIS!
Elle Cosimano's FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS 'EM DEAD #2 is highly recommended! A laugh-out-Is the pandemic bringing you down? Want some laughs? READ THIS!
Elle Cosimano's FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS 'EM DEAD #2 is highly recommended! A laugh-out-loud comedy featuring protagonist Finlay Donovan, mom and novelist of romance/mystery turned hit-mom and partner in crime with her babysitter, Vero.
In this installment, someone wants Steven (Finlay's ex-husband) dead. Even though Finlay wished this sometimes (because he is a scum bag), he is the father of her children, and appears someone has a hit out on him; she has to make sure the children are not in his care.
Surprise, Surprise. SURPRISE! Many twists and turns and another jaw-dropper at the end, providing hope there will be a #3 and many more.
I am all "IN" for the long haul!
Keep them coming—what a wild cast of characters for murder and mayhem. A huge fan of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series, I would not miss a book. So hopefully, Elle Cosimano can pull out many more to come. I am already a FAN.
Like the Stephanie Plum series narrated by Lorelei King, it is always a pre-order. The same here because Angela Dawe is a perfect voice for the Donovan cast. As long as these two are narrating, an auto pre-order and assured highly entertaining experience.
FINLAY DONOVAN KNOCKS 'EM DEAD is the perfect book to read to make you laugh out loud. I went in a bit blind, having not read the first book in the series. You can easily read this without reading the first one, but I wanted to make sure I had not missed anything. So about halfway through #2, I purchased #1 Finlay Donovan Is Killing It and am glad I did. Finished it quickly and went back to #2.
FUN, FUN, FUN! I believe I like #2 better than #1, even though both are five stars. I LOVE these characters and got to hand it to the author; she receives an award for pulling this comedy out in the middle of a pandemic. At the end of the book, I enjoyed her notes about how difficult it was to get this inspiration during such a lousy year. Some readers may not think about everything the authors go through when they sit in front of the computer to crank out these masterpieces. They are human and have crap to deal with too. So thank you, Elle Cosimano—BRAVO!
CHARACTER COMPARISON: I wanted to take a minute and provide my take on Finlay Donovan's characters compared to the Stephanie Plum series. I would love to hear your take. Both have a love triangle, mobsters, murder, family, humor, and rollicking adventures with hilarious scenes and characters.
I love Sylvia's character and constantly talking about the "hot cop" and the mom talking about Nick's biscuits (butt). Who knows, Finlay might need to plan a murder for hire to get Sylvia off her case. Both Plum and Donovan's moms of course want them to settle down with the hot cops and both moms like cooking and meddling. I also love Delia so much and her one-liners are priceless. Finlay's mom might be a closer match to Plum's Grandma Mazur's personality than Plum's mom.
Finlay Donovan | Stephanie Plum Finlay | Stephanie Vero | Lula Georgia | Valeria Nick | Joe Morelli Julian | Ranger Steven | Vinnie Sylvia | Connie Delia | Grandma Mazur Parents | Parents Theresa Hall (realtor) | Joyce Barnhardt (nemesis) or Grandma Bella Zack | Bob (golden retriever) Sorry, Zack (no human for comparison here).
I like Lulu's (former hooker) love of food (chicken and donuts) and tight clothes and sass, whereby Vero is more dry, serious, and mysterious. I enjoy Finlay's crime/romance writing and the banters with her agent. I adore Grandma Mazur and the funeral homes, but Finlay has lots of action, and am pairing Grandma Mazur with Delia (love her sass and spunk). Both have steamy hot cops and side guys with fun sex, so I think they both are well rounded even though Stephanie is single and Finlay is a mom.
You can view my #AuthorElevatorSeries Interview with Janet Evanovich and the Plum anniversary edition here where we go behind the scenes. I am hoping I can snag an #AuthorElevatorSeries Interview with Elle, for the next installment! I would love to know the inspiration behind this highly entertaining series. If you are a fan of Janet's Stephanie Plum series, you are going to love this one.
I have the audio ARC of The Recovery Agent Janet's new Gabriella Rose series (Plum spin-off) coming (3/22/22) and am excited. I can see spin-offs and many more Finlay Donovan books to come.
THANK YOU. A very special thank you for this introduction into the Donovan world to #MinotaurBooks #StMartinsPress #NetGalley and #MacmillanAudio for a beautiful hardcover copy, an ARC e-book, and audiobook. I love all of them, and especially the audiobook narrated by Angela Dawe for an award-winning performance!
Fully immersive, Rachel Kapelke-Dale's DEBUT —THE BALLERINAS is captivating, exploring professional dance, the complexities of female friendships, anFully immersive, Rachel Kapelke-Dale's DEBUT —THE BALLERINAS is captivating, exploring professional dance, the complexities of female friendships, and the negative impacts of ballet's culture.
From the stunning gorgeous front cover to the pages, the author grabs your attention moving between the adolescent years and the present day.
Delphine abandoned her prestigious soloist spot at the Paris Opera Ballet for a new life in St. Petersburg—thirteen years ago. Taking with her a secret that could upend the lives of her best friends, fellow dancers Lindsay and Margaux.
The three students grow up and develop friendships and together embark on the trail of destruction.
Now thirty-six years old, Delphine has returned to her former home and the legendary Palais Garnier Opera House— to choreograph the ballet that will kickstart the next phase of her career. She hopes to make things right with her former friends and seek redemption.
But some things have changed. Can secrets stay buried forever?
The author beautifully illustrates her well-researched knowledge of ballet with her intricate details and vivid descriptions.
From the well-developed characters to their drive, insights, determination, commitment, obsession, pressures, challenges, competitiveness, and the sacrifices required to succeed.
We also learn how women have little power and are surrounded by misogyny with power and influence.
It's a haunting novel about performing arts, passion, loyalty, ambition, power, perfectionism, friendship, betrayal, secrets, and dreams. How the past haunts the present.
I listened to the audiobook narrated by Ell Potter for a captivating performance.
Blog Review Posted @ www.JudithDCollins.com @JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks My Rating: 4 Stars Pub Date: Dec 7, 2021
The master of suspense and jaw-dropping twists, Wendy Walker (favorite author) returns following What Remains with her popular riveting thriller, AMERThe master of suspense and jaw-dropping twists, Wendy Walker (favorite author) returns following What Remains with her popular riveting thriller, AMERICAN GIRL —a heart-pounding novel about a small-town business owner found dead and an autistic teenage girl caught in the crosshairs.
Based on the #1 bestselling Audible Original, AMERICAN GIRL is told through the eyes of an unforgettable protagonist. Available Oct 17, 2023, in all formats!
Charlie Hudson is an observant, autistic seventeen-year-old, a hard worker, and has been accepted to MIT. She is looking forward to leaving Sawyer, PA, and has worked at Triple S, a local sandwich shop, since she was fourteen, saving for her education. She is super intelligent with numbers.
Her family life is not the most supportive, so she has become close to her work family. She is diligent, enjoys her work, and never messes up an order.
Charlie's mom was just a teen when she was born and never knew her father, who left the town. They have always struggled until Charlie's mom married a lawyer, and they had two sons together (her stepbrothers are not supportive either). The stepdad has nothing to do with Charlie since he thinks she is different. No help with college, as why she saves and works hard.
Her boss, Clay Cooper, employs most of the town in various businesses. He is respected and feared by others who rely on him for their livelihood. He is not so nice and a womanizer. Not many people like him, and he must have enemies.
When Clay is found murdered, it rocks the small, depressed town. All the employees at the Trips S become suspects. Charlie overheard an argument in the shop, but she did not tell the police because she wanted to protect her work family. She has to do more investigating on her own.
Charlie finds herself at the heart of the investigation and does her best to protect herself and her coworkers. The scary thing is she was there that night and a prime suspect. But she keeps quiet.
Charlie must protect herself and her friends, desperately trying to uncover the danger in their community. What did Charlie see and hear that night? She now faces danger for the secrets she knows. Who is the killer?
Complex, emotional, and INTENSE, Charlie is a fantastic, memorable character that readers will love. Wendy is a pro, a skilled writer, ramping up the tension and danger that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
I would love to see another book featuring Charlie at college involved in another crime thriller with her keen sleuthing skills. She is too good to end!
AMERICAN GIRL is a twisty, gripping psychological suspense coming-of-age small-town thriller! I purchased the audiobook back when it came out as Audible Original and was excited to see it available in all formats. The audiobook was well done and highly entertaining, narrated by Paige Layle and full cast: Carson Beck, Josh Hurley, Alexander Cendese, Carly Robins, Hillary Huber, and Molly Secours.
I am a massive fan of the author, and she is one of the top suspense thriller authors out today! I have read all her page-turning thrillers, and each one is unique with her classic winning style. I highly recommend all her books!
Check out my Blog post below to view Wendy's fascinating videos!
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