Willa is now a great child psychologist, but an interview turned into a viral video, and there seems to be little to hold on to. Wonderfully narrated!
Willa is now a great child psychologist, but an interview turned into a viral video, and there seems to be little to hold on to. Her past is calling her back to Broken Bayou for closure, though this feels more like an uprooting rather than a wind-up. Random barrels are being excavated from the water and with that, the shreds that tie Will to this murky place are also strengthening. Coming here was a mistake, the only choice in hand is to survive this series of killings and mysteries and stay afloat.
I was listening to an audiobook of this mystery thriller book. Initially, I was hooked by the plotline, although the confusion and unhinging plot twists are what kept me going. The narrators went surfing through the story, exchanging points of view in between & yet everything made sense as the baton of the suspect passed from one to another. I have enjoyed a thriller after a long time with almost nothing to complain about (except the narrow-minded residents of that town).
Saffron Everleigh Mystery returns with another murder investigation in the world of biology (that's my extent of knowledge in the domain). We wouldn'tSaffron Everleigh Mystery returns with another murder investigation in the world of biology (that's my extent of knowledge in the domain). We wouldn't normally think about the subdivisions in this domain, but God - there were so many. The author has made it so easy for a novice like me to understand the terminologies that the whole research on bacteria/mould/fungi was unambiguous.
Our botanical researcher protagonist is presented with an opportunity to investigate her Ex's brother, who is currently suspected of murder. No sooner has she stepped into the mystery, another Russian scientist turns dead. As she navigates through the tangling mystery, her safety, career and the lives of several other scientists seem to be at stake.
A lot of characters, sideline stories and plot twists will keep the brain cells of the reader engaged. The mystery was fairly interesting with layered obstacles along with a unique narrative style. The series has been promisingly good with each mystery. ...more
This is a dual timeline plot that entangles the readers into a mystery of the life of an Artist and the current owner ofI am so glad I picked this up!
This is a dual timeline plot that entangles the readers into a mystery of the life of an Artist and the current owner of her legendary painting. Ever since the painting came into the possession of Shanice, an ominous shadow has fallen upon her life. As she digs deeper into the life of this artist from the Harlem Renaissance period, she discovers dangerous truths that may terrorize her life.
The thrilling aspects of this book are aptly produced to make the reader question everything about the painting. It looks dangerous, but the more you observe, the more your perspective changes around the art. The way the story leveraged the Harlem Renaissance, strengthened its plot a notch higher. There were high-stakes, sideline love story, goofy stalker, exuberant lifestyles of the 1% club and a haunting past connecting the dots which made it a perfect reading companion on my travels.
This was such a great mystery thriller and an almost perfect rendering of the world of painting. Highly recommended!
The 3rd instalment of the Housemaid murder mystery was action-packed with the Long Island life of elites, secrets behind hidden doors and an eventual The 3rd instalment of the Housemaid murder mystery was action-packed with the Long Island life of elites, secrets behind hidden doors and an eventual change of positions. Catching up with Millie after years, she is now a wife and a mother of 2, relocating to her dream home. The past is long behind her, and she is poised for a future that no longer troubles her. But the neighbourhood that seems lush and secure from the upfront has covered weird people hiding behind their high ceilings and dark curtains. And as much as she tries, Millie gets caught up in yet another bloodbath that was not her battle, to begin with.
The book interconnected the other two books of the series perfectly by hinting at just enough details for the reader to recall the connection. I enjoyed reading the fast-paced story with well-crafted grey characters. As much as I enjoyed the two non-identical sibling dynamics, I do not have any sympathy for her neighbours.
Plot twists-wise, you can be awed by some of them while predicting a few along the way, but what you may not see, is a twisted end. I did enjoy this one more than the 2nd book but less than the first (which I think will always be my favourite). P.S: This is one of those stories that you can enjoy perfectly well on an audiobook, the voice modulations of narrators flawless.
Thank you @bookouture for the Audiobook, this has been a series I really enjoyed. Genre: Murder Mystery, Thriller Rating 4/5 ⭐️ ...more
When a date ends up in a house fire, carrying on in the same town is difficult. Fortunate to land a summer job, she hops on the island, excited for a When a date ends up in a house fire, carrying on in the same town is difficult. Fortunate to land a summer job, she hops on the island, excited for a fresh start at Morning House. But often horrors are disguised in the form of opportunities and Marlowe is just beginning to uncover the dark secrets of this place. May what is buried, come to light!
The storyline is well-written with dynamic pacing that confronts the plot from the views of the helpers of the house. For a majority of the time, we are observing the events happening as a 3rd party between past and present - which I feel works better in reading but not in audiobooks. Sparking with lively characters in a contemporary world, the author has given us yet another murder mystery spanning over decades.
Thanks @this_is_edelweiss @epicreads & @maureenjohnsonbooks for the digital review copy. Genre: #contemporary #murder #mystery #queer ...more
Juggling her life between the day job managing Dress deliveries to the Elite art of society and at night dissolving herself in the back-alley life of Juggling her life between the day job managing Dress deliveries to the Elite art of society and at night dissolving herself in the back-alley life of Nightingale, Vivian is paying the price of her freedom with hard work. But when she goes knocking on one of the doors for dress delivery, trouble finds her. She is now a prime suspect in a murder and has just a week to find someone better to pin the blame.
The 1920s is a very interesting timeline for this story to be placed in. There are illegal nightclubs, elite parties, tea parties and all sorts of mishaps one can expect. The plot is set pretty fast and the constant progression with new discoveries around the mysteries keeps readers like us well engaged. I have a thing for strong-headed women and people who don't give up until the very end - and I found both traits developed well into our protagonist's character.
There was Leo's character however that I did not really love a tad bit, I felt he did not have enough backbone, to stand up for himself, or maybe I have not read the previous two books in this mystery series, so I feel a lack of build-up on his front. Nevertheless, it did not stop me from enjoying the story and having a great reading time with it. Lastly, I found the book well represents interracial differences and hints of LGBT tropes too.
Thanks for the review copy @minotaur_books @katharinewrites Genre: #mystery #murdermystery #historicalfiction...more
Book Antiquarian meets Murder on the Oriental Express! On a visit to a rare bookish auction, the protagonist discovers an unexpected book that was a lBook Antiquarian meets Murder on the Oriental Express! On a visit to a rare bookish auction, the protagonist discovers an unexpected book that was a last-minute pullout of the auction. And while it all went pretty smoothly, a few dramas aside, on their way back - the man who kept the book with him for safekeeping is dead. And everyone on the train is a suspect ...more
The story of an author stuck with her Ex in a never-ending loop of writing book after book about the romance of the 2 of them in a murder mystery plotThe story of an author stuck with her Ex in a never-ending loop of writing book after book about the romance of the 2 of them in a murder mystery plot. But things have been dragged on far too long and she has finally decided to end the series, only someone might just beat her to it, by doing something in reality as she plots the next death in her book.
Reading this book felt like a child in a huge fair, enamoured by all the insights it offers about the other end of the table. I enjoyed reading the glimpses of writing a book, editors pushing, marketing campaigns and tours and all they need to keep up with before the book is ever even introduced into the world for readers like us. The book was entertaining, light-hearted and witty throughout its storytelling. The inner monologues were surely a funny addition. As much as I loved hearing out the inner thoughts of the author's head, I wished the solving part and a few other details were left out to the reader's intelligence.
Thank you @netgalley for the Audiobook Arc. Genre: #mystery #thriller ##murdermystery Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
A sprinkle of dark magic in the darkness descends upon the town, driving them into madness. "Goddess, goddess, count to five In the morning, who’s alivA sprinkle of dark magic in the darkness descends upon the town, driving them into madness. "Goddess, goddess, count to five In the morning, who’s alive?"
A young girl has gone missing and the police are questioning everyone in school, town and more. But the answers only ly with the best friend (Becca), and when she decides to go looking for her sole friend, she uncovers a gloominess that has been shadowing this town for decades now and it all started with just a Goddess Game.
If you are looking for uncanny spooky tales, dark games that go wrong mixed with nefarious men, this book is for you. There is murkiness, there is a conundrum and it is all situated in a contemporary world of school-going students. Besides these, I enjoyed the angles of toxic friendships, obsession and the zeal for survival that were combined well with the town's folklore background. I find this book good for beginners, interested in venturing into these genres.
Thank you @flatiron_books @macmillan.audio @melissaalbertauthor for the ARC. Genre: #ya #fantasy #horror Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
"Omnia mutantur, nihil interit (everything changes, nothing perishes)"
Usually, I save the narrator's comments to the end, but this one deserves to be "Omnia mutantur, nihil interit (everything changes, nothing perishes)"
Usually, I save the narrator's comments to the end, but this one deserves to be out here at the front: What an amazing narrative cast, sound effects, the echoes at the right moment and the background music - all scores for the perfect audiobook.
Now coming to the story,
As much as I enjoyed the eerie setting and horrors of the children's home, it was difficult to admire the protagonist (Ruth) because of moral differences. Nelson, who shamelessly cheats on her wife by going out with Ruth and thinks taking his wife to a stupid play later makes it all okay, Ruth who decides to keep his baby and accept the help from his wife despite what they did to her- just fires the gun in the wrong direction. I wish I could ignore this and focus on the main mystery, which I have to say is gripping. However, the constant underlying story accompanying the murders made it a little difficult, leaving me in an uncertain predicament.
Thank you @netgalley @quercusbooks @ellygriffiths17 for the Audiobook ARC. Genre: #mystery #thriller #archaeology Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️ #TheJanusStone ...more
The second book in the series follows the life of Kaveri and her emerging detective status. She is now officially helping people solve all kinds of myThe second book in the series follows the life of Kaveri and her emerging detective status. She is now officially helping people solve all kinds of mysteries big and small and while it all seems to be going well, not everyone is happy about it. When asked to look upon some money scam occurring in one of the factories in town, a murder occurs that cascades into a series of events that prompt a bigger swindle than what meets the eye.
This is a straight-to-the-point murder mystery that shares with you just enough to connect the dots and no ramblings (feels well edited). I was exactly in the mood for it and probably the reason it kept me hooked to solve the mystery. I felt that the story has matured to an extent where you can feel the writing style evolving into its crisp version. Most of the characters are from book 1 so I would recommend the readers to read it in chronological order.
The plot is definitely is cozy detective mystery, but don't mistake it for one of those casual murders around a bakery and the protagonist turned into a suspect, the book has much more to offer in its simplicity. It address the roles of women in society, talks about freedom, and a bit of human behaviour and in a way hints at what all you can do with that extra energy in your body. The couple in the book are highly relatable and I liked this one more than book 1 and can't wait to see what's in store for us in the upcoming part.
Thank you @hachette_india and @harini.nagendra for the review copy. Genre: #murdermystery #historicalfiction #cozymystery Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Tsubaki house is morning the loss of old viscount. When the family decides to hold a séance, another death occurs and that triggers an irreversible imTsubaki house is morning the loss of old viscount. When the family decides to hold a séance, another death occurs and that triggers an irreversible impact of mysterious murders. The detective is called, but so little truth in the light, makes his work ever more difficult.
The goofy setting and the angle of a spirit being involved are what lured me in. The solving part, that followed later felt a bit too stretched to me. On the scale of predictability, the book did have a high score, but connecting the dots felt a little difficult with so much information. I wish a bit more concise since we did not have that many plot twists. The narrators did catch the accent really well, particularly the detective who had a deep course voice. His voice was so distinguishable from the rest that one could easily comprehend when the narrative style changed.
Thank you @netgalley @bolindaaudio @pushkin_press for the Audiobook ARC. Genre: #mysterythriller Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
The book starts with a punch, exposing you to a world of Divorcees, which based on the timelines(World War 2) of the book is a huge thing. Women's rigThe book starts with a punch, exposing you to a world of Divorcees, which based on the timelines(World War 2) of the book is a huge thing. Women's rights are almost non-existent and everything they own either belongs to their parents or their husband. Amidst such challenging times is a special place (Golden Yarrow) for divorced women. Our protagonist is settling in with her fellow housemates to complete the 6-week notice, but as she comes across Greer her world is never the same.
I found that throughout the book there is this anticipation building up for something terrible to happen and as you reach the climax, you only wish to read in faster. What I did find weird was the way the post-climax scene and the end were handled. I have so many questions and alternative tracks running in my mind which could have made this maybe more conspiring and satisfactory to the reader.
I plot was great and the one homeworld buildup was definitely something that worked well for me. Even the protagonist's swaying character was fascinating, I just can't get my head around the way things ended.
Thank you @netgalley @bonnierbooks_uk @manilla_press
One of my most anticipated books of 2024 that I have been eyeing for months! It's a dark academia setting with the story following 4 scholars who join One of my most anticipated books of 2024 that I have been eyeing for months! It's a dark academia setting with the story following 4 scholars who join High Realms. Life here is guided and the new bees find it difficult to fit in due to several reasons but one in particular is about to strangle them in dark corners.
The book had me hooked from page 1, the plot is totally gripping and it felt absolutely perfect. The pacing is fast enough for a thriller, and the way the pupils guard their dark secrets, and how they manage the activities at the premises are what got me 100% invested in the story and I couldn't help but keep reading nonstop until I knew how this ends. This was devastatingly good.
Thank you @netgalley @ellieclarekeel @harpercollinsuk for the ARC. Genre: #darkacademia #mystery #thriller Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️...more
Kaveri moves to Bangalore after marriage, expecting a quiet life in the modern city, only to discover mayhem of murder and trailing evidence at a ClubKaveri moves to Bangalore after marriage, expecting a quiet life in the modern city, only to discover mayhem of murder and trailing evidence at a Club that only allows an elite 100 members. Expected to let things be for her safety but, provoked by the injustice of the situation, she is only certain that if she does find the true culprit, no one else would.
While the overall book was the perfect cozy mystery I read that was set in India in the time of British colonization, here are a few moments that captured my heart: • The spirit of Kaveri, who is not afraid to do what she feels is right, irrespective of the social pressure from society and family members. • The Sunday coffee ritual: my hubby does it too, so it made me connect with the story to the next level • The food served in banana leaves ( #justnativethings ) • A reality check that not everyone is a born good cook, but over time, everything can be learnt • A climactic end to all the misery
Thank you @hachette_india and @harini.nagendra for the review copy. Genre: #murdermystery #historicalfiction #cozymystery Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
A group of paranormal investigators decide to take up the case of Hyacinth House and while most of them believe in a scientific approach, many of themA group of paranormal investigators decide to take up the case of Hyacinth House and while most of them believe in a scientific approach, many of them have a past connection to this house and secrets they do not wish to confront. But the lady of the house has other plans for them all.
The story is definitely spooky with a great narrator cast who engulfs you in the stories. The presence of the spirit, the writing style of the author to communicate with ghosts and the overall voice modulations used in the audiobook worked pretty well together. On a scale of horrors, it wasn't something you would lose your sleepover, but good enough to enjoy an eerie sensation and have a few goosebumps on your arm.
Overall, an enjoyable story and even better in an ALC. Thank you @netgalley @bolindaaudio @amyclarkin for the Audiobook. Genre: #horror #ya Rating: 4/5 ⭐️...more
This book was an experiment that went positively well.
The young girl in the story can see heedful ones (paranormal) ever since she was a child, but oThis book was an experiment that went positively well.
The young girl in the story can see heedful ones (paranormal) ever since she was a child, but others find it difficult to believe. Nevertheless, her father knows how to leverage her hysteria, trauma and skills to his own benefit and directs her to build a career as a psychic. But at one conjecture she finds the corpse of a missing boy. And this discovery raises another question: is she truly psychic or a murderer?
There are several things that worked really well for me in this book. The character development of the antagonists is done so well, that you just can't stop yourself from despising them. The goofy spooky vibe mixed with the premonitions makes it a good fit for horror. There was also an element of closing the circle that helped you make sense of why all this was happening. I did have fun reading it.
Thank you @netgalley @dreamscape_media and @sennydreadful19 for the Audiobook. Genre: #horror #mystery #thriller Rating: 4/5 ⭐️
P.S: the book references the mines of Moria at one conjecture and it was such a great thing to read as an LOTR fan.
This a light fantasy book cadencing in the love life of a queen's guard and a powerful mage. Keeping all the politics and power aside, they only want This a light fantasy book cadencing in the love life of a queen's guard and a powerful mage. Keeping all the politics and power aside, they only want to exist in the periphery of books and tea in a border town that does not fall in any jurisdictions. But there is always more to life than our daytime fantasies, and few things are too sweet to be true so easily.
The book articulately blends fantasy in a historical fiction setting with low stakes and small plot twists occurring at a steady pace. Read this book when you want an easygoing fantasy story with cozy vibes. The character development of both FMCs is fierce yet unique which highlights how people with the same traits can still be very different. The found family dynamics of a small town were another green tick in the cozy ambience of the book.
Though it does not end on a cliffhanger, there is another book in the series & I think I have to read it to fetch the unanswered questions this book has left me with.
Thank you @netgalley @macmillan.audio and @rebeccathornewrites for the ARC Genre: #cozy #fantasy #lgbt Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐️
Narrated from the perspective of a typewriter and a young boy, this is a pleasing story of a family that is emotional and humorous. I have so many quoNarrated from the perspective of a typewriter and a young boy, this is a pleasing story of a family that is emotional and humorous. I have so many quotes that I loved reading here that they had to be mentioned at the bottom.
The story is about a typewriter counting his days in the dark corner after being replaced by modern gadgets until one day a person in the family goes missing. Olivetti (the typewriter) believes he can finally be of help, but to do that, he will have to break one of the most conspicuous rules of their world.
Olivetti is next-level witty and the sarcastic charisma of the writing style worked so well for me. It is an overall light-hearted middle-grade book but I would recommend my fellow readers to check the content disclaimers too. The narration style reminded me of the book 'Remarkably bright creatures' and I think the book will be perfect for the fans.
Thanks to @netgalley @macmillanusa @allieinink for the ARC. Genre: #middlegrade #fiction Disclaimers: #cancer #therapy #mentalwelbeing Rating: 4.5/5 ⭐️
Favourite Quote: "If they just read the Oxford English Dictionary, they'd see both expressions were in there. They were both idioms and idioms are phrases that don't follow any kind of logic. My family apparently wasn't following any logic either because they were fighting over figures of speech. They were acting like a bunch of idioms" ...more
This book is a sweet tale of clearing a family name from an incident that tarnished it decades ago. Many have tried this before, but the clues are allThis book is a sweet tale of clearing a family name from an incident that tarnished it decades ago. Many have tried this before, but the clues are all lost in the past, returning to dust and memories. But with unhinging experiences occurring every midnight, Lainie has decided to untangle the mystery once and for all.
The relationship dynamics are the first thing to grasp your attention, be it between the uncles or friends. The story is also narrated in dual timelines, transporting the reader between now and back when the incident occurred, so a little bit of patience is needed to grasp and place them. There is also a legal angle that discusses the case, so if do enjoy the lingo, you can try this for sure.
I enjoyed the eerie feel the story generated and how my feelings fluctuated from sad, to productive, to excited to lovely. Though it is targeted towards upper middle graders, I feel YA onwards would be the people who can fully enjoy it. (Or maybe I am just a child in an adult body...more
Loading...
