Thank you to Stephanie Wrobel and Berkley Publishing for this gifted copy! The story centers on a reunion weekend at the Hitchcock Hotel, a Victorian Thank you to Stephanie Wrobel and Berkley Publishing for this gifted copy! The story centers on a reunion weekend at the Hitchcock Hotel, a Victorian mansion themed after Alfred Hitchcock, complete with movie props, screenings, and an aviary full of crows. Alfred, the hotel’s owner and a former member of the Film Club, invites his old friends for the hotel’s first anniversary, despite years of estrangement. As expected, the weekend takes a dark turn, culminating in a murder, just like a classic Hitchcock film.
The book’s premise is intriguing, especially for Hitchcock fans. The hotel’s atmosphere and the numerous Hitchcock references were highlights that added to the story's charm. However, the mystery itself was somewhat underwhelming, with a slow burn delivery. The characters, including Alfred, were difficult for me to love or love to hate.
Despite these flaws, the book was still an enjoyable read, particularly for fans of Hitchcock and Stephanie Wrobel's work. The setting and concept made it engaging, even if the mystery didn't fully deliver. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys revenge-driven murder mysteries in a suspenseful, isolated setting—just keep in mind there are spoilers for a few Hitchcock films....more
Shari Lapena is a stable in the whodunnit thriller genre and her books are always on the top of my priority TBR list. These whodunnits usually are a sShari Lapena is a stable in the whodunnit thriller genre and her books are always on the top of my priority TBR list. These whodunnits usually are a slow building reveal, but always pay off in the end, so I was excited to pick up her newest book, WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?
The story takes place in a small town in Vermont called Fairhill. Nothing really happens in this small rural town, but when popular teenager Diana Brewer is found in a hayfield dead, this town gets turned on its head. The synopsis is very vague, so I will continue to keep it that way. The story is a neighborhood whodunnit and there's many suspects at play.
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? is not Lapena's strongest work, but her fans will probably enjoy this book regardless. The story is very slow and the reveal wasn't much of a shocker to me, but what makes this book enjoyable to me were the characters. We get several point of views and each and everyone one of them has a unique voice that I found engaging. This book has a ghost aspect that I haven't seen the author utilize in the past, but it works! Some people may not like that subtle que in the book, but I actually felt that it added to the suspense of the story. Again, I quickly was able to figure out the evolution of the story, so I had to be honest with my review of this book. I will continue to read Shari Lapena's books, but this was definitely one that I will forget about in the future. ...more
Ruth Ware is an auto-read author for me, however her last three books felt a bit rushed and I haven't really enjoyed one since Turn of the Key. That bRuth Ware is an auto-read author for me, however her last three books felt a bit rushed and I haven't really enjoyed one since Turn of the Key. That being said, I truly believe that ONE PERFECT COUPLE is heading the author we all love back on track.
The story is very much a modern day And Then There Were None, taking place on an island in Indonesia, with several couples competing on a reality show for a final grand prize while also being awarded the "one perfect couple." Our main character, Lyla Santiago, is convinced by her longtime boyfriend Nico to join the show as he is an aspiring actor and believes this will jumpstart his career. Lyla is a scientist/virologist and did not have plans to do the show, but when in love, you make compromises with your partner, and doing the show is no exception. When they get to the set of Ever After Island, they meet four other couples—Bayer and Angel, Dan and Santana, Joel and Romi, and Conor and Zana. Each of the couples has their own unique stories and each of them have their own reasons for being on the show. However, after the first challenge on the show causes chaos, many are left wondering if this show is worth the drama. It gets even more chaotic when an overnight storm leaves the cast stranded. The show has now become a life-or-death situation.
This story was interesting because I didn't think that the twists were actually going to come because a big chunk of this book was the reality tv show set up and the storm. Ruth Ware uses setting as a character big time in this book and it definitely paid off. ONE PERFECT COUPLE is one of my higher ranked reads by Ruth Ware and I think a lot of people will love this book. It's pacing is a bit slower than I wanted it to be, but besides the pacing, it's a very fun and wild ride.
RUTH WARE RANKINGS: 1. The Woman in Cabin 10 2. The Death of Mrs. Westaway 3. The Turn of the Key 4. One Perfect Couple 5. In a Dark, Dark Wood 6. The IT Girl 7. Zero Days 8. One by One 9. The Lying Game...more
A lot of YA authors have started to come out with adult mystery/thriller novels since last year and for the most part, I've loved them. Kate Marshall A lot of YA authors have started to come out with adult mystery/thriller novels since last year and for the most part, I've loved them. Kate Marshall Alice, Ashley Elston, and now Amy Tintera have all successfully pivoted to this genre. LISTEN FOR THE LIE is a darkly comedic, fun and twisty whodunnit.
Our main character, Lucy Clase has been labeled as a murderer in her best friend's murder on a true-crime podcast. Lucy is an author who has tried to keep a low profile, but Ben Owens' "Listen for the Lie" has pulled Lucy out of hiding and forced her to confront the moments that she has tried to blank out of her memory forever. The night her best friend was killed.
LISTEN FOR THE LIE was so much fun and I did not expect it to turn out the way that it did. A bit slower than expected, but this book was such a great whodunnit. There's a good number of characters for readers to get lost into the mystery and hard for them to figure out how it ends, and each character is unique in their own way. Amy Tintera's writing style is sarcastic and funny at times, which gives you a break from the suspense at times and I personally loved it. LISTEN FOR THE LIE is the perfect cocktail between Elle Cosimano's Finlay Donovan is Killing It and Michelle Gagnon's Killing Me. I can't wait to see what Amy Tintera has for readers next!...more
If you enjoyed Benjamin Stevenson's debut novel, Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone, don't be surprised to learn that his sequel, EVERYONE ON THIf you enjoyed Benjamin Stevenson's debut novel, Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone, don't be surprised to learn that his sequel, EVERYONE ON THIS TRAIN IS A SUSPECT, will be right up your alley.
The vibe for this one definitely felt more Murder on the Orient Express meets Knives Out, but it's a journey that you'll enjoy for sure. The story is centered again around Ernest Cunningham so expect a lot of deadpan laughs that break the fourth wall. When Ernest is invited to a writing festival, he boards the Ghan (a famous train in Australia that will take him across the country). Ernest sees lots of industry peers on this train, but when one of them is murdered, everyone quickly decides to get involved. A locked-room mystery begins to evolve, with a cast of ridiculous amateur sleuths trying to investigate, which may cause more havoc than good. The journey is very immersive, like you're watching the entire events unfold while on the train.
There's a lot of writer speak, which is a trope I hate. Sorry, I find it an easy out for authors to talk about writing and publishing and all that jazz, so I tend to get bored easily with it. For a good chunk of the book, I was slowly realizing that the writer talk was boring me, but Ernest is such a fun protagonist that I wanted to keep going. That being said, the ending definitely picks up and the ending is a fabulous way to end the mystery. I loved, then I didn't love, and eventually I ended on very much liking EVERYONE ON THIS TRAIN IS A SUSPECT. I am unsure how Ernest and his shenanigans will continue after this release, but I'll be aboard for the ride....more
THE OTHER HALF is exactly what I wanted Pineapple Street to be! A world of luxury and class, mixed with satire and chaos. This book gives off a rich bTHE OTHER HALF is exactly what I wanted Pineapple Street to be! A world of luxury and class, mixed with satire and chaos. This book gives off a rich b**ch Agatha Christie vibe and I’m here for it. The story takes place at one of the characters, Rupert Beauchamp’s 30th birthday when his girlfriend Clemmie is found murdered. The investigation dives into a world of luxury influencers, all with British humor and attitude (hard to explain what I mean until you read it).
This murder mystery features a cast of extremely dislikable characters with over the top names. I honestly found this book to be a riot, with wit and expertly done characterization. Most of the characters are vapid and ridiculous, specifically Rupert, but there’s definitely one or two that are more normal than the others. Sorry I like the ridiculousness of the ones you’re meant to hate! The mystery is the central theme here but what kept me engaged was the satirical undertones. I listened to THE OTHER HALF via @librofm and the narration was incredibly done. I see a lot of mixed reviews on social media—I’m not sure how my journey with this book would’ve been without taking it via audiobook. All I know is that I had a lot of fun escaping into this story when I needed to escape....more
If THE NIGHT OF THE STORM is any indication, Nishita Parekh will have a great future in the mystery/thriller genre—her debut novel was a blast to readIf THE NIGHT OF THE STORM is any indication, Nishita Parekh will have a great future in the mystery/thriller genre—her debut novel was a blast to read. I read this book at the exact right moment and I think that's why I enjoyed it so much.
The story is centered around Jia Shah and her twelve year old son, Ishaan; bunkering down in Houston during Hurricane Harvey. Jia has left her husband after he's been unfaithful, but now is battling him in court for custody of their son. When Jia's apartment complex is under a mandatory evacuation order, her sister Seema has invited them to stay at her home. Jia accepts, but is uncomfortable around Seema's flirtatious husband Vipul. Vipul's brother and his wife, and Grandma also bunker down at Seema's home, but as the storm escalates, the family tension begins to grow increasingly toxic. Stuck in the home during the hurricane, someone ends up dead. Jia must protect her son while the hurricane rages through before she and her son are the next ones that end up dead.
I had a blast with this book but also wanted to scream at everyone, if that makes sense. I understand bunkering down at home during a hurricane as I have done it when I lived with my parents on Long Island, but given Hurricane Harvey's category rating, I think evacuating to other ground would've been smarter. I loved the family dynamics within this story, specifically the commentary of family roles and hierarchies of Indian households. The mystery behind the death of said character was not shocking to me, but nevertheless, I enjoyed the chaos around it! THE NIGHT OF THE STORM isn't your typical thriller, but if you enjoyed locked-room mysteries and family dramas, definitely consider picking this one up! ...more
Freida McFadden has seriously become a household name to mystery/thriller readers in the last year and her upcoming novel, THE COWORKER, will continueFreida McFadden has seriously become a household name to mystery/thriller readers in the last year and her upcoming novel, THE COWORKER, will continue to cement her in this genre. The story focuses on two women working at a vitamin supplemnt company—Natalie, a beautiful and charismatic woman who works in sales—and Dawn, a reserved and socially awkward woman who works in accounting. The company they work for, Vixed, has an office filled with secrets, but when Dawn disappears at work one morning, the secrets begin to pour out. Natalie feels personally connected to Dawn's disappearance after receiving an anonymous call that left her speechless. As Natalie tries to uncover what happened, she realizes that someone is out to get Dawn and she will need to watch her back.
Ok this book was a lot of fun and has the bingeworthy juicy storytelling that you've come to love with Freida McFadden, but I knew almost immediately what was going to happen. This book is pretty straightforward and I was able to quickly determine what was happening. That being said, THE COWORKER is still a lot of fun to read. Even though I am disappointed that I knew what was going on, I read this book in one sitting! Talk about fun! Freida McFadden's going to continue to be a popular author for mystery/thriller fans and THE COWORKER will surely entertain....more
BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN is the perfect cocktail of Joyce Carol Oates, Caitlyn Wahrer's The Damage, and Tiffany McDaniel's On the Savage Side. BRIGHT YOUNG BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN is the perfect cocktail of Joyce Carol Oates, Caitlyn Wahrer's The Damage, and Tiffany McDaniel's On the Savage Side. BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN is a complete pivot from the author's previous works, but definitely her strongest release.
The story alternates multiple timelines, but the conflict at hand takes place in 1978, featuring our main protagonist, Pamela Schumacher. Pamela is President of her sorority at Florida State University's Tallahassee campus, and her life gets thrown into a whirlwind after witnessing an intruder flee her sorority house. That fateful night, Pamela chose to stay home instead of going to a party, which ends up saving her life. The intruder that Pamela faces ends up murdering two of her sorority sisters and violently attacking two others. Pamela is the only witness to see the face of the murderer and her life changes forever.
After this sorority murder spree, Tina Cannon gets wind about similarities relating to the disappearance of someone very important to her, Ruth Wachowsky. Ruth's disappearance from Lake Sammamish State Park is on the other side of the country, but Tina just knows that Ruth's disappearance is related to this attack on Pamela's sorority. Tina decides that she will investigate herself and bring justice for Ruth at any cost.
BRIGHT YOUNG WOMEN is a crime-fiction, dark, investigative mystery. This story involves sisterhood and friendship, love, determination, tragedy. Take note of the time periods of this novel as it plays an important step in the themes for this book as well. This book isn't the twisty psychological thriller you've probably expected from Jessica Knoll, but more-so a character-driven story involving two people trying to uncover the truth. I was fully immersed in this story and I think readers will be in for a treat. This is a slower-paced novel compared to the authors two previous novels, but I really enjoyed this book and the author's change of storytelling and I think she should continue in this direction....more
Alice Feeney is an auto-read author, even when her books can be hit or miss for me! Her upcoming novel, GOOD BAD GIRL, is very anticipated for the reaAlice Feeney is an auto-read author, even when her books can be hit or miss for me! Her upcoming novel, GOOD BAD GIRL, is very anticipated for the reading community and rightfully so. Alice Feeney has cemented herself in the mystery/thriller realm of books and her storytelling through writing is incredible. That being said, GOOD BAD GIRL was more on the middle-of-the-road for me.
This book involves multiple women being linked to a stolen baby and a murder taking place in an assisted living facility 20 years later. The story is highly focused on mothers and daughters (a troupe that I do not enjoy, but understand than 90% of thriller readers are women so I GET IT) and the dynamics between their relationships. It dives into what motherhood "should" be and the effects motherhood has on mothers. This story is more of a domestic drama than a thriller, but has the mystery that you've come to love infused with Alice Feeney books. I almost immediately clocked what the ending was, which made the ending a bit anticlimactic for me, but I still had fun. ...more
After four years, John Fram is back ladies and gentlemen and he's better than ever! Fram's upcoming summer 2024 release, NO ROAD HOME, is the perfect After four years, John Fram is back ladies and gentlemen and he's better than ever! Fram's upcoming summer 2024 release, NO ROAD HOME, is the perfect combination of GOOD RICH PEOPLE (Eliza Jane Brazier) meets television series The Righteous Gemstones. The book is centered around Toby Tucker and his young son Luca. Toby and Luca have such an incredible bond and Toby is a dedicated and loving father, but his parenting comes into question after he marries Alyssa Wright. Alyssa is the granddaughter of Jerome Wright, the famous televangelist who uses religion as a basis of hate on his popular television program. The Wrights are extremely wealthy and live in a small town in Texas where they basically run the county. When Alyssa invites Toby and her new step-son Luca to her family home, Toby enters the lion's den. Alyssa claims that her family is "too rich to be bigoted" but when Toby and Luca arrive, they realize that something isn't adding up with the Wright family. The situation grows worse when a storm cuts off the transportation in/out of their home and they lose WiFi and Internet service and the family wakes up with a murder. When all suspicions lead to Toby, he must figure out who's really guilty while also protecting his son at all costs.
This book is very different than Fram's last book, THE BRIGHT LANDS, but the metaphorical messaging still gives you Fram vibes. Even with over 400 pages, I read this book in two sittings because I couldn't put it down. The action starts very early into the story and the twist is SO F**KING GOOD! I'm telling you now, you will never expect how this book develops. There's three characters who I absolutely loved (no spoilers), a lot of characters who I loved to hate, and a lot of twists and turns that I did not expect. I absolutely loved this book. John, please don't have us waiting four years ever again bb!...more
Oh hello, yes it’s me. I’m finally back with a review—this week has been so busy, but I finally finished a book! You all voted and picked THE CHATEAU Oh hello, yes it’s me. I’m finally back with a review—this week has been so busy, but I finally finished a book! You all voted and picked THE CHATEAU as my next read and you all were spot on with this one! I loved it.
THE CHATEAU centers around four best friends—Darcy, Jade, Vix (Victoria), and Arabelle and their vacation to Darcy’s grandmother’s palatial chateau in Provence, France. Jade is turning 40 and they are here to celebrate, but also meet with Darcy’s grandmother as she has called them all to meet with her. Seraphine has something to tell the women, but sadly after a night of celebrations, she is murdered. Without going into full detail about what’s going on, the four women and the chateau’s staff is frightened to say the least, especially because Seraphine’s death will open a lot of skeletons that the women did not want to be blasted open.
This book is a light mystery, but mainly a DRAMA, so don’t go into this book expecting a thriller. That being said, the ending threw me completely for a loop—I was completely hoodwinked! In the best way possible. The dynamics between the four women was so juicy and the mystery being Seraphine’s death was just the cherry on top. This book has excellent queer and Jewish representation, and it’s done in such a tastefully way—not performative or pointless to the story. I love the setting, I loved the drama, and I loved that I had no idea where this story was going until I got there. Unlike any mystery / drama I’ve read in the past, but if you enjoy Lucy Foley novels, you need to put THE CHATEAU on your TBR. This is Jaclyn Goldis’ first venture into this genre but I don’t expect it to be her last, and I’ll be waiting for whatever she has next. STARS: 4, PUB: 5/23...more
Shari Lapena has become a Ruth Ware type of author for me—I’ll read anything they ever write, but it is definitely a hit or miss for me at times. HoweShari Lapena has become a Ruth Ware type of author for me—I’ll read anything they ever write, but it is definitely a hit or miss for me at times. However, EVERYONE HERE IS LYING is hands-down my favorite Shari Lapena novel thus far.
William Wooler is having an affair with neighbor Nora Blanchard. William is a local doctor at their picture perfect town of Stanhope. He’s married with two children, the same as Nora, but he’s head over heels in love with her. Nora however ends the relationship—and it just so happens to be on the same day that William’s youngest child Avery has gone missing. This story is not what you think it is—everyone is lying. ...more
Procedurals are always hit or miss for me. I love the Unsub series and I love Sharon Bolton's The Craftsman / The Buried and her Lacey Flint series, bProcedurals are always hit or miss for me. I love the Unsub series and I love Sharon Bolton's The Craftsman / The Buried and her Lacey Flint series, but I've truly struggled with every other procedural novel that has come my way. Jennifer Herrera's debut novel is unique because it's very procedural but also has some heart and character in it. Ok, I'm retiring the word "procedural" for the rest of this review.
The story is centered around Detective Leigh O'Donnell after she's been suspended from her job at the NYPD. She allowed a criminal to escape after a lapse in judgment was made, so she returns back to her hometown in Ohio where she takes up a position as a detective there after three 20something year old men were found together in the town's waterfalls. While Leigh begins to investigate, she sees similarities with previous cases and suspects a connection. Leigh also is at odds with her estranged husband as well, adding more stress onto her position. She just wants to be the best mom she can be to her little daughter, while also working in a field that she feels fulfilled in. The town of Copper Falls is a character of its own in this story and allows for the reader to get immersed into the town's mystery. There were a lot of additional secondary storylines that didn't add to the mystery, but I'm curious to see what Jennifer Herrera has up her sleeves next. THE HUNTER is very well written and will be fun for those who enjoy slow burn p's (not saying it ;) ). ...more
I've never read anything by Kate Alice Marshall, but I do know this is her first venture into adult mystery/thrillers and if WHAT LIES IN THE WOODS isI've never read anything by Kate Alice Marshall, but I do know this is her first venture into adult mystery/thrillers and if WHAT LIES IN THE WOODS is any indication of her future in adult fiction, I'd like her to stay on this path.
The story focuses on Naomi Shaw (renamed to Cunninham) finding out about the death of the man who brutally attacked her 22 years ago. Noami and her friends Cass and Liv identified Noami's attacker, who was also linked to the murders of multiple women previously and were able to get him put into prison. The trio would play a ceremonial game in the woods called the Goddess Game and it was part of their friend dynamics, and will come into play with this journey of discovery. When the group finds out about Noami's assailant passing away, they begin to unravel about the moment in question. Someone is lying, someone wants to tell the truth, someone is digging for more information, and new players are throwing their hands in the ring to find out. What exactly happened 22 years ago in those woods?
This book was really unique and atmospheric—and completely tricked me in so many ways! This book is very smart when it comes to twists and turns and I did not foresee it ending the way that it did. The only reason why this book wasn't a complete 5-star read for me is that it was a bit slower paced than I expected/wanted it to be. However, the detailed storytelling makes for such an immersive read. I think we see a big future for Kate Alice Marshall in this new storytelling avenue, and I can't wait to see what she has up her sleeves next. ...more
What would you do if your child was kidnapped? ALL THE DANGEROUS THINGS presents this tragedy through the eyes of Isabelle Drake. Isabelle’s toddler sWhat would you do if your child was kidnapped? ALL THE DANGEROUS THINGS presents this tragedy through the eyes of Isabelle Drake. Isabelle’s toddler son Mason was kidnapped a year ago, and she’s struggling with how to move forward. Isabelle speaks at true crime conventions—keeping her son’s case alive, while also trying to do her own sleuthing. Her relationship with her husband Ben has been decimated, but Isabelle will never give up hope that Mason is still out there. Izzy continues to try and find out what happened a year ago, especially since this isn’t the first traumatic moment in her life.
I like that the synopsis is vague because this book truly delivers a unique central plot that caught my attention after I already pick this up. ALL THE DANGEROUS THINGS is Stacy Willingham’s sophomoric release, after her debut A Flicker in the Dark lit up readers in early 2022. I was cautiously optimistic, but I think this book will cement her as a thriller storyteller and author. Both books are solid 4 stars for me, but I enjoyed ALL THE DANGEROUS THINGS more! Pacing for this one starts fast, but then around the midway gets slower like Willingham’s predecessor was, but the final climax really delivers a unique twist that you may not see coming. Stacy Willingham is here to stay and I’ll be along for the ride....more
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