ARC Review: Parent’s Weekend

 I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

A group of college students just graduated, and are supposed to meet their parents for a celebration dinner. But when their children never show, the group of parents can’t help but worry something is terribly wrong. Secrets and a mysterious death all come into play in this mysterious and suspenseful story.

While this book was mysterious and suspenseful, it is not my favorite Alex Finlay. The story was a little slow moving, and while I appreciated the twists, they weren’t the best Finlay has produced. Finlay is definitely talented though, and so this book rises above the masses to still be a good read. 

Review: Night Watcher

 I received a copy of this book from Novel Suspects Insiders.

Nola once saw the (masked) face of a serial killer. Now, years later, she runs a podcast about scary stories. But after a terrifying call-in, Nola is convinced the serial killer of her childhood is back. 

This is a super scary read!! As in, I was nervous to turn out the lights and go to bed! While there were a few times the writing itself wasn’t my favorite (a little cliched and a little confusing), on the whole this was a solid read. I couldn’t put it down, despite (or more likely because of) being throughly creeped out. The way spooky scenes were written felt so immediate. Plus, I liked the bits of romance, and familial relationships. If you want to be scared, pick this book up. 

ARC Review: The Ghostwriter

 I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself. 

Olivia is a ghostwriter, writing other people’s stories. But now her father, Vincent, who she hasn’t acknowledged as her father for a long time, wants her to write his story. It’s an offer Olivia can’t refuse, because in 1975 a brother and sister were murdered-and her father was the only sibling who survived. No one has ever heard the story of what happened from Vincent’s mouth-until now. 

This was a really good book. I love a mystery from the past story and this one delivered. The characters are very compelling, as are their relationships, including the ones from the past. The mystery was one I had to know the answer to, and I was more than satisfied with that resolution. I would definitely recommend this book.

ARC Review: Coram House

 I received a copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

Coram House by Bailey Seybolt

Once, in the 1960s, a young boy disappeared from an orphanage, never to be seen again. Now, in the 2000s, Alex Kelley, a writer who specializes in true crime, is looking into his disappearance and into the orphanage itself. But there are many secrets from that time some people don’t want Alex to discover. 

This book was especially intriguing because it was based on a true story, which makes it an important read as well. The characters are so gripping, each given an important backstory and meaningful characteristics. I found myself caring deeply about the relationships from the past and those being formed as well. The ending came as a complete shock and has stayed with me since I read this book. I would recommend this read. 

ARC Review: All the Other Mothers Hate Me

 I received a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself. 

In this clever and entertaining read, Florence is a former member of a girl group who still loves to party, and deeply loves her son Dylan. But when Dylan’s arch nemesis goes missing, Florence is forced to confront some hard truths-she might not know her son as well as she thinks she does, being a detective is really hard, and the other moms might actually really hate her.

This book is great, so much fun to read, with a really compelling mystery. The lead character is amazing, complicated and complex, and really funny. This book had me laughing out loud. The ending is particularly good, with a great twist. I would definitely recommend this book. 

ARC: High Tea and Misdemeanors

 I received a copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion or my review itself. 

Let me start by saying I absolutely love this series. The characters are wonderful, the setting is magical, and the mysteries are always good. This series is the definition of cozy.

In this entry to the series, a wedding is suddenly shattered when glass shards come raining down. The bride and groom are safe but a bridesmaid has been killed. Theo and her friends are on the case, finding their way through multiple suspects and motives to solve the murder. I would definitely recommend this book. 

ARC Review: The Library Game

I received a copy of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself. . 

When murder mystery theater seemingly ends in actual murder, Tempest and her friends and family must figure out what’s truly going on before their newest library project is stamped out of existence. 

Tempest is a former stage magician, which means that there are actual magic tricks throughout the story. The mystery centers around a library being built that will house a collection all about the famous detectives and classic mystery writers, which I was all in on. Tempest’s father’s construction company builds secret passages, trick doors, and the like, which is very cool. There is a murder mystery play, an escape room, romance, and so much more. 

This is part of a fantastic series, and I would highly recommend you start with the first book in the series for backstory.