ARC Review: The Heiress

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

The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins

Ruby is perhaps the nation’s most infamous heiress, having been kidnapped as a child and then found, as well as having been married to four husbands who all died in different ways. Her adopted son Camden wants nothing to do with the family after she dies, starting a new life with a wife and a teaching job. But Camden and his wife, Jules, find themselves pulled back in to the McTavish empire, with consequences far beyond what they could have imagined. 

This book was so good, as is everything Hawkins writes. The mysteries around Ruby’s life are so intriguing, and so well laid out. And the twists! One actually had me gasping out loud. I would definitely recommend this book, and all of Hawkins’ works. 

ARC Review: Holmes, Miss Marple and Poe Investigations

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

Holmes. Miss Marple and Poe Investigations by James Patterson and Brian Sitts

Three detectives with famous last names and unknowable pasts. A plethora of cases for them to solve. Patterson and Sitts have created a fun new series with great unique, complex characters, and good mysteries for them to solve. I flew through this book, finding myself really invested and really enjoying it. I’m hopeful that this series continues. 

ARC Review: Coconut Drop Dead

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

Coconut Drop Dead by Olivia Matthews 

Spice Isle Bakery is thriving, and is lined up to be a vendor at the Caribbean American Heritage Festival. Lyndsay Murray, who owns the bakery with her family, has also earned a reputation as a bit of a Nancy Drew, who has solved two previous murder cases. So when the lead singer of a popular band dies, Lyndsay begins working with the police, including her crush Detective Bryce, to solve the crime.

This is a great cozy mystery series. The descriptions of food and drink alone are amazing. The family is such a strong, loving, resourceful group of characters, each unique. Lyndsay is a very strong main female character. The mystery is a great one as well, with lots of suspects and possibilities. I would recommend this series, and this book. 

Cozy ARC Reviews: The Twelve Books of Christmas, and Public Anchovy #1

 I received an ARC of these books from the publishers in exchange for honest reviews. These did not affect my opinions of the books or my reviews themselves. 

The Twelve Books of Christmas by Kate Carlisle

When Brooklyn, a rare book restorer, and her husband Derek are called to Scotland to celebrate their dear friends’ wedding, they jump at the chance. Brooklyn also may be able to help solve the mystery of the missing books, but she’ll have to contend with murder as well.

This was an okay cozy mystery. My biggest complaint was that the ostentatious wealth of everyone involved got to be a little much. The characters were fun and engaging, but them being just so casually rich took some of the fun out of it. 

The mystery was a good one, but the solution was a little predictable-not the why, but the who. I seem to remember liking this series, so maybe it’s just this particular entry that was merely okay for me. 

Public Anchovy #1 by Mindy Quigley 

Delilah and her staff at her pizza restaurant have been hired to cater a large fancy party. But during the evening events, a death occurs-accident or murder? Delilah and Detective Capone must once again team up to solve the crime before there’s more death during the night. 

I loved this book. The reoccurring characters are so great, and the steps ahead in the romance department finally happened, which made me very happy. The setting of an isolated party, which no one could leave due to weather circumstances, where everyone is trapped with the unknown killer, is one of my favorites, and Quigley does a great job with it. I would recommend this book, and this series. 

ARC Review: Finding My Elf

 I received an ARC 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. 

Finding My Elf by David Valdes

Cameron’s life isn’t going the way he always planned. He’s not succeeding in theater at NYU, and is in danger of losing his scholarship. So he finds himself back in his hometown for Christmas, working as an elf at Santaland in the mall in an attempt to make enough money to help out with college. But little does he know becoming an elf may just be the best thing that’s ever happened to him.

I loved this book-found family, romance (and oh, the romance! I shipped Cameron and his true paramour so hard!), the magic of the holidays, finding your true self…this is a perfect read for the holiday season. It will leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy. I definitely recommend this book, especially during this month. 

ARC Review: Sniffing Out Murder

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

Sniffing Out Murder by Kallie E. Benjamin

Pris has decided to focus her full attention on her children’s book series, featuring her beloved bloodhound as a detective. What she hadn’t counted on was some romance, and even murder!

This is a fun cozy series. Bailey the bloodhound is a great character in his own right, and reads as a very sweet and realistic dog. Pris has some great bonds with some of the townspeople, and I was a big fan of the developing romance. The mystery was also a good one, with a lot of twists, and a final twist I didn’t call until right before it happened. I would recommend this book.

ARC Review: Death in the Dark Woods

 I received an ARC of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

Death in the Darks Woods by Annelise Ryan

This is the second book in a new mystery series following a cryptozoologist investigating possible sightings tied to murders. The cryptozoologist, Morgan, also has a fabulous dog and a fascinating bookstore. In this entry in the series, Morgan is called in to investigate some brutal attacks that some have attributed to Bigfoot. 

I am really enjoying this series. The books are a little darker than a cozy mystery, but still much lighter fare than a psychological thriller. Morgan is a great, strong character with a complex background, and the supporting characters are strong as well. I am especially enjoying the hint of romance sprinkled throughout. It’s also fascinating to have a cryptozoologist as a main character and learn about that world. I would recommend this book and this series. 

Reviews: The Turnout, and Chasing the Boogeyman

 The Turnout by Megan Abbott

This is a story about sisters, Dara and Marie, who run the dancing school, once owned by their parents, along with Dara’s husband Charlie. Dara and Marie are dancers practically since birth, while Charlie was a dancer who became too injured to continue. 

The annual The Nutcracker is approaching, a huge event for the school, when a man arrives, and upsets the careful balance the sisters have carefully maintained. 

Abbot is a genius writer-she’s absolutely an auto buy author for me. This book is beautifully and brilliantly unsettling, leaving readers feeling off kilter as the sisters do. As always, Abbot deftly explores femininity and female roles, and what happens when men enter the picture. I highly recommend this book.

Chasing the Boogeyman by Richard Chizmar 

Chizmar does something very impressive and clever here. He takes moments and facts from his real life, but inserts a series of fictional murders, writing as if the book is true crime and the murders really happened. There are even photographs included to make it feel even more like a true crime story. 

This creepy book had me totally hooked. The reveal of who the killer is was a twist I never saw coming. I highly recommend this book. 

ARC Review: Win Lose Kill Die

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

Win Lose Kill Die by Cynthia Murphy 

At an exclusive boarding school, Head Girl is the true definition of power. But when the Head Girls start dying off, a group of friends must solve the mystery or find themselves the next victims. 

The twist in this one was so good! I never saw it coming. This is a dark young adult read, with some gore and really intense moments. I enjoyed it, but definitely know going in this is not a light mystery. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: Only She Came Back

 I received a copy of this book from Novel Suspects and the publisher.

Only She Came Back by Margot Harrison

Sam is fascinated by true crime, so much so that she once tried to make her own true crime podcast. Kiri, a girl Sam went to high school with, is now the prime suspect of a crime. Kiri went into the desert with her YouTuber boyfriend, but came out alone, her sweatshirt covered in his blood, telling people he is probably dead.

As Sam becomes the safe place for Kiri to share her stories and secrets, Sam must decide just how far she is willing to go to know the truth-and what, exactly, the truth will mean.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were very three dimensional, as were their relationships. Learning about Kiri’s life and relationship with her boyfriend through diaries was a very effective technique, particularly because the readers don’t know how much they can trust Kiri as her own narrator. I did not call the major twist, which is always fun. I would recommend this book.

ARC Review: There Should Have Been Eight

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

There Should Have Been Eight by Nalini Singh

A group of friends gather at an estate to spend quality time together. The eight from the title refers to Bea, a member of their group who committed suicide years ago. As they meet up, they become snowed in, and with the snow comes a reckoning with their past, one that just might reveal the truth of what happened all those years ago.

This book is an absolute rollercoaster ride, full of moments of happiness interspersed with tragedy, lightness with scares in the dark. There are so many twists and turns, I didn’t predict a single part of this book. I would recommend this read. 

ARC Review: Good Girls Don’t Die

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

Good Girls Don’t Die by Christina Henry

Three women, each stuck in a situation all too familiar-one in a small town with a murder, one in a remote cabin in the woods with a killer, and one in a survival game. They must each figure out what is going on to have any hope of escaping with their lives. 

This is a really clever book, and I was fascinated by each scenario and rooting for each woman. The way everything comes together is fantastic. The only thing is I wish the small town with a murder would have read more cozy mystery than it did. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: The Manor House

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

The Manor House by Gilly Macmillan

Tom and Katie won the lottery and built the Glass Barn, and are now neighbors with the residents of the Manor House, Sasha and Olly, and their housekeeper Kitty. One tragic day Tom dies in the Glass Barn’s swimming pool, and the police suggest it may be something more than just an accident. This leaves Nicole mourning, and wondering if she might be in danger too.

I liked that this book had short chapters and constantly changing povs. This kept the book engaging and quick moving through what could have been a slow moving plot. The very ending was really great, and I didn’t see it coming at all. This isn’t the best book I’ve ever read, but it was a good read, and I would recommend it.

ARC Review: When I’m Dead

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

When I’m Dead by Hannah Morrissey

One teenage girl is found murdered. Another teenage girl, the daughter of a police officer and a medical examiner, disappears. Is she kidnapped, dead, or the murderer of the first girl?

This is a dark book. The town, Black Harbor, is described as a place you’d never want to live in, almost a cesspool of violence and unhappiness. The characters are deeply troubled and struggling through their days. 

The mystery is a twisty one, with a lot of surprises along the way, and an ending I definitely didn’t see coming. I don’t know if I would choose to revisit Black Harbor, but this was a good book. 

ARC Review: People to Follow

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

People to Follow by Olivia Worley 

A group of social media influencers land on a deserted island to film a new reality show. But when one of them is found dead, and they start getting strange messages threatening to reveal their secrets and cancel them, things turn scary fast. Will any of them make it off the island alive?

This was a good read for Spooky Season, and I absolutely love the trope of deserted space where the killer is one of them. The secrets being revealed adds another layer and ups the suspense even more. I also did not see the ending coming, which I love. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: West Heart Kill

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

West Heart Kill by Dan McDorman

This is a mystery that defies definition. There are murders, suspects, motives, and a detective. But this book is also a play, a history of mysteries, breaking the fourth wall, and playing around with perspectives. 

I honestly don’t know what else to say about this book. It is clever, but the ending felt a little full of itself. There are a ton of complex characters, but sometimes I got confused who was who. I liked this book, but didn’t love it like I had hoped to. 

Review: The Burning Girls

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

The Burning Girls by C.J. Tudor 

Reverend Jack is forced into a new start when a tragedy occurs at her church. Moving with her teenage daughter Flo to a small village, they learn the local story of The Burning Girls, martyrs who were burned to death and who appear when there is trouble coming. They also learn of two girls who went missing from the village in more modern times, and the former reverend who killed himself. As trouble does in fact descend upon them, Jack and Flo must solve the village mysteries to protect themselves.

This was a book full of twists I did not see coming, which I absolutely loved. I don’t think I called a single part of the book, which is always exciting. The characters were really complex, as were their views on things like religion, honor, and morality. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: Thin Air

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

Thin Air by Kellie M. Parker

A group of students vying for a scholarship find themselves trapped with a killer on a plane to Paris. No one can help them until the plane lands, and they must decide who they can trust in order to save themselves. 

This book, by virtue of the setting and plot, was full of suspense and scares. Everyone is seemingly in danger at every moment, and Parker doesn’t pull any punches. Each contestant also has three deep dark secrets the killer knows, which adds another level. This is a good read, especially for Spooky Season. 

Review: The Locked Door

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

The Locked Door by Freida McFadden

Nora is the daughter of an infamous serial killer, a secret she has kept hidden from everyone in her current life. But when someone starts killing women in the exact sane manner her father did, Nora fears for her secret and her life as she knows it.

McFadden always delivers, and this is no exception. The suspense is palpable from the first chapter. The flashbacks are super effective and really creepy. There’s even a well done love story sprinkled throughout. And the twists! The twists are so good. I would definitely recommend this book. 

ARC Review: A Haunting on the Hill

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

A Haunting on the Hill by Elizabeth Hand 

This is the first book approved by Shirley Jackson’s estate, and while it is not as scary as the original, it is definitely an eerie creepy read. 

A group of people dedicated to putting on a brand new play rent out Hill House for two weeks. While they are there, the play really seems to come alive, but meanwhile mysterious and frightening events are happening in the house around them. Refusing to leave, the group finds themselves trapped in a psychological nightmare full of huge black hares, disappearing carvings, and secret doors, culminating in a truly terrifying event none of them saw coming. 

This was a well done spooky season read, full of truly frightening moments and an overall sense of dread. The characters are complex and really interesting, as are their relationships to each other. The play within the story is particularly interesting as well. Definitely read the original book, but pick this one up as well. 

ARC Review: The Night House

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

The Night House by Jo Nesbo

Strange spooky things are happening around Richard. One classmate is sucked into a telephone, another is turned into a cockroach. But no one believes Richard, who is considered the town bully. It is up to him, and a girl named Karen, to prove what is going on and save their town. 

This book has so many layers it’s amazing. I can’t go into more detail without spoiling some extremely creative writing, but just know that when I thought I had something figured out, Nesbo proved me wrong in the next part. The twists were so good and so effective, and the scares were very scary. This is a great book for spooky season. 

ARC Review: Behind the Door: The Dark Truth and Untold Stories of the Cecil Hotel

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

Behind the Door: The Dark Truth and Untold Stories of the Cecil Hotel by Amy Price

I have been fascinated by the Cecil Hotel for a while, from the rumors surrounding Richard Ramirez’s stay there, to the Austrian serial killer posing as a journalist, to the Elisa Lam case. Ms. Price actually worked at the Cecil, and not only worked there, but ran it. She has all the stories from her time there, and she’s willing and able to share them.

This was a really interesting book. Touching on some of the more famous aspects of the Cecil’s history, this book also delves into and really humanizes many of the lesser known tenants that lived there, many of whom had their own secret stories. Price also gives us insight into her life, and how the Cecil impacted her and became such a huge part of her life.

If you too are interested in the Cecil Hotel, I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: The Quiet Room

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

The Quiet Room by Terry Miles

How to even describe this book? Well, it’s about a game called Rabbits, a game that is only whispered about, where you might find a clue on the back of a bathroom stall or on a record that doesn’t exist. 

Emily almost won the latest Rabbits, but in the dimensional stream she finds herself in, Rabbits does not exist. Yet for Rowan it does exist, even though he has never heard of it before.

This book is confusing and mixed up in the best way, full of sudden surprises and eerie moments, where you get whiplash along with the complex and fascinating characters. It does help, I think, if you read the first book in the series, but this entry provides enough background information to help you out-and Miles seems to be setting up for another sequel, which would be fantastic. (Also, if you haven’t, listen to the podcast!)

ARC Review: Secrets Never Die

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

Secrets Never Die by Vincent Ralph

A group of friends go to the Dark Place every Halloween, a physical space where they can spill their secrets and no one else can hear, where they can leave feeling lighter and less burdened. But someone knows their secrets now, and are using them against them.

This was by no means a bad book. There was a lot of suspense and some genuinely scary moments. But the story also felt a little convoluted, and like there was too much going on. The ending chapter packed a punch though. I liked this book, it just wasn’t my favorite of the genre. 

ARC Review: The Stranger Upstairs

 I received an ARC 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.

The Stranger Upstairs by Lisa Matlin 

Sarah Slade swears she isn’t afraid of living in a house where a murder occurred. In fact, she posts cheerful blog entries about how well the renovations are going and how happy she is. In reality, her marriage is falling apart, she can’t write her second self-help book, her therapy clients seem to see right through her, and the house seems to be actively fighting being fixed up.

As time passes, Sarah becomes more and more convinced that not only is there something wrong with the house, but with the neighbors too. There’s a past to the house that just may be able to top her own horrible past, and Sarah fears there’s a reckoning coming. 

This is a creepy book from the start. Just knowing the murder that has taken place in the house automatically sets this up for scary times. As we learn more about the house, and Sarah’s past, things get even eerier, especially as both Sarah and the house seem to deteriorate simultaneously. This is a good book to pick up for spooky season. 

ARC Review: Black Sheep

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

Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison

How do I describe this book, especially without giving too much away? 

Well, Vesper is estranged from her family, but decides to return to their religious compound to celebrate a wedding she is invited to. After that, I really can’t say anymore without spoiling the first surprise, which had me gasping out loud in total shock while also laughing at just how brilliant Harrison truly is. And that’s just the first surprise. Where this book takes you, I will not say anymore, just that it is a great read for spooky season. 

ARC Review: Murder and Mamon

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

Murder and Mamon by Mia P. Manansala 

Ninang April, Ninang May, and Ninang June are opening a laundromat, rival to a previously existing laundromat already in town. On top of this, the Calendar Crew, as they are known, have also been gossiping, spreading truths that broke up a marriage. When Ninang April’s niece, who is visiting, is murdered, Lila, her family, friends, and boyfriend must figure out the connections and if there are more threats on the horizon.

I love this cozy mystery series so much. The characters are just wonderful, the setting is fantastic, and the culture is so well explored. The relationships are so great as well, and the food and drink are so well described they make me desperately hungry and thirsty. I not only highly recommend this book, but this series. 

ARC Review: Your Lonely Nights Are Over

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

Your Lonely Nights Are Over by Adam Sass

Dearie and Cole are ride or die besties, always there for each other no matter what. It’s the rest of the school that can’t stand them. So when a notorious serial killer seems to re-emerge, targeting the Queer Club, it’s Dearie and Cole who get blamed. 

If they’re going to convince everyone of their innocence, Dearie and Cole are going to need to unmask Mr. Sandman, and fast. But they have to make sure they stay alive long enough to do so. 

This is one scary book, perfect for Fall and/or Spooky Season reading. I was honestly and seriously freaked out while reading this, in a good way. It’s like a horror movie in book form. 

This book also has a lot of complexity to it, tackling subjects like racism, class bias, homophobia, and gender prejudice. The characters and relationships were really compelling and made me care deeply, which is especially potent in a slasher setting when anyone could be fair game. 

Definitely pick this one up if you’re looking for a well-written scare with a shocking killer reveal. I definitely recommend this book. 

ARC Review: The September House

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

The September House by Carissa Orlando

It was Margaret and Hal’s dream house, until that first September. Every September, blood pours down the walls, ghosts appear, and screaming starts up every night. Margaret can take it. Hal cannot.

Hal hasn’t been seen since the night he left, and their daughter Katherine (who doesn’t know about what’s happened) is worried enough about him to fly in. With a new September starting, Margaret can only hope for the best.

This book is absolutely made by the fabulously matter of fact narration of Margaret. The things that are happening are so scary, but Margaret just treats them as part of life. And things do get absolutely terrifying. Orlando has a real talent for eliciting feelings of horror in readers, and is a great writer. I would definitely recommend this book.

ARC Review: Scenes of the Crime

 I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not impact my opinion of the book or my review itself.

Scenes of the Crime by Jilly Gagnon

Vanessa disappeared on a girls’ trip years ago. Emily has wanted to write that story for the big screen for years. Finally seizing on her chance, Emily gets the remaining women together back at the original location to finally figure out the truth about that long ago night-or at least she hopes so. 

This is a meditation on female friendship wrapped up in a suspenseful psychological thriller. Gagnon expertly explores what it truly means to be both a woman and a friend, and what happens if delusions around a supposed friendship do not hold true. The effects of a false friendship can cause harm long after the person is gone.

By including scenes from Emily’s script, Gagnon also plays with the idea of the unreliable female narrator, and what “based on a true story” really means. Readers get fictionalized versions of moments of the story, including things Emily wasn’t present for. 

This is a clever book that I would recommend. 

ARC Review: Suddenly a Murder

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

Suddenly a Murder by Lauren Muñoz

Izzy’s extremely wealthy best friend Kassidy throws them and their friends a graduation party for the ages-a full immersion 1920’s themed week long celebration. But when Kassidy’s long term boyfriend is murdered, and the police arrive, suddenly the party is over and everyone is a suspect.

This book has so much going for it. There’s friendship, romance, suspense, scares, opulence, and even a Hercule Poirot mixed with Miss Marple-type character who accompanies the detective. The author cleverly plays with substantial red herrings from the very start, and the ending was one I did not see coming. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: The Reunion

 I received an ARC of this book from the publishers in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

The Reunion by Kit Frick

The Mayweather family is not one that is known for getting among. Infighting, secrets, and playing favorites has kept many members apart. But they all have come together for a destination engagement party, which is destined for tragedy. 

One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the intermittent use of press releases from the hotel. This let readers know someone had died, effectively adding more and more details until the big reveal-which happens before readers actually see the death play out (which is chilling).

The characters are complex and very complicated, as are their relationships to each other. The setting is almost a character in itself, and sets the stage perfectly for the events that follow. I did feel the buildup took a little longer than it needed to, but I would still recommend this book.

ARC Review: Gone Tonight

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

Gone Tonight by Sarah Pekkanen 

Ruth is determined to keep her daughter, Catherine, with her at all times. Catherine is determined to start her own life on her own terms. When these two opposing forces collide, what Ruth feared and Catherine never saw coming is set into motion.

So this book was definitely full of suspense. Catherine and Ruth are both very strong female characters whose choices cause constant tension. I called the first big reveal, but there was another big one I did not guess. The ending was somewhat predictable but the very ending gave me chills. So even though some parts were a bit obvious, I would still recommend this book. 

ARC Review: The Last Girls Standing

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

The Last Girls Standing by Jennifer Dugan

Sloan and Cherry are completely bonded together by being the only two survivors of a summer camp massacre. Deeply in love, the two girls know they can rely on each other to help each other through their shared trauma. But Sloan begins to question Cherry’s true intentions, going so far as to wonder if Cherry was in cahoots with the group that perpetrated the killings. 

Dugan plays with the book’s reality so well. Just like Sloan is questioning everything, the readers will be too. This is also a really scary read-the flashbacks to the massacre are terrifying of course, but almost scarier is the breakdown of Sloan’s mind. The ending of this book still haunts me. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: Tangled Vines

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

Tangled Vines: Power, Privilege, and the Murdaugh Family Murders by John Glatt 

This is a fascinating, chilling look at the Murdaugh family  and the various crimes that they have been involved in. Glatt has clearly done a ton of research, and first lays out the history of the extremely powerful and influential Murdaugh family, particularly their role in the judicial system. 

This then leads into a highly detailed account of their crimes, from stealing money to a deadly boat accident, to a death they are suspected of being involved in, to a fall that may not be so accidental.

This is still an ongoing investigation, and Glatt capitalizes on this perfectly, providing the information people want to know in a well-written format. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: Mister Magic

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

Mister Magic by Kiersten White (out today, 8/8!)

A children’s television show that is remembered by many, but with no recordings or photos to prove it ever actually existed. A woman with no recollection of ever being on the show, told she was one of its child stars. A group of friends, the other child stars of the show, who have gathered for a reunion in hopes of recapturing the happiness they remember. A mysterious someone recording them.

This barely even scratches the service of what this book is about, but I can’t say much more without giving anything away. It’s best to let this scary, mysterious, suspenseful, heartwarming, heartbreaking book take you on its own ride-one you should definitely take. 

ARC Review: Honey Drop Dead

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

Honey Drop Dead by Laura Childs 

Theodosia, who owns and runs a tea shop, is hosting a Honey Bee Tea for a local gallery owner. But the tea is quickly ruined by someone dressed up as a beekeeper spraying toxic smoke and shooting a local politician. The gallery owner, immediately losing business, begs Theodosia to discover who the murderer is. Along with her tea shop assistants Drayton and Holly, Theodosia sets out to find the murderer before the murderer finds her.

I always love this series, and this was no exception. Theodosia is a strong female protagonist who doesn’t let herself be scared off or give up. The supporting characters are all very unique, and it’s always fun to see the reoccurring characters from previous stories. The bit of romance with Theodosia and her very understanding police officer boyfriend is sweet.

The mystery in this one is a good one, with a lot of red herrings and a hard solution to guess. The ending is quite dramatic as well, though a little abrupt. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: None of This is True

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

None of This is True by Lisa Jewell

This book is brilliant.

Alix is a podcaster celebrating her birthday when she meets Josie, her birthday twin (they were born on the same day in the same hospital). When they bump into each other again, Josie suggests that Alix make a podcast about her, promising her life will be interesting enough. 

Alix agrees, but by the time she realizes what Josie truly has in mind, it’s too late.

I loved this book so much. This quickly became my favorite Jewell book. The format is so clever-there are parts written as descriptions of parts from a documentary, and parts written as a podcast. 

The characters are very complex, and constantly keep you guessing. I had no idea where this book was going and absolutely didn’t figure out the ending. Trying to decipher the truth behind the lies will keep you thinking about this book long after you finish it. I highly recommend this book. 

ARC Review: The Legacies

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

The Legacies by Jessica Goodman 

Tori Tasso is the surprise nominee for the Legacy Club, being a scholarship student suddenly introduced to a world of wealth, power, and privilege. Now she’s coming into constant contact with students who have previously ignored her, and quickly learning they’re not as perfect as they first appear.  As the Legacy Ball approaches, everyone’s secrets start to spill, leading to a death.

The writing of this book is really effective. Goodman cuts back and forth from after the ball to before, so readers know someone dies-and start collecting clues-but don’t know who the unlucky character is or the exact details of their death. Goodman also uses multiple female povs to let readers into the heads of the most important characters.

This book was very suspenseful and went down smooth. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Reviews: One of the Boys, A Questionable Character

 I received ARCs of these books from the publishers in exchange for honest reviews. This did not affect my opinions of the books or my reviews themselves. 

One of the Boys by Jayne Cowie

This book posits a future where boys can be tested for an M gene, which the majority believes predicts if a boy will be violent or not. M negative boys have privileges that M positive boys do not, and are viewed very differently.

Into this world, sisters Antonia and Bea give birth to boys. Antonia’s son tests negative, while Bea refuses to test her son. This means Antonia’s son lives a much more comfortable life than Bea’s. But there are far reaching consequences neither mother sees coming. 

I have not stopped thinking about this book since I read it. There are so many issues raised: nature versus nurture, what needs to be done to protect women, divisions within society…This book is also so well written. I would definitely recommend this book.

A Questionable Character by Lorna Barrett

In a town affectionately known as Booktown, Tricia runs a mystery bookstore-and solves murders when the police can’t. This time a construction worker is found dead by Tricia and her sister. 

I loved the setting of this story, but not the story itself. I think it’s because I didn’t really love the characters. Even the romance felt off. This book just wasn’t for me. 

ARC Review: Dark Corners

 Thanks to Goodreads and St. Martin’s Press for the copy of this book! 

Dark Corners by Megan Goldin 

When a social media influencer disappears, police can’t help but wonder if her meeting with a convicted criminal has something to do with it. To this end, they ask Rachel Krall, true crime podcaster, to speak to him. This one meeting draws Rachel into the world of influencers, as she goes undercover at an influencer conference to try to find out what happened to the missing influencer. All the while, there may be someone obsessed with Rachel drawing her towards danger.

This is the second book in the series but you can absolutely read it as a stand alone. Rachel is a strong independent female protagonist who carries the book well. There is suspense, there is romance, and there is mystery. There were some twists near the end that really surprised me. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: A Guide to the Dark

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

A Guide to the Dark by Meriam Metoui

Mira and Layla are on a college tour, when their car goes off the road, stranding then in Room 9 at the Wildwood Motel. Room 9 has a history of death and misery, which Mira can feel deep in her bones. Picking up a team along the way, the two girls begin to dig into the history of Room 9 in hopes of pushing the past out of the present.

This book has a lot of good things going on. Mira and Layla are great best friends who are attempting to figure out their feelings for each other. The supporting cast of characters are interesting and had me rooting for them, Mira, and Layla hard. Room 9 is definitely creepy, and makes the stakes real and high.

But this book didn’t grab me the way I had hoped, and I can’t quite put my finger on why. I liked it, but I didn’t love it. I do know I didn’t really enjoy the chapters from the room’s “point of view”, and I wanted even more about the history of the room.

I would say give this book a try, it seems a lot of people have loved it more than me. 

ARC Reviews: The Block Party, Maidens of the Cave

 I received copies of these books from the publishers in exchange for honest reviews. This did not affect my opinion of the books or my reviews themselves.

The Block Party by Jamie Day

All readers know is that there has been a murder at an exclusive block party. It takes Day taking readers back a full year for us to learn the causes and who is dead.

The characters in this book are so complex. Every one has so many layers, so much going on in their lives and in their heads. Despite the enhanced drama, these characters feel real. Day expertly plants seeds so it seems anyone could end up being the murderer and the murdered. I would recommend this book. 

Maidens of the Cave by Lloyd Devereux Richards

Young women are being found murdered in caves, all with the same mysterious bruise. Fighting against a bureaucracy that is all about paperwork and less about casework, Special Agent Christine Prusik is determined to get justice for the women and stop the killings.

I love the story behind this, that the first book in the series had been essentially ignored until the author’s daughter put something up on Tik Tok and the book went viral on there. I haven’t read the first book yet, but I can tell this is a solid series. This book is a well-written procedural mystery with a strong female protagonist, some romance, and a great twist ending. I recommend this book and would like to get my hands on the first book in the series now. 

ARC Review: The Woods Are Waiting

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

The Woods Are Waiting by Katherine Greene

Cheyenne left Blue Cliff and never planned to return. But when she gets the call that her eccentric mother isn’t doing well, Cheyenne packs up her life and heads back home.

Blue Cliff is a place of tragedy. Many times over many years, children have gone missing and then been found dead. Superstitions fly rampant, especially as another child goes missing. Cheyanne, her childhood best friend, and her first love must figure out what is truly going on, before another child disappears. 

The first chapter of the book is written in an over the top, way too cliched style. But I’m glad I pushed past that, because the rest of the book is written really well. This story is very suspenseful, with an eerie factor and a twist ending I did not see coming. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: Dead of Winter

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

Dead of Winter by Darcy Coates

This is one creepy book! It starts out a little slow, with our narrator describing pushing through endless piles of deep snow (snow gets pushed through and described a lot in this book), but when it picks up it really picks up.

A bus full of people heading for a vacation at a lodge is halted by a tree felled in the middle of the road and some terrible winter weather. The group makes their way to a small uninhabited cabin, but wake up to their tour guide’s severed head on a tree right outside. Someone’s plan is to pick them off one by one. 

I couldn’t read this book at night, it was too scary. I guessed part of the amazing ending, but that didn’t take away at all from what a great twist it was (in fact, it made it even better because I felt so successful!). I definitely recommend this book. 

ARC Reviews: The Bones of the Story, Dead Mountain, and With a Kiss We Die

 I received ARCs of these books from the publishers in exchange for honest reviews. This did not affect my opinions of the books or my reviews themselves. 

The Bones of the Story by Carol Goodman 

A select group of alumni are dying on a snowbound campus, in the manner of scary stories they once wrote as part of an exclusive writing class. Could this have a connection to a past tragedy?

I really enjoyed this book. I love love love the premise, and Goodman delivers on it. I did find myself more interested in the Now sections than the Then sections, but I think that’s because there was so much suspense in the Now. I definitely recommend this book. 

Dead Mountain by Preston & Child

(Thanks to Novel Suspects for the ARC!)

I was immediately drawn to this book because of the similarities between the plot and the true story of Dylatov Pass (one of the authors even wrote an excellent article about the subject for the New Yorker). In the book, nine hikers were so terrified by something they saw that they slashed their way out of their tent into below freezing temperatures, and died in mysterious ways. Three bodies were never found. The mystery was never solved.

Enter FBI Agent Corrie Swanson and archaeologist Nora Kelly. Two of the three missing bodies have been found, and they are on the case. 

I really enjoyed this book, especially as someone fascinated by the Dylatov Pass Incident. I loved seeing a fictionalized take on it, and the authors’ solution. The book had a lot of suspense and surprises, and I would recommend this read. 

With a Kiss We Die by L.R. Dorn

A young couple are suspected of murdering the man’s parents. They decide to have an investigative journalist podcaster embed with them while they wait to see if they are going to be arrested, believing this will give them the chance to tell their side of the story. 

The entire book is told in podcast form, which works so well on the page (I bet this also makes an incredible audiobook). There is so much suspense, and such amazing twists and turns. I love the way Dorn plays with the concept of a narrator and how each narrator chooses to tell their story. I would absolutely recommend this book, and can’t wait to see what Dorn does next. 

ARC Reviews: Speak of the Devil, and The Puzzle Master

 I received ARCs of these books from the publishers in exchange for honest reviews. This did not affect my opinions of the books or my reviews themselves.

Speak of the Devil by Rose Wilding

The book opens with seven women, each with a motive for murder, sitting around a man’s severed head. The man was a terrible human being, and while it seems each of them could have killed him, one of them truly did.

This book definitely opens with a really powerful moment that draws the reader right in. The women are fascinating figures in their own right, let alone their complicated and heartbreaking connections with the murdered man. (I must admit that there were so many characters I had a hard time keeping them straight at first.) Wilding deftly explores the horrors that can be perpetrated against women, and what recourse women actually have. 

This was a gripping read that really made me want to find out what truly happened. Even if you start a little confused, stick with it, it’s a good book.

The Puzzle Master by Danielle Trussoni

I’m not entirely sure how to describe this book. A man suffers a traumatic head injury that allows him to create and solve any puzzle. He is asked to come to a prison to talk to a convicted murderess who has refused to communicate in any form with any one else. While there, he gets drawn into an incredibly complex puzzle that could change the very fate of humanity. 

This was an okay read for me. It’s an interesting concept, but got way too confusing for me. It also felt like the romance was kind of strangely forced. This isn’t a bad book, it just wasn’t a book for me. 

ARC Review: You Can Trust Me

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

You Can Trust Me by Wendy Heard

Sam and Leo are sisters by choice, living a nomadic life in California as con artists. Leo is determined to ensnare a billionaire, Michael Forrester, and works her way to an invitation to his private island. But she never comes back. Summer works her way onto the island as well in an attempt to find Leo, but immediately finds everything stacked against her. 

This book is a wild ride. It’s so suspenseful, particularly when Leo gets to the island. Then the book goes off the rails in the best possible way. The author has complete control over the craziness that ensues. I did guess the big twist, but the book was so enjoyable that it didn’t even matter. This is a great summer read. 

ARC Review: Girls and Their Horses

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

Girls and Their Horses by Eliza Jane Brazier

This is a thriller about people obsessed with horses, and what this obsession does to them. 

The Parkers are new money, and want the best of everything life has to offer, including the best horses and the best trainer. But their entry into this new world stirs up false loyalties and jealousy, and even death.

This was a really good book. The characters were fascinating, as was the world of horse riding and show jumping. The suspense was upped from the start, with knowing the police are investigating a death, but not knowing who is dead. There are a lot of twists and secrets from the past, and a sense of menace hanging over everything. I would definitely recommend this book. 

ARC Review: Darkhearts

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

Darkhearts by James L. Sitter

David left his high school band, Darkhearts, and hasn’t spoken to the other members since. When a sudden tragedy brings David and the lead singer, Chance, back together, they slowly begin to rebuild their friendship, which turns into a romance. 

But Chance is now one of the most famous musicians in the world, and his manager insists they keep their relationship a secret. Plus, David now wants to rejoin the band. He and Chance both have choices to make that could determine their very futures.

This was a good book and a fun read. Chance, David, and the surrounding cast of characters are all relatable (the dialogue of David’s best friend can get a little cheesy sometimes), and I was definitely rooting for Chance and David. Plus, this story has some interesting things to say on the industry of fame. If you’re looking for an enjoyable, quick read, I would recommend this. 

ARC Reviews: The Agathas, and The Night in Question

 I received ARCs of these books from the publishers in exchange for honest reviews. This did not affect my opinions of the books or my reviews themselves.

In The Agathas, we are introduced to Alice Ogilvie, an Agatha Christie loving, formerly popular, high schooler who once disappeared for five days; and Iris Adams, her tutor and fellow high schooler, who has never been popular and never had the opportunity to disappear. 

When Alice’s ex-best friend disappears, and Alice’s ex-boyfriend is accused, Alice decides to take matters into her own hands, and along with Iris and Iris’ group of friends, dives into a mystery that may be her undoing. 

In The Night in Question, Alice and Iris are back, and this time Alice is looking into the death of a movie star from decades ago. But then one of her ex-friends is terribly injured and her other ex-friend suspected, and Iris and Alice are on the case.

I absolutely loved these books. Alice and Iris are relatable, complex, captivating characters, and the cast of supporting characters is great as well. There’s humor, and suspense, and real thrills, and the mysteries are full of twists and turns that always had me guessing and quickly turning pages. I highly recommend these books. 

ARC Review: Hard Dough Homicide

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

Hard Dough Homicide by Olivia Matthews

Lyndsay Murray and her family own Spice Isle Bakery, a new business that is really starting to come into its own. That is, until the honoree at the retirement dinner they host suddenly drops dead. Now Lyndsay and her family find themselves in the midst of a murder investigation, with everything to lose.

This is an enjoyable addition to the cozy mystery genre. I really liked the exploration of the importance of culture and family, and the multiple strong female characters. The story did feel a little repetitive at times, but the mystery was an intriguing one with a lot of plausible suspects. If you’re looking for a new cozy mystery with a unique spin, this could be one to pick up. 

ARC Review: The Chateau

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

The Chateau by Jaclyn Goldis

When Arabelle, Darcy, Jade, and Vix-four best friends-receive the invitation from Seraphine, Darcy’s grandmother, to return to her palatial chateau, they all accept. But then Seraphine is murdered, and everything and everyone they thought they knew falls under suspicion. 

This book was so good! The characters are all well delineated, complex, and captivating, and the setting is its own character. The suspense builds and builds to where you can’t put the book down. And the twists! The twists are absolutely amazing, literally up until the very last page. I definitely recommend this book. 

ARC Review: Murder on Mustang Beach

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

Murder on Mustang Beach by Alicia Bessette

When a murder occurs at a popular vacation destination, Callie finds herself juggling a hopeful boyfriend, a horse in trouble, working at a bookstore, and a murder investigation. She will need all her wits, and all the help she can get, to solve this complicated mystery and free the man she is falling for from police suspicion.

I enjoyed this book. It was a fun read with a great cast of unique characters, in particular Callie and her would-be paramour Toby, who I was definitely rooting for. The bookstore where Callie works really comes alive through Bessette’s words, as does Mustang Beach. The mystery was well-plotted, and had a very surprising ending. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: No One Needs to Know

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

No One Needs to Know by Lindsay Cameron 

Take a group of affluent families, add in a forum where you can post anonymously, and secrets are guaranteed to be spilled. But when the site is hacked, names get attached to every secret. And then someone disappears.

This book dives into wealth and class, and the divisions even among the wealthy themselves. It also looks a lot at women and their relationships, both with other women and with the men in their lives. 

This is an interesting read, suspenseful for sure. I struggled to keep track of which character was which thought, which often meant I was confused while reading until I figured it out again. If you’re looking to read about what happens when the wealthy meet real world consequences, with a mystery thrown in, this book is fine. 

ARC Review: This is the Way the World Ends

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

This is the Way the World Ends by Jen Wilde

Waverly has always felt like she doesn’t belong. She is an autistic student whose family is scraping by at an incredibly rich and prestigious school. When Caroline, the most popular girl at school, suggests Waverly disguise herself as Caroline to gain entry to the school’s masquerade ball, Waverly agrees. It doesn’t hurt that her ex-girlfriend who ghosted her will be there.

But when the masquerade is made up of clandestine meetings, secret passageways, and even murder, Waverly realizes nothing about her school is what she believed. Add in that the world may be ending outside the party’s doors, and it’s truly a night Waverly will never forget.

This was a really gripping and unique read. The masquerade ball and everyone there really came alive through Wilde’s writing, and it felt like I was there with the characters. The tension was so heightened, and everything was so mysterious and suspenseful. The stakes were so high I couldn’t help but be invested. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: I Like Me Better

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

I Like Me Better by Robby Weber 

This was an absolute delight of a book. Zach, our narrator and a high school soccer star, starts his summer off by taking the blame for a prank the former soccer captain actually committed, thinking it’s for the good of the team. This leads to Zach being given community service, and a chance meeting with Chip on the beach (who Zach instantly gets a crush on) leads to Zach doing his hours at the Marine Institute.

As Zach struggles to be the soccer captain everyone has always believed he will be, he finds himself drawn more to the Institute and to Chip. But will his team ever trust him completely, and will Chip ever let him in as more than a friend?

I loved this book. The characters feel so real and the relationships so authentic. I was rooting for Zach and Chip to get it together and get together so hard. This book made me laugh, and feel, and smile, and I definitely recommend it. 

ARC Review: The Ghost Goes to the Dogs

 I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself. 

The Ghost Goes to the Dogs by Cleo Coyle

When a dog will not stop barking outside Penny’s bookstore, she follows it to find its owner, a beloved community member has been shot. Though clinging to life, the woman is unable to say who shot her. With the help of her store’s resident ghost, Penny is determined to solve the mystery, all while juggling her town’s Pet Week.

This is a fun and unique series with the addition of the ghost, who always takes Penny back in time (through her dreams) to a case he solved in the past as a private eye. I loved all the dogs in the story too, being a dog owner myself. There were some genuinely funny moments, as well as some genuinely touching ones, and the ending had a lot of suspense. While not my favorite entry in the series, I still enjoyed it.  

ARC Review: Dressed to Drill

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

Dressed to Drill by Kate Carlisle

Shannon Hammer and her crew are working on renovating an old church, turning it into an art museum. But when a dead body is found on the first day, Shannon finds herself right in the middle of a mystery again.

I loved this book, it was so much fun. There’s a glamorous movie premiere, a mysterious old church hiding secrets, a strong female protagonist, a charming romance, and a compelling cast of side characters. This has me wanting to read every book in this series. I definitely recommend this cozy mystery. 

ARC Review: The Ferryman

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

The Ferryman by Justin Cronin

The rest of the world is falling apart, but Prospera is a safe and seemingly wondrous place. When the monitors implanted in your arm monitoring your mental and physical health drop below a certain percent, you simply “retire” and are born anew, into a new body, with none of the memories of your previous life.

Proctor’s job is to help people through the retirement process, though sometimes he has to use force when someone doesn’t want to go. But Proctor’s monitor is dropping quickly, and his life isn’t seeming as routine as it once did. Prospera isn’t seeming the same either.

This is very far from the type of book I typically read, but I’m glad I did. I’m still not sure I completely understood everything I read, but let’s put it this way-I had no clue I was reading a 560 page book because I was so invested in the characters and what was happening that the read didn’t feel long. Cronin has a great writing style. If you’re looking to read something different than what I typically review here, check out this book. 

April ARCs!

 

I received ARCs of these books from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the books or my reviews themselves.

Dirty Laundry by Disha Bose 

When Ciara, a mother and social influencer, is discovered murdered, everyone’s secrets are fair game. Bose focuses on Ciara, but also on Mishti and Lauren, two other mothers in the neighborhood. Mishti, who Ciara claims as her best friend, is from India and living in an unhappy arranged marriage, while Lauren is looked down upon as a mother and ostracized because of Ciara’s opinion of her. All three have crucial things to hide.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters all felt very real, even Ciara when we got glimpses behind her perfect facade. The mystery of who killed Ciara was really suspenseful as well-there were so many possible suspects. The ending was a real shocker and has stayed with me. I would recommend this book.

Come See the Fair by Gavriel Savit 

Set during the World’s Fair in Chicago, readers meet Eva, a young orphan who has been participating in false seances to earn her keep. But when she makes a friend and finds herself at the Fair, she soon discovers magic is real and that a mysterious magician has an interest in her abilities. Even magic has a price, however, which Eva unfortunately discovers, and it may be too late to fix what has been broken. 

This book was okay. Eva was a strong female character, which I appreciated, and the descriptions of the magic house and the World’s Fair were very cool. But I really didn’t like one of the major plot points, which brought the book down for me. This just doesn’t feel like one of those books meant for younger readers that also translates well for adults.

A Tidy Ending by Joanna Cannon

Linda’s life seems quiet and mundane, the same old same old every day. But then she starts receiving catalogs for the previous owner of their house, and imagining a glamorous world where she befriends the woman. Also, her husband never seems to be home whenever another young girl goes missing.

This book really surprised me. I honestly didn’t know where it was going, and was really shocked with where it ended up. I would recommend this book.

The Only Survivors by Megan Miranda 

I love Megan Miranda’s books, and this one was no exception. 

There were nine survivors of the horrific van crashes. Then eight. Then seven. As their numbers dwindle, the remaining survivors continue to meet once a year on the anniversary of the crash, but this year seems especially fraught. Something is going on, and if they don’t figure out what, more survivors may find themselves dead.

This was such a good book. Miranda always uses flashbacks brilliantly and she does so again here. The book is absolutely taut with tension and suspense, and I could not put it down. I definitely recommend this book. 

The Cherished by Patricia Ward

Nothing about this situation feels right to Jo. She has somehow been left her grandmother’s house, but more than that, she has been left a letter that scares her with its implications. 

This book has an overarching sense of dread that is really powerful. It’s definitely not a light read, but it’s a well-written suspenseful one, and one I recommend. 

Ashes to Ashes, Crust to Crust by Mindy Quigley

This is a cozy mystery series centered around a deep dish pizza restaurant, and its owner, Delilah O’Leary. In this entry, a smoothie at a neighboring restaurant is poisoned, and said restaurant just happens to be owned by the new girlfriend of Delilah’s ex-fiancé. 

Here’s the thing with this series-it’s good. I just don’t love it the way I love some other cozy mystery series. Quigley delivers a fine read, but it’s not must read for me. 

ARC Reviews: The New One, and The Soulmate

 I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my review or my opinion of the book.

The New One by Evie Green

When their daughter, Scarlett, falls into a coma after being hit by a car, her parents agree to have a copy of her made. Rewarded for this with a new, very comfortable life where they have their ideal version of their daughter, Tamsyn and Ed are happier than they were before.

But then Scarlett wakes up. 

I wouldn’t normally choose a book this science fiction, but I really enjoyed this one. There were so many twists and turns, two of which especially shocked me. I definitely recommend this book.

The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth

Gabe and Pippa didn’t realize their home faced a preferred spot for those looking to jump to their deaths. Gabe embraces this, talking people off the cliff. But one night he is unsuccessful, and it turns out he knew the victim.

Hepworth always writes a solid psychological suspense read, and this is no exception. The multiple perspectives work really well, and the twists are really surprising. I definitely recommend this book. 

March Review Roundup

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

Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto 

Vera Wong runs a down on its luck tea shop, and her life is extremely regimented and void of people. Until one day she finds a dead man on the floor of her shop.

Vera immediately throws herself into the investigation, even drawing a sharpie outline of the body to help the police out. Desperately wanting to solve the crime, Vera finds herself growing closer to each of the suspects, forming a found family that may just break when the murderer is discovered.

I loved this book. I’ve recently been reading more of Sutanto’s books, and I love her work. Vera Wong has so much going on-found family, romance, humor, mystery, and a surprise twist ending. I highly recommend this book.

How I’ll Kill You by Ren DeStefano

This is one dark and twisted book. Sissy, our main character, is a triplet, and her two sisters are serial killers. Now they are insisting Sissy join them, find her own man to love her who she can kill. The only problem is Sissy finds herself falling in love. 

This was such a tense book. The way the story is set up makes you feel like you’re racing along to a terrifying finish line. I was very impressed with how the author played with my expectations to keep me engaged, especially with the ending. I would recommend this book.

Play the Fool: A Mystery by Lina Chern

Katie sees Marley as her best friend, someone who helps her through her life of constantly losing jobs, her parents’ and sister’s never ending pressure, and her general dissatisfaction. But when Katie sees a picture on a customer’s phone of Marley shot through the head, her whole world upends. Suddenly Katie is trying to solve a crime, with the help of her tarot cards, her brother, and a police officer, and she is putting herself into more danger than she realizes. 

This was a fun read, with a main character you really root for, and a great supporting cast. The ending was really well done. I recommend this book, and hope it becomes a series. 

ARC Review: Lemon Curd Killer

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

This is one of my absolute favorite cozy mystery series. In this entry, Theodosia and her compatriots host a tea during a fashion show. But when she stumbles upon the dead body of a fashion designer, she finds herself promising the murdered woman’s daughter that she will solve the crime. Throwing herself into the world of fashion, and a whole lot of danger, Theodosia is determined to keep her promise.

This is the definition of cozy, particularly the setting, a tea shop full of warm tea and delicious scones and little sandwiches. Coming back to the main characters is always a joy, and the supporting cast is colorful and engaging. I definitely recommend this book. 

February #2 ARC Review Roundup

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

Missing Clarissa by Ripley Jones

Clarissa Campbell vanished without a trace from a party twenty four years ago. She was never found, and if anyone knew what happened to her, they weren’t talking. 

In the present, best friends Blair and Cameron decide to tackle this mystery as their junior year journalism project. They start a podcast about Clarissa, and attempt to discover the truth about what really happened to her.

I love books that incorporate true crime podcasts, so I was automatically into this book. There are a lot of twists and turns, and the characters of Blair, Cameron, and Clarissa are compelling. I did not see the ending coming, which is always exciting for me with a mystery book. 

This is a quick, gripping read that I would recommend.

What Have We Done by Alex Finlay

A group of adults, who knew each from a traumatic children’s home, are brought back together by the fact that someone is trying to kill them. Readers learn about their dark childhood secret as they attempt to figure out who is after them and why.

This is not my favorite Alex Finlay book, but it’s still a good reas, as all Alex Finlay books are. It’s very suspenseful, with compelling characters, and a lot of drama. If you’ve never read Alex Finlay before, start with a different book first, but if you’re an Alex Finlay fan, definitely check out this book.

The Secret Lives of Country Gentlemen by KJ Charles

Gareth Inglis has never known the love of a family, and has always felt left behind. So when the stranger he is falling in love with has to leave, he feels he is just being abandoned again.

Until his father dies, he inherits a title and a house on the Marsh, and finds his stranger again, one Joss Doomsday, a smuggler. Joss and Gareth don’t ever want to be apart again, but they must contend with their different societal positions, societies views, and family ties-along with an unknown threat to Gareth that could turn deadly.

Joss and Gareth are absolutely a couple to root for, and this makes the readers really invested in their lives and the drama surrounding them. Plus the threat lends an air of mystery to the story that I really enjoyed. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review Roundup

 My computer has decided not to connect to the internet, so please excuse any and all typos as I type these on my phone.

I received an ARC of the book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinion of the book or my review itself.

A Tale of Two Princes by Eric Geron

This is a charming “what if” story of royal twins separated at birth. Neither knows the other exists, and one has no idea they are even royal, until a chance encounter one day. Now both their lives, and the lives of their families, have been completely turned upside down, and the fate of the monarchy might just hang in the balance.

The characters are endearing, the romances are worth rooting for, and the plot is just whimsical enough (Canadian monarchy, anyone?). There is some homophobia on the part of some side characters, so just be aware of that, but the book as a whole is a celebration of LGBTQA+ self-love and love.

The Drift by C.J. Tudor

I don’t typically go for dystopia books, but this one grabbed me right from the start. At first, you don’t know what has hit the world, only that it is something truly terrible. As readers, we follow three groups of people in three perilous situations, trying to survive. The book is very mysterious as well, which kept me constantly turning pages. Even if you don’t normally go for dystopia reads, give this one a try.

The Pledge by Cale Dietrich

A queer slasher story, this is one scary read. Sam has survived one murder spree, and is now hoping college will give him a chance at a new and normal life-and maybe even some romance. But when his frat brothers start dying around him, Sam realizes evil has found him again. 

The author does not hold back with the scares, that’s for sure. The book does get gory at times too. Sam and the characters surrounding him are definitely ones I was rooting for, as was the romance. The reveal was really good as well.

ARC Review: Don’t Fear the Reaper

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

Please excuse any typos, my computer is no longer working and all reviews are being done on my phone for now. 

This book picks up a few years after the previous one in the trilogy (My Heart is a Chainsaw) ended. Our main character is back with us, just as a serial killer’s caravan breaks down near town. 

Strange and gripping, this is a book that doesn’t always make sense (at least to me) but always keeps you reading. Stephen Graham Jones weighs in so much, takes on culture and wealth, shared history, the impact of trauma, femininity and what this truly means, all while scaring the pants off you. It’s a bit like a fever dream, very uncanny, a really unique and creative take on the slasher genre. 

ARC Review: The Things We Do to Our Friends

 

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

Wow, is this a haunting and disturbing read, in all the best possible ways.

Clare moves to Edinburgh (loved the setting!) in an attempt to shake loose her past and reinvent herself. While taking classes there, she meets Tabitha and her group of friends, and is drawn into their world. When Tabitha proposes a plan she has been developing, Clare realizes she is already in too deep to say no, and what has become codependence is quickly turning dangerous.

I definitely recommend this read. 

ARC Review: Blaze Me a Sun

 

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This did not affect my opinon of the book or my review itself.

This is a story about crime and its repercussions.

When the prime minister of Sweden is assassinated the same night a serial killer calls in their first murder, it sets off a chain of fear and investigation that lingers through decades. Different characters are affected in different ways, but everyone is affected somehow, sometimes in ways it takes them years to understand.

This book could be really slow moving for me at times, even with the powerful punch of the assassination and murder happening on the same night. But nonetheless there was something compelling about this story that made it so I couldn't put the book down. Whether it was following the characters along on their own personal journeys, or having to know the solution to the mystery, or a combination of both, I'm not sure, but I wasn't able to stop reading (despite having considered it once). And I have to say the big final twist was a really shocking one, and brought everything together in a really satisfying and emotionally hard hitting way.

ARC Review: The Blackhouse

 

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

The Blackhouse is a story tied to the past, and questioning the future. When she was five years old, Maggie claimed that a man she had never met was murdered at a place she had never been to. Now, as an adult, Maggie revisits that island to discover the truth about the mystery man, and the truth about herself. But with the truth may come events and knowledge Maggie will wish she'd never experienced.

This was a bit of a slow moving book, but this mimicked the slowness of life on the island, so it worked. Maggie is a complex character I was immediately drawn to, and she is surrounded by a unique and crucial cast of characters (sometimes it felt there were too many characters and I got a little confused with who was who). The mystery is compelling and unusual, and the reveals are powerful and shocking. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Reviews: The Villa, and The House in the Pines

 I received ARCS of these books from the publishers in exchange for honest reviews. This did not affect my opinion of the books or my reviews themselves.

Emily and Chess are writers, and best friends, who head off to Italy to stay at what Emily describes as a "murder house". What is now considered the lap of luxury was once a fancy villa where a musician was killed, a woman was inspired to write a famous horror novel, and another woman penned a bestselling album. As both Emily and Chess work to find their own writerly inspirations, Emily begins to suspect that there might be more to the story of the murder house than anyone knows.

This book has so much going for it-a murder house, a horror novel, and a mysterious past laid out from flashbacks. Hawkins also, as she has before, expertly explores the roles and regulations surrounding women, and what happens when a woman tries to subvert the space she has been allotted. I have really enjoyed everything Hawkins has previously written, and this book was no exception.

This marks the second time Maya has watched a woman mysteriously die in front of Frank. The first time was her best friend. Both times Frank didn't touch the women, but somehow Maya knows Frank is responsible. Desperate to figure out what happened, Maya goes back to her hometown to face her past head on.

The premise of this book is a great one, so mysterious and full of so much intrigue. I was pulled in right away. The only thing is that I did guess one of the big twists pretty early on, which took away a bit from my enjoyment of the book. However, there was another big twist I didn't see coming at all, which was very well laid out and revealed.

This isn't a favorite of mine in this genre, but I still enjoyed it.