ARC Review: The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco

 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 star of this book is Capri, who not only gives tours about serial killers around San Francisco, but is also the granddaughter of a supposed serial killer. So when murders start in San Francisco, murders that are copies of her grandfather’s crimes, Capri is immediately drawn in. This becomes especially true when Capri’s former mother-in-law is the next victim, and Capri and her daughter are the prime suspects.

This was a fun read. The mystery was a good one, with some well-executed twists, especially the dual big reveals at the end. I really enjoyed the little sprinklings of the tours throughout the story, as well as the mystery from the past with Capri’s grandfather. There is even a little hint of romance as well. I would recommend this book.  

ARC Review: The Hitchcock Hotel

 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. 

Alfred has a special project-The Hitchcock Hotel-filled with tributes, including actual props and memorabilia . He invites his former best friends from college to come to the hotel and experience all it has to offer-and then some. 

The author plays so well with the creepiness and suspense inherent to anything Hitchcock, while still making the book their own. I had to keep turning pages to know what was going to happen. The ending completely blindsided me, which I loved. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: What Time the Sexton’s Spade Doth Rust

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

When Flavia de Luce’s beloved family cook is suspected of murder by poisonous mushrooms, Flavia is on the case. But what she finds goes far beyond mushrooms and a local man’s murder, and into something far more sinister than even she could have anticipated. 

I love the Flavia de Luce books and have read every single one. This book was also a delight, but I felt there was so much focus on something I was less interested in (avoiding saying what for fear of spoilers) it kind of brought things down for me. There was one big gasp-worthy moment that was done quite effectively. I liked this book for sure, but didn’t love it like I had the others.

ARC Review: The Pairing

 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. 

Theo and Kit, childhood best friends, fell deeply in love and then broke up on the plane ride to Paris. Now both have expiring vouchers for that food and wine tour they never went on, and both (unknowingly) have signed up for the same tour. 

I am a huge fan of Casey McQuiston, who wrote this book, and this story is another great addition to her body of work. The romance feels epic because of McQuiston’s expert writing skills, and I desperately want to go back to Europe and eat (and drink) my way through it thanks to McQuiston’s incredible descriptions. This is a beautiful book, and I definitely recommend it. 

ARC Review: Peach Tea Smash

 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 the review itself.

The Mad Hatter Masquerade is in full swing when Harlan Sadler is murdered. Theodosia, tea shop owner extraordinaire, is on the case, sorting through family histories and close kept secrets to solve the murder.

I love this series, each book is an absolute delight, and the definition of a cozy mystery. This entry is no exception. Theodosia is in fine form, as are her supporting characters, and The Mad Hatter Masquerade is a great setting for a spooky murder. The big twist at the end is a big surprise. I would definitely recommend this book, and this series. 

ARC Review: House of Glass

 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.

Stella’s job is to act as counsel for the child in custody cases. Her newest client, Rose, on top of her parents divorcing, witnessed her nanny fall to her death. Now left with a pressing mystery as well as a custody dispute, Stella finds herself in a house made entirely of plastic, unsure who to trust, if anyone.  

This was a good book. There were some great red herrings, mixed in with a lot of tension and suspense. I was genuinely surprised by the ending, and by the other huge twist that came in the story. I would recommend this book.

ARC Review: Like Mother, Like Daughter

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

Cleo arrives for dinner at her mother’s home, a mother with whom she has been feuding for quite a while. Upon arrival, she sees signs that something terribly wrong has occurred, and no signs that her mother is anywhere in the house. Determined to find her mother, Cleo dives deep, discovering her mother has been keeping a lot of secrets from her. 

McCreight has a beautiful writing style, and is especially adept at keeping characters’ varying perspectives unique. Tension and suspense are built up well, as secrets are slowly and carefully revealed. I would recommend this book.