ARC Review: The Knife Before Christmas

 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. 

In this cozy mystery, Shannon is in charge of the construction and restoration of a big deal local hotel. She is even helping them build a giant Christmas carnival on the grounds, complete with a carousel. But when murder strikes, can Christmas be saved?

This is a fun cozy mystery series, with a strong female lead character. The supporting characters are complicated and interesting, and the romances are sweet. The setting is fantastic, especially the carnival, and the mystery is a good one. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: The Bitter End

 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 group of mostly-privileged teenagers ends up on a digital detox excursion rather than the more glamorous trips the other students get to go on. But it turns out it’s all by design when the teens start dying one by one.

This is my kind of book, a homage to Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None. It’s got a real eerie, horror movie sense to it, and is full of suspense. I liked the twist ending as well. I would recommend this book.

ARC Review: Society of Lies

 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. 

Maya, a Princeton graduate, is back at Princeton to witness her little sister Naomi’s graduation. But when Naomi turns up dead before the event even occurs, Maya is determined to find out what happened, no matter how much danger she puts herself in.

This is a book full of social clubs and secret societies, right up my alley. It also includes secrets from the past, which I love. The characters are very compelling, as are the societal issues tackled within the story. The flashbacks from the two main characters work particularly well. I would recommend this book.

ARC Review: Killer House Party

 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 Deinhart Manor has been looming over the town, full of rumors and eerie legends. Arden’s parents now own the manor as part of their real estate business, which means Arden can finally let loose and throw the biggest party the teens in town have ever been to. Which is going great…until the walls start to bleed.

This was a creepy book, perfect for spooky season. The manor is scaarrryyy, not just the blood from the walls, but all the other things it can do. Once the blood appears, the book does not let up. I would recommend this book. 

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.