Monday, March 18, 2024

ARC Review: The Other Lola

 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 Other Lola by Ripley Jones 

Their true crime podcast solved a mystery, but also threw their lives into chaos. Blair and Cam have no intentions of ever getting involved in a mystery again, but then Mattie shows up. Mattie’s sister, Lola, disappeared years ago, and seems to have now reappeared. But Mattie swears that the new Lola isn’t truly her sister, and is desperate for help as no one else believes her. 

I really loved the author’s book Missing Clarissa, and the sequel was very good too. Jones makes readers care so much about the characters, and the mystery is so unique and compelling. I was disappointed there was no podcast aspect, but that made total sense within the context of the story. I would recommend this book. 



Wednesday, March 6, 2024

ARC Review: Murder in the Tea Leaves

 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 in the Tea Leaves by Laura Childs 

A movie is filming in Theodosia’s town, but a murder on set is brewing. When the director is killed, Theodosia and her friend (and tea sommelier) Drayton are on the case, whether the police want them there or not.

This is such a warm, cozy mystery series, one I’m always happy to curl up with. The characters are fantastic, the mystery is always a good one, there’s friendships and romance, and you will absolutely want to visit that tea shop. I definitely recommend this book. 

Thursday, February 29, 2024

ARC Review: Murder Road

 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 Road by Simone St. James 

April and Eddie are just trying to get to their honeymoon spot. But then they pick up a hitchhiker and everything changes in an instant. Soon, they realize the hitchhiker is bleeding, and a mysterious truck is following them. 

The Coldlake Falls police immediately suspect April and Eddie, but the couple knows there must be more going on here. There’s a legend surrounding that road, and they are determined to figure out the truth. 

I always enjoy St. James’ books-she does a great job of mixing human nature, mystery, and the supernatural and paranormal. This is definitely a creepy eerie read, with a powerful ending. I would recommend this book, and St. James’ other books as well. 

Friday, February 23, 2024

ARC Review: Listen for the Lie

 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. 

Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera 

Everyone in her small town seems to believe that Lucy murdered her best friend Savvy, even though Lucy can’t remember what truly happened. Years after moving to L.A., Lucy is brought back to her town by the second season of a very popular podcast, “Listen for the Lie”, as the podcaster, Ben, has decided to cover her case.

Lucy is determined to see this through to the end, even if it reveals that she is the murderer. 

Gah, this was a good book! I could not put it down. I love mysteries and thrillers with podcast elements, such as interviews and transcripts, and this book uses them so well. The mystery is a really twisty, surprising one, and manages to be both heartbreaking and uplifting in the reveal. This book is funny too, especially Lucy and Ben. I would highly recommend this book. 


Wednesday, February 21, 2024

ARC Review: A Smoking Bun

 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 Smoking Bun by Ellie Alexander

With family visiting from Spain, Jules is very excited to explore Mount A with them and introduce them to the wonderful lodge that accompanies it. There is even a Downhill Dummy competition that promises lots of entertainment-until it ends in a fatality. 

I really enjoy this cozy mystery series, and this entry was no exception. Jules is a fantastic main character and amateur detective, and her relationships with the great supporting characters ring true and are lots of fun. The mystery was a good one with a big twist, and I definitely didn’t guess the ending. I would recommend this book, and this series. 

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

ARC Review: Keep Your Friends Close

 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. 

Keep Your Friends Close by Leah Konen

Mary and Willa meet seemingly by chance at a playground, and form a fast intense friendship. For Mary, a mother going through a very rough divorce, Willa appears to be exactly what she needs.

Then Willa ghosts her-and shows up later in a different town under a different name, with a whole different family.

Konen explores some really important topics here-gender roles, toxic masculinity, power dynamics, and wealth. The only thing is that the book moved a little slow for me, and was somewhat more predictable. This was by no means a bad book, just not a favorite for me. 

Friday, February 16, 2024

ARC Review: Nowhere Like Home

 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. 

Nowhere Like Home by Sara Shepard

Lenna has been enticed to an off the grid women’s community by her former friend Rhiannon, who out of nowhere gets back in touch. But this community soon reveals its intense set of rules, and its connections to Lenna’s past.

This book was slow starting out, and kind of kept being slow to the very end. I never really got as invested in the characters as I wanted to. The ending really picked up and got me invested, which upped the rating of the book for me. I would recommend other Shepard books, but not this one.