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.