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.