ARC Review: The Mystery of Locked Rooms

 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 Mystery of Locked Rooms by Lindsay Currie 

Sarah, West, and Hannah are best friends who rock at escape rooms. But when Sarah’s house sports a foreclosure notice, the three are extra motivated to beat what may be the greatest escape room of all-an abandoned funhouse rumored to have a treasure at the end for anyone who can beat it.

This was an extremely fun middle grade read. I love escape rooms, so reading how they beat each room was great. The characters are so engaging and so easy to root for. There’s a level of mystery surrounding the funhouse that just adds to the enjoyment of reading this book. I would definitely recommend this book. 

ARC Review: Darling Girls

 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. 

Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth

Jessica, Norah, and Alicia are as close as sisters, raised together in a seemingly idyllic foster home. But their past was far from perfect, and it still haunts them to this day. When, in the present, a body is found under their old home, secrets threaten to spill out.

Hepworth really cleverly uses point of view here, especially in the mysterious therapist sessions. We get backstory from multiple characters, which really helps build up the world of the book and keeps the suspense going.

The reveals took my breath away, especially the last one, which still haunts me. This is really an expertly plotted and well written book, that will keep readers engrossed and constantly second guessing. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: The Gathering

 I received a copy 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 Gathering by C.J. Tudor

I’ve been a fan of Tudor since The Chalk Man, and this book did not disappoint. In the world of the book, vampires and humans both live on the earth, but the vampires live in Colonies and most humans desire their end. When a human boy is killed, the village calls for a cull, a complete destruction of the Colony near them. It is up to Detective Barbara Atkins to determine what truly happened, and if a cull is warranted. 

This was one eerie book, especially given the Alaskan setting which means a lot of darkness. The mystery is a really good one, with lots of twists and turns, especially the ending. Tudor explores really well who is the more bloodthirsty, the vampires or the humans who want to kill all the vampires. This is a complex, thoughtful, suspenseful and creepy book I would definitely recommend. 

ARC Review: A Game 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. 

A Game of Lies by Claire Mackintosh 

Reality show contestants find out they are in fact on a show about exposing their deepest, darkest secrets. Then a contestant disappears. Detective Ffion Morgan is already on the case when a murder occurs and everything is thrown into even more turmoil. 

I really liked this book. I love the concept, a favorite subgenre of mine is reality show mysteries/thrillers. Ffion is such a great leading character, really strong and smart with some relatable flaws. Her possible burgeoning romance with another character, carried through from the first book, is well worth rooting for. The mystery is also a strong one with great twists and turns. I definitely recommend this book-but read the first one first. 

ARC Review: The Angel Of Indian Lake

 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 request itself. 

The Angel of Indian Lake by Stephen Graham Jones

The final book in The Indian Lake Trilogy, we are once again with Jade Daniels, final girl and (sometimes reluctant) protector of Proofrock. If you haven’t read the first two books in the trilogy before reading this one, you absolutely must to follow this one. I did not remember enough, and so was frequently confused, but that was a me  problem, not a book problem.

This book is scary. It’s also very gory, which is hard to stomach at times. There was a death that left me furious and deeply sad. This book was a fitting conclusion, continuing Jones’ intertextual conversations on race, gender, ownership of land, and what is passed between generations. I would recommend this book if you read the first two and liked them. 

ARC Review: Dead Girls Walking

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

Dead Girls Walking by Sami Ellis

Temple’s father is an infamous serial killer, and he finally confessed to her that he killed her mother. Now Temple is a counselor at an LGBTQ+ WOC camp in her father’s former hunting grounds, determined to find her mother’s body. But those woods contain far more than Temple could ever have seen coming, and soon she and the campers are being hunted. 

This is one very spooky book. While I wasn’t always sure I completely understood the rules of the world Ellis created, I got more than enough to be scared. The plot is very compelling too, and all the main characters are LGBTQ+ WOC. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: The Mystery Writer

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

The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill

Theo decides to drop out of law school to pursue her dream of being a writer, and in the process moves in with her brother, and meets his best friend Mac. But the murder of Theo’s mentor, a fellow writer, sets off a wild chain of events, featuring conspiracies, disappearing writers, and more murder. 

Here’s the thing with this book. I loved the three main characters, and the book started really intriguingly with a strong-sounding mystery. But then the story went off the rails, and just kept going, at least in my opinion. You can definitely give this book a go, it just didn’t end up working for me. 

ARC Review: A Midnight Puzzle

 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 Midnight Puzzle by Gigi Pandian 

Tempest Raj, once a world famous stage magician, now helps her family with their amazing unique company, Secret Staircase Construction. But someone is suing them-and then that someone is murdered by a mysterious blade through the door of the theater Tempest is planning to perform her final show in.

I absolutely love this series, to the point where I bought the first two books after reading them. Tempest is an absolutely brilliant lead character, and the supporting characters are all amazing. The mysteries are always excellent, and always surprising. I absolutely highly recommend this book and this series. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

ARC Review: Village in the Dark

 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. 

Village in the Dark by Iris Yamashita

While I have not yet read the book preceding this one, this book sounded intriguing enough that when it was offered to me, I really wanted to read it. It definitely lived up to my hopes. 

Detective Cara Kennedy is a strong female protagonist who is facing a heartbreaking prospect. Her husband and son’s bodies are being exhumed, because the proposed cause of death may not actually be true. 

Cara is connected somehow to all the residents of Point Mettier, most especially J.B., a police officer in a relationship with Cara. Together, they will end up on a dangerous mission linked to Unity, a village where women and children can go to escape abusive situations. 

I really liked this book. It felt fast-paced, with lots of major twists and turns. I also loved getting to know more about the towns and villages in Alaska as a part of the story. I especially loved Cara and J.B., whose relationship I was definitely rooting for. I would recommend this book-I didn’t feel lost at all not having read the first one, but now I want to read the first one. 

ARC Review: The Resort

 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 Resort by Sara Ochs

Cass has come to Koh Sang to completely leave her past behind. While there, she befriends a group of ex pats called the Permanents, who provide her with the family she is craving. But a tragic death occurs, followed by another, and soon everything the Permanents have built threatens to come crashing down around them.

First, let me say that last chapter got me and got me good! I’m still thinking about it hours after I finished the book, and I really think it’s one that will stay with me for a long time. 

The story is a good one, filled with lots of tension and secrets, and some nail biting terrifying moments near the end. Ochs is a good writer, able to nail writing from two different character perspectives, and keep the suspense up. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: Everyone Who Can Forgive Me is Dead

 I received a copy 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. 

Everyone Who Can Forgive Me is Dead by Jenny Hollander

The title packs a punch and so does the story. 

Charlie is a survivor of the infamous “Scarlett Christmas”. Once the media hype stopped, she was able to start her life anew and completely reinvent herself. But now that another of the survivors is planning on producing a film about the Scarlett Christmas, Charlie fears her old life, and her past secrets, will come roaring back.

Hollander is an excellent writer, who really makes readers feel like they are inside Charlie’s head, which can sometimes be a frightening place. The Now and Then format works really well in this instance, building a ton of suspense and letting out just enough information at one time to keep you hooked. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: Twenty-Seven Minutes

 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. 

Twenty-Seven Minutes by Ashley Tate 

Ten years ago, Grant took twenty-seven minutes to call for help the night of the car accident, minutes that cost his sister Phoebe her life. Now, on the ten year anniversary, someone is ready to reveal all that really happened that night.

This wasn’t always the easiest book to read. I think it’s because a few of the characters were so unlikeable, which I think was the point. One of the twists at the end felt like it came out of left field, but looking back, it worked. The other twist was also surprising, and I do think Tate set up these twists well.

This is a read it or don’t for me. It’s certainly not bad, but there are a lot of other, better books out there in this genre.

ARC Review: One of the Good Guys

 I received an advanced copy 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. 

One of the Good Guys by Araminta Hall

This is a wild ride. I’m honestly not sure what I can say without giving anything away-and trust me, you don’t want the surprises ruined. The beginning was a little sluggish and sometimes irritating, but that is the point, so just push through, because it’s worth it. The one plot point I can say is a man and a woman meet when they both move to the countryside. Now go read it!

ARC Review: The Search Party

 I received an advanced copy 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 Search Party by Hannah Richell

Max and Annie have moved from London to start a glamping retreat, and invite their oldest friends and their families to come join them for a weekend. But a series of events unfolds that leads to fractured friendships, broken relationships, and a whole lot of danger.

I really enjoyed this book. The technique of jumping backwards and forwards in time really upped the suspense and kept me guessing. The characters feel really real, as do the relationships among the characters. The setting really fits the plot. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: The Night of the Storm

 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 Night of the Storm by Nishita Parekh

Jia feels like her life is falling apart. First her divorce, then  her son getting into trouble at school. Now a massive storm has descended upon her hometown, and she and her son go to take refuge in her sister’s house.

But there are complications amongst the family. As the water rises, someone dies, and Jia worries it might have been murder. She must somehow stay above the riding tides and keep her son and herself safe, while figuring out just what is going on.

Parekh does an amazing job of making the book feel claustrophobic, taking what is essentially a mansion and making it feel like the tiniest apartment. She does this through her beautiful use of language, and also through the sheer amount of characters trapped in the house, and the increasingly terrible storm right outside the massive glass panes. 

The mystery is also an excellent one. I did not call any part of it, it was like the rug was pulled right out from under me. I would recommend this book. 

ARC Review: Rabbit Hole

 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. 

Rabbit Hole by Kate Brody 

Teddy’s sister, Angie, has been missing for a decade. Now her father has killed himself. These two events lead Teddy to Reddit, down a rabbit hole (hence the title) of conspiracy theories, harsh commentary, and someone who seems to know more than they’re willing to tell. Characters surround Teddy, from her new much older boyfriend, to her mother who is holding on to Angie’s aged dog, to Mickey, a nineteen year old who is more than eager to help Teddy.

This book is dark and twisted from the start. There is essentially no light. Even the dog is dying. I struggled to get through this for that reason, but kept going because the book is definitely well written. There are a ton of trigger warnings needed, and I’m hard pressed to think who I would recommend this book to because it is so dark. 

ARC Review: The Clinic

 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 Clinic by Cate Quinn

Meg, an addict herself, decides to go undercover in the luxury rehab clinic her sister died in. She doesn’t believe the story of suicide she’s being sold. While there, she encounters more and more mysterious people and events, and realizes that the situation may be far bigger than she ever imagined.

So here’s the thing. This book is really intriguing and mysterious to start. But then it seems to go completely off the rails. However, in her author’s note, Quinn explains how a lot of it is actually from her real experiences in rehab. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get her newsletter to work which would have given me even more info on this. So this book may be far less off the rails than I originally thought. 

While I liked this book, I didn’t love it, for the reason described above. I was definitely invested in the characters though. I would say give this book a try and form your own opinion (just know there are a lot of trigger warnings). 

ARC Review: The Fury

 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 Fury by Alex Michaelides

This story has it all-a (fictional) celebrity, an isolated island, love, obsession, betrayal, and murder. Our narrator, Elliot Chase, promises to guide us through it all as he tells us the true story of what happened. But just how reliable is he? 

I absolutely loved this book. I was disappointed by Michaelides The Maidens, but there was absolutely no disappointment here. This book is brilliant. Every time you think you have a grasp on what’s going on, Michaelides pulls the rug right out from under you. All the while, he’s playing with the ideas of nature versus nature, celebrity, and what it truly means to love. Michaelides is a genius with the unreliable narrator, and he plays with that to such perfection here. I highly recommend this book.