ARC Review: The Stranger Upstairs

 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 Stranger Upstairs by Lisa Matlin 

Sarah Slade swears she isn’t afraid of living in a house where a murder occurred. In fact, she posts cheerful blog entries about how well the renovations are going and how happy she is. In reality, her marriage is falling apart, she can’t write her second self-help book, her therapy clients seem to see right through her, and the house seems to be actively fighting being fixed up.

As time passes, Sarah becomes more and more convinced that not only is there something wrong with the house, but with the neighbors too. There’s a past to the house that just may be able to top her own horrible past, and Sarah fears there’s a reckoning coming. 

This is a creepy book from the start. Just knowing the murder that has taken place in the house automatically sets this up for scary times. As we learn more about the house, and Sarah’s past, things get even eerier, especially as both Sarah and the house seem to deteriorate simultaneously. This is a good book to pick up for spooky season. 

ARC Review: Black Sheep

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

Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison

How do I describe this book, especially without giving too much away? 

Well, Vesper is estranged from her family, but decides to return to their religious compound to celebrate a wedding she is invited to. After that, I really can’t say anymore without spoiling the first surprise, which had me gasping out loud in total shock while also laughing at just how brilliant Harrison truly is. And that’s just the first surprise. Where this book takes you, I will not say anymore, just that it is a great read for spooky season. 

ARC Review: Murder and Mamon

 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 and Mamon by Mia P. Manansala 

Ninang April, Ninang May, and Ninang June are opening a laundromat, rival to a previously existing laundromat already in town. On top of this, the Calendar Crew, as they are known, have also been gossiping, spreading truths that broke up a marriage. When Ninang April’s niece, who is visiting, is murdered, Lila, her family, friends, and boyfriend must figure out the connections and if there are more threats on the horizon.

I love this cozy mystery series so much. The characters are just wonderful, the setting is fantastic, and the culture is so well explored. The relationships are so great as well, and the food and drink are so well described they make me desperately hungry and thirsty. I not only highly recommend this book, but this series. 

ARC Review: Your Lonely Nights Are Over

 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. 

Your Lonely Nights Are Over by Adam Sass

Dearie and Cole are ride or die besties, always there for each other no matter what. It’s the rest of the school that can’t stand them. So when a notorious serial killer seems to re-emerge, targeting the Queer Club, it’s Dearie and Cole who get blamed. 

If they’re going to convince everyone of their innocence, Dearie and Cole are going to need to unmask Mr. Sandman, and fast. But they have to make sure they stay alive long enough to do so. 

This is one scary book, perfect for Fall and/or Spooky Season reading. I was honestly and seriously freaked out while reading this, in a good way. It’s like a horror movie in book form. 

This book also has a lot of complexity to it, tackling subjects like racism, class bias, homophobia, and gender prejudice. The characters and relationships were really compelling and made me care deeply, which is especially potent in a slasher setting when anyone could be fair game. 

Definitely pick this one up if you’re looking for a well-written scare with a shocking killer reveal. I definitely recommend this book. 

ARC Review: The September House

 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 September House by Carissa Orlando

It was Margaret and Hal’s dream house, until that first September. Every September, blood pours down the walls, ghosts appear, and screaming starts up every night. Margaret can take it. Hal cannot.

Hal hasn’t been seen since the night he left, and their daughter Katherine (who doesn’t know about what’s happened) is worried enough about him to fly in. With a new September starting, Margaret can only hope for the best.

This book is absolutely made by the fabulously matter of fact narration of Margaret. The things that are happening are so scary, but Margaret just treats them as part of life. And things do get absolutely terrifying. Orlando has a real talent for eliciting feelings of horror in readers, and is a great writer. I would definitely recommend this book.

ARC Review: Scenes of the Crime

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

Scenes of the Crime by Jilly Gagnon

Vanessa disappeared on a girls’ trip years ago. Emily has wanted to write that story for the big screen for years. Finally seizing on her chance, Emily gets the remaining women together back at the original location to finally figure out the truth about that long ago night-or at least she hopes so. 

This is a meditation on female friendship wrapped up in a suspenseful psychological thriller. Gagnon expertly explores what it truly means to be both a woman and a friend, and what happens if delusions around a supposed friendship do not hold true. The effects of a false friendship can cause harm long after the person is gone.

By including scenes from Emily’s script, Gagnon also plays with the idea of the unreliable female narrator, and what “based on a true story” really means. Readers get fictionalized versions of moments of the story, including things Emily wasn’t present for. 

This is a clever book that I would recommend. 

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.