I always enjoyed the author’s collaborations with Sarah Pekkanen, so when I saw that this short story was FREE in March for Amazon Prime members, I quI always enjoyed the author’s collaborations with Sarah Pekkanen, so when I saw that this short story was FREE in March for Amazon Prime members, I quickly downloaded it.
Melody Wells is the latest “trending name�. It seems like everyone is subscribing to the “Lavender Serenity� she is selling in her visualization workshops�
But the one thing she can’t manifest are the pages her publisher needs for her new book, so she hires Anne, a Ghostwriter, to give clarity to her thoughts on paper.
But the job isn’t “Lavender Serenity� for Anne. Nor is the SUBLET, that Anne and her growing family move into after receiving a “lead� on the apartment from Melody.
Although the story was engaging enough, I am not sure I completely understand the ending, which felt abrupt and left me with questions, hence the 3 star ⭐️ rating.
Alex thought her FIRST husband, Freddie, died ten years ago, after he walked out one night and never came home. So, after seven years she had him declAlex thought her FIRST husband, Freddie, died ten years ago, after he walked out one night and never came home. So, after seven years she had him declared dead. So obviously, she was shocked when she opened her front door one day and saw his once familiar face.
Where has he been? And, why is he back now that she has finally moved on?
“DON’T TRUST CARTER� he says speaking about his former best friend- who is now her SECOND husband.
“I KNOW THE TRUTH� one of the eight anonymous notes, slipped through the mailbox reads�
Who should she trust? Her first husband or her second husband? And WHO is behind the cryptic notes that she has been receiving?
⚠️ While I do appreciate that the author acknowledges that this story was inspired by the murders of four University of Idaho students on November 13,⚠️ While I do appreciate that the author acknowledges that this story was inspired by the murders of four University of Idaho students on November 13, 2022-the timing may be sensitive for readers since the trial against the accused has not yet even begun (slated to begin August 11, 2025 and to last for 3 months). This review is based on my feelings about the fictional story only.
3.5 ⭐️
One year after the case concluded, Jane Sharp is writing a book that will serve as a confession about her part as a “True Crime� armchair detective who got involved in a case which captured the attention of an entire nation.
Jane, a college student herself, was grieving the unexpected death of her father, when she found a connection online, in the World of True Crime, which helped to fill the void his death has left.
She is invited to join a smaller, secret group of five, who chat on the encrypted privacy of Signal, and who end up finding fame on Newsline after helping to solve a case in Florida, where Jane lives, after she becomes involved.
This book includes their “chat threads� as gives us an insider view of how those who are obsessed with True Crime, operate-sometimes getting things wrong and hurting innocent people in the process-and sometimes finding things the Detectives have missed because of their ability to comb through the lives of those involved who have made this easier by posting everything on Social Media.
Initially, I was entertained by this “fly on the wall� perspective but I guessed a big part of the story at just past 50% in-and not because it mimics the real case-it actually doesn’t. In fact, the author takes great pains to change things up around the halfway point, but this is where things lose credibility. Also the story begins to feel WAY TOO LONG!
I decided to round down despite an enjoyable first half, when I realized upon finishing this, that it did NOT compel me to seek out her backlist titles-so it was just a slightly above average read!
A buddy read with MarilynW. Be sure to read her thoughts about this one-we had much to discuss about some eye rolling moments!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of this title. As always, these are my candid thoughts ....more
The book cover promises that “you”ll never forget the ending”�
So, did this collaboration between James Patterson and J. D. Barker deliver on that promThe book cover promises that “you”ll never forget the ending”�
So, did this collaboration between James Patterson and J. D. Barker deliver on that promise? YES! IT DID!
Best Selling True Crime novelist Denise Morrow is writing a book called “The Taking of Maggie Marshall� which will expose NYPD Detective, Declan Shaw as a fraud.
So, WHY, when she called 911, to report a break-in, and the murder of her husband, would she demand that NOBODY but Detective Shaw enter the apartment when Police respond?
Well, now I KNOW, and TRUST ME-you will want to find out!
The book opens with Declan Shaw contemplating SUICIDE, as a train comes barreling down the tracks. The phone call demanding his presence at 211 Central Park West, Apartment 18A has him detouring to that location instead.
And, as this entertaining, fast paced story unfolds you will be wondering WHO is the most clever character of them all!
Los Angeles homicide detective Dinah Marino has been happily married to Dr. Joe Marino for ten years.
Each will tell you that TRUST plays a big part inLos Angeles homicide detective Dinah Marino has been happily married to Dr. Joe Marino for ten years.
Each will tell you that TRUST plays a big part in their success and yet, Dinah has never revealed her biggest secret to Joe, and she isn’t inclined to tell him about the good looking new rookie, Freddie Hodgkins, who has been assigned to trail her on her latest case.
Joe is a loving husband who remembers every Anniversary, all of Dinah� s preferences and every item on his “honey-do� list. But, he also remembers every misstep-every mistake, and he isn’t very forgiving when Dinah doesn’t follow the rules that they have agreed upon together.
And, Dinah’s new case, involving a Mother who has been found dead under questionable circumstances, and her daughter who is now missing, will threaten the delicate balance of their happy, happy marriage�.
A TALE OF TWO HALVES
This book started out strong, and it hooked me right away with Torre’s engaging writing style, DISTURBING premise, and short, snappy chapters, which allow you read “just one more�!
I was ALL-IN.
But, unfortunately, at the 50% mark, the story lost its way.
It focused on one “over the top� plot point while failing to flesh out the others. I was left with MORE QUESTIONS THAN ANSWERS, and I wanted more background on how Joe and Dinah got together, what happened to her former partner, Oley, and what was happening with Freddie Hodgkins involvement in the case.
At only 254 pages, this story felt INCOMPLETE-and for that reason, it was a bit of a MISS for me.
Charlotte has just moved into a new apartment, AGAIN, trying outrun and outwit her STALKER.
Her new neighbor, Seth, who shares the breezeway with her,Charlotte has just moved into a new apartment, AGAIN, trying outrun and outwit her STALKER.
Her new neighbor, Seth, who shares the breezeway with her, is marking this Valentine’s Day weekend as his first after an unexpected divorce just three years after what he thought would be a forever marriage.
So, neither is feeling very optimistic when they find themselves stranded together for the weekend when a renovation project accidentally demolishes the staircase that leads to their front doors instead of the staircase that was scheduled for demolition.
But, their FORCED PROXIMITY may just be a blessing in disguise!
Filled with Abby Jimenez’s trademark humor and witty banter, this 82 page novella was a much better Valentine’s Day treat than a box of chocolates! ...more
AUDIOBOOK: 9 hours 11 minutes at 1x, 6 hours 7 minutes at 1.5x or 5 hours, 15 minutes at 1.75x
How apropos that Janet Evanovich promotes this book4.5 ⭐️
AUDIOBOOK: 9 hours 11 minutes at 1x, 6 hours 7 minutes at 1.5x or 5 hours, 15 minutes at 1.75x
How apropos that Janet Evanovich promotes this book on the cover~I have always said that these books were perfect for fans of her Stephanie Plum stories!
If you haven’t read any of the Finlay Donovan books yet- I do recommend that you read them in order-but you can click on my spoiler free review for the first book to get a hint of what to expect! Review: /review/show...
Each book ends with a cliffhanger, so we pick up right where we left off last time�
Finlay Donovan has just submitted her latest book-so she should have some time to relax, and maybe get to know her “hot cop boyfriend Nick� just a little bit better. But when a dead body is discovered in her nosy neighbor’s backyard, the neighbor-Mrs. Haggerty-will need Finlay and Vero’s help.
Initially, Mrs. Haggerty is the prime suspect.
Although SHE is quickly cleared by the police, her house, unfortunately, remains an active crime scene. With nowhere else to go she ends up moving into Finlay’s house temporarily-since she is right across the street-despite the fact that the two have not always seen eye to eye on things!
Instead of being a grateful guest, she is demanding grocery runs, and rides to her book club meetings, but she does chip in on home schooling and childcare while staying with Finlay and her scenes with Finlay’s children are some of the funniest in the book!
I have to admit, I haven’t had this much fun reading a Finlay Donovan book since the first one, and I wasn’t sure that I wanted to continue the series. It had become too slapstick for me with all of the caricature mafia characters in books two through four-but once I heard that Mrs. Haggerty would be back-I was all in and she didn’t disappoint! (She is a SCENE STEALER !)
As always-we have a cliffhanger at the end-so it does look like this series will continue�
I paired my reading with the AUDIOBOOK, narrated (as always) by the fabulous Angela Dawe-This happens to be a series that I prefer LISTENING TO! ...more
Because it’s ADDICTIVE reading, it’s ORIGINAL, and it’s TWISTY in all the best ways. I couldn’t put itWHY is this book getting so many 5 STAR reviews?
Because it’s ADDICTIVE reading, it’s ORIGINAL, and it’s TWISTY in all the best ways. I couldn’t put it down!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Maggie and Lizzie lost their mother when they were only seventeen. She died from a rare blood Cancer but before she did, she sat her daughters down and she warned them that women would flock to her suddenly single husband “like stray cats to an overturned milk truck� and that the girls would have to protect him.
THE WOMEN CAME-carrying home cooked meals in casserole dishes that would have to be collected a few days later. But, the sisters washed those dishes and delivered them back to their owners before the women could return.
But one managed to sneak her way into the fold�.
So when Maggie discovers at age 43, that she too has the disease-she is determined to get ahead of the women who will prey upon her own husband.
And, the woman voted “Most Likely to Kill Someone to Get What She Wants� is determined to succeed at any cost.
Is the omission of a FEW facts, really lying?
DOESN’T EVERYONE HAVE AT LEAST ONE SECRET?
This book unfolds in THREE parts, PAST and PRESENT and PART ONE (46% of the book) reads more like a heartbreaking ...more
This is a contemplative character driven novel that explores broken relationships, broken trust, and broken promises-and broken systems, broken BROKEN
This is a contemplative character driven novel that explores broken relationships, broken trust, and broken promises-and broken systems, broken bodies and broken hearts.
BUT-it’s also about finding the way to forgive and move forward.
When Angie and David Sheehan’s 13 year old daughter Nora, shoots and kills their 14 year old son, Nico, they must find a way to forgive her-and help her mount a defense.
The parents turn to their small town’s lawyer, Martine Dumont-but she also happens to be the mother of Angie’s first love, Julian-a man she shares a complicated history with because of more than just their breakup.
Martine isn’t qualified for a case of this magnitude, and the Sheehan’s are strapped for money because of the mounting medical bills they have incurred for Nico’s fight with Huntington’s disease, so Martine enlists the only lawyer who might be willing to help-Julian-who is now a successful New York City criminal defense attorney.
Everyone must confront something left unresolved as the PAST and PRESENT collide.
This was reminiscent of early Jodie Picoult to me-WHY would Nora do such a thing to a brother she loved and had a wonderful relationship with?
There are many thought provoking themes to think about, or discuss with a book club or friends. Fortunately, I could do so with Mary Beth, MarilynW and DeAnn.
When Edward and Isabel are thirty years old, they become the latest Victims of a serial killer, dubbed “The SoutDisturbing and thought provoking but�.
When Edward and Isabel are thirty years old, they become the latest Victims of a serial killer, dubbed “The South London Invader�. He preys on “happy couples� watching them painstakingly for weeks so that he can plan the perfect attack.
ONE NIGHT CHANGES EVERYTHING.
Each deals with the traumatic event differently. Isabel wants to TALK about it-with Edward, with the press, and with Etta-the Detective in charge-and it is a story that all of London wants to hear!
Edward doesn’t want to talk about it at all.
Twenty-five years later, Nigel Wood is caught, and Edward and Isabel, now divorced will reunite for his sentencing. It is an opportunity to deliver impact statements and perhaps to finally get closure about the relationship that they lost as a result of the crime they endured.
The story unfolds from the POV’s of Isabel and Edward. Isabel’s chapters are written like it is her IMPACT STATEMENT chronicling the PAST, while Edward’s chapters cover the PRESENT timeline.
The premise is interesting, but I DID NOT find the book to be a thriller, or suspenseful as advertised. Instead it reads like a character study-with the CHARACTER being the MARRIAGE, and the pace was extremely SLOW.
The story is supposed to demonstrate that a traumatic event like this can destroy even the strongest of marriages, yet I DIDN’T find their love story to be epic at all. Edward is a bit dull, and Isabel is a bit cold. If the descriptions of their intimacy, using the crudest of terms (C word) is supposed to convince us of their love-it didn’t work for this reader.
Early reviews seem to be split between high praise and the opposite, with few in between-and I am one who struggled to get through it. This was a buddy read with DeAnn and Mary Beth…Did they feel differently? Be sure to watch for their reviews.
⚠️ TW: Graphic descriptions of rape/assault
2.5 stars rounded up
Expected publication date: April 15, 2025
Thank You to Penguin Viking for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts....more
As soon as I read that this book compared to Kent Haruf’s “Our Souls at Night�, I had to request a copy, as that book holds a special place in my hearAs soon as I read that this book compared to Kent Haruf’s “Our Souls at Night�, I had to request a copy, as that book holds a special place in my heart. See my review: /review/show...
Both books evoke a nostalgia to years past, and each features two lonely people who find companionship later in life when they didn’t think it would be possible to do so again. What makes this book different is that it adds a bit of mystery as to what exactly happened in Tower Hill, Indiana, that would make Henry Dees flee his life in the middle of the night, September 1972.
TW: CHILD MURDER
His inaction may have cost a young girl her life, and he can no longer live with the guilt about what he DID and DID NOT do the night she was killed.
When Henry stops in the tiny town of Mt. Gilead, Illinois, for gas, he wasn’t planning to stay long. His powder blue �65 Mercury Comet catches the eye of the woman filling up her Lincoln Continental at the adjacent pump at Hutch’s Sunoco-a lonely Spinster named Edith Green.
And when the wind picks up, catching Edith’s head scarf, it flutters past the stranger who manages to catch it just in time. As he returns it to her, and introductions are made, he mentions that he might like to stay in town for a bit.
Edith impulsively offers to rent him a room in her house. It is risky—and tongues will wag-but Edith Green can no longer bear a life lived alone.
And, this chance encounter and gust of wind, will end up changing both of their lives.
This quiet story unfolds from several POV’s in both towns, past and present until the two worlds collide. The story is both a search for the truth and a search for forgiveness and a path forward.
I didn’t know that little Katie was murdered when I selected this story, and although Henry is not her killer, he did hold some feelings toward her that weren’t quite right. I think this prevented me from having the same emotional connection to this book that I had for the book it was compared to.
But, I was drawn in by the pensive writing and its melancholy feel, and I am looking forward to reading the author’s earlier work-Pulitzer finalist “The Bright Forever�, which I didn’t realize is actually the book that started this story.
Expected publication date: on March 25, 2025.
Thank You to Melville House for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts....more
These are the five most recognizable stages of GRIEF, but not everyone shares the same journey toward heDENIAL-ANGER-BARGAINING-DEPRESSION -ACCEPTANCE
These are the five most recognizable stages of GRIEF, but not everyone shares the same journey toward healing and sometimes a person can get stuck in one of the stages.
Genevieve Dempsey is a therapist who is leading a “first of its kind� experimental treatment designed to heal the broken hearts of those who find themselves in this predicament.
To participate the subjects have to agree to attend at least 4 sessions on 4 consecutive Wednesday nights at 7 O’Clock PM.
Four strangers with seemingly “nothing in common� -Freya-Mischa-Callum and Victoria will be her first patients. The story unfolds from their alternating POV’s as they move through the process in their weekly sessions and become more than just confidants.
But, Genevieve may have to flexible if she hopes to deem this experience a success�.because these four were NOT selected at random.
I have been seeking out unique stories, having grown tired of the endless “locked room� mysteries that dominated last year’s thriller market, and this one definitely DID fit the bill, with short chapters moving the story along at a quick pace.
Because I wasn’t shocked by the reveal, this didn’t score as high for me as it has for some other reviewers- but it is definitely a DEBUT that I was pleased to discover, and it made for a fun buddy read with Master Detective MarilynW! ...more
Last year, I read the author’s DEBUT novel, “My Husband�, and despite a low average rating on ŷ, I was part of a “niche audience� who found thLast year, I read the author’s DEBUT novel, “My Husband�, and despite a low average rating on ŷ, I was part of a “niche audience� who found the glimpse into this particular French marriage, utterly fascinating. So, I was excited to see that award winning author Maud Ventura had a new novel translated from French to English.
Both book covers feature a glamorous Parisian woman, wearing signature red lipstick....more
As if it were meant to be, our librarian Carly finds a book in the non-fiction section that she has never seen before: “The Empty Nester’s Handb3.5 ⭐️
As if it were meant to be, our librarian Carly finds a book in the non-fiction section that she has never seen before: “The Empty Nester’s Handbook: Living Your Best Life When the Kids Leave Home.�
“Let’s Celebrate your fabulous second act!� It beckons…and unlike some parents-Carly and Frank can hardly wait!
If only their son 22 year old son Eddie would move out, the adventures could begin-And, then, one day it finally happens!
But, their “empty nest� doesn’t remain that way for long-as first Carly’s dad needs to move in temporarily, followed closely by Eddie returning home and this time, he doesn’t return alone.
The books spans a period of six months, with each month opening with the header of which family members are CURRENTLY living at Kilmory Cottage, and it unfolds predominately from Carly’s POV.
Will it be just Carly and Frank by the book’s end? Will they find a special way to celebrate? I was entertained as I read to find out!
I discovered this author this past Christmas when I stumbled upon the delightful “Tis the Damn Season�, and I was eager to read more of her work, so I was thrilled that her newest book was available to request.
Although this one didn’t score quite as high for me-I did enjoy it-though I am torn about whether to round up or down. Fiona Gibson creates likable characters and lets them navigate tricky situations with warmth and humor-and sometimes a “feel good� story like this is exactly what I am looking for! I look forward to discovering more of her work.
Now Available!
Thank You to Avon Books for the gifted ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!...more
SOME have you bring a White Elephant gift. SOME have you play “Secret Santa�.
And, SOM*Holiday Read 2024*
Tis the season for holiday Christmas parties!
SOME have you bring a White Elephant gift. SOME have you play “Secret Santa�.
And, SOME (all?) have a guest who isn’t happy with the gift that they receive!
Let the team building games begin!
Daniel Hurst gifts us with a fun and festive 62 page short story and the opportunity to download his psychological thriller “Just One Second� for FREE from a link on his website when you finish.
AUDIBLE edition wonderfully narrated by Helen Phillips 8 hours 22 minutes at 1.0x �5 hours 35 minutes at 1.5x
With this catchy title*Holiday Read 2024*
AUDIBLE edition wonderfully narrated by Helen Phillips 8 hours 22 minutes at 1.0x �5 hours 35 minutes at 1.5x
With this catchy title and an opening line from the synopsis which reads � This year, their families can deck the bloody halls themselves...� I knew this book would resonate!
I confess that on a personal level, the forced proximity of having to spend with certain family members during the holiday season is not one of my favorite things! ...more
When two former childhood friends, are stranded together in a blustery winter storm they are forced to confront (and confess!) so*Holiday Season 2024*
When two former childhood friends, are stranded together in a blustery winter storm they are forced to confront (and confess!) some hard truths!
Mark is her best friend’s annoying younger brother, all grown up now and a tech billionaire who is also “the one who got away�!
Jamie is the one who broke his heart.
The weather outside is frightful . Inside, a crackling fire delightful. And, if it finally brings these two together-let it snow, let it snow let it snow! ❄️...more
The couple who slays together-stays together! So, what happens when this couple can no longer share this passion?
Hazel and Fox used to *OUTLIER REVIEW*
The couple who slays together-stays together! So, what happens when this couple can no longer share this passion?
Hazel and Fox used to kill bad men (ala Dexter) together. But when Hazel became pregnant, they agreed to give up their hobby for a respectable life in the Suburbs.
Hazel misses having an outlet to help her tame her RAGE, and eventually she cheats on Fox (as in kills behind his back!) bringing the police to their door. Now, she will have to find a way to protect those she loves.
The story unfolds from the POV’s of BOTH Hazel and Fox, in the BOTH the past and the present, with occasional magazine articles describing Hazel’s work as an artist, AND text messages sent to her late friend Matty’s cell phone, giving the execution a very choppy feel.
Sure-it’s a fun premise but it’s been done before (Samantha Downing’s “My Lovely Wife�) and I guess I could not help but compare the two.
And, have you ever noticed the overuse of kids in Foster care growing up to do bad things in so many psychological thrillers? I know the system is far from perfect but every character lately seems to have the same back story and I guess I have grown weary of this too.
One POSITIVE is the “tongue in cheek� humor, and I admit that FIVE YEARS AGO-this very well may have scored higher for me. BUT, the ME today, didn’t find it very engaging-my taste seems to be changing.
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