Twenty years ago, Tamara Drayton was found face down in the pool of her family’s summer home on the southern coast of France. Her five-year-old sisterTwenty years ago, Tamara Drayton was found face down in the pool of her family’s summer home on the southern coast of France. Her five-year-old sister Nina is apparently the only witness and she claims she saw her babysitter Josie fighting with Tamara in the pool. Her testimony convicts Josie, who spends the next ten years in prison for Tamara’s murder.
Twenty years later, a true crime podcaster is stirring up trouble by revisiting the case for a documentary. Josie is back in France to visit her brother. Unbeknownst to her, Nina is also in town staying at the villa where Tamara died, contemplating contributing to the documentary. Nina has been wracked by guilt about her testimony and doubts her memories of that fateful night. Her brother, Tamara’s twin, will do anything to keep his family’s dirty laundry from being aired decades after the crime initially devastated the Draytons.
This book had so much going for it: intrigue, excellent character development, rich atmosphere, and skillful writing. I enjoy books that are told through alternating narratives, and here we get different perspective both past and present. I also really like that Bishop incorporated multi-media devises like TikTok posts, past interviews, and case files. The whole mystery was revealed in such a clever and captivating way and the conclusion was super satisfying.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. ...more
There’s something nefarious lurking in the bayou, and it’s not just the alligators that Cutter and her brothers hunt. Cutter’s former best friend LoyaThere’s something nefarious lurking in the bayou, and it’s not just the alligators that Cutter and her brothers hunt. Cutter’s former best friend Loyal has returned to her home town to look after her ailing mother, taking a reporting job with the local paper. When she gets a scoop that a body has been found in the swamp, she encounters the local sheriff and his team only to discover that the corpse is Cutter. Before she left town after high school, Loyal and Cutter had a spectacular falling out, and now Loyal is consumed by grief and guilt and is determined to discover what happened.
Loyal and her fellow journalist Sasha confront Cutter’s brothers, uncover some disturbing evidence, locate a missing girl in the woods, and eventually determine Cutter’s fate. In the meantime, the swamp is lurking with predators, both animal and human, and Loyal and Sasha don’t realize how close to danger they are.
Overall, the descriptive writing was very eloquent. The book was very atmospheric, and I think Bailey did a great job depicting the humidity and wildness of the bayou. I thought the characters were well-developed, despite their flaws, which added to the richness of the narrative. There was definitely a Deliverance-esque quality to the book, so be prepared for a major creepiness factor.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. ...more
On the night of Annabelle’s birthday, her sister Georgia is arrested for her murder. Found bloody and dissociative over Annabelle’s body, Georgia is tOn the night of Annabelle’s birthday, her sister Georgia is arrested for her murder. Found bloody and dissociative over Annabelle’s body, Georgia is taken to a psyche ward for violent and high-risk mental patients.
Amanda is contacted not long after reading headlines about the crime by Georgia’s attorney. It turns out the two are twins, separated at birth and adopted by different families. Georgia is desperate for Amanda’s help, though the two have never met, and Amanda was previously unaware of Georgia’s existence. As Amanda becomes involved in proving Georgia’s innocence, she steps into the unfamiliar world of wealth and privilege that Georgia was raised in.
Told alternatively between Amanda’s third person narrative and Georgia’s second person perspective, it was a good mix of sleuthing (Amanda) and paranoia (Georgia). As Amanda learns more about Georgia’s life, she realizes she doesn’t know who she can trust, especially since Georgia and Annabelle had a notoriously rocky history. I wasn’t a huge fan of the second person narrative device, but it made Georgia’s presence in the locked ward feel more threatening. Otherwise, this was a suspenseful and intriguing mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher....more
I initially picked this book up because of its premise, without realizing that it was part of a series. No worries there, it held its own as a standalI initially picked this book up because of its premise, without realizing that it was part of a series. No worries there, it held its own as a standalone. Sure, I may have had more history and backstory of the characters, especially the series lead, former conman turned lawyer Eddie Flynn. I was intrigued by the idea of a murder occurring in a posh New York neighborhood and how the domestic thriller would evolve in a monied community.
The titular character is Ruby, a former resident of aforementioned tony neighborhood, whose family’s fall from wealthy grace finds her nannying and cleaning for her ex-neighbors. She is a self-identified unreliable narrator, which becomes even more obvious when she hears voices and manipulates the murder investigation.
Enter Eddie Flynn, appointed defense attorney of the accused murderer, Dr. John Jackson, who also happens to employ Ruby as his child’s nanny. How did the murder weapon end up in Dr. Jackson’s closet? Hmmmm� Well, leave it to Eddie to prove John’s innocence with the help of his wily and resourceful team.
Then the mafia gets involved and professional hit men start taking shots. It’s wild how Eddie can pull strings while avoiding assassination. I didn’t think the legal proceedings were portrayed accurately, but if you can suspend disbelief about those flaws, it was entertaining. There’s a lot of slight-of-hand backstabbing and blatant opponent screwing, but that’s what makes Eddie Flynn a slick character.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. ...more
Every summer, lifelong friends Julia, David, Erika, and their families reconvene at their neighboring lake houses in Vermont. This year, Julia is confEvery summer, lifelong friends Julia, David, Erika, and their families reconvene at their neighboring lake houses in Vermont. This year, Julia is confronted with the “addition� that David put on his home between ladies� cabins, and Julia is infuriated that David’s modern glass monstrosity is blocking her lake view. Thus, the conflict begins.
The narrative alternates between Julia’s third person and David’s nanny Izzy’s first person. I appreciated that Izzy called herself out right away for being an unreliable narrator, admitting that she has ulterior motives for accepting the nanny job. The longer she spends at the lake, the more Izzy learns about two women who mysteriously disappeared thirty years apart. Good thing she’s a true-crime podcast junkie, so her sleuthing has some “credibility.� When David’s girlfriend goes missing, the lake erupts with an investigation, not to mention a whole lot of finger-pointing and mistrust.
The characters here are flawed, the relationships tense, and though the setting is idyllic, the anxiety is palpable. As the mystery unravels, the connections between all of the threads seemed a bit flimsy. Everyone has some culpability and Izzy certainly takes advantage for a tidy conclusion.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. ...more
When a man from her recently-deceased husband’s past contacts Nina to commiserate over Paddy’s death, she guardedly opens up her life to this man who When a man from her recently-deceased husband’s past contacts Nina to commiserate over Paddy’s death, she guardedly opens up her life to this man who calls himself Nick. Nick is suave, he’s polished, he once worked with Paddy and uses that connection to worm his way into Nina’s life. It’s Nina’s daughter Ash who starts to find holes in Nick’s background and finds his façade a little too refined.
Martha is a middle-aged florist with a successful business, a sweet family, and a dream husband. The only downside is that Alister’s job takes him away from home for large stretches at a time and he is completely incommunicado while he’s away.
What do Nina and Martha have in common? Nick. Alister. A man with dozens of aliases and countless scorned women in his wake.
Jewell’s delivery was perfect. You know right away the guy is shady, but as she delves more into Nick/Alister’s past, you get a better sense for how utterly devastating his conniving is on his targets. Ash has her own demons, but that works here because not only is she an unreliable narrator, she’s vulnerable. I can’t remember the last time I devoured a book this quickly. It’s a testament to Jewell being the QUEEN of the domestic thriller.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher....more
Chicken Hill is a mixed-race neighborhood of Pottstown, PA, and Chona Ludlow, owner of the titular store, is its most beloved resident. Every chapter Chicken Hill is a mixed-race neighborhood of Pottstown, PA, and Chona Ludlow, owner of the titular store, is its most beloved resident. Every chapter introduces a new neighbor, and there are certainly some characters on Chicken Hill. There are Jews and blacks, immigrants and Mayflower descendants, and they all have some sort of connection to Chona and her husband Moshe. When the Ludlows are asked to help keep the state from sending a local deaf boy to an asylum, Chona fiercely protects her new charge, Dodo.
Alas, every town has its scumbags and here it’s the local doctor who mucks everything up. McBride deftly weaves his stories so that even the most heinous villains get their comeuppance. I loved the storytelling, the character development, and the endearing nature of the community. I probably wouldn’t have picked this book up had it not been gifted to me, but I am certainly glad someone thought to! ...more
I was excited about the promise of a domestic thriller, but was a bit let down because the book description was misleading. The Liddells don’t experieI was excited about the promise of a domestic thriller, but was a bit let down because the book description was misleading. The Liddells don’t experience “deadly accidents.� Rather, someone is obviously trying to scare the crap out of them.
So let’s talk about the Liddells, Nathan, Eve, and their daughter Rosewyn. Though they haven’t been married long, they are already in the matrimonial doldrums. In my opinion, it’s because Eve is closed-off, cold, entitled, and she is always exhausted. She can’t function with both a job and a family, and she’s resentful of Nathan because she’s overwhelmed by her domestic situation. Nathan is a nice guy who has to deal with a wife who prioritizes her career as a psychiatrist over her family. Yeah, Eve is not the most pleasant character.
The most intriguing aspect of the story was Detective Rita’s investigation into the strange things happening to Nathan and Eve. However, the dialogue was wooden and clunky, which became even more glaring towards the end when the villain monologued for two chapters. If Eve had been a more three-dimensional emotional character, I would have enjoyed this more. It had potential, but it wasn’t a gripping, nail-biting mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. ...more
When Detective Jena Campbell uncovered evidence that convicted the Leviticus killer 5 years ago, she was a local hero. Now a man calling himself AzraeWhen Detective Jena Campbell uncovered evidence that convicted the Leviticus killer 5 years ago, she was a local hero. Now a man calling himself Azrael has kidnapped the governor’s son Jack and is systematically killing jurors from the Leviticus trial until the governor pardons him and sets him free. Both killers are inspired by the bible, Leviticus seeking justice through stoning sexual predators, and Azrael unleashing plagues on his victims. Jena and her fellow police officers are in over their heads.
I liked the religious zealotry aspect of the plot, but not the technological twist of using virtual reality to kill people. I also enjoyed the multi-media storytelling. Non only do we have Jena’s first person narrative and Jack’s third person account, but they are interspersed with police reports, investigation notes, lawyer’s observations, newspaper articles, and other devices that lent depth to the story. Overall, I thought it was a bit over-the-top as far as the scope of the crimes, the supervillainy, and the incompetence of Jena and her team.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher....more
Book six in the Will Trent series takes a deep dive into the pasts of the characters we’ve gotten to know in previous books. We learn how Amanda WagneBook six in the Will Trent series takes a deep dive into the pasts of the characters we’ve gotten to know in previous books. We learn how Amanda Wagner and Evelyn Mitchell first met on the police force and earned their reputations. We are also made privy to the significant role Amanda played in young Will’s life without him being aware. And we are given insight to Will’s parentage, which is extremely troubling, but it emphasizes how much adversity he overcame.
Being a woman on the Atlanta police force in the 1970’s was no picnic, and there were some brutally uncomfortable situations that Amanda and Evelyn encountered, not just with perps, but their colleagues, too. I enjoyed how the narrative shifted from past to present to demonstrate how their early career shaped Amanda’s and Evelyn’s personalities. Of course, the best part is seeing how the relationship between Sara and Will evolves, especially considering the disturbing past he is confronted with. This was an excellent installment that was driven by character development. ...more
When Faith discovers a bloodbath at her mother Evelyn’s house and her daughter locked in a shed, she’s on high alert. A corpse, a hostage situation, aWhen Faith discovers a bloodbath at her mother Evelyn’s house and her daughter locked in a shed, she’s on high alert. A corpse, a hostage situation, and Evelyn missing leads to more fatalities and a race to find Faith’s mother. Of course, this ties in with Will’s previous investigation into Evelyn’s corruption which forced her into early retirement and resulted in the arrest of six of her detectives. Will and Amanda have to infiltrate the Atlanta drug trade to figure out who would want to kidnap Evelyn and what they were looking for when they ransacked her house.
This book wasn’t quite as dark as some of Slaughter’s others, but I appreciated the background into the characters and their history. The whole gang scene wasn’t quite as captivating as other crimes that Will has been involved in.
The best part was seeing Will and Sara finally hook up, so I am totally anticipating seeing their relationship evolve. This series is so much fun! ...more
Worlds collide when Will Trent comes to Grant County to investigate the suicide of a young man in police custody. And Sara Linton just happens to be hWorlds collide when Will Trent comes to Grant County to investigate the suicide of a young man in police custody. And Sara Linton just happens to be home for the holidays, seething with vengeance against Lena Adams. It’s not just the suicide of Tommy that raises Sara’s hackles, but the treatment of the suspect by his arresting officer, Lena. Sara is convinced that Tommy is incapable of the murder Lena arrested him for, that Lena coerced Tommy’s confession, and that Lena is ultimately responsible for Tommy’s death.
As the body count rises, Will’s investigation falters because of blatant Grant County police corruption. I thought the motives and the overall conclusion were a little too tidy and not as Slaughter-esque as what I’ve come to expect. I did enjoy how Will met Sara’s family and that their familiarity is becoming more comfortable. But what I loved best was how Will got to mess with Lena’s mind as he tried to trip her up into revealing her shoddy detective work. As conniving and shifty as Lena can be, it was delightful watching her squirm under Will’s scrutiny. ...more
When a woman runs naked into the middle of the road and is struck by elderly motorists, it’s up to Will and Faith to find where she was kept and what When a woman runs naked into the middle of the road and is struck by elderly motorists, it’s up to Will and Faith to find where she was kept and what was done to her. Slaughter does not lack imagination when she devises ways to torture her victims. And yet I’m always a little shocked by some of the depravity in the details.
The victim is taken to the hospital where Sara Linton works at the ER. The merging of the two series is going to be fun and I’m a bit giddy about the sparks that are already flying between Sara and Will. Meanwhile, Faith is dealing with her own personal crisis, and Angie, Will’s wife, is still playing him like a violin. It’s ever so much fun to see these characters overcoming adversity. I’m excited to jump right into the next book! ...more
Book two in the Will Trent series stood out for a couple of reasons. One, we meet Faith Mitchell who is to become Will’s partner. Her perspective towaBook two in the Will Trent series stood out for a couple of reasons. One, we meet Faith Mitchell who is to become Will’s partner. Her perspective toward him is unique as she’s initially hostile towards him but comes to respect him. Two, we get a glimpse of Will’s vulnerabilities when he encounters a suspect who is also a survivor of state foster care and is functionally illiterate.
Faith and Will are teamed up to investigate a horrific crime that left two teenagers dead and another missing. This was a lot more procedural than the first book, and they have quite the crime scene to process and analyze. I felt like we saw more of how the GBI operates when the Atlanta PD bungles things initially. Fractured didn’t have the intensity of Triptych, although Slaughter does make her readers very aware of how crucial time is in a missing persons case. Still, I’m looking forward to how Will and Faith work together going forward. ...more
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