Knife Skills for Beginners by Orlando Murrin is such a wonderful debut that gave me all of the cozy mystery vibes! Murrin starts off with a quote fromKnife Skills for Beginners by Orlando Murrin is such a wonderful debut that gave me all of the cozy mystery vibes! Murrin starts off with a quote from a Lisa Jewell book which right away told me I was going to love it, and indeed I did. The humor throughout made me laugh several times and I was very much a fan of our MMC Paul. This is a foodie read if there ever was one, and the story is interspersed with recipes that are real, so you can totally jot them down and make them if you would like to.
I am not completely sure what my thoughts are on the audiobook, though I did really enjoy Sebastian Humphreys� narration when he was simply narrating Paul. He did some pretty interesting voices for the other characters, especially the women, and I have no idea if that was on purpose to be funny or if he thought it sounded good. I personally found it weird at times and hilarious at others, so it did work for me to some extent. I do wish there had been something to differentiate the recipes from the rest of the book as it got a little confusing on audio when we would go from the story into a recipe and back again.
The whodunnit was surprising and the eclectic cast of characters made the entire story come alive in the best way. I was glad Murrin included an author’s note at the end, and I was surprised by how much of the book was inspired by real people and locations. I am very curious to see where the rest of the series goes (as this is supposedly book one of the Chef Paul Delamare Mysteries series), and I hope we have not seen the last of Paul.
Read this if you are looking for: a large cast of characters, recipes, and a story that reads like it should be on TV.
I enjoyed Jamie Day's debut immensely and I couldn't wait to read One Big Happy Family. While it definitely took me longer to get to this one than I wI enjoyed Jamie Day's debut immensely and I couldn't wait to read One Big Happy Family. While it definitely took me longer to get to this one than I would have liked, it was worth the wait, so to speak, and I loved this twist packed ride! The family drama was on point as was the tension that starts up after the entire family arrives and people start dying. There is a certain someone I was definitely suspicious of, and to some extent I was right to be though I had no idea of what was to come. I didn’t love any of the characters, but I did like Charley an awful lot and she was very easy to relate to.
The audiobook was a bit of a mixed bag for me and while I normally love Saskia Maarleveld’s narration, it was slightly off for One Big Happy Family. I didn’t find her pacing to be very consistent, and it took me a minute to figure out what speed was best to listen to her at. Once I got that figured out I really enjoyed it though I would expect a 19-year-old to sound younger than her voice. I honestly kept forgetting Charley was that young as she feels like a much older and wiser character. I loved the ending and the journey it was to get there. Another winner from Day for me and I can’t wait to read her next release.
Read this if you are looking for: A vibrant and atmospheric setting, dysfunctional families, and shocking secrets.
Killer Potential by Hannah Deitch is such a wild debut novel, and I loved how unique it is. I don’t think going in blind is a bad idea, but I do thinkKiller Potential by Hannah Deitch is such a wild debut novel, and I loved how unique it is. I don’t think going in blind is a bad idea, but I do think it is important to know that this has literary fiction vibes in the way it makes you think, but also quite a few violent moments. The action is strategically placed throughout the story and the shocking beginning was just a start to the spiral this book takes you on. It is a thrill ride while also being rather introspective, and I enjoyed getting to know these characters better though I can’t say I actually found either of them all that likeable.
I really enjoyed the audiobook, but I thought the pacing was off a bit. Kristen Sieh & Daru Oda did a great job bringing Evie and the mysterious woman (who we later learn the name of) to life, but I had to slow the audiobook down a bit to find the sweet spot of where their narration sounded the most streamlined. The plot is definitely a bit out there, so you do have to suspend some disbelief, and there are flashbacks that sometimes come at seemingly inopportune times that slow things down a bit. They did add more depth though and I loved this quick read that I was into from start to finish.
Read this if you are looking for: A compelling female protagonist, LGBTQ+ representation, and an adventurous read that takes you across the US.
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary eBook and advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
The first thing that ran through my head after I finished The Department by Jacqueline Faber, was that it was fuc*ing tragic. This ended up being suchThe first thing that ran through my head after I finished The Department by Jacqueline Faber, was that it was fuc*ing tragic. This ended up being such a hard read to experience and the end left me breathless, depressed, angry, and validated all at the same time. My heart absolutely ached for Lucia, and it was an interesting dynamic switching back and forth between her before (then) viewpoint and Neil in the present.
The audiobook was okay and not my favorite, so if you are thinking about buying or using a credit, I would try to go library or read first. I really enjoyed Spencer Cannon’s narration for Neil, but the only thing I really liked about Tawny Platis� narration was when she voiced Lucia's parents. It was just too rushed and hard to understand for me, which kept my pace at nothing above a 2.5x speed. Mental illness and trauma take centerstage in this book and it is not your average mystery/thriller in the slightest.
Read this if you are looking for dark themes, a thought-provoking read, and a slow pace....more
You will now find me praying to the literary gods that we see more of Clare Leslie Hall's books released in the US because Broken Country might just bYou will now find me praying to the literary gods that we see more of Clare Leslie Hall's books released in the US because Broken Country might just be my favorite book of 2025. This story completely wrecked me, and it is told in such a moving fashion that I found myself on an emotional roller coaster the entire time I was listening to it. This started as a #BookstagramMadeMeDoIt and I am thrilled that it was such a winner as well as being a Reese’s Book Club pick because it is well deserved. It starts with a dead dog and ends with a dead farmer, but there is so much heartache, hope and love in between.
This is probably one of the tensest books I have read in quite a while (that isn’t a thriller), and I am extremely happy I decided to listen to the audiobook. While we do end up with more than just Beth’s viewpoint, Hattie Morahan is an incredible narrator and I can’t think of a single person who would have been better to voice this book. Her narration made the characters and their emotions the stars of the show, and words cannot express how much I loved listening to her. I found myself saying ‘of course� when we get to the climax and the build up to get there made me a bundle of nerves. Hall wove past, present, and future together with such ease, and her writing kept me glued to the pages.
Read this if you are looking for dual timelines, a sweeping story of love and heartbreak, and vivid imagery.
Love Letters to a Serial Killer is Tasha Coryell's debut and I have to say I found it quite enjoyable! Hannah was an interesting character in the sensLove Letters to a Serial Killer is Tasha Coryell's debut and I have to say I found it quite enjoyable! Hannah was an interesting character in the sense that I didn’t really like her, but I didn’t hate her either. Her obsession with William and true crime gets her into trouble in more ways than one, and this storyline tackles what it means to be so obsessed with something that it consumes your life. I didn’t agree with a single decision Hannah made, but her journey from start to finish created a certain kind of experience to say the least.
If you’re trying to decide between reading or listening to the audiobook, I would recommend the audio because Andi Arndt slays as the narrator. She captured Hannah’s character so perfectly that I felt like I was listening to her, and she was spot on with every emotion. I would recommend going into this one as blind as possible, and I do think reading the synopsis would spoil it a little. All you really need to know is true crime, obsession, serial killers, and fun.
Read this if you are looking for a unique debut, bonkers choices, and social commentary.
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐�
I received a complimentary listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
I LOVE Gayle Forman and she created something truly unique and special with After Life. I seem to be reading a lot of rather emotional books lately anI LOVE Gayle Forman and she created something truly unique and special with After Life. I seem to be reading a lot of rather emotional books lately and this was another that definitely pulled at my heartstrings. Amber’s death destroyed her parent’s marriage, and this story takes a good long hard look at grief and how it effects people differently. There is also the mystery of who actually killed Amber in the first place, since her death was a hit and run.
I relished the way Forman blended different viewpoints with different timelines and built such a short book (only 261 pages) into such a thought-provoking and complex read. The audiobook is the perfect accompaniment to the book and I enjoyed listening to Gail Shalan, Jade Wheeler & Andrew J. Andersen tremendously. I actually had to listen to a couple of sections more than once when I got to the end because I wanted to make sure I fully understood what had happened and ...more
Head Cases was such a fascinating and gripping read that I immediately put John McMahon’s backlist on my TBR! This reminded me a tiny bit of a show thHead Cases was such a fascinating and gripping read that I immediately put John McMahon’s backlist on my TBR! This reminded me a tiny bit of a show that got cancelled awhile back (which of course I can’t remember the name of) and was just as dark and gritty as that was. Throw in some Criminal Minds and Dexter vibes and this is a story that a lot of readers will enjoy. I loved being inside of Gardner’s head even though it was both incredibly frustrating and incredible at the same time. I loved his genius, and I could see how someone like this would have their flaws as well. I have to imagine it’s hard y’all! The serial killer targeting other serial killers is like my dream plot, and it was a twisty road to the end.
I would highly recommend checking out the audiobook myself, and I loved Will Damron as the voice of Gardner. I felt that he really brought the character to life from the page, and I loved every minute that I got to listen to him. I do hope he comes back in future installments! I always enjoy anything that focuses on the FBI, especially when it comes to unique crime solving abilities, and this book hit the mark on so many levels. Each character stood out on their own and at no time did anyone bleed into another. This was also easy to follow which I appreciated and very compelling at the same time. And I couldn’t help but love the nod to Murder by the Book! ...more
I spotted The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar in both my library catalog as well as in the Indie Next list and decided it was a sign I had to read iI spotted The River Has Roots by Amal El-Mohtar in both my library catalog as well as in the Indie Next list and decided it was a sign I had to read it. Well, listen to it, ...more
I can't remember why I decided to pick up The Weekend Guests by Liza North but I am willing to bet it was based on the gorgeous cover. I am a sucker fI can't remember why I decided to pick up The Weekend Guests by Liza North but I am willing to bet it was based on the gorgeous cover. I am a sucker for a solitary building on the water, and the tagline “Five old friends. A reunion to die for� sounded incredibly ominous and intriguing. I thought it started out strong, but as the book went on, I just found myself not caring at all about the characters or what was going to happen to them. I mostly just finished this one to finish it, and it probably should have been a DNF for me.
The most likely reason I finished was down to listening to the audiobook, and I did enjoy Elliot Chapman & Catrin Walker-Booth’s narration. They narrate for multiple different viewpoints, and I found myself wishing there was one narrator for each character. The Weekend Guests has some very nice atmospheric qualities and I enjoyed the Dorset setting and dual timelines. Maybe I just wasn’t in the mood for this character-driven story, but it also felt like something I had read before. This is the author’s sophomore novel, and I would be open to checking out whatever she writes next.
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐�.5
Read this if you enjoy books that revisit old sins, focus on past trauma, and slow burn explorations of shared guilt....more
I hate to say it, but I think I might be done reading Eva Jurczyk. Her debut was a three star read for me, but as always I am willing to give an authoI hate to say it, but I think I might be done reading Eva Jurczyk. Her debut was a three star read for me, but as always I am willing to give an author another shot and a three is not bad. Unfortunately, That Night in the Library just didn't do it for me. While I could see recommending this to the right person, I personally struggled with it and immediately disliked all of the characters. I didn’t care what was happening to them and just wanted to get to the end so I could figure out why the one died.
I did love the setting and how the group got locked in the rare books library, but the ritual part got a little weird for me. Jurczyk does know how to make her stories very bookish though and that’s one thing I love about her. The biggest reason I made it through this one was probably down to the audiobook, and I was glad we had Hannah Cabell as the narrator (she also narrates The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections). Cabell did a lovely job with her narration and while she couldn’t make me love the characters, she did help me make it through without skimming. Lots of action in this storyline, bodies dropping like flies, and tension so definitely pick it up if you think it sounds good!
Read this if you are looking for dark academia, unlikeable characters, and plenty of shock value!
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary eBook and advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
Even though I didn’t start reading Colleen Oakley until 2021, she is easily one of my favorite authors and I picked up Jane and Dan at the End of the Even though I didn’t start reading Colleen Oakley until 2021, she is easily one of my favorite authors and I picked up Jane and Dan at the End of the World without reading the synopsis. I was pleased to learn it was a bookish book, though a hostage situation can’t be described as nice in any form. There is a lot of tension throughout this entire novel which Oakley breaks up with a healthy dose of humor. There is quite a bit of internal monologue as we are in various people’s heads (with Jane being our main), and this ranged from funny to very enlightening for the characters. I really enjoyed the fresh look at marriage, motherhood, and family, and since I am getting closer to midlife myself, that pesky feeling of sometimes wanting something different/more from what you have.
Despite the many viewpoints, I absolutely adored the audiobook and once again Hillary Huber proves she is a talent unlike any other. She managed to capture each of the different character’s essence, and I loved her accent for one person in particular. Plus, she is a straight up delight to listen to. There are strong literary fiction vibes with a hint of mystery (more mysteriousness to be precise) and romance, so I might throw this into the domestic fiction category. I would recommend not reading the synopsis, as it does give most of the plot away, and I was glad I didn’t read it prior to starting. It was much more fun to watch the story unfold, and I loved the ending most of all. I would definitely watch this if it were made into a movie!
Read this if you are looking for a date gone horribly wrong, high-stress shenanigans, and (maybe) a slightly unlikeable FMC though I happened to love her. ...more
I didn't realize until after I read the about the author section that Melissa Larsen's debut was Shutter which is actually a book I loved! I was drawnI didn't realize until after I read the about the author section that Melissa Larsen's debut was Shutter which is actually a book I loved! I was drawn in by the cover of The Lost House and stayed for the mystery and the writing. Tension is thick throughout this entire slow burning story, and I loved that this was set in Iceland. It created a very atmospheric quality that I couldn’t help but love and I was a fan of the way the author brought the landscape to life along with the plot.
The audiobook version is a banger, and it has our talented Saskia Maarleveld at the helm. I love her narration any day, but I think she did an exceptionally good job voicing Agnes and this book as a whole. It was great to listen since the pace is on the slower side, and I would recommend going audio with this one! I don’t know if I was fully a fan of Agnes, but I loved that she was a flawed character just like us. Her hunt for the truth brought along some crazy twists and I was very satisfied with the conclusion. ...more
I have been meaning to read Elinor Lipman's Ms. Demeanor ever since it came out in 2022, but since I'm slow I haven't gotten to it yet. That doesn't mI have been meaning to read Elinor Lipman's Ms. Demeanor ever since it came out in 2022, but since I'm slow I haven't gotten to it yet. That doesn't mean I didn't jump at the chance to read Every Tom, Dick & Harry and I’m so glad I did! I didn’t know what I was missing, and I loved this bighearted romcom filled with themes of family and buried secrets. I laughed continuously throughout the book, and I couldn’t get enough of Lipman’s brand of humor. There is romance mixed in with silly antics, small town drama, and plenty of memorable moments. I loved that the story is centered around an estate sale business and the way the title came through in the book cracked me up.
This is a great book to listen to on audio and I adored Piper Goodeve as the narrator. She was so perfect as the voice of Emma and listening to her made me exceptionally happy. She perfectly captured the tone of the storyline as well as its characters and listening to her narration probably made me laugh even more. The romance is closed door with no spice, so it is perfect for all you Hallmark Christmas movie lovers out there, and while the ending felt a little rushed for my liking, I did love the way everything came together. You might not like this if you don’t enjoy things wrapped up in a neat bow, but for me it was perfect.
Read this if you are on the hunt for something memorable, unique, and goofy!
My Spice Rating: N/A; Closed Door Book Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐�
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
Cozy mysteries are one of my favorite things in the world, and I am so glad that Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson is the start of a new series! I loveCozy mysteries are one of my favorite things in the world, and I am so glad that Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson is the start of a new series! I loved the mix of romance, drama, crime, humor, and serious topics that were all packed into the story, and this could have easily been a one sitting read. Madeline was a great female lead, and she was not only relatable but a little sassy to boot. I also loved the supporting characters in the book, especially Philomena (Phil) and Gloria, and I was surprised by every single whodunnit reveal.
One of the best parts of the book for me besides the humor and fantastic characters ended up being the audiobook, and I would recommend listening over reading with the eyes here. Hallie Bee Bard was nothing but a pleasure to listen to, and I loved her Southern accent and the way she changed her voice for the various characters. There is a dash of romance (because why not), a cantankerous but calming cat, and plenty of small-town gossip and drama. The Victorian mansion and bookstore setting aren’t to be missed either!
Read this if you are a sucker for Southern cozies, mysterious plotlines, and amateur sleuthing.
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐�
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
I am officially obsessed with Asia Mackay, and I want to read everything she writes. A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage was so dang fun and it was liI am officially obsessed with Asia Mackay, and I want to read everything she writes. A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage was so dang fun and it was like an episode of Dexter with a side of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. I loved the dark humor throughout and I would say this is a lighter thriller for those looking for some sort of palate cleanser after darker ones. I actually quite liked Hazel (Haze) and Fox, and Haze’s penchant for killing bad men made her very endearing for me. Her having found a man to do it with her?! Teamwork makes the dream work as they say. They are both so ready to blow it’s hilarious, and the not killing is getting Hazel really down. I wish they would have had more time in the story together though since the chemistry between the two was everything.
I also loved the audiobook so, so much and Georgia Tennant & Kyle Soller were excellent! They did such a great job voicing Haze and Fox, and I could listen to them forever. I don’t think I have heard either of them before and really hope to hear them again someday in another audiobook. A Serial Killer's Guide to Marriage would be great as the start to a series and I can’t help but hope Mackay turns it into one. I need more of this couple and after what happens at the end, it seems like it would be the way to go. ...more
I absolutely adored Alex Hay’s debut The Housekeepers, so I picked up his sophomore novel without giving it a second thought. While I didn’t fall as hI absolutely adored Alex Hay’s debut The Housekeepers, so I picked up his sophomore novel without giving it a second thought. While I didn’t fall as hard for The Queen of Fives, I still thoroughly enjoyed it, and I loved the con itself that Quinn has set up. I think the only reason I didn’t love it as much was due to a slow start, and the time it took for me to REALLY get into the entire storyline and characters. I ended up having to set it aside for a couple of days due to library books I had to return, and it was really easy to immerse myself back in and not be confused so that was a plus.
I do think there was a bit of a missed opportunity with the audiobook only having one narrator, but as it was I did love Polly Edsell. She threw herself into her narration and I was very pleased with the way she was able to convey every emotion and every feeling no matter who she happened to be voicing at the time. Day five (All In) was my favorite section of the book by far and it is where much of the action takes place. We also get hit with a jaw-dropping twist that left me speechless. I would make sure to read the author’s note at the back of the book since it isn’t included in the audio as it gives context to how this story came about.
Read this if you enjoy books with caper and heist high stakes action, historical elements, and the Victorian era!
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received a complimentary book and advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
I always enjoy Leah Konen's books and The Last Room on the Left was no exception. I loved the wintery setting in the Catskills and the confusion and tI always enjoy Leah Konen's books and The Last Room on the Left was no exception. I loved the wintery setting in the Catskills and the confusion and tension that ensues once the body Kerry discovers seemingly disappears. There is a lot more to this book than the synopsis would suggest, and I have to admit I ended up getting a little confused with addition of Allison in Siobhan’s POV. I had no idea going in that this was supposed to be a take on The Shining, and I didn’t leave it thinking it was one. The snow and caretaker aspects sure, but this is not the same thing at all, so I don’t think it was a good comparison.
The audiobook was fantastic with Karissa Vacker, Erin Bennett & Julie Webster as the narrators, but I think listening to this may have been the reason I found myself confused about Allison. Either that, or the female characters all felt the same to me � you can judge for yourself. I was really surprised by the twists that popped up throughout the book as well as the ones we get hit with at the end. I was also fully engaged all the way through, and this was a very bingeable read.
Read this if you enjoy red herrings, the alcoholic FMC trope, and isolated settings.
Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
The Business Trip is the first time Jessie Garcia has written a thriller, and here's to many, many more I hope! Little unsuspecting me was making my wThe Business Trip is the first time Jessie Garcia has written a thriller, and here's to many, many more I hope! Little unsuspecting me was making my way through the book not expecting it to have such a jaw dropping ending. The pacing is good throughout, but I have to admit I was liking it and not in love with it until the very end. I don’t think I actually liked a single character in this book, even the women, and there are a couple of particularly pompous men that I REALLY didn’t like. While the book is technically about Stephanie and Jasmine, there are quite a few viewpoints and lots going on to keep things interesting.
The Business Trip is another that I highly recommend the audiobook for, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. There was a narrator for each viewpoint and all TEN did an amazing job. Pacing for all was on point, and I thought they fit their characters well. You most definitely have to suspend disbelief with this storyline, but I had no issues with that, and it was a nice escape from the daily grind of life. I also loved the focus on television in this book and you can tell that Garcia has the experience to draft a gripping book with that included!
Read this if you’re looking for a quick, easy read, love stories that go into the unbelievable, and are a fan of the good ole popcorn thriller.
Book Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5 Audiobook Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐�
I received a complimentary copy and advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own....more
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