Well... any time I start a new book and finish it within the same day will always get a 5 star rating from me. I picked up The Innocent Wife this Well... any time I start a new book and finish it within the same day will always get a 5 star rating from me. I picked up The Innocent Wife this morning on my subway commute to work and couldn't put it down! I read it during my lunch break, commute home, on the stair master (I literally kept going until my legs tired—so keep that in mind if you need a cardio read), and when I got home. It was just that addicting!
Twenty years ago, high school jock, Dennis Danson was arrested for the murder of Holly Michaels in Red River County, Florida. The death of Holly Michaels sparked a nationwide investigation into the deaths of several other women in the small rural town—sending shockwaves through the media. Dennis's story is picked up by a documentary team and the rest is history. Dennis is a worldwide topic, gathering the attention of many celebrities, politicians, influencers, and 31 British schoolteacher Samantha. Samantha becomes immersed in Dennis's story and becomes an active member in the online following that he has garnered. After a brutal break up with her boyfriend Mark, Samantha goes out on a limb and decides to write Dennis and try to show him support. Samantha is surprised when Dennis appreciates the introduction and the two begin to have a budding relationship. It isn't long before Samantha and Dennis are married. As the case continues to gain recognition, evidence is released the proclaims Dennis's innocence. Samantha is more than ready to begin her life with Dennis and start their happy life together as husband and wife, but as their time together begins to grow, things are not what they seem. Why is Samantha growing suspicious of the man she once trusted with all her might?
The Innocent Wife is a quick, light mystery that will hook you in from the beginning. I was deeply drawn into Amy Lloyd's interpretation of society's interest in these Making a Murderer-esque shows and her original storytelling thereafter. When you first pick up this book, you will feel as if this is a typical suspense story and that you have it all figured out, but you're wrong. The Innocent Wife goes from zero to sixty real fast, with no lack of emotion and suspense. If you like Ruth Ware and Riley Sager, you'll love this one. I have always wondered what the perspective was from the eyes of these people who marry inmates in jail. I wonder, 'what are they thinking?', 'are they desperate?', 'are they mentally sound?'. These types of questions do not go unnoticed in this novel.
Thank you Hanover Square Press for my advanced copy for an honest review.
Merged review:
Well... any time I start a new book and finish it within the same day will always get a 5 star rating from me. I picked up The Innocent Wife this morning on my subway commute to work and couldn't put it down! I read it during my lunch break, commute home, on the stair master (I literally kept going until my legs tired—so keep that in mind if you need a cardio read), and when I got home. It was just that addicting!
Twenty years ago, high school jock, Dennis Danson was arrested for the murder of Holly Michaels in Red River County, Florida. The death of Holly Michaels sparked a nationwide investigation into the deaths of several other women in the small rural town—sending shockwaves through the media. Dennis's story is picked up by a documentary team and the rest is history. Dennis is a worldwide topic, gathering the attention of many celebrities, politicians, influencers, and 31 British schoolteacher Samantha. Samantha becomes immersed in Dennis's story and becomes an active member in the online following that he has garnered. After a brutal break up with her boyfriend Mark, Samantha goes out on a limb and decides to write Dennis and try to show him support. Samantha is surprised when Dennis appreciates the introduction and the two begin to have a budding relationship. It isn't long before Samantha and Dennis are married. As the case continues to gain recognition, evidence is released the proclaims Dennis's innocence. Samantha is more than ready to begin her life with Dennis and start their happy life together as husband and wife, but as their time together begins to grow, things are not what they seem. Why is Samantha growing suspicious of the man she once trusted with all her might?
The Innocent Wife is a quick, light mystery that will hook you in from the beginning. I was deeply drawn into Amy Lloyd's interpretation of society's interest in these Making a Murderer-esque shows and her original storytelling thereafter. When you first pick up this book, you will feel as if this is a typical suspense story and that you have it all figured out, but you're wrong. The Innocent Wife goes from zero to sixty real fast, with no lack of emotion and suspense. If you like Ruth Ware and Riley Sager, you'll love this one. I have always wondered what the perspective was from the eyes of these people who marry inmates in jail. I wonder, 'what are they thinking?', 'are they desperate?', 'are they mentally sound?'. These types of questions do not go unnoticed in this novel.
Thank you Hanover Square Press for my advanced copy for an honest review. ...more
This book is insightful and really makes you think. I highly suggest reading Glennon Doyle's new book while in quarantine because it really is just a This book is insightful and really makes you think. I highly suggest reading Glennon Doyle's new book while in quarantine because it really is just a great "feel good" type of book. I really felt much better about my current surroundings. I didn't identify with everything that the book talks about, but the pieces that I did, really hit home for me. I feel like a better person after finishing this book....more
Stillhouse Lake was only the beginning. Gwen Proctor has been betrayed and trapped with her two children, Lanny and Connor. Gwen's husband—serial killStillhouse Lake was only the beginning. Gwen Proctor has been betrayed and trapped with her two children, Lanny and Connor. Gwen's husband—serial killer Melvin Royal has planned his revenge on his ex wife. Melvin's master scheme has been meticulously planned for years—including a cyber security spider web, dark net trafficking, and an operative set of cult-like followers. Killman Creek takes Gwen and company to the darkest levels of modern day crime. Melvin Royal isn't the only criminal at play this time, but who else? This time around is Melvin Royal only a pawn in a much bigger, sinister, evil chess game—but who's leading the game?
When I first read Stillhouse Lake, I was completely addicted. I fell in love with Gwen, her children, and her allies. I was rooting for them! I immediately ran to Amazon and pressed "buy now" without question. It was like it was a reflex or something involuntary. Excited to pick up Killman Creek, I began immediately and was excited to see what was next for the Proctors. This book differs from Stillhouse Lake in many ways and I want to break it down for you because this read is not going to be for everybody, but I hope everybody who read Stillhouse Lake reads this!
When reading Stillhouse Lake, we are greeted to a backstory and only get bits and pieces of the story, leading up to suspenseful chapters and moments that could tingle up your spin. With Killman Creek, forget it because that will not happen. This read is not so much suspense, but more of an action-packed thriller. That's not to say it isn't worthy of a five star rating! I was so hooked right from the beginning. Killman Creek basically starts with chaos and continues its action until the very end. If you liked Stillhouse Lake, Killman Creek blows it out of the water! ...more
Mister Tender's Girl is one sick, twisted, WILD RIDE! Wow... I feel like I just got off of a roller coaster and my brain is still rattling. I needMister Tender's Girl is one sick, twisted, WILD RIDE! Wow... I feel like I just got off of a roller coaster and my brain is still rattling. I need to take deep breaths while I write this because I'm still gasping.
Alice, what did the penguin always tell you?
Alice Hill is fourteen years old when she was horribly attacked by two of her classmates and left for death. Melinda and Sylvia Glassin both claim that they repeatedly stabbed Alice because it was a sacrifice to Mister Tender, a fictional character in a popular graphic novel series created by Alice's father. Alice, her mother, and her brother Thomas all leave their home in England and forge to the United States. After bouts of depression, drug abuse, and failed attempts to overcome the grief of her attack, Alice moves to Manchester, New Hampshire and changes her name. Alice Hill is now Alice Gray—resident coffee shop owner and fitness enthusiast. Alice's typical day includes working at her coffee shop, boxing sessions at the gym, and intense panic attacks about her past at night. As her time in Manchester develops, Alice is noticing subtle hints around her that seem off-balance. Alice quickly learns that someone is watching her and it might not be someone who just wants to talk.
Mister Tender's Girl is so original it's not even funny. I haven't read a thriller like this one that completely kept me guessing until the end. Not going to lie though, I was initially drawn into this story by the cover as it has such a beautifully/creepily crafted design to it. I swear these eyes on the cover follow me everywhere! This book is a detail-oriented, no plot left unhinged kind of story that will draw you in immediately from the beginning. Carter Wilson expertly exposes the vulnerabilities of this novel's primary and secondary characters without going off-topic. I was so engulfed into this story, snagging little moments throughout my day to read this story—whether it be on the subway, before my day in the office, checking the tree at Rockefeller Center (DON'T JUDGE ME!), or late up at night. I thoroughly enjoyed Wilson's creative approach in drawing out the plot without giving too much information. Each chapter gave me snippets of the foundation to a major puzzle that needed more information before it could be solved. There was never a "ah-hah!" moment until the very end for me here, and that is really important to me if you want to maintain my interest.
Mister Tender's Girl will be released February 2018 and I thank Source Books for providing this advanced copy for my honest review. I can't wait to hear what you think about this one!
Now then, if you get the sudden urge to start trusting someone, be smart and do away with it....more
Oh, don't mind me—I'm just trying to pick my jaw up from the floor as we speak. Her Last Day by TR Ragan is just a whirlwind of everything I love Oh, don't mind me—I'm just trying to pick my jaw up from the floor as we speak. Her Last Day by TR Ragan is just a whirlwind of everything I love in an action-packed thriller. I've never read anything by TR Ragan before, but you have just earned yourself a new fan. Her Last Day is the beginning of Ragan's Jessie Cole series, and can be compared to notable works like UNSUB by Meg Gardiner or the upcoming Two Girls Down by Louisa Luna. The story starts off with tragedy as private investigator Jessie Cole and crime reporter Ben Morrison both suffer major losses that will ultimately affect them in the future. Unbeknownst to either of the two, this tragic event will intertwine them forever. As Jessie juggles her life as a private investigator, she also has the responsibility of raising her niece Olivia, while also navigating her relationship/non-relationship with Colin who she's shared a difficult past with. Set in Sacramento, California, the media is in a frenzy over this Heartless Killer that nobody can seem to get any dirt on. Who is this killer? Why doesn't he have a set pattern like other serial killers? And why does he get a kick out of torturing his victims in such vindictive, sadistic ways? As Jessie gets roped into a missing person's case, Ben tries to get to the truth of their shared series of unfortunate events 10 years ago. Who would have thought everything has a connection?
I knew that I'd love Her Last Day from the moment I got to Chapter 2—SERIOUSLY! This book alternates through different plot twists and turns while not being too over the top for a 300-page read. We not only get into the perspective of this Heartless Killer, but we also see how these characters struggle through various levels of conflict. We see secondary and tertiary plot developments grow and hinder Jessie and Ben, while also providing a catalyst for the main overarching story. I think this is a type of read that you really need to go in blind to truly enjoy. It's wickedly smart and super immerse and I guarantee that you'll be on the edge of your seat until the very end.
Thank you Wunderbooks PR for my copy. It was a pleasure to read and review this story! ...more
If you enjoy the tv channel Investigation Discovery or shows like Forensic Files, then Andrew Mayne's The Naturalist is the perfect rea3.5/5 stars
If you enjoy the tv channel Investigation Discovery or shows like Forensic Files, then Andrew Mayne's The Naturalist is the perfect read for you! It is a quick, dark read that doesn't sugar coat the plot, while not explicitly getting too grotesque. The story starts off with Dr. Theo Cray being questioned about the disappearance of one of his past students, Juniper, who police claim has a direct link to Dr. Cray. After routine questioning, police confirm Juniper's death as an accidental bear attack in the nearby woods. Dr. Cray, professor and biologist, can't leave well enough alone because if Juniper was a dedicated student of his, she would know how to react to a bear in the woods. As Dr. Cray investigates the small Montana town that he's visiting, he begins to see how a town crippled by drugs, poverty, and a lack of education can only continue on by keeping their darkest secrets hidden. Through Dr. Cray's investigation, he realizes that things aren't always what it may seem.
The Naturalist was very different read for me—it had a lot of science background in it that I was not familiar (nor really wanted to be familiar) with, while keeping me on the edge of my seat by keeping the mystery at bay. Dr. Cray was sarcastic, witty, and a profound protagonist for me. This book is approximately 400 pages, but the dialogue isn't overtly sophisticated so you can easily brush through this read quickly. The Naturalist's storyline was very original in a sense that it took key common themes (i.e.: drugs, town corruption, crime), and interweaving it into a robust plot development. I would also recommend anyone who enjoys anything by David Bell or Noah Hawley to definitely pick this one up. I immediately got Bring Her Home and Before The Fall vibes as I was trekking on with the story although neither book is similar in terms of content.
This book will not be for everyone—I'm telling you now. If you really aren't into the multifaceted world of biology, genetics, DNA, etc; this isn't the read for you. At points The Naturalist can be a little too technical and I had to catch myself from skipping through those sections. Once I was about 1/3 of the way into the story, I actually began to care more about the characters and was focused on finishing.
I was provided a copy of The Naturalist in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Wunderbooks PR, it was a pleasure....more
Hold up, let me pick my jaw up from the floor please. Wow.
Alice Feeney's Sometimes I Lie is a prime example of how unreliable narrator4.5/5 stars.
Hold up, let me pick my jaw up from the floor please. Wow.
Alice Feeney's Sometimes I Lie is a prime example of how unreliable narrators should be! We start the story with Amber Reynolds in a coma fighting for her life and confused as to how she got there. Her sister Claire and husband Paul are both extremely worried for her and can't provide any additional information on how Amber ended up in the hospital. The points of view for Sometimes I Lie balance between current day comatose state Amber, the events leading up to how she ended up in the hospital, and a series of diary entries from the early 1990s. Together, each storyline compiles together to provide you with a robust, deeply rooted, and engaging narrative.
I really can't go into the plot more than I already have and trust me, you'll thank me for that later. One of the best unreliable narrators that has ever been provided to me is in this story. There were moments where I was completely shocked, confused, and engaged—all because this story is just one big puzzle, slowly giving you puzzle pieces as the story moves on. I enjoyed trying to follow the story, while being given a new sliver of information along the way. Sometimes I Liestarted a little slow and disjointed for me which is why I cannot give this a full 5 star rating, but once the story began to unfold I was hooked! Sometimes I Lie can provide you all the similar characteristics that you've come to love about a psychological thriller, but without all the unnecessary secondary plotlines that are regurgitated from past novels to elongate the narrative. It's a quick read, but also very enchantingly dark.
Thank you Netgalley and Flatiron Books for this advance copy in exchange for my honest review....more
Well.... it's happened everybody. I promised myself that I would never give a 1 star review for a book. I really tried to like this book, but it was pWell.... it's happened everybody. I promised myself that I would never give a 1 star review for a book. I really tried to like this book, but it was painful to even get to the end. Barbara Michaels' Witch is set in rural Virginia, where Ellen March purchases a farmhouse to reside in with lots of land, with a humble, quaint, small town atmosphere. Prior to purchasing the house, Ellen is warned by the current owner about the rumors surrounding the property—the myth of a witch's ghost haunting the premises. Unfazed, Ellen excitedly purchases the property and seeks to set a new life for herself. She meets with the local townsfolk, neighbors; and learns more about the town and the ghost story surrounding her property. As her time at her new property lingers, Ellen quickly finds out that a witch would be the least of her problems.
Alright alright alright—this book bored me to death. I really wanted to like this book after seeing it on a fan-site (forgot where). I wanted to pick up an older book that hasn't been on my feed and show some support. I know my tolerance for formal writing has dissipated over the years, but the dialogue between Ellen and the secondary characters was brutal. I am aware that Witch was originally published in the 1970s, and I really did take that into account but I don't care what decade this is in, the language used by Barbara Michaels was ridiculous. The other excruciating focus of this book for me was that it was hardly about the witch and more about Ellen's drama with her neighbors. W.H.O. C.A.R.E.S.?
Sorry to be such a Debbie Downer but this was just a painful and boring read. Maybe I'll just stick to contemporary works from now on. If you had a good time with Witch, please let me know! I'm curious to hear other opinions....more
There comes a point in every bibliophile's life where you find a book that is so unsettling, dark, and scary that it completely changes your perspectiThere comes a point in every bibliophile's life where you find a book that is so unsettling, dark, and scary that it completely changes your perspective on how you view a normal thriller/horror read and how you view a masterpiece in action. Ladies and gentlemen, UNSUB is this masterpiece! Wow... I hope I can give this review any justice, but let's see.
UNSUB initiates the story with father and police officer Mack Hendrix running a mission to capture San Francisco's deranged serial killer, nicknamed The Prophet. The Prophet has been known to leave riddles to justify the murder and torture of people and has never been caught. Hmm... sounds like the Zodiac killer? Flash-forward to the present day, 20 years after Mack's investigation has gone cold, young Caitlin Hendrix has followed in her father's footsteps and has begun to pick up the pieces. After coming across a murder that is eerily similar to the plethora of murders done by The Prophet, the Bay Area police initiate a once-cold, now super-hot investigation for him. Caitlin's life is completely engulfed in The Prophet's sinister and wicked games, but can she crack the code and stop this sick and twisted madman before it's too late?
As Caitlin gets closer and closer to the case, questions arise that need answers. Is this a copycat case? How and why has The Prophet returned after decades of tranquility? What do these riddles and clues mean? This killer tortures his victims before killing them, calls/contacts the victims' families repeatedly to taunt and torment them, and speaks with the press—he has no conscience. What can Caitlin do that hasn't already been done? Time is against her this time around and she needs to solve this case before it consumes her.
UNSUB is my first read by Meg Gardiner and I'm telling you now, Ms. Gardiner I AM AT YOUR MERCY. #queen #slay. I have never been so frightened by a book before—so frightened that I had trouble walking around my residence yesterday and ran to bed and shut the door! UNSUB is the type of book that not only resonates with any thriller book junkie, but will have a lasting impact on you. People are comparing this book to the tv series Criminal Minds, but I've never watched it. I can see people comparing this novel to The Saw Series, because it's not only a crime-fiction horror, but also one big puzzle that you need to solve while reading. Forget about my 2017 favorite reads, UNSUB is the most intelligently written crime fiction novel I've ever read....more
Louisa Luna's Two Girls Down is a binge-worthy whodunnit crime fiction novel that realistically paints how rural America is affected by today's drLouisa Luna's Two Girls Down is a binge-worthy whodunnit crime fiction novel that realistically paints how rural America is affected by today's drug epidemic. The story starts off with single mother Jamie Brandt taking her two daughters Kylie and Bailey to the mall so they can get a gift for Kylie's friend's birthday party. Jamie is a struggling single parent in a town where income inequality is rampant. Denville, Pennsylvania is a small town outside of Philadelphia—modest, poor, ignorant, and proud, 'Murica. After Jamie returns from the mall to get her daughter's friend a gift, she is startled to see that her daughters are missing. The kidnapping of Kylie and Bailey Brandt has received considerable attention in the news; throwing the town of Denville on a loop. The police force is struggling to find any leads, so the Brandt family hires private investigator Alice Vega to help with the case.
Alice Vega is a no-nonsense Californian who acts first and speaks later. She has an impeccable track record in finding missing children, arriving to Denville and ready to investigate. The town doesn't take to Alice very well—they too proud to accept her services. Alice quickly starts figuring out that things in Denville aren't exactly what they seem. Everyone has an alibi, everyone has a story, but who has something to gain from these two missing girls?
Two Girls Down was a very interesting read for me because when I first picked it up, I was initially thinking, "oh this will be just like every other crime fiction/detective novel", but I was happily mistaken. Alice Vega might actually be my favorite heroine of all time. She is a bad ass to the Nth degree! She is witty, strong, funny, smart—ugh I can keep going. I really hope Louisa Luna continues writing stories including Alice Vega because she really is just amazing and nothing I can say here can perfectly describe how much I fangirl over her. Alice Vega easily gives me the ability to give this read a 4 star rating without even batting an eye.
I also really enjoyed the way the plot began to unfold before my eyes. I really thought this story was going to take a certain turn, but I was pleasantly surprised to be proven wrong. It kept me on my toes and captured my attention. The story unfolds in an interesting, unique way; without the gimmicky plot twists that many novels are throwing out there to try to shock the reader. Ms. Luna also intelligently mentions the drug epidemic sprawling throughout America; showcasing it through the town of Denville and its inhabitants. I really haven't picked up anything recently that portrays that aspect of American society and it was something that actually made me take a second to think about. It was a really robust story that pieced everything together seamlessly.
Two Girls Down will be released January 9, 2018. Thank you Doubleday Books for my advanced copy for my honest review. ...more
Joe Nesbø's Macbeth is a standalone retelling of William Shakespeare's Macbeth with a modern day, Joe Nesbø crime fiction spin that we all love anJoe Nesbø's Macbeth is a standalone retelling of William Shakespeare's Macbeth with a modern day, Joe Nesbø crime fiction spin that we all love and respect from the Stephen King of police drama novels. The novel starts sets the stage in the 1970s, in a destitute, crime and drug ridden town in rural Norway, where the townsfolk are ruled by addiction. Both drug ring leaders, Sweno and Hecate, are the supreme leaders of the organized crime and drug power in the town. Another ruler of the town is Lady, who owns and operates the town's casino, Inverness. After a successful crime bust, Macbeth is promoted to the Head of the Organized Crime Unit. Through manipulation and the thirst for power, the shift of balance in the crime force is completely descended. If you are a lover of William Shakespeare or the New York production of Sleep No More, I encourage you to check this story out.
My rating I am giving this story right down the middle 3 stars out of 5 and I'll tell you why. Although I'm not the biggest Shakespeare fan, I do enjoy Macbeth and was excited to pick up this retelling. I have broken down reasons why Joe Nesbø's upcoming book gets a right down the middle review for me.
1. The characters in this story are very similar to Shakespeare's story. Mainly, most of the characters are named exactly as their original counterparts, which at first was interesting, but then sort of bored me. I've read other retellings where the cast of character slightly deviate from the characterization in their original work and it has worked astoundingly for me. It allows the reader to not guess the next steps of each character and also not be bored by a story that they've read or heard already. It keeps the reader engaged, focused, and confused (but in a good way!). This was my main concern about this story and I felt the need to get that out there first before getting into the good stuff.
2. In contrast to the character originality, the story presented to us is uniquely defined and was masterfully done. Rather than the story be about royals and servants, this retelling involves crime units and drug lords–still interconnecting the main themes that you come to expect with this story: manipulation, power, greed. These centralized themes are portrayed perfectly from the moment you crack open the book, until the final chapter. Human behavior can be it's own worst enemy.
3. This was my first read by Jo Nesbø, but everyone I know has been raving about him for a long time so I figured, let me start off with a standalone and see what I thought. Jo Nesbø is truly an artist when it comes to creating the picture with words. I could picture exactly what Nesbø was describing and it was incredibly captivating for me. He can uniquely describe a setting better than most authors I've come across lately, and that is a skill that can't be taught
My final thoughts: If you've never read Macbeth or absolutely loved it, pick up this book! If you're hesitant because you know what happens already, or want something a little more original–maybe sit this one out. Retellings can be difficult to review, because everyone has a different emotional attachment to the story being reenacted and I truly believe that this story will also be polarizing.
Macbeth will be released in April 2018. I was provided an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review....more
Margot Hunt's Best Friends Forever is a deeply engaging, light mystery surrounding the unorthodox friendship between Alice Campbell and Kat Grant.Margot Hunt's Best Friends Forever is a deeply engaging, light mystery surrounding the unorthodox friendship between Alice Campbell and Kat Grant. Alice is a logician and former teacher turned children's logic book writer, with a husband and two kids living in a modest household in Jupiter, Florida. On her way back from a family trip in New York, Alice meets Kat Grant, an extremely flamboyant, welcoming, and insanely rich construction empire heiress. The two women immediately hit it off and forge a friendship. Flash-forward to the present day, Alice is greeted by two detectives wanting to speak with her in regards to the mysterious death of Kat's husband Howard. Howard was an abusive, alcoholic, womanizing disgrace of a husband to Kat, so was his death a consequence of foul play?
Alice sits down with police and discusses her friendship with Kat, her marriage to Howard, and the background information that the police may find pertinent to the investigation. Afterwards, Alice is shunned and immediately ghosted by Kat and her family. Why has her best friend so able to immediately cut her from her life? Are the Grants hiding something? Alice quickly questions her friendship with Kat and everything she's come to understand about the Grant family crashes into turmoil. How far will people go to manipulate the lives of others to get what they want?
Best Friends Forever is a fun read that is not only interesting, but also very easy to follow. It's definitely not the most original story by any means, and I immediately knew how the story was going to unfold, but I kept churning through to the end. I just needed to know how it unfolded and if my suspicions are correct. Best Friends Forever intelligently portrays the depth of how low some people will go to prey on the weaknesses of others, while also showing the the facets of the human psyche. If you are ready for a light story for a rainy/lazy day, this book may be a good contender to pick up. ...more
Michael J. Malone's House of Spines is a poetically written gothic ghost story, weaving in family dynamics, tragedy, and some romance in between. Michael J. Malone's House of Spines is a poetically written gothic ghost story, weaving in family dynamics, tragedy, and some romance in between. The story starts off with 20-something year old Ranald McGhie meeting with his family attorney after his Great-Uncle, Alexander Fitzpatrick passes away and leaves his beautiful Victorian mansion to him, with the condition that the library stay in tact and the housekeeper and her husband maintain their own cottage on the property. Ranald is skeptical because his relationship with his Great-Uncle is non-existent, but little does he know, his uncle has been watching him from afar, proudly ready to hand the keys of the kingdom to Ran. Ran learns the hard way how family dynamics could get the worst of you when it comes to life and death. People can be brutal when it comes to money and inheritance, leaving the forces of human nature to take their victims unwillingly.
House of Spines was a very different read for me because it was a gothic-yet not scary, ghost story intertwined with real life issues that could affect anyone at any given moment. We all could either have experienced or know someone who has experienced family death, mental illness, sexual promiscuity, divorce, financial instability, and betrayal. Michael Malone beautifully blends these themes throughout the story without going overboard; allowing human nature to provide the outcomes to this conflicts. The writing style at some points tended to lull me or lose my focus, but the story really kept me focus on what was going to happen. It could be a bit of a slow-burn in terms of action, but I wouldn't necessarily categorize this book as a slow burn because there was enough of the story to go around. With a unique story and very satisfying ending, I was very pleased to finish this novel and look forward to reading more from Mr. Malone....more
I already know that you are all going to kill me with this review. I know, I know, I hate me too. Don't you hate when everyone you know in the bookstaI already know that you are all going to kill me with this review. I know, I know, I hate me too. Don't you hate when everyone you know in the bookstagram and Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ communities are raving about an upcoming book, you get your hands on said book, and all you can say when it's over is "MEHHHHHHHHHHHH?! As always, let me debrief you on the synopsis and then divulge into my 3 star rating (if I can make it that far without one of you trying to end me).
The Chalk Man alternates between 1986 and 2016 with a full set of uniquely cast of characters for us all to enjoy. Eddie, Fat Gav, Hoppo, Nicky, and Mickey are all on the on-set of adolescence where they are teetering on the joys of youth, while also deeming themselves as young adults. Without giving too much of the story away, Eddie and his friends start creating a secret code using chalk figures throughout the town. This secret code ironically ends up mysteriously leading the group to a dismembered body in the woods. WHAT? HOW? Who's behind this?
Flash-forward to 2016, the group has all "moved-on" from this Chalk Man hysteria and have grown apart for the most part, until one day Eddie gets a letter in the mail containing a chalk stick figure. After further investigation, Eddie realizes that the entire friend group has received this same letter. Eddie decides that once and for all he needs to get to the bottom of this case and settle it, but the main question here remains—why does he care so much?
*takes a deep breath* OK well that synopsis sounds great, right?! Well, as you can see with my 3 star review, I broke it completely down the middle. There were points in The Chalk Man where I felt that the story deserved a 4 star rating and there were other points in the story where I felt that this book deserved a 2 star rating. I will go over my dilemma with you right now.
The Writing C.J. Tudor has an amazing talent as a writer! I cannot fathom how this is her debut novel because she expertly crafts a story here for your enjoyment. She's better than many pro's I've seen lately and that in itself is a feat of it's own. However, the story is written in past-tense and when I'm reading a First Person POV narrative, I'd rather the writing be written in the present-tense so I can feel like I'm there and actually being thrown into the story. With the POV being in past-tense, I kinda felt like I was sitting down on a couch with my grandpa where he tells me all the stupid shit he got away with doing when he was a kid—a time where things were simpler. I tried to get past (*badum tish*) this annoyance, but it was really hard to when the plot began to get juicy. C'est la vie.
The Plot The story in The Chalk Man is rather original and unique in its own way. I did get Stranger Things and IT vibes, but the story here rests on its own accord. At 277 pages, I felt that this story lacked an initial hook to keep me engaged to the story. It took me three days to get through this story and at some points, I wanted to just stop reading and start skimming. NO DENNIS, WE CAN'T DO THAT. This story could be called a slow-burn as it takes forever to get to anything of real sustenance, but for such a short narrative—it shouldn't be.
Once we got to the "meat and potatoes" of the story, my thoughts on the plot bumped up to 4 stars and I was secretly screaming yasssss in my head! However, as the plot amounted to a conclusion, I was equally frustrated as I was in the beginning of this read.
Final Thoughts The Chalk Man is an excellent debut novel with an author who has real, expertly tailored writing skills. CJ Tudor, I cannot wait to read your next book. This isn't the first time I've fallen victim to hype-depression and won't be my last, but I think a good learning lesson for me here is to always give each read a fair chance, rather than always blindly following the hype factor. I do recommend people picking up The Chalk Man as it is an original story with a lot of diverse factors to enjoy that you may not get with "the next Gone Girl-esque types of books that publishers are shoving down our throats....more
I really didn't think I'd find a YA novel before the new year to give 5 stars to, but I'm pleasantly surprised! Lynn Weingarten's Bad Girls5 stars!
I really didn't think I'd find a YA novel before the new year to give 5 stars to, but I'm pleasantly surprised! Lynn Weingarten's Bad Girls with Perfect Faces is the perfect YA quick-read to pick up this year. Main character, high school student Sasha, has a platonic friendship with fellow student Xavier, but dreams to one day make the next step towards having a romantic relationship with him. Sasha sets the perfect night to reveal her true feelings for Xavier—his birthday celebration. Sasha and Xavier have a low key celebration, partying at the local dive bar, and everything is set in motion, until Xavier's ex-girlfriend Ivy shows up. Ivy is a manipulative, impulsive, and a somewhat sociopathic foil to Sasha's plans. Xavier and Ivy end up rekindling their romance that night—spiraling Sasha to the point of no return.
Sasha arrives back at her place and plots her revenge. To prove Ivy's disloyal behavior, Sasha poses as a guy on Instagram and sets up the account perfectly. She plans on catfishing Ivy and showing Xavier exactly what kind of person he is dealing with. That is, until something horribly goes wrong.
Guys and gals, it's happened. I fell in love with a YA novel. Bad Girls with Perfect Faces is campy, dark, dramatic, and the ending is CHILLING. Honestly no tea/no shade, but this is everything that There's Someone Inside Your House tried to be and failed. Sure, the level of campiness here may not be suitable for everyone, but it really is a contemporary piece of a dramatic love story that is not only raw, but captivating (who knew?).
I really enjoyed that this book didn't carry on for longer than it needed to. At less than 300 pages, Ms. Weingarten covers the entire story, throwing twists that you will not see coming along the way. I was happy that this could be finished in either one or two sittings easily. Now what's my next read by Lynn Weingarten?
Ready Player One was the ride of a lifetime! Ernest Cline's soon-to-be-released-as-a-movie dystopian futuristic novel is immersive lik5/5 stars!!!
Ready Player One was the ride of a lifetime! Ernest Cline's soon-to-be-released-as-a-movie dystopian futuristic novel is immersive like no other book that I've ever picked up. It pulls you into a totally new (but very realistic and sadly possible) future world where we meet teenager Wade Watts, a poverty-stricken kid who lives with his aunt in the "stacks" - trailer homes built on top of each other like towers. Wade informs us immediately that it is 2044 and the world has basically gone massively downhill over time. First the Great Recession of 2008 had never ended, then the energy crisis/shortage causes mass hysteria, wars between countries have erupted all over the world (we get hints that the War in Afghanistan is still ongoing) and lastly disruptive climate change has destroyed the natural habitat of the world. Many people are destitute, living in hotel rooms (if they're lucky), while many are homeless and need help from government subsidies. Wade also introduces us to OASIS - Ontologically Anthropocentric Sensory Immersive Simulation, which is an interactive world that people can dive into with their avatars. Think the matrix, but wayyyyyyyyyy cooler. Wade spends most of his time in OASIS; school, avoiding his drug addicted abusive aunt, and trying to find the creater of OASIS, James Halliday's fortune. Mr. Halliday has passed away, leaving his fortune hidden in the game, letting one lucky winner have the possibility of becoming a multi-billionaire! Problem is, corporate conglomerate IOI - Innovative Online Industries is after the fortune too, and they're at a complete advantage because they have the money, power, and influence over modern-day society. In 2044, little hope is promised, but Wade is up for the challenge.
I've been sitting on Ready Player One now for months and kept making excuses on why I should hold off on reading this. I saw a commercial for the movie on a YouTube ad and figured, ugh why not pick it up now so I can complain about how poorly the movie was made, right?! Well, I am so glad I did because I was completely hooked into the story and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I just needed to figure out what was going to happen, who was going to win, and if Wade was going to get the girl! Ready Player One invites you to an ingeniously creative world that is also magnificently written. I was legitimately like a kid in a candy store while reading this book. USA Today calls this "Enchanting...Willy Wonka meets the Matrix." and they hit the nail on the head with this one. I urge you all, please pick this one up before the movie comes out!...more
Roz Nay's Our Little Secret is a delectably dark and twisted thriller that I am now obsessed with! Right from the very beginning, you meet the maiRoz Nay's Our Little Secret is a delectably dark and twisted thriller that I am now obsessed with! Right from the very beginning, you meet the main deck of characters that will come into play here, with the protagonist Angela Petitjean being pulled in by Detective Novak for questioning. Detective Novak is seeking answers to the disappearance to Saskia Parker, but Angela is confused as to why they are keeping her in interrogation. Angela is just leaving out one piece of the puzzle, Saskia is her ex's wife. As things start to unravel, Angela starts letting Detective Novak (and us) in on the past she had with her ex, HP, and how Saskia and HP became a couple and back into Angela's life.
I seriously loved Our Little Secret so much! At 228 pages, it is a quick fast read (read it within a day) that I recommend anyone to pick up if they have a lazy day, beach day, or just want to relax after work. The story is very engaging from start to finish, and leads you to many different possibilities, with an ultimately shocking end. The book is a light read in a sense that it doesn't really dig too deep, which can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on what you're in the mood for. Luckily for me, it's exacting what I wanted. I really loved hearing about Angela's backstory with HP and it made my heart skip a beat or two thinking of what a beautiful romance they shared before things hit the fan. With an unreliable(?) narrator, characters with dark secrets, and a deeply sinister and depressing storyline, it proves that everyone has a past, and some just can't get passed it. ...more
Megan Hunter's The End We Start From is a truly beautiful poetic framework of an eerily possible future that we all should consider. The story staMegan Hunter's The End We Start From is a truly beautiful poetic framework of an eerily possible future that we all should consider. The story starts off with a woman in the hospital about to give labor, nervous about what the news keeps reporting as an impending disaster brewing. Several days later, she has to evacuate with her husband and son to safer grounds. The story vividly portrays the couple seeking refuge, while trying to remain safe and protecting their family. The creepiness factor of this possibly happening is not lost on me here.
The End We Start From can best be described as a bare bones distant cousin to Station Eleven, illuminating a dystopian society beautifully, as the words come across as art. Megan Hunter accurately portrays human emotion in dealing with conflict and natural uprising in times of adversity. This story is relatively short and can be finished in one sitting. If you need a quick read for your daily commute, lunch break, or cardio session; this one could be a contender for you.
Thank you Grove Atlantic/Grove Press for providing me an ARC in exchange for my honest review. It was a pleasure....more
I'm torn between 3.5 stars and 4 stars so I'm rounding up.
Bring Her Home by David Bell is an action packed thriller that can be described as beingI'm torn between 3.5 stars and 4 stars so I'm rounding up.
Bring Her Home by David Bell is an action packed thriller that can be described as being locked stuck in a speeding car, without being given the access to get out! Holy cow, what the hell did I just read? The story takes place with Bill Price, a middle-aged widower running to the hospital after finding out that his daughter Summer is in the emergency room after being severely attacked by a random person. As time progresses, everyone becomes suspect to Bill. Things at the hospital start unraveling at the seams, forcing the police force and the town to continue venturing in different directions. What happened to Summer? What are the motives of this/these horrible human being/s? And why haven't they found the culprit/s?! Who's next and why?
Bring Her Home is such a page turner that you can easily run through this book at an exponential pace. It started off insanely strong and carried some amazing, unforeseen twists and turns along the way, but sort of lulled in the middle. It kept me on the edge of my seat begging for more. I literally wanted to telepath into the book and hug Bill Price and make sure he was ok, which kind of makes me feel like I need a better social life, but also made me realize that I have never sympathized with a protagonist as much as I have with Bill. I really can't divulge more of the story without ruining anything so please take my word for it if you are looking for a new thriller to read while drinking coffee or on your lunch break. David Bell, you have a new fan in me! ...more
Josh Stolberg's Incarnate is a bone chilling, modern-day concoction of The X-Files meets M. Night Shyamalan's Split. Seriously guyA solid 4 stars!
Josh Stolberg's Incarnate is a bone chilling, modern-day concoction of The X-Files meets M. Night Shyamalan's Split. Seriously guys, this book is so original though, it really engaged me from the prologue until the very end. Incarnate takes place in a rural town in Alaska, where Dr. Kim Patterson resides over a stringent hospital. One day, a nineteen year old woman named Scarlett Hascall enters the psychiatric ward of the same hospital Kim works in, and Kim cannot help but get herself involved from the get-go. All evidence points Scarlett as a cold-blooded killer, but how come she can't remember if she is innocent or not? Kim ends up deducting that Scarlett could possibly suffer from dissociative identity disorder, but are her alternate identities benevolent or is there something darker here? Everyone is stumped as they realize that Scarlett's alternate identities also identically relate to people who are turning up missing in town. What is Scarlett up to and can they find out before anyone else gets hurt?
Incarnate is a read that was so unexpected for me, as I really didn't know much about the author or the premise before getting my hands on it. Turns out, Josh Stolberg is a co-writer for the next Saw film, Jigsaw and it totally makes sense. No spoilers here, but there were moments where I had to just pause and take deep breaths because I was so engaged that I ended up feeling what the characters were going through. Ugh, my pinkies still feel weird any time I think about one of the chapters. <--- is that a spoiler? Psshhh... Perfect Halloween read for October. I hope this ends up becoming a series....more
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