Linda
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC by Margarita Montimore. I loved Oona out of order and was so excited to read another book by this author. While I enjoyed this novel of magical realism, I did struggle with it almost as much. I didn't enjoy the podcast sessions, but really enjoyed the part of the story as told by the sister of the missing magician. I found myself fast forwarding the chapters with the podcaster and the “secret identity” person. Overall, I enjoyed it enough to keep listening but it did seem to drag in places.
Elle Cosimano has done it again! I just love this author and her main character. Finlay is a single mom and a writer trying to make ends meet. In book one she stumbles across a gig that lands her some cash. In book two she finds out there's a hit out on her ex husband. She has to find out who the murder for hire is before it's too late, all while dealing with her love life, torn between the hot and cop featured in her books and the hot young guy that seems distant lately. This book will have you laughing all the way as Finlay finds herself in situations that seem nearly impossible to get out of. The author's writing is phenomenal and she's written a character any woman can relate to.
I didn't realize this was a cozy mystery until it was too late. It started out promising but I quickly lost interest as I do with most books of the cozy genre. It's not a bad book, just not my style or speed. If you're like me and hate giving up on books, Chapter 19 gives a great recap of who-done-it and all that jazz.
This book blew me away. One of the best novels I've read this year. Highly recommended for fans who loved, The dry by Jane Harper or The scent of rain and lightning by Nancy Pickard. I love atmospheric novels where the place is as much the story as the characters. The author kept me guessing until the very end of this one. A very well written, engrossing novel, one I won't soon forget. Thank you Netgalley for an ARC of this one! Adding Gudenkauf to my author list after this.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC! This book blew me away. I couldn't stop reading as the plot just kept drawing me in. Three friends embark on a much needed break from their ex's but all of them have secrets they are keeping from each other. A lost car key prevents them from making it to their original destination. Instead, they are stuck in a town and come to find out, they can't escape their ex's after all. A series of events leads to one of them dead and the reader is left hanging until the very end. You think you know who did it, but you really don't. One of my favorite reads so far for 2022!
I read these short stories YEARS ago. One of the first books I purchased. I couldn't recall the entire story but it came flooding back as I listened to it in audio this time around. RPE is an excellent storyteller and his Christmas stories are always among my favorites. But I forgot how incredibly sad this story is. A lot of heartache but also a lot of hope. The characters never give up and pass their life lessons on to others.
Shari Lapena is one of my favorite authors. Not many authors can create characters so miserable and still keep you interested. These people... this family... not happy indeed. I hated every single one of them, but still found myself loving the story and reading on to know who did it. And, I was wrong all along. I was sure I knew who the murderer was... A great mystery that kept me reading and guessing until the end.
2.5 stars. I try not to be super negative as I've never written a novel and try not to judge but this one just didn't cut it for me. For starters, the narrator whisper talks almost the entire novel. Second, I hate it when the main character gives us a play by play of every little thing and questions EVERYTHING and EVERYONE. Third, I wasn't drawn to a single character, they all seemed like horrible people. By the end, I didn't even care who the killer was or why. Just a combination of a lot of things that made this one not for me.
Several friends arrive for what is supposed to be a fun getaway and a fabulous wedding. Instead one ends up dead, while the others are left to come to terms with secrets that were discovered, opening up old wounds, but creating second chances and new beginnings. In the end, the reader is left guessing who did what, and if you're gullible like me, the answers will shock you. I thoroughly enjoyed this mystery and will recommend to patrons! Also a huge thanks to Netgalley! I was able to read AND listen to this one. The narrator was great!
Torn between 3.5 - 5 stars. I didn't love the bulk of this book. Not because it wasn't great, just not my style and not my genre. But that ending was so fabulous. I loved it. Made me tear up a bit. A very sweet, fun book about a group of people who are different in every way but find a home together. A book about prejudices and how they sometimes get in the way of friendships. A book about discovering that although we are all very, very different, we can still work together to become better.
This novel was phenomenal. One of my favorites so far this year. A good mystery that keeps you guessing. I could not stop listening and enjoyed every minute. A fast-paced, non-stop, edge of your seat suspense novel. I was cheering for Lena the entire book! Also, this would make a really great movie. Can't wait to read more by this author!