Jessica Totino

I really appreciate the beautiful writing in this book. The variety of perspectives and the clever twist at the end were both really engaging.

I really enjoyed “First Lie Wins”! This book is different from what I'm used to, but it turned out to be a quick read and an absolute page-turner—I finished it in a single day! The private investigator vibes added a fun twist, drawing me into the mystery from the get-go.

The intricate plot and morally complex characters completely captivated me. Right from the start, I was pulled into a web of lies and deceit, making for a thrilling ride that kept me guessing until the end. The main character's twisting nature and her alibis are as intricate as the plot itself. I found her both fascinating and frustrating; just when I thought I had a handle on her motivations, the narrative would flip, revealing new layers and truths that kept me on my toes.

Ashley Elston does a phenomenal job of crafting a suspenseful atmosphere, with each chapter peeling back more layers of the protagonist's life. The way her alibis unfold—some plausible, others questionable—adds to the tension. I often found myself questioning not only her actions but also the reliability of the people around her. Who can you trust when everyone has something to hide? This theme of deception runs throughout the novel, creating a sense of unease that lingered long after I put the book down.

The pacing is spot-on, with each twist and turn leading to unexpected revelations that kept my heart racing. I appreciated how Elston balanced the suspense with deeper emotional moments, allowing readers to connect with the characters on a personal level. The exploration of trust, betrayal, and the lengths people go to protect themselves made for a thought-provoking read.

Overall, “First Lie Wins” is a gripping psychological thriller that had me hooked from beginning to end. If you're a fan of complex characters and mind-bending plots, I highly recommend picking up this book. It's a wild ride that will keep you guessing, leaving you to ponder the fine line between truth and deception long after you've turned the last page!

In Good Girl, Bad Blood, Pip finds herself reluctantly drawn back into the world of crime-solving, despite promising herself she was done with investigations. This time, her focus shifts when her friend Connor's brother, Jamie, goes missing, and Pip feels a sense of responsibility to help. What's fascinating is how the story explores the psychological toll her past investigation took on her—she's tougher, less idealistic, and even a bit jaded.

Pip's character arc in this book goes to a much darker place. We see her questioning her morals, pushing boundaries, and doing things that would've shocked the Pip we first met. I think Jackson did a great job showing how these experiences are slowly changing her, even blurring her own sense of justice. While I loved how intense and suspenseful the plot was, I couldn't help but feel a little sad for Pip. She's lost some of her innocence, and the toll of constantly uncovering dark truths is clear.

If you enjoyed the first book but are ready for a grittier, more intense story, Good Girl, Bad Blood dives into that moral complexity with Pip's darker side emerging. It adds a whole new layer to her character and really raises the stakes for what she's willing to do in the name of finding the truth.

“Home Is Where the Bodies Are” by Jeneva Rose is a spine-tingling thriller that grips you from the very first page and doesn't let go. The story centers around a young woman returning to her hometown after a devastating personal loss, only to stumble upon a dark web of secrets that lurk beneath its familiar surface. The twist? A VHS tape featuring a dead body that sets off a chain reaction of chilling events that will keep you guessing until the last moment.

Rose expertly blends nostalgia and horror, using the VHS as a haunting metaphor for the past—both its allure and its dangers. As our protagonist digs deeper into the mystery, each frame of that grainy tape unveils more unsettling truths about her hometown and the people in it. This clever intertwining of past and present creates an eerie atmosphere that's as captivating as it is unsettling, immersing you in a world where nothing is as it seems.

The pacing of the novel is electrifying, with every chapter revealing a new layer of intrigue. The tension builds as the protagonist confronts not only the ghosts of her past but also the living who may not be what they appear. Rose's writing is sharp and evocative, perfectly capturing the dread that accompanies every discovery.

And let's not forget the audiobook version—it's a phenomenal way to experience this chilling tale! The narration adds an extra layer of intensity, amplifying the suspense with each twist and turn. The voice acting brings the characters to life in a way that makes the horrifying revelations feel even more visceral.

Overall, “Home Is Where the Bodies Are” is a must-read for anyone who loves a good mystery that keeps you on the edge of your seat. With its compelling premise and spine-chilling plot, this book is a thrilling ride that lingers long after you've turned the last page. So grab your favorite reading nook, press play on the suspense, and prepare for a journey into a darkly captivating world where the past refuses to stay buried!

In “As Good As Dead,” Holly Jackson delivers a gripping conclusion to the thrilling “A Good Girl's Guide to Murder” trilogy, and I must say, it left me both satisfied and a bit shaken. Having followed Pip's journey from the very beginning, I was eager to see how her character would evolve, but I was taken aback by the direction she ultimately took.

The novel picks up with Pip grappling with the aftermath of her previous investigations. The weight of her past decisions looms over her, shaping not just her actions but also her identity. Jackson masterfully captures this internal conflict, delving into themes of morality, justice, and the consequences of seeking the truth. Pip is no longer just the ambitious, clever girl we met in the first book; she's become a more complex, darker version of herself. The surprise twist of Pip's transformation into a morally ambiguous character was both unexpected and riveting. It challenges the reader to reconsider their perceptions of heroism and culpability.

The pacing of the story is impeccable, blending heart-pounding suspense with introspective moments that allow us to witness Pip's emotional turmoil. As she navigates the dangerous path of vigilante justice, I found myself torn—rooting for her as she fights against the injustices surrounding her, while simultaneously questioning the ethics of her methods. Jackson's writing draws you in, making it impossible to put the book down, especially as the stakes get higher.

The supporting characters, too, are richly developed, each adding layers to the narrative and contributing to Pip's evolving perspective. I particularly appreciated how Jackson explores the impact of trauma not only on Pip but on those around her, creating a realistic and relatable tapestry of human experience.

Ultimately, “As Good As Dead” is a compelling exploration of the cost of truth and the moral gray areas we navigate in pursuit of justice. While I loved the book, I was left pondering Pip's fate long after the final page was turned. Holly Jackson has taken a bold risk with her character, and for that, I commend her. It's a thrilling, thought-provoking read that lingers in the mind, prompting us to question how far we would go to protect those we love.

For anyone looking for a captivating conclusion to an unforgettable series, “As Good As Dead” is a must-read. Just be prepared for a wild ride that will challenge your expectations and leave you reflecting on the nature of good and evil.