Maggie
Did you notice this book has no chapters? It's one long story taking place over one day but boy, does it keep you turning pages. You'll ache right along with the protagonist as she searches, despite everyone around her pooh-poohing her concern (even the police) that her teenage daughter has gone missing. And the last 50 pages are as harrowing an ending as I can ever remember. I was on the edge of my chair, so anxious to see how this would all turn out.
This has been a banner year for thrillers centered around social media influencers but that alone isn't enough to make a novel take off. Bradeigh Godfrey knows that, and she wisely didn't fall into the common tropes but crafted a page-turner that upends your expectations and keeps you glued to the story.
The story center around Molly, the influencer, Liv, the sister of a murdered woman, and Scott, Molly's husband and a man who's a big of a recluse and may be hiding secrets of his own. I found all the main characters likeable, and felt I knew where the story was going.
If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, cat and mouse stories, and like spending time on social media, this one's definitely for you.
My thanks to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A few quibbles (see below) but this did keep me turning pages. Tension galore as you read to see if Joan can save herself and her 4-year old son from being killed by two young gunman shooting people for sport at a zoo. Along the way they meet two other people who are also trapped inside who wind up providing invaluable help. Read this in one day (only 275 pages) and it's definitely one to check out.
My quibbles were (1) a third gunman (Destin) is seemingly behind the rampage but he never makes an appearance which made him seem superfluous - why even mention him if we never encounter him? (2) the setting is a zoo yet the author makes almost no use on any of the animals. It would have been interesting to see a lion or rhino escape, perhaps kills one of the perpetrators? (3) what in the world took the police so long to arrive?
Stockwell revisits the South Carolina neighborhood she explored in her debut, this time focusing on two different women - Triss who's trying to find a way out of her working class background to become an attorney and Everymore, a uncertain bride-to-be, who isn't sure her life is headed in the right direction. The two, plus other members of their mobile-home community, bond together to take down an unscrupulous landlord and in the process, discover truths about their lives and the unwavering bonds of friendship that link them. If your a fan of southern tales and uplifting narratives, this book deserves a place in your library.
A poignant and touching tale of trauma, unconditional love between a mother and daughter, and a poignant touching love story as we follow the journey of Sara, raped years ago and raising the daughter Alana that came from that incident, only to encounter her rapist's twin brother Jacob when she relocates back to her hometown to care for her aging father. Lyrical writing from this debut author and powerful reflections on the nature of grace, I look forward to reading more from this author. If you're someone who craves more than plot from your reading, this is one that provides lots to think about as it explores the fragility of human emotions and the idea that people can move beyond trauma to a reintegration and wholeness through understanding and forgiveness.
Wow, this is one fast-paced and engrossing book, I was hooked within just a few paces and found Poe Webb and her true-crime podcast and real-life gruesome family history engaging - she's no saint by any means but the motivation for her actions rang true, Who among us wouldn't want revenge for our mother's brutal stabbing right in front of us or wrestle with how to rid herself of the demonds of revenge and guilt that tear her up inside? Although there was only one major mystery (and I figured out the answer very early on), it didn't lessen my enjoyment - the writing style is simple and chapters are short (over 100 of them), lending a propulsive feel to the read and I liked the juxtaposition of transcripts from the podcast episodes which lent an up close and personal feeling to the narrative. I'm predicting this one will gain a lot of new fans for Carter Wilson.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review
An engaging police procedural with lots of detail about a cold case and the ins and outs of discovering what really happened to Ben's brother on the night of his disappearance. I would have liked a bit more interiority from the main character, more psychological growth as a result of the events he learns about but I enjoyed the narrative and the writing style and found this an engrossing story with a surprising secret that Ben is finally able to uncover after following clue after clue, leading him all over the map.When we learn what really happened on that fateful winter's night, it comes out of left field so not really a “figure it out from the clues” type mystery but one that is satisfying none the less.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review
A lyrical examination of a close-knit midwestern family. The father and three brothers own a roofing company and we follow their lives across decades, as Burns takes us into the intergenerational conflicts and couplings, focusing on not primarily on the four men but instead the two strong and challenging women who come into their lives and change it for better or worse. I fell in love with virtually every character in this story and hated to see the book end.
Burns writes in a clear voice filled with heart and insights into the human condition. While there are stunning events, including one death, that serve as stepping stones in the narrative, it's the interpersonal connections that offer the touching resonance that make this one a top read.
Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 rounded up to 5. The ending, for this reader, was too convoluted - I lost track of what was what and didn't care who the murderer was so much but up to that point, a truly enthralling world with a great deal to say about human's penchant for greed, selfishness, sorrow, kindness, while also working in social commentary, climate issues, and strong familial bonds. Turton is a favorite author and he never disappoints. I enjoyed his comments at the end about writing stand-alones and about the synergy between writer and reader. Made me love him even more.
Well-honed writing, intriguing story, dark southern vibes as two complex young women navigate friendship, romance, coming of age, and family challenges in this often dark compulsive tale centered around a death and a series of arson events in a small Georgia town. It's hard to believe this is a debut - very polished narrative and a book that drew me in and didn't let go.
A touching, poignant story of a family's adjustment to the loss of their pivotal member, the wife, mother and closest friend of the characters. In her trademark lovely style, Quindlen delves into the emotions that come with coping with sudden grief and loss of someone so young and at the high point in their lives. Annie herself, though gone, remains in the hearts of those left behind as they try, each in their own individual way, to find a way through their sorrow to acceptance of their terrible loss.
Highly recommended. My thanks to NetGalley for providing an ARC of this lovely novel.
A light froth of a murder mystery set in Paris and launching what will obviously be a series with Tabitha, a fictional young American woman living with her great-uncle and her grandfather and neighbors (and fellow sleuth) with Julia Child. A fun conceit, giving the author time to explore the City of Lights, culinary treats, and oh, the occasional murder. Fine set of secondary characters although the plot itself was long on coincidence and short on clues that would actually lead to detecting who was behind the murders. If you're in the mood for a 1950's cozy with an interesting concept that doesn't tax your brain cells but offers an intriguing romp, this book's for you.
Generally a book gets stronger as it goes along but unfortunately for me, this one did the opposite. I was immersed in the narrative from the beginning, as we're introduced to a couple just prior to their wedding and her parents, who are still very much in love after years together as well as assorted other characters (work colleagues, best friends, etc.) The writing was well done, the situations realistic, and when an unexpected event out of left field tears the couple apart, I was intriguing to see how not only the couple, but everyone around them, attempted to reboot their lives. The premise was an interesting and unique one and I was hooked until around the middle when things began to go off the rails, pieces kept conveniently falling into place, people acted in uncharacteristic ways, loads of other couples were formed (too many to keep up with) and the straggling threads were so neatly tied up in a bow, I had to wonder if this world was just a little too good to be true.
The characters I love from previous books are back and ths time they're trying to solve the murders of people involved in books - authors, teachers of writing, avid readers. As always, Griffiths prose is smooth and goes down easy and her cast is appealing and well-developed. I thought the mystery behind the deaths was almost secondary to the story of what's happening in these people's lives and the answer kind of came out of nowhere but hey, it was a good read and I was engaged in the narrative so four stars for me.
The very definition of toxic masculinity - and that's probably my biggest criticism of this fast-paced, intriguing, layered, and well-written mystery/suspense addition to the kidnapped women trope - do all the men have to be horribly psychopathically disturbed or else shut down emotionally and non-supportive of the very capable and relateable women? Still, this is top drawer work and deseves the accolades it's getting.
A well-written book that has lots of atmosphere and an in-depth view at the hard life and challenges facing young women who want more from life than staying in the small rural town they were born in but feel pulled in all directions, both by family members and the men in their lives. A dual time-line as two female cousins around 18 look into the disappearance of their beloved female cousin six years ago from their home while she was babysitting them.
The author accurately depicts small town Missouri working-class life and the characters are fleshed out and interesting. However, the ending felt a bit rushed and also came out of left field - a bit bonkers in my opinion so, while that didn't take away from the overall positive review, it did leave me a bit shaking my head.
Parts of this book were fantastic; parts were too long and muddled. POV was not always clear and at times, there were just too many characters to keep track of. That said, it also read nothing like (in either over-all style or voice) Finn's first book, almost as though it was written by someone else. I enjoyed the first half more than the second; perhaps it was just writer fatigue because I did think the last 100 pages were a slog to get through, while the first 100 kept me enthralled. It won't be for everyone, that's for sure, but I am glad I read it and there are passages that will stick with me. Plot-wise, it took me quite a while to catch the clues - I would have liked more of Sebastian, less of Madelaine but that's just me. If you enjoy intricate plots and spooky old mansions and a wide cast of possibly shady characters, this one should be on your list,
A thoroughly immersive Dark Academia read, Stacy Willingham's “Only If You're Lucky” is told in two timelines with a single POV character. Margot is a shy college sophomore, trying to fit in but still reeling from the death of Eliza, her best friend in high school. When Lucy, a charismatic force of nature, “adopts” her and invites her to move into an off-campus house next door to a fraternity, Margot eagerly joins Lucy's tight-knit circle and we're off to the races in this blend of psychological insight with a twisty plot. Not all the characters are likeable or reliable, (they party endlessly) but the escapades ring true for twenty-somethings who are feeling their way toward adulthood.
There's an underlying feeling of tension throughout, particularly when Levi, the boy Margot suspects of killing Eliza, joins the fraternity and wedges himself into Margot's orbit. Willingham paints a picture of a world in which it's not only your enemies but your friends you need to watch out for.
This was a compelling mix of suspense and character exploration. Not your typical twist-a-minute thriller so if a slower pace bothers you, this might not be for you. But I for one appreciated the deeper exploration of what each girl was going through as well as the intriguing mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review.
Three separate stories finally come together at the end - lots of balls in the air but Finlay made them all make sense. A little violent in some parts for my taste (I like my murders off camera and not all that descriptive) but otherwise, engaging characters, solid plot, kept me engaged, and some glimmers of possible sequel. This one is a good one. Read it one day and my thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur for the advance copy.
A fun romp with a solid mystery behind it - enjoyable central character surrounded by various people who might conceivably have “done it” - Annie's great-aunt Frances always believed the fortune-teller's promise, that eventually she would be murdered. This comes true within the first pages and Annie becomes the amateur sleutch, fending off suspicious relatives, friends from Frances' past and assorted workers around the estate. Everyone seems to have a motive, some lying in the past, some very much in the present. Like Annie, you never quite know who's an ally and who's untrustworthy. Kept my attention. Well-written, well-paced and a good palate cleanser after one too many spooky thrillers. Will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries with intrepid young female detectives saving the day.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
What a gem of a novel. This sweeping saga of one man's journey from WWII Germany to America, from his family roots as a Jewish citizen in a war-torn country to his training as a Ritchie Boy, a group of young men in the United States tasked with interrogating prisoners on the front line and later serving as military intelligence officers. We see Max and his family struggle as they realize the precariousness of their situation – being Jews in a Nazi state puts them at grave risk and indeed, eventually Max's parents are killed. Everything he was raised to believe is called into question as countrymen betray friends and neighbors and he's forced to make hard choices that challenge his loyalty and his honor.
It's refreshing to read about a hero acting on moral principles, staying true to his code. The meticulous research that went into this novel shows in every line, as we the reader are right there with Max as he experiences challenge after challenge. This may have been written, as the author shares, as a tribute to her beloved father-in-law, but it's a story for the ages.
Highly recommended for its attention to detail but also for the broader picture it paints on a man who faced almost insurmountable odds yet emerged as a true patriot. If you're a fan of historical fiction, a lover of WWII tales, or just someone who enjoys terrific fiction, you won't be disappointed in Max's War.
Read in one day - I was enthralled and couldn't wait. I needed to see how it turned out. The ending stretched my credulity a bit but never mind, it was a fabulous read. A legal thriller, the story of a complicated inter-faith marriage, a missing teenager, a creepy neighbor, several last-minute twists I did not anticipate. Highly recommend.