Natasha
A dark family curse originated when two cousins disappeared from Cape Disappointment over a century ago. Ever since, the women of their bloodline loose themselves, in various terrifying ways, to the ocean. Now, Judith, Meredith and Alice want to put an end to it. But what lies in wait for them, in the darkness of the ocean?
While this is touted at a horror book, I never found it particularly scary. The beginning was the most disturbing part - and very effective. It was well - written, perhaps a little slow in parts, but ultimately kept me hooked.
Without giving too much away - for a book about ghosts haunting from the depths of the ocean, I was able to suspend my disbelief easily. However, there is a certain plot point (quite a major one) surrounding a dweller on an island that was just too far fetched for me. And we never really got an explanation about it.
Many thanks to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Lucy Foley receives some very mixed reviews. There is no denying that her thrillers are very formulaic; there's a cast of characters who all have secrets that are slowly revealed throughout the novel until the reader discovers whodunnit.
Predictable? Maybe. But I always have a fun time.
The Paris Apartment follows Jess after she turns up in Paris (obviously!) to visit her brother at his apartment- but he has disappeared. We get POV's from the other, sometimes sinister, inhabitants of the building until a scandalous truth is revealed.
It's an easy read with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. Perfect beach read material (where I happened to be when I read it).
4.5 stars.
Oh, how I loved this book! It's out of my comfort zone, I'm not usually a fantasy reader, preferring dark and creepy thrillers and ghost stories to other worlds and fairy folk. But I was reading The Twisted Ones by T.Kingfisher, and loving it (and laughing out loud) when I saw this pop up on Netgalley (thank you kindly).
It tells the story of a princess who has to undertake three impossible tasks to win the help of a “dust-wife” (a witch who can speak with the dead) in order to kill a prince. Along the way she meets a cast of loveable, flawed characters as they embark on their quest.
It's a fairytale at heart, but also a tale of found family, sisterhood and determination. Highly recommend.
3.5 stars. In a very similar vein as the Thursday Murder Club, this book follows unlikely detective- 77 year old crossword creator, Judith Potts - as she attempts to solve (Miss marple style) and series of murders in her sleepy little town.
It's a fun, cosy mystery if you are looking for something lighter, and like tea (and whiskey!) with your blood shed and murder.
This is a fast paced, creepy and haunting thriller about families, communities and superstitions.
Six years ago, 14 year old Gabriel disappeared from his rural home. Some claimed he was taken by the devil, some say it was a witch, but no one has answers and he was never found. Now, Alex arrives in a newly established eco-village with her two children wanting a fresh start - only, strange “gifts” keep appearing on their doorstep. Bone. Doll. Blood. Are the events of the past about to repeat themselves?
I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this book.
This is so difficult for me to rate.
For the unique and intricate structure - and the massive effort that must have gone into writing this book - its a clear 5 stars.
I really enjoyed (?) and was intrigued by the actual narrative of the Navidson Report - 4.5 stars
I didn't really care about the Truant narrative (except his childhood history) - 3 stars.
The academic text was dense and at times tedious (yes I understand that was the point - but it was not an enjoyable experience) - 2 stars.
3.5 stars.
The premise of this book immediately grabbed my attention. Twins, Bud and Angel, are kidnapped by a well dressed woman and held as playthings (dolls) for the sinister Alfred, who uses them to recreate some of his past memories. They are not the first dolls in the Dollhouse, nor will they be the last.
At turns both brutal and tender, this is not a story for the feint of heart. Trigger warnings abound (especially for child abuse and bullying), and while the plot always held my attention, something in the writing and character development felt lacking.
I wouldn't call this an easy read, but it was pacey and intriguing. If you liked kidnapped narratives like Room and The Last thing to Burn (although not as successfully executed), you may want to check out The Dollhouse.
I was very disappointed with this book. I really enjoyed the first instalment, but this one just seemed so convoluted and unnecessarily messy - and don't get me started on the love triangle argh! Admittedly - I am not the target audience for this book (maybe its time to give up on YA thrillers?), but the first one was fun and I do so love a good puzzle.
