Natasha
This is the first Covid novel I've read, and Catherine Ryan Howard uses lockdown as a great literary and mystery device. Two people (who have just started dating) enter lockdown together. Only one will leave alive.
The novel jumps between perspectives and time frames until you get the broader picture. This was sometimes jarring and frustrating (especially when you had to read through the same scene from a different perspective), but on the whole 56 Days is a twisty, well written, fast paced mystery/ thriller. The irony is not lost on me that I read this through my 3rd lockdown (everyone in my household got out alive though - despite homeschooling
4.5 stars. I was not a huge fan of The Silent Patient (unpopular opinion I know!) so no one is more surprised than me that The Maidens absolutely enthralled me. I love a bit of dark academia, secret university cults and creepy professors. And the best part was - I did not predict the ending. My mind usually goes to dark places, but damn this was dark AF. Glad I gave this author a second chance.
Bookworms love books about books right? Add a bit of plagiarism, threatening letters and mysterious ‘real life' connections and you have a cracker of a thriller.
When struggling writer turned teacher, Jacob Finch Bonner, hears an unbelievable plot from an asshole of a student, he is more than a little bitter about it. How could such an undeserving novice writer come up with such a sure fire bestseller plot? Years later, Jacob discovers however, that this explosive book was never published. So he decides to “borrow” the plot. He could do it better anyway right?
You just know this is not going to end well.
This book was compulsively readable and twisty. The only reason it didn't get the full 5 stars was because I guessed all the twists. That is not to say that they were predictable, just that my mind goes to dark places (lol).
3.5 stars. Folklore meets thriller in this page turning new novel from Little Darlings author Melanie Golding. A child is abandoned on the seashore and is later claimed by her frantic mother who lost her. Only, it isn't her mother.
So begins the story of a loner, Ruby, who becomes entangled in the lives of her neighbours- Gregor, the charismatic charming man, Leonie - his adorable daughter and Constance - his mysterious, aloof and seemingly unhinged ex partner. But all is not as it seems ..... (da da da!!)
While this wasn't the most shocking thriller I've read, and sometimes the characters' choices made me want to throw the book across the room, I thoroughly enjoyed my time with it.
3.5 stars. Jade is Proofrock's “horror girl.” She seen all the movies, knows all the rules and tropes about slashers, and is pretty sure that her little town is about to get its very own maniacal killer. All signs point to it. Two random tourists are killed while skinny dipping a the lake, a massive development is being constructed near “Camp Blood” and Jade is convinced she has met the ultimate “final girl”(Letha). The stage is set. But the authorities don't believe her, and is this killer a monster? A supernatural being? Or a resident of the town hell bent on revenge? It's up to Jade to educate Letha in all things slasher - before it's too late.
Firstly, let me say, there is a lot to like about this book. It discusses and explores the gore and campy nature of 80's slasher films in quite a bit of detail. Being a child of the 80's (and probably - no definitely- way too young to watch Jason and Freddy slice their way through a group pf promiscuous teens) this book brought back a kind of nostalgia (be it one of nightmares) that I really enjoyed.
The beginning and end of the book were great, edge of your seat stuff. But the middle felt unnecessarily prolonged. And, unfortunately, I didn't really care about most the characters who fell victim to the slasher.
However, I am sure most horror fans will devour this book and love the grizzly mess of it.
4.5 stars. Once again another magical, beautiful story from Tabitha Bird. It tugs at your heartstrings and makes you giggle. Full of love, longing, grief and hope - it really is a treat. My only (small) criticism is with the Emporium itself - it sometimes felt a little too twee and sickly sweet. But overall a magical insight into a families grief and coming to terms with their own guilt.
3.5 stars. This was a fun middle grade read, with dragons, fairies, pirates and princesses. And a magic school (which is always a plus!).
It's about a kitchen maid named Ivy who finds out she has somehow secured a coveted place at the prestigious magic school, The Halls of Ivy. She leaves her hum drum life and meets new people, learns new skills and discovers that there may be more to her mysterious birth and heritage than she thought.
I enjoyed the initial world building and character development- but I feel it stopped with Ivy. I didn't really know the other characters (these may develop in the second book). The mystery element was ok but the conclusion felt a bit rushed and confused at the end.
All in all, a fun and entertaining read - and may be just the thing for the child (or young at heart) who is pining for Harry, Hermione and Ron.
Murder, mayhem and adventure on the high seas. Throw in a Sherlock / Watson type detective duo, some dubious characters and an ancient demon stalking the ship and you have, my friends, a recipe for a cracking fun, page turning who-dunnit.
I adored Evelyn Hardcastle and Turton's follow up novel does not disappoint. I just want more!