This is a domestic/psychological thriller, heavier on the domestic side which kind of threw me for a loop.
I always love a dual perspective novel, andThis is a domestic/psychological thriller, heavier on the domestic side which kind of threw me for a loop.
I always love a dual perspective novel, and this one added another dimension - the first part of the story is told from journal entries and the conversational tone of the narrative was unique.
This one just went in a different direction than I was expecting, and I think that because my expectations weren’t met, I was a bit thrown. It is difficult, as an avid reader of this genre, to be surprised and it is truly because of my personal expectations that this one didn’t head where I thought it would go. I encourage readers to try this one for themselves!
Thank you to Netgalley, Berkley, and Simon Lelic for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
DNF, giving up at page 104, will try to pick it up later. I’m sure there’s a fabulous twist coming, but it’s making me all sorts of claustrophobic andDNF, giving up at page 104, will try to pick it up later. I’m sure there’s a fabulous twist coming, but it’s making me all sorts of claustrophobic and one of the characters is driving me bananas. ...more
A completely creeptastic tale that had me jumping at the slightest sounds - warning: read with all the lights on!
This a dual timeline tale, alternatinA completely creeptastic tale that had me jumping at the slightest sounds - warning: read with all the lights on!
This a dual timeline tale, alternating between the 1800’s and 1600’s, all based around a gothic castle in England with a long, tragic history. As the story unfolds, you learn more about what has occurred to put the haunted in the house.
This is a great, spooky tale, one you’ll absolutely have to suspend disbelief, but oh how great it is once you do! It does get a little gruesome at some points which was a little outside of my comfort zone, but then again, I’m a big wimp so there’s that.
Definitely recommend to historical fiction fans who are in the mood for a good scare.
Thank you to Netgalley, Laura Purcell and Penguin Books for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a raw, emotionally charged tale of a mother and daughter living in the midst of serial killer invasion in their small town in Cornwall.
It’s dThis is a raw, emotionally charged tale of a mother and daughter living in the midst of serial killer invasion in their small town in Cornwall.
It’s difficult to believe this one is a debut, the writing is great and the story flows. It alternates between 1956 and 50 years later - the past being more fleshed out and interesting from my perspective. There are several twists and turns along the way which keep the pace going strong and keep the pages turning quickly.
I first picked this one up due to its comparison to one of my favorite BBC dramas, Broadchurch. While I don’t really get the same vibe here, I will say it’s still an intriguing mystery.
There are so many emotions here, fueled by an undercurrent of melancholy. It’s a story of love and obsession and regret, and how one decision can affect you for the rest of your life.
There are a couple triggers in this one, without going into spoilers, the first is a highly uncomfortable love scene. If you’d like to know the other, please feel free to message me as I don’t want to spoil anything for the other readers.
Thank you to Netgalley, Laura Powell, and Gallery Books for a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.
A mystery based around a 700 year old Irish castle where the secrets lie within the antiquated books of its library. A bibliophile/history buff/readerA mystery based around a 700 year old Irish castle where the secrets lie within the antiquated books of its library. A bibliophile/history buff/reader’s dream scenario.
This book has a lot going on in it, and I mean A LOT. Several different mysteries and timelines with elements of police procedural, gothic, historical fiction, murder mystery, supernatural, romance, and Irish geography, history, and folklore. Phew! But somehow the author managed to make a cohesive, flowing story while incorporating all these ideas together.
I had some minor issues with the flow of the book. While it was cohesive, the constant jumping from timeline to timeline and character to character was a bit jarring for me as a reader.
Still a very entertaining read, if gothic mysteries are your thing, I encourage you to try this one out!
Thank you to Netgalley, Laura Andersen, and Ballantine Books for a copy of his book in exchange for an honest review.
A seriously atmospheric, creepy, spooky, eerie (seriously, think of a synonym for any of those words and it will fit the bill) tale that will haunt yoA seriously atmospheric, creepy, spooky, eerie (seriously, think of a synonym for any of those words and it will fit the bill) tale that will haunt you day and night.
I am not one for supernatural books, but this one was SO well done, it had me believing in ghosts by the time I was finished. So well done, in fact, that I went and bought this author’s entire back catalogue of titles. Mary Hand is a fascinating character and her powers are definitely unique. I loved her storyline, and would have enjoyed learning more about her history.
I thoroughly enjoyed this dual timeline story, I think this structure worked really well for this book. I was totally invested in these characters and couldn’t wait to find out what happened to them.
On a side note, I was in the car while waiting to pick up my kiddos from school, and a dear friend banged on my window to scare me, and I just happened to be reading this book. Let’s just say I screamed like crazy!😆
This was a Traveling Sisters read and I thoroughly enjoyed the thoughts brought to the table by my friends. A very enjoyable experience!
Advance copy provided by Edelweiss - thank you....more
It’s been awhile since I could refer to a book as “unputdownable” but here we are. Finally!
Every single theoAddictive, fast-paced, and mind boggling!
It’s been awhile since I could refer to a book as “unputdownable” but here we are. Finally!
Every single theory I had about where the plot was going was given to the main character as part of his ideas at a little past the halfway point, and I was stuck there with my jaw dropped thinking, well then. This author just flipped the script and threw out everything I was thinking so where are we going to go from here?!
I did figure it out at about three quarters of the way through but I didn’t even care because it was that good!!
I have a feeling this is going to be a polarizing book (like another book I’m thinking of which will remain unnamed because it could be a potential spoiler) - readers are going to either love it or not. I’m for sure on the loved it side of things!
Thanks a mil to B.A. Paris (I’m going to go buy your other books now!), St. Martin’s Press, and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
In my humble opinion, this book was well written but much, much too long. I feel it could have been edited down significantly - it wouldn’t have affecIn my humble opinion, this book was well written but much, much too long. I feel it could have been edited down significantly - it wouldn’t have affected plot development and would have tremendously helped with pacing.
I very much enjoyed learning about Mira’s back story and the ending was strong, but it took awhile to get there.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
I’m not afraid of the darkness, only what it hides.
That super creepy tag line is extremely appropriate for this story! I found it to be a very promisiI’m not afraid of the darkness, only what it hides.
That super creepy tag line is extremely appropriate for this story! I found it to be a very promising serial killer thriller, but unfortunately it wasn’t quite for me.
My favorite part of this book was how much I learned about the history of Guernsey Island - I didn’t know much about the Nazi occupation in World War 2 - and I also enjoyed learning about the folklore of the area.
I had a few issues with the structure of the book, for me personally, it didn’t work pacing-wise. There were one too many things going on and the way the chapters were broken down by characters unfortunately pumped the breaks a bit for me personally.
However, I feel that this is a strong story, if you enjoy serial killer thrillers, this one may be for you!
Thank you so much to Crooked Lane books for providing me with an ARC!...more
Here’s the thing about hyped books: some people read it and rave, the reviews spread like wildfire and you get your hopes up for some false promise ofHere’s the thing about hyped books: some people read it and rave, the reviews spread like wildfire and you get your hopes up for some false promise of something out of this world only to be inevitably let down. I get it, it’s happened to me too. But please, reader, *try* to go into this one with an open mind and no preconceived notions and just enjoy the ride. Because it is quite a ride to enjoy.
So this isn’t really a review but more of a recommendation😆 read it, enjoy it, and let me know what you think after you have here👇
Traveling sisters group read, review to come when everyone is finished😊...more
What in the everloving world did I just read and I mean this in the best possible way. Holy smokes, man, that was a firecracker of a book.
This is likWhat in the everloving world did I just read and I mean this in the best possible way. Holy smokes, man, that was a firecracker of a book.
This is like nothing I’ve ever, ever read before, but I’m having a similar reaction as to when I read Caroline Kepnes’ YOU. It’s a little something like this: I don’t know if I liked it but I can appreciate it for being something completely unique and compelling, yet dark and disturbing. In fact, I would give it a full 5 stars for sheer originality, creativity and literary merit, but would I recommend this? Not so sure.
The character of Lavinia was hugely fascinating and once again, like nothing I’ve ever seen. I could read a whole book on her life story, and would love to see her portrayed on the silver screen in a film adaptation.
I honestly had to put this one down several times because it was giving me anxiety. Which is kind of a compliment to the strength of the writing. I don’t want to get into the plot here - do me a favor, skip the synopsis, don’t read any reviews and just check it out. If you have thick skin. And are in the mood for a little darkness.
And now I need to go read something light and fluffy.
Thank you to Doubleday books and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
A heart pounding, atmospheric, rip roaring good mystery!
Mark Edwards is so thorough and detailed with his plotting - his stories are intricately detaiA heart pounding, atmospheric, rip roaring good mystery!
Mark Edwards is so thorough and detailed with his plotting - his stories are intricately detailed and they are always tightly wound with no stone left unturned.
Full of spooky folklore and legends and scary ghost stories, this one definitely had me jumping at the slightest sounds and turning on all the lights in the house.
I had no idea how this story was going to unfold, and I’m happy to say that I enjoyed where it ended up. Well done, sir.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
I hate to say I figured out the ending to this one early on, but it was still a well-written thriller that will keep yoBest friends forever and ever.
I hate to say I figured out the ending to this one early on, but it was still a well-written thriller that will keep you turning the pages to see how the story unfolds.
Alice and Nat are best friends from different sides of the track who have forged an unlikely friendship after meeting at the airport. Their personalities are well-developed and their relationship is fascinating in its dynamics. The chapters alternate between past and present which gives the reader an interesting sense of how their relationship has developed throughout the years. I found myself not connecting with either of the ladies, but then again, this is also what kept me reading - trying to understand the persona of characters for which I can’t relate to is something that fascinates me with reading.
Several aspects of police procedural part of the story seemed a bit far-fetched and unlikely to me. I had to suspend disbelief a few times in this area to really get into the nitty gritty of the story.
An interesting thriller, but for me personally, it wasn’t anything that I haven’t seen before.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Kathryn Croft has weaved another suspenseful thriller.
The dual narrative of this story is really interesting, told in a past/present fashion from altKathryn Croft has weaved another suspenseful thriller.
The dual narrative of this story is really interesting, told in a past/present fashion from alternating perspectives. It is full of unreliable characters who will keep you guessing until the end.
I have to admit, I didn’t see the conclusion coming - I was definitely surprised by the resolution. This would have been a 4 star read for me had I not been left with so many unanswered questions (a reading pet peeve of mine.) I would like to sit down with a few of the characters and ask them some questions.
I thought this was a strong psychological thriller but was slightly let down by the conclusion. I enjoyed Croft’s previous book and will definitely be reading her upcoming works as well.
3.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley, Kathryn Croft and Bookouture for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Just a few more days to enter my giveaway!GIVEAWAY💙 12/15/17 - I have not one, not two but THREE copies of The Wife Between Us to giveaway! You can enJust a few more days to enter my giveaway!GIVEAWAY💙 12/15/17 - I have not one, not two but THREE copies of The Wife Between Us to giveaway! You can enter on my blog here .
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Engrossing and addictive, this little gem of a thriller with a major twist had me second guessing every character and I loved every moment of it!
This is one of those books that is unputdownable – you will be thinking of the characters when you’re not reading and wondering how it will all pan out. I had absolutely no idea who to trust throughout the story, my opinion changed every chapter. This was a deeply intricate plot and all the pieces came together perfectly in the end.
I wasn’t sure how a book written by two authors would work out, but they managed to seamlessly tell this tale. This is a well written, fast-paced story that will keep you guessing all the way to the epilogue. Fans of the psychological thriller – you don’t want to miss this one!
Ghosts didn’t exist in daylight, or zombies. They only existed in that sleepy hollow between midnight and dawn, crumbling to dust at the sun’s first rGhosts didn’t exist in daylight, or zombies. They only existed in that sleepy hollow between midnight and dawn, crumbling to dust at the sun’s first rays. Or so, at the age of twelve, I still believed.
Prepare for some gushing, y’all, because this is one of the best thrillers I’ve read in awhile.
This was a really fresh, unique take on a psychological thriller that didn’t follow a formula like anything else out there. It’s difficult to find a unique plot these days, and while this one has been done before, it’s never been told in this way which is why I believe it deserves all 5 stars.
This author is one to keep an eye on, mark my words. CJ Tudor (a female author) has told a coming of age story of a 12 year old boy surrounded by tragedy and mystery in a highly convincing way, and in a way like nothing I’ve seen before. There were constantly points being alluded to, but never fully spelled out for the reader - we all loved how the author “shows” rather than “tells”. She is tricky, this author, and will keep you guessing until the very end, and even then you’ll be shaking your head and uttering “what just happened.”
This was such a creepy, twisty tale, alternating between 1986 and 2016. The 80’s references were fabulous, the characters were believable, and the whodunnit aspect of the story is like nothing I’ve ever read.
The prologue will suck you in right away (super creepy!) and there is one highly uncomfortable bullying scene, but otherwise this author manages to scare you without a ton of graphic violence (though there is some, I am sensitive to this and I got through it ok).
I am having a difficult time putting into words how unique this book is without giving away any spoilery, however I highly, highly recommend this to fans of thrillers. Read it now. And let me know what you think later.
This was my first group read with the Traveling Sisters and I’m SO glad I was able to join in on this particular book - it brought out elements that I wouldn’t have noticed without ongoing discussion and I’m so thankful to have joined this group of lovely reviewers!
Thank you to Netgalley, C.J. Tudor (you have a new fan!) and Crown Publishing for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This is a tightly written, suspenseful read about female friendship and the dynamics of relationships.
Certainly, as a born and raised Pittsburgher, mThis is a tightly written, suspenseful read about female friendship and the dynamics of relationships.
Certainly, as a born and raised Pittsburgher, my favorite part of this book was that it was written in my hometown. The city takes on a life of its own and almost becomes a singular character in the story. The details were well done and I loved reading about locations that I could picture in my head. Additionally, as a work from home mom, this one was very relatable.
This book will question how far you will go for those you love. There were times when I was screaming at the characters in this book - a lot of poor decisions were made - but when you can have that kind of a visceral response, you know you’re reading something good.
By the final chapters, my heart was racing out of my chest. I had no idea how it would conclude, but the ending was one of my favorite parts of this here book.
My one complaint is that, while the chapters were broken up from the perspectives of all four friends, I had somewhat of a difficult time keeping track of who was narrating. I believe it could have been a bit more focused on one or two characters perspectives to get a more fleshed out understanding of the story, but I do see why the author chose to tell the story this way.
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. ...more
Sarah Pinborough REALLY caught my attention with Behind Her Eyes (because, you know, #wtfthatending), and I was wondering if it was a one time deal, bSarah Pinborough REALLY caught my attention with Behind Her Eyes (because, you know, #wtfthatending), and I was wondering if it was a one time deal, but after reading this book I actually want to go catch up on her entire back catalog of books. Yes, it was that good.
This YA story relies heavily on today’s use of social media and technology in bullying. I am both at once thankful that I grew up during a time when this didn’t exist yet, yet also extremely frightened for my children. I have read a great deal of studies recently how depression and suicide in teens has skyrocketed due to the use of social media, and this is a tale that exemplifies how technology plays a large role in teenage drama, albeit one to the very extreme.
Although I did figure out the twist, it was still a very entertaining read. If you’re someone who needs likable characters to enjoy a book, you may want to pass on this one! Everyone here is highly flawed, on different levels, which for me personally made for a highly dramatic read.
The ending wasn’t my favorite, but it definitely concluded in a Sarah Pinborough fashion.
This is technically classified as YA, but it contains some very mature themes - I would recommend it, but for mature adults only.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review....more
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