The third super-charged book in a series based around Ms. Cecilia Strom, What the Nanny Saw was everything I would expect out of a Kaira Rouda novel. The third super-charged book in a series based around Ms. Cecilia Strom, What the Nanny Saw was everything I would expect out of a Kaira Rouda novel. After all, she’s made herself known for her addictive popcorn thrillers with those of us in Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse. Each bearing a ratcheting pace and twisty, twisty plot, I’m never disappointed when I sit down with one of her thrillers. This time around was no different, of course. Packed with unbridled suspense, all I could do was hold on for dear life as the delightfully over-the-top scenes came brilliantly to life.
Just like in every other book that I’ve read by this author, this one had plenty of thoroughly unlikeable characters. While not necessarily true-to-life in the typical sense, they nevertheless made my alliances shift back and forth as the deliciously unhinged events quickly got underway. With emotions such as jealousy and suspicion riding high, I happily got sucked into their plot charging drama. And the fact that it was all told via dual POVs made the whole thing undeniably sing. Who to trust? Who to suspect? As the puzzle pieces were laid down, I was utterly floored.
All said and done, while I definitely had to suspend all disbelief as I flew through the pages, this crazy train ride was bingeable in the extreme. So much so, in fact, that I read it in just a matter of hours. With palpable tension, an explosive climax, and teasing plot twists, I was even completely won over by the smile-inducing conclusion. Now I’m just crossing my fingers and toes that there’s going to be a fourth book in the series. Fear not, you can read them all as standalones, even though I don’t really recommend it. After all, you not going to want to miss out on a minute with the Stroms. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
I keep all her secrets. She thinks she can trust me…
Cecilia has it all. The house on the beach. The cute figure. The beautiful baby. But she’s a long way from perfect.
She’s let me into her gorgeous house as her nanny because now she’s on her own, she needs a little help with her baby daughter Peyton. She barely notices me. But I see everything.
While Peyton naps, I rifle through her drawers and discover the dark secrets in her past, the threatening letter from her ex-husband.
It's a shame that Cecilia doesn’t have my powers of observation. If she took some time, she might just recognise me. I’ve been following her for a while, after all.
If she knew who I was then I don’t think I’d be so invisible. And she wouldn’t be so surprised one morning when little Peyton’s cot is found empty…
Thank you to Kaira Rouda, Bookouture, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: November 13, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: gaslighting, kidnapping, blackmail, being drugged, mention of: infidelity, death of a parent, stalking...more
As soon as I heard that Seraphina Nova Glass had another book coming out, I knew immediately that I had to get my hands on it ASAP. So when I saw thatAs soon as I heard that Seraphina Nova Glass had another book coming out, I knew immediately that I had to get my hands on it ASAP. So when I saw that those of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse had an exclusive to read it early? Well, I snapped it up quick. After all, she’s one of my favorite authors, as her thrillers are always packed to the gills with sublime characters, evocative settings, and unguessable twists. Let me tell you, Nothing Ever Happens Here had all of that and more. Unfurling with ratcheting suspense that easily kept me on the edge of my seat, I was utterly captivated from the first compelling page until the very last word.
As evidenced by Glass’s prior books, her biggest talent is creating eccentric, oddball characters and comedic yet drama-filled scenes. Just as I loved her rundown motel setting in The Vacancy in Room 10, the realistic yet unforgettable assisted living community was equally well done in Nothing Ever Happens Here. I mean, I could vividly see the gray-haired old dears bickering over Murder She Wrote until bad things began to occur. From there you can just imagine how the spunky protagonists got down to business in the hopes of stopping the evil doer in their tracks before even more dead bodies began to accrue.
All in all, Glass definitely managed to do it again. From the giggle-worthy humor to the pulse-pounding climax, this author knows just how to blend it all into one truly dynamite premise. Told via multiple POVs that made the book sing, the well-plotted storyline was addictive in the extreme. Was it on the edge of over-the-top? Well, yes…but only in the best possible way. So suspend your disbelief, plant yourself in your favorite reading spot, and get ready to meet some truly endearing personas as they take you on the ride of your life. Intense, humor-filled, twisty, and fun, you’re going to want to read this book as soon as it’s out in the world, no ifs, ands, or buts. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
When Shelby Dawson survives a harrowing attack that should have left her dead, she tries to move past it—for herself, and for her family. Fifteen months later, with the help of her best friend, Mackenzie, she finally feels safe again in the snowy Minnesota town she calls home. But when an anonymous note appears on her windshield bearing the same threats her attacker made, Shelby realizes that her nightmare has only just begun.
As new evidence surfaces, and a group of well-meaning senior citizens accidentally makes the case go viral online, the situation quickly goes from bad to worse. And with suspicious accidents targeting those closest to her happening all over town, Shelby can’t shake the feeling that she’s being watched. Fighting to stay one step ahead of disaster, she finds herself asking the question on everyone’s lips: Who attacked her that night?
But Shelby isn’t the only one with questions. Mackenzie’s husband, Leo, vanished without a trace on that terrible night, and over a year later, no one knows why. Until a deep dive into his finances reveals a history of debts, mismanaged funds, and hidden accounts—one of which is still active. Their suspicion that Leo is still alive only complicates things further, though, and when another person connected to Shelby goes missing, she’s caught in a race against time before her attacker becomes a killer.
Thank you to Seraphina Nova Glass, Graydon House Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Holy cow! Having read several of Susan Walter’s books already, I knew even before diving into Running Cold that I was in for a treat. Let me tell you,Holy cow! Having read several of Susan Walter’s books already, I knew even before diving into Running Cold that I was in for a treat. Let me tell you, this intoxicating thriller did not disappoint. From the atmospheric setting to the ever present foreboding, the swiftly moving plot quickly pulled me in deep. Not only did the Hallmark-esque town of Banff come alive before me, but the multiple POVs felt undeniably well-drawn. But the gasp-inducing twists were what drove this book home. Turning the story on its head, it just couldn’t have been better no ifs, ends, or buts.
The characters were, in a phrase, simply sublime. Running the gamut from someone you’ll love to hate to a resourceful, strong protagonist that you’ll happily cheer on, I was easily swept up in her deadly ordeal. I especially loved the shocking revelations that exposed weaknesses that made them all oh so genuine and true. As much as I loved each of them in turn, though, it was the naturally unfurling plot that made this book sing. It’s no wonder all of my colleagues at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse couldn’t put this one down.
All said and done, with short, cliffhanger chapters that escorted me handily through the heart-pounding climax and soul-satisfying conclusion, I was easily bowled over by this unputdownable novel. My absolute favorite piece to the puzzle, however? That would be how we learned the who in this magnificent whodunnit earlier than expected. Far from ruining the rising suspense, it instead elicited an addictive game of cat-and-mouse that kept me utterly spellbound from beginning to end. Needless to say, you have GOT to order this book now. A slam dunk success, Walter has clearly done it again. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Julie Adler’s perfect facade is shattered by grief when her husband commits suicide. His death reveals that their luxurious California life was a house of cards, and his secret business dealings have left Julie penniless.
As she strikes out on her own, Julie feels drawn to her old stomping grounds in Banff, a charming and isolated ski town where she once trained for the Olympics. She finds work as a housekeeper at a luxury resort, but just as she starts to piece together a new life, an eccentric guest turns up dead. And Julie, the last person seen in her hotel room, is the prime suspect.
The evidence is stacked against her, but even in the encroaching blizzard, Julie knows her way around these mountains. She just needs to evade the police long enough to find the truth behind the murder…and before the real killer finds her first.
Thank you to Susan Walter and Lake Union Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 8, 2024
Trigger warning: suicide, death of a spouse, infidelity...more
As soon as I heard that Sydney Leigh had a new book coming out, I knew that I wanted to read it no ifs, ands, or buts. After all, Peril in Pink was a As soon as I heard that Sydney Leigh had a new book coming out, I knew that I wanted to read it no ifs, ands, or buts. After all, Peril in Pink was a definite home run. Unsurprisingly, Instagoner dialed the fun level up to a ten. Even better than Leigh’s debut novel, it was the epitome of a lighthearted mystery that doubled down on the laughs. That’s not to say that there wasn’t a devious crime at the center of the novel. Perfectly crafty yet also utterly convincing, the suspense-laden plot had me flying through the pages from the attention-grabbing start until the unguessable finale.
As evidenced by her first book, Leigh is a master at creating dynamite, engaging characters. From the narrator I couldn’t help but cheer for to the multitude of friends and neighbors who I quickly looked upon with suspicion, it was a well-rounded group of personas that were both original and genuine. But I mustn’t forget the best character of all: Murray the dog. Cuddly and lovable, I wish I had one just like him myself. I do have to say, though, that while the rest of the strengths of this superb novel made me agree with my pals at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse, this impressive cast of characters was what truly won me over hook, line, and sinker.
A cozy-esque murder mystery that is just book one in a series, Leigh easily hit it out of the park. The only tiny piece to this stunning whodunnit that felt a bit forced were the sporadic sickly sweet moments. But then, that’s also the feel often associated with this fun and easy subgenre, so I easily ignored the thought and moved on. After all, with juicy secrets and giggle-worthy humor, this escapist read was exactly what I wanted between my harder hitting thrillers. Now I just have to *try* and patiently wait for book two. The anticipation is definitely not going to be easy to handle… Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
When lifestyle blogger Emily Dalle comes face-to-face with controversial talk show host, Jackie Hunter, she’s in for the shock of her life. But this time it’s not Jackie’s words that cause a stir—it’s her dead body.
Emily knows the chance of Jackie’s death being a random hit-and-run is about as low as the blows she dished out on her gossip feed. The police are doing their best but with their limited resources, Emily enlists the help of her online audience to figure out what really happened. She gets some great tips, including one from the murderer who tells her to back off.
Will Emily piece together who killed the Queen of Mean or will she fall victim to the same fate?
Thank you to Sydney Leigh and Level Best Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Packed to the brim with suspicious characters, dastardly deeds, and a slowly unrolling plot, The House on Cold Creek Lanefilled me with dread. And whPacked to the brim with suspicious characters, dastardly deeds, and a slowly unrolling plot, The House on Cold Creek Lanefilled me with dread. And while this tale of domestic suspense mixed nicely with a neighborhood drama, it was the gaslighting and misdirection that utterly turned my head. Step by step, I reveled in how this storyline had them all walking toward an unthinkable end.
As for the characters, they were all thoroughly unlikeable. Two, in fact, had me itching to shake them good and hard. From a belittling husband to his spineless wife, both of them hit the mark with their irritating behavior. That’s not to say that I was turned off of this book in the slightest. Oh no. Their action—or inaction—totally got my blood boiling and, IYKYK, but only the best authors seem to manage to pull that feat off.
The only fly in the ointment was my ability to see through the twists. Now how much of that was merely down to my insatiable love of all things thriller and suspense, I’ll never know. Despite that, however, the multiple mysteries and unreliable narrators kept my fingers flying. So while I managed to work it all out, it just might be perfect for anyone looking for an utterly chilling novel. Especially if you’re new to the genre.
By the end of this slow burning plot, I was delighted by the eventually cascade of dead bodies. With plenty of foreboding and just enough suspense to whet my appetite, it’s clear as can be that Ms. Alterman nailed it in one. It’s also unsurprising why all of my colleagues at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse have been raving about this dark and twisted tale. After all, I did inhale it in just a single night. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Who was I? What had I become? Breathe, I commanded. You're doing this for your family.
When Laurel and Rob West move into their new home in New Jersey, it seems too good to be true. But Laurel can't shake off her old feelings of anxiety. The neighbor who pays far too much attention to the Wests' two young children…Rob watching her every misstep…and there's something people aren't telling her about this house...
I promised myself I wouldn't go to that neighborhood again. Not that street. Not so soon. But I couldn't help it. They made it too easy.
Corey Sutton is trying to outrun her past. Recently divorced and reeling from a devastating loss, she moves into her widowed mother's retirement condo in Florida. Everyone says she just needs some time to recover and rebuild…but is Corey beyond saving? She wants answers. And there's very little she won't do to get them.
Though Laurel and Corey have never met, the women have something in common, and if they're not careful, it may just destroy them both…
Thank you to Liz Alterman, Severn House, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 6, 2024
Trigger warning: death of a child, mention of: infidelity...more
While on vacation in Las Vegas, a businessman wakes up in a strange hotel room to find a dead woman in the bathtub.
Panicked, he runs. But before he caWhile on vacation in Las Vegas, a businessman wakes up in a strange hotel room to find a dead woman in the bathtub.
Panicked, he runs. But before he can get far, a pair of detectives stop him.
Desperate, he tells them that he’s innocent. That there’s no way he killed the woman. That he’ll do anything not to go to prison.
That’s when they offer him a way out.
But there is no way out—as the detectives will soon learn.
I have to admit upfront that The Killing Roomwasn’t the type of thriller that I would normally read. Just the same, when all of my friends and colleagues with Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse started clamoring over this one, I knew that I had to read it, no ifs, ands, or buts. And while my first statement is still definitely true, the action-packed thrills and chills were utterly addictive. Despite the fact that the plot had a definite “dad book” vibe, this thriller loving fiend still inhaled it from beginning to end.
With a fast-paced, propulsive storyline that just never let up, the claustrophobic feel simply oozed from the pages. But the twists were the true winners for me. Time after time, I was entirely blown away by a new unexpected link or surprising revelation. And as they quickly blew apart every one of my guesses, the action movie-like plot rolled on with adrenaline-pumping speed. Needless to say, there wasn’t much not to love.
The characters ran the gamut from cold-hearted villains to possible heroes. At the same time, they were all finely layered. Unlike a Marvel type film, they all had their good sides—and their bad. Up to and including our narrator. What I particularly liked, however, were the multiple POVs. Through it, I got a glimpse into all of their psyches. While perhaps not all that deep, each persona was on the cusp of fully fleshed out. Especially our hero. Now I look forward to learning more about him and his past in the sequel, Enemy of the State, which comes out in August.
All in all, while I wouldn’t have typically picked up this novel given the general vibe, I’m so glad that I did. With one epic game of cat-and-mouse and no end to the slights of hand, this was one book that truly kept me guessing. And with a conclusion that both deftly wrapped up the plot but also set it up perfectly for the sequel, there’s every chance that I’ll be diving straight into the next book in the series. So even if it sounds somewhat outside of your wheelhouse, give this crime thriller a try. It just might surprise you. After all, it certainly did so for me. Rating of 4 stars.
Thank you to Robert Swartwood and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now (Enemy of the State comes out on August 20, 2024)
When all of my friends started gushing about Between Lies and Revenge, I had some serious FOMO hit me hard. Needless to say, they were 100% right. BotWhen all of my friends started gushing about Between Lies and Revenge, I had some serious FOMO hit me hard. Needless to say, they were 100% right. Both a thought-provoking premise and a twisty, riveting tale of domestic suspense, this little revenge story debut was beyond great—it was utterly stunning. From the onion-like plot that featured layers of mysteries to the cleverly crafted lies piled upon dark unexpected secrets, my head was spinning until the final timely reveal.
As for the characters, they couldn’t have been better. On top of two dynamite female main characters featured in the distinct identities of the dual POVs, there were plenty of individuals who I absolutely loved to hate on top of a few choice others who got my side-eye for sure. Olivia and Elle, however, were easily my favorites. Fully fleshed out and with depth to their personas, I was rooting for both as the plot rolled along. Okay. I do have to admit, I was slightly more Team Elle, but as the page count grew, so did my bond to Olivia as well.
The out-and-out best piece to the puzzle, however, were the jaw-dropping twists that set me back on my heels. At one point, I actually thought that my armchair sleuthing self had figured out a gigantic reveal. Boy, was I wrong. Shifting the story first in one direction and then another, the ground wobbled under my feet in the most delightful of ways. Added to the much loved scheming and well-hidden lies, it all gave a definite Hitchcockian slant to this multiple-sided con artist tale.
All in all, this mesmerizing rollercoaster ride won me over hook, line, and sinker. With an ever ratcheting pace and deliciously short chapters, the combination of all that I’ve listed was simply sublime. After all, it was an addictive, unforgettable trip into this author’s talented mind—one that had me flying through the pages from the tantalizing start until the perfectly plotted finale. I just hope that this was only the first voyage with Ms. Sharpe as my guide. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Years after the death of her brother and the theft of her heirloom jewelry, ex-con Elle is on the run...until she spots a stranger wearing a signature piece. Determined to take back what is hers, Elle stalks and befriends the woman, using her gemology skills as a ruse. Elle offers to appraise and clean the jewelry, replicating and replacing the pieces instead.
Olivia is drowning. She maxes out credit cards behind her financially-strict husband's back in order to pay for fertility treatments, keep her blackmailing father at bay, and maintain appearances with her wealthy friends and their cultist MLM social circles. When Olivia meets Elle, she finally feels understood...and inspired.
With Elle’s expertise and Olivia’s connections, the two start a side-hustle by way of home jewelry appraisal parties. When this isn't lucrative enough, they develop the perfect con: switching rich housewives’ gems with fakes. But their hidden truths get in the way of their success, and each other. Before their secrets bury them, they must confess their lies to one another and trust their final con will exact the revenge that’ll secure their freedom, and their lives.
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
If you’re looking for a deliciously unhinged psychological thriller, My Darlings was most definitely that with a capital U. From the cold-blooded femaIf you’re looking for a deliciously unhinged psychological thriller, My Darlings was most definitely that with a capital U. From the cold-blooded female serial killer to the unguessable twists and turns, I was quickly pulled into the fast-paced, propulsive plot from the very first word. A perfectly combined mix of Desperate Housewives and Dexter, I was head over heels as we were gifted with an inside look at Eloise’s cunning, sociopathic mind. Needless to say, I won’t forget it—or her—anytime soon.
Eloise wasn’t the only standout character, however. Told via multiple POVs—all of whom were gloriously morally gray—I was happy to sit back and relax for this downright crazy train ride of dynamite thrills and chills. And while I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Eloise’s “friends,” she was the shining star in this stunning slam dunk. After all, you want to hate her, but you find yourself rooting for her despite every cringe-worthy behavior and despicable belief. To be frank, she was the perfectly crafted villain for this self-described thriller snob.
The only two pieces that I guess could be described as flaws were the slow burn start and somewhat over-the-top climax. Don’t get me wrong, once I suspended all disbelief, I happily held on for dear life as jealousy, revenge, and blood lust took over the pages. Just know that the plot definitely took on a definite slasher vibe. If you don’t mind that, then you’re in for one heck of a ride.
All said and done, with an unguessable storyline and perfectly plotted conclusion, Marie Still undeniably hit it out of the park. If you’re like me and love a book with unlikeable characters, dark themes, and sharp writing, then this book is for you. I mean, even the masterfully included dual timelines were an utter home run. Filling in Eloise’s backstory, it demonstrated how everything came full circle with that final, jaw-dropping page. So go order your copy right now. Once in your hands, I’m sure you’ll end up binge reading these short, addictive chapters late into the night. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Evil lurks behind the perfectly manicured lawns, ornate iron gates, and long winding driveways of affluent DC–but not for long.
Stay-at-home mom Eloise Williams is PTO president and a respected local philanthropist who sits on the boards of many distinguished charities. In addition to being a doting wife and mother, she is also a serial killer.
But Eloise isn’t the only lady in society playing a part. As the hidden lives of Eloise's inner circle are exposed, the body count rises. When stalker becomes prey, Eloise desperately clings to control.
Money and power can only buy influence and safety for so long. Eventually, the curtains lift, exposing the chilling reality hiding in plain sight.
Thank you to Marie Still and Rising Action Publishing Collective for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
While I normally provide a synopsis at either the beginning or end of my reviews, this is one book that I firmly believe you need to go into blind. ItWhile I normally provide a synopsis at either the beginning or end of my reviews, this is one book that I firmly believe you need to go into blind. It’s not that the publisher provided blurb reveals to much. Well, not really. It’s that this is one plot that you’re going to want to experience all of the thrills and the chills without even a hint at the many surprises.
Unbridled suspense. Well-rounded characters. A twisty, twisty plot. Palpable fear. All of the above describes The Stepdaughter to a T. But it was the deftly plotted storyline that was the true shining star to this slam dunk success. Told in six parts by multiple POVs, the tension only ratcheted higher and higher right along with the page count. Turning the events first one way and then another, there was simply no way that I could’ve seen behind the deftly woven curtain before each jaw-dropping reveal.
The dazzling aspects of the plot, however, were easily matched step for step by the characters themselves. From a fraught family dynamic to perfectly crafted teenage behavior, each and every persona simply sang from the pages. And oh the secrets that they were all hiding. Somehow, though, Cross managed to make it all seem perfectly genuine and true-to-life. With, of course, plenty of fictional flair to make it all deliciously dramatic.
The only teeny, tiny flaw in this magical novel was the conclusion. Altogether too brief for my liking, I would have loved to know more about the resulting demolition to each of the characters’ lives. While everything was certainly wrapped up with a nice, pretty, little bow, I wanted…well…more. But then, maybe I’m just greedy. After all, this was one truly impressive book and I’m not surprised in the least that it has been optioned by Netflix.
A dynamite tale of domestic suspense, it was a downright page-turner from beginning to end. So, naturally, it’s no surprise that I finished it in just a matter of hours. A quick, easy read that kept me on the edge of my seat, the hefty dose of red herrings and suspicious individuals meant that I was utterly spellbound. What’s truly shocking, however, is that this was Cross’s debut novel. Having inhaled plenty of her ensuing works, I promise that this one was no fluke. She is a seriously talented writer with a knack for spinning non-stop suspense. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
Thank you to Georgina Cross, Bookouture, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now!
Trigger warning: missing child, house fire, infidelity, dementia, mention of: death of a parent...more
Sawyer Stone III and Dani Fox, a young couple who spend their time circumnavigating the globe aboard their 42-foot sailboat and documenting it for theSawyer Stone III and Dani Fox, a young couple who spend their time circumnavigating the globe aboard their 42-foot sailboat and documenting it for their fledgling YouTube channel Sailing with the Foxes, have anchored in Exuma, in the Bahamas. As they wait for the price of crypto to rebound so they can provision and continue their journey, they’re partying and exploring with their fellow cruisers offshore. On the surface, everything looks perfect. But one night, Dani vanishes after a boat party, and Sawyer has no memory of her disappearance.
The search for Dani is initially fueled by concerns that she drowned during one of her daily ocean swims, but Dani's prescheduled video posts, recorded before she went missing, soon reveal a darker side to her relationship with Sawyer. Meanwhile, Royal Bahamas Police Force Inspector Veronique Knowles has her hands full trying to keep the investigation on course as the story of the American woman missing in the Bahamas goes viral and the internet sleuths unearth secrets from Sawyer’s past. Sawyer Stone is far from perfect, but is he a murderer?
A page-turner in the extreme, On the Surface had me and everyone else at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse hooked right from the start. Between the flipped script plot and the thoroughly unlikeable characters, I was entirely swept away by this craveable popcorn thriller. After all, the satirical slant and fast pace kept my eyes glued to the pages. Even the witty, thought-provoking social media commentary kept me happily enthralled. After all, instead of feeling lectured, it was a bang up job at entertainment.
The plot itself was utterly dripping in twists. With a premise that provided just a stepping off point, after no time at all, it was left quaking in the dust. More than once the direction took a sharp turn, only to reveal an even more stupendous and twisted bearing. From the attention-grabbing prologue to the shock-inducing last page, there wasn’t a moment where my fingers weren’t flying as my eyes hungrily ate up every word.
As for the characters, this book was full of some of the most vile sort, which made for a few deliciously perfect personas that I just loved to hate. Told via multiple, first-person POVs, the games that were played filled each chapter with a definite sense of foreboding. Adding to the enjoyment was the fact that each of their personalities were perfectly hammered out, giving rise to distinct, clear cut identities that came alive on the page.
The only piece to this binge-worthy tale that slightly missed the mark for me was the finale. Hardly wrapped up with a nice, pretty, little bow, it left me wanting some answers. At the same time, that’s probably more of a me thing than a plot thing, because IYKYK, but I like my conclusions fully spelled out.
All in all, though, while I definitely needed to suspend all disbelief, the writing duo behind this addictive sensation had me in the palms of their hands. To be frank, this book just has to grace a screen near me someday soon. After all, I can so easily see it: a gorgeous locale, sexy sail boats, equally gorgeous characters—all on top of one killer plot. What’s not to love? So if you’ve already been hooked by this downright stunning cover, I beg of you to also discover the magic that is inside to boot. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Rachel McGuire and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
It’s been twenty years since Madison James had any kind of success in Hollywood. Now she’s disappeared and a TikTok sleuth has found her purse discardIt’s been twenty years since Madison James had any kind of success in Hollywood. Now she’s disappeared and a TikTok sleuth has found her purse discarded in a Los Angeles park. The news spreads like wildfire across a nation hungry for celebrity tragedy, and the struggling actress’s mysterious disappearance quickly becomes a national obsession.
Detectives Sarah Delaney and Rob Moreno of the LAPD Missing Persons Unit take the case. But truth is a rare commodity in Tinseltown; some people will stop at nothing to get what they want and Delaney and Moreno soon find themselves mired in Hollywood’s dark underbelly with little in the way of clues.
As revelations from the past emerge, it becomes apparent there is more going on than meets the eye. With an obsessive public watching every step of the investigation, can the police find Madison before she becomes more than just missing?
An addictive, fast-paced plot with definite Hollywood vibes, The Final Act had my attention right from start with quite the spellbinding prologue. From the twisty, twisty premise to the dynamite characters who came alive on the page, this popcorn thriller won me over hook, line, and sinker. Believe me when I say that while I might have had an inkling about what lay in store, the multiple blind twists kept me guessing all the same. There was even one surprising turn, in fact, that totally turned the whole plot on its head.
As for the characters, from a few truly unlikeable individuals to the realistic winners front and center with the narration, I was a fan of them all. Told via the dual POVs of Madison and Sarah, we were blessed with both the past and present timelines throughout the failed actress’s career and disappearance. Even better, however, was how fully fleshed out Madison felt. But it was Detective Sarah Delaney for whom I’d love a second helping. Please say it’s so, Ms. Gray. A sequel would put me over the moon.
All said and done, this quick, easy read was truly unputdownable. Coming in at only 270 pages, I flew through it in just a single sitting. But it was the well-written dark side of Hollywood and the serious topics it brought to mind that really nailed this in one. That’s not to say that the crime fiction edge to this thriller wasn’t just as alluring. Trust me, it was. Ultimately, I had a blast speeding through this fun rollercoaster ride of suspense. So if you have yet to read anything by Lisa Gray, take this as your call to duty. After all, those of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse are utterly head over heels. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Lisa Gray, Thomas & Mercer, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Amazon Editors’ pick for Best Mysteries, Thrillers, and Suspense Books of 2024 So Far!
Wowzers! If I hadn’t already been told that Neighborhood Watch wAmazon Editors’ pick for Best Mysteries, Thrillers, and Suspense Books of 2024 So Far!
Wowzers! If I hadn’t already been told that Neighborhood Watch was Sarah Reida’s debut novel, I wouldn’t have believed it. Filled with believable (albeit shady) characters and a deliciously satirical plot, this dynamite whodunnit won me over hook, line, and sinker. But it was the drama that got me the most. You could almost sense the gossip spreading like wildfire amongst the posh streets of Oleander Court as the residents feared for their lives.
The characters were easily the special sauce to this mystery novel. From the controlling HOA president to her equally detestable wife beating neighbor, there were plenty of characters you’ll absolutely love to hate—and others you’ll just plain love no ifs, ands, or buts. No matter what, however, you’ll get sucked in by them all and their round-robin narrations. Especially when bodies start dropping in the most delightfully twisted manner one after the other.
The plot itself was utterly seductive. Fast-paced and filled with black humor, the rich people behaving badly premise was a pure *chef’s kiss* move to this mystery lover. And while there were without a doubt quite a few characters, the storyline unfolded naturally in a fun and easy way. Perfect as a palate cleanser between some of my harder hitting thrillers, there was no end to the snarky banter and lighthearted feel. All told, it was one rollicking good time.
That’s not to say that this book was only surface deep. Oh no. There was much to be read between the deftly written lines. From the thought-provoking character arcs to the more serious, underlying topics, I believe this book would make a brilliant book club pick all things considered. After all, it was not only fun, but would prompt some excellent conversations.
All said and done, I’m not surprised in the least that my friends and colleagues at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse have been raving about this one. From property line skirmishes to hilarious sidewalk b**** slapping scenes, there was no end to the drama on Oleander Court. Nor was it missing some head-snapping twists. So please ignore the somewhat meh cover and grab this book ASAP. Just don’t forget to prepare yourself for one addictive, unputdownable novel. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
The neighborhood of Oleander Court is the poster child for suburban bliss. The residents compare lawns beautified by hired help. They monitor home values. They toss perfect furniture because they wanted tapioca, not beige.
But when a string of murders rips through the neighborhood, suspicions abound as new secrets come to light. And as more and more bodies are taken away, it becomes clear that the killer is strategically selecting each and every victim, picking off the shallowest, most wasteful of the lot in spectacular fashion and leaving everyone in the neighborhood to wonder: Who’s next?
While most of their neighbors scatter like well-dressed cockroaches, a small group of the neighborhood ladies team up to solve their local mystery and restore their once-peaceful lives. But is this ragtag collection of amateur sleuths truly a united front? With reputations, freedom, and personal sanity on the line, the ladies must unmask the killer…even if the killer is among them.
Thank you to Sarah Reida and Keylight Books for my complimentary copy. So opinions are my own.
Knowing my love for this author, I went into her newest book completely blind. After closing the cover, I have to say that doing so was a blessing. WhKnowing my love for this author, I went into her newest book completely blind. After closing the cover, I have to say that doing so was a blessing. While the synopsis wasn’t stuffed full of spoilers, it also would’ve lessened my love for this book. So, if you’re willing, go into this one unawares. I promise it will be worth it. If, however, you’re one of those people who can’t, you’ll find the blurb at the end of my review…
I can’t tell you how overjoyed I was to learn that Paul Strom was back in the picture. After first meeting him in Best Day Ever, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I would be in for quite the ride within the pages of this sequel, The Second Mrs. Strom. After all, one of my favorite tropes just so happens to be that of the villain narrator. But add to that delicious bag of tricks the fact that Paul is a sociopathic narcissist? For this thriller lover, it truly couldn’t have been better.
The plot and the characters, of course, had a delightful unhinged quality that I always equate with Kaira Rouda. Gifted at crafting scenes and personas that are perfectly unstable, they also somehow retain a true-to-life essence. Naturally, this book was no exception. Well-plotted and written with care, the ballooning suspense and sense of impending disaster just ratcheted higher and higher right along with the page count. Even better, however, were the multitude of twists that caught me entirely unawares. Needless to say, they were jaw-droppers for sure.
Done and dusted, the unlikeable characters, epic mind games, and questionable morals won me over hook, line, and sinker. Now I just pray that this second book in the Paul Strom saga isn’t the last that we hear from him. Poised perfectly for a follow up, I’m throwing myself on Ms. Rouda’s mercy. As for you, fellow readers, if you haven’t discovered the perfection that can be found within these quick, easy reads, be sure to check them out ASAP. After all, those of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse simply can’t stop talking about Paul, Cecilia, and this killer tale of domestic suspense. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Kaira Rouda, Bookouture, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
As promised, here is the publisher provided synopsis:
If you had met me a year ago, you wouldn’t have noticed me. A beautiful woman, but a struggling nobody in a tiny apartment, invisible…
Meeting Paul changed that.
And now here I am in Paris, after a whirlwind courtship and a stunning beach proposal I smile at my handsome husband, my eyes shining in the candlelight, my huge diamond ring sparkling on the starched white tablecloth. Other women look at me in envy. They see a couple completely in love.
They’re wrong.
Despite this incredible luxury vacation, my husband and I can’t escape our problems. I can’t get over what he did with that woman just after our wedding, and my bright smile can’t hide the hardness in my heart.
I wonder if Paul knows the truth. That our first meeting, when we fell in love, wasn’t the coincidence he thinks it was. That what I want from him has nothing to do with his money. And now that he’s wronged me, I’ll stop at nothing to get it…...more
Popular fitness influencer Gemma has transformed herself from a Before into an After, complete with washboard abs, thriving business, and gorgeous husPopular fitness influencer Gemma has transformed herself from a Before into an After, complete with washboard abs, thriving business, and gorgeous husband. But social media can be deceiving. Offline, the cutthroat world of bikini bodybuilding may just eat her alive. That’s if she’s not first devoured by the secret nemesis that lurks beneath her polished surface, waiting to destroy her.
Software engineer Ashley is fat and frustrated. Frustrated with failed diets. With a world that wants her to shrink. With biased doctors, online trolls, and even her own mother. Until Ashley falls in with a mysterious and radical sect of Fat Activists who are fighting back … by any means necessary. She’s never felt so alive, so full of purpose. She’ll do whatever it takes to ride this high, destroy Diet Culture, and win the approval of her charismatic leader.
Gemma and Ashley are on a collision course headed for the Olympia, the bodybuilding competition where futures are made. And lost. When Gemma’s toughest rival turns up dead, and more fitness girls fall like dominoes, it’s beginning to look like the body image war has gone too far.
Bodies to Die For was somewhat of a departure from what typically read. Don’t get me wrong, there was plenty of suspense as well as a healthy dose of thrills, but alongside it was a thought-provoking social commentary concerning weight and self-worth. From the quirky storyline to the catty competitors, I got sucked into the plot as the satirical tale firmly took hold.
Speaking of those characters, the multiple POVs included a variety of individuals. Between the few I loved to hate and the two central narrators who I found myself rallying behind, they ran the gamut from merely unlikeable to compelling home runs. But it was Gemma and Ashley who got my ardent admiration. Complete with stunning character arcs, their story was the clinch hit in this impressive debut.
The best piece to this psychological thriller, however, was easily the insight shared concerning how women and society in general both push and internalize ideals about appearance. Often toxic, it can lead to the devastating repercussions. Instead, women should work together—not in opposition—to support one another. All in all, Brand did a marvelous job imparting this message.
Done and dusted, I found this book to be a quick, easy read that I inhaled in just a single sitting. With short chapters, off-the-chart scenes, and plenty of underlying humor, even the slow burn start didn’t ruin it for me. Just be aware that you will have to suspend all disbelief before diving headlong into this thoroughly enticing tale. Take it from me, this wild ride will keep you guessing throughout as you race through the pages. Rating of 4 stars.
Thank you to Lori Brand, Blackstone Publishing, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Detective Susan Ford and her new partner, Detective Jack Tomelli, are called to a crime scene at the local summer stock theater where they find the diDetective Susan Ford and her new partner, Detective Jack Tomelli, are called to a crime scene at the local summer stock theater where they find the director of Murder on the Orient Express gruesomely murdered—naked, face caked in makeup, pillow at his feet, wrists and ankles bound by rope. When Susan describes the murder to her dad, retired detective Will Ford, he recognizes the MO of a 1969 serial killer…a case he worked fifty years ago.
Will remembers a lot of things about that summer—the Woodstock Festival, the Apollo 11 moon landing, the Miracle Mets—yet he is fuzzy on the details of the decades-old case. But when Susan and Jack discover the old case files, his memories start trickling back. And with each old and new clue, Susan, Jack, and Will must narrow down the pool of suspects before the killer strikes again.
A captivating mystery. Compelling characters. Plenty of suspects to get your suspicious mind going. All of the above describes The Summer of Love and Death to a T. Thanks to an introduction to the series by Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse, I was delighted to meet the family of sleuths in this newest addition. Complex and deftly layered, there was no shortage of suspense despite the intricately laid out police procedural plot. To be frank, I found myself tearing through the pages until I reached the final soul-satisfying conclusion.
As for the cast (an apropos term given the storyline), the first-person narration and Susan’s well-rounded characterization meant for a realistic and deftly drawn persona. Adding to the genuine nature of all those involved were a collection of investigators and suspects who came alive on the page. Even better, thanks to a long character list and plenty of red herrings, there wasn’t a chance of me deciphering the who in this masterful whodunnit before the timely reveal. That’s not even counting the various subplots and dual timelines. Altogether, they kept me happily in the dark throughout this brilliant tale.
All said and done, I’m wishing that I had discovered this one way before now. The third in a series, I was relieved that it easily stood up as a stand-alone novel, but I will definitely be returning to book one, The Disappearance of Trudy Solomon, for all of the dirt on the Ford family ASAP. With a well-written and cleverly interwoven plot, plenty of nostalgia, and a heaping dose of family drama, this book will work for many a reader. So while you wait for this one to hit store shelves, follow my lead and start at the beginning. No matter what, these middle-aged individuals will keep you spellbound to the page. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
Thank you to Marcy McCreary, CamCat Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 13, 2024
Trigger warning: stroke, dementia, identity fraud, mention of: drug dealing...more
Taking action-packed to a whole new level, Enemy of the State had my fingers flying through the pages as my eyes whizzed across the words. The second Taking action-packed to a whole new level, Enemy of the State had my fingers flying through the pages as my eyes whizzed across the words. The second book in the Killing Room series, it was no surprise that my colleagues at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse have been shouting about this one from the rafters. After all, the dynamite characters, jaw-dropping twists, and explosive pacing meant that I read it in just a handful of hours. You heard me, despite the near 400 pages, I found myself almost skimming so that I could find out the spine-tingling whos, whats, and whys.
The plot began from the moment The Killing Room ended. With nary a lull, the action movie-esque feel continued right on cue. With a well-plotted, deftly layered storyline that twisted and turned, this newest novel even delivered several humdinger twists. The kind where I gasped in delight as I shouted “Wait, WHAT?!” with unadulterated glee. Trust me when I say that this was like a finely tuned climax from beginning to end. One where you absolutely don’t want the carnage to stop no matter what.
As for the characters, while Daniel easily reminded me of a more likeable Jason Bourne, I found myself rooting for not only him, but his compatriots as well. For that reason, I actually liked this sophomore work better than the first in the series. Add into the mix a smattering of villains that ran the gamut from evil overlord to merely gullible, and I was firmly in their thrall as they raced to catch their wanted man—wherever he was.
The only piece to the puzzle that didn’t win me over hook, line, and sinker was the conclusion. A blatant cliffhanger ending, it seriously made me want to hurl my tablet across the room. Of course, that’s mostly because I’m that irritating type of reader who loves finales with neat, pretty, little bows. So if you don’t mind an unresolved plot line or two, you’ll definitely be over the moon when you reach the last heart-seizing page.
All in all, from the riveting game of cat-and-mouse to the well-crafted multiple POVs, I was utterly spellbound by Swartwood’s newest novel. I mean, I honestly don’t normally go for “dad book” type plots, but somehow this one ended up being a winner for me. So even if you aren’t an out-and-out fan of action/spy/crime thrillers (it has a bit of all three), I definitely recommend trying out this propulsive series. And don’t worry, if you’d rather start with this one instead, it can certainly be read as a stand-alone all things considered. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
The world believed Daniel Burke was dead.
At least, the few people in the government who knew he existed did. Once part of an elite black op team, Burke faked his death so he could avenge his brother. Now that those responsible have been brought to justice, he plans to leave the country and start a new life.
But before Burke can even get on the plane, his old team has tracked him down
The CIA believes Daniel Burke is a traitor—an enemy of the state—who must answer for his crimes. But others in government simply want him dead.
Knowing he's been set up, Burke is the only one who can track down and expose the real traitor--before it's too late.
Thank you to Robert Swartwood, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Rachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So wRachel Matthews is used to stress—from the cutthroat world of the district attorney’s office to her escalating clashes with her teenage daughter. So when a stranger sends a lavish bouquet with a macabre message and leaves a disturbing video on her doorstep, she’s quick to act. Teaming up with an old classmate turned private investigator, she wades through old case files, searching for someone harboring a grudge against her.
But before she has time to pinpoint a suspect, her stalker issues a demand—he wants money, lots of it, or he’ll hurt her daughter. In a dangerous gamble, Rachel agrees to meet her stalker on an isolated beach, only to find herself fleeing from a shocking crime scene. Can she solve the puzzle of who wants to destroy her before she loses her family, her career, and her freedom?
OHHHEMMMGEEE! When I first read the synopsis for Blindspot, I knew I was going to be in for quite a ride. What I didn’t realize was that it was going to be an edge of your seat, nerve-tingling thriller from beginning to end. From its fast pace and complex plot to a truly dynamite narrator, there wasn’t a thing not to love. And the twists! What can I say? They redirected my sleuthing time and time again. That’s not to say that I didn’t figure out a few little pieces to the puzzle. Even that, though, couldn’t stop my ardent admiration for both the book and Ms. Smith herself.
Speaking of those characters, each of them were thoughtfully constructed and played an important role in a plot that had definite Hitchcockian and Agatha Christie-esque vibes. True-to-life despite a few somewhat melodramatic moments, I connected with Rachel right off the bat. Even her character arc was simply sublime. But the hairpin turns and deftly laid red herrings were what really made this book sing. They turned what could have been a straight forward tale of revenge into one heck of a rollicking good time filled to the brim with foreboding and suspense.
All in all, Maggie Smith utterly knocked this one out of the park. If you loved Kill for Me, Kill for You or just want a propulsive thriller to sink yourself into, this is your book. With a mind-blowing game of cat-and-mouse, short chapters, and a flawlessly played climax, I read this one cover to cover in just a single sitting. After all, it was everything I wanted and more. Addictive, unputdownable, and binge-worthy in the extreme, you simply have to add Bindspot to your TBR now. I guarantee that you won’t regret it in the least. Rating of 4.5 stars (upgraded).
Thank you to Maggie Smith, Puzzle Box Press, Partners in Crime Tours, NetGalley, and Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse for my complimentary copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: May 21, 2024
Trigger warning: threatening phone calls and notes, stalking, blackmail, a fatal shooting, mention of: infidelity, suicide...more
Five years ago, Tessa Chamberlain was the lone survivor of a beach house massacre that left three of her friends dead—and Tessa with an inescapable, uFive years ago, Tessa Chamberlain was the lone survivor of a beach house massacre that left three of her friends dead—and Tessa with an inescapable, unending dread. Now she’s going back to face her fears.
Renting the same beach house where she almost died, Tessa returns to lonely Cassadaga Island off the coast of Maine long after the tourists and summer residents have departed for the winter. But as the fog rolls in and the nights grow longer, she wonders if she made a terrible mistake. There are footsteps on the porch, creaks from the second floor, and an unsettling feeling of being watched.
If only someone believed her. Because the terrors Tessa thought were long behind her are starting again. And this time, trapped and alone, she might not be lucky enough to survive them.
Oh. My. God. From the atmospheric feel to the ever ratcheting unease, the authors of The Last Girl Left had me in the palm of their hands. After all, the flawless writing, short chapters, and isolated murder house setting kept me glued to the pages. But it was the plot itself that deemed this book a winner. Starting out with a prologue straight out of a horror film, it came alive right before my eyes as the foreboding grew along with the sense of paranoia. Was Tessa imagining it all? Or was returning to the scene of the crime the very worst possible mistake?
One of the strongest pieces to this psychological thriller, however, was Tessa herself. Struggling with a believable dose of PTSD, she was drowning in life. Stuck in the past but unwilling to do the work to move forward, she had me cheering her on from the sidelines. As the plot’s pace picked up and the terrifying events descended upon her, her fear simply oozed from the pages. She wasn’t, though, the only dynamite character. Filled with suspicious individuals left, right, and center, I found myself giving a serious side-eye to each and every one.
With creepy events that propelled the plot forward as only a book with a strong psychological edge can, this popcorn thriller grabbed me and didn’t let go. Add in the amnesia angle and random flashbacks throughout, and there wasn’t a thing wrong with this novel. I absolutely love when a character learns the twisted, twisted truth right along with the reader. This time around, the reveal was near utter perfection. Did it come slightly out of the blue? Well, yes—but only to drop my jaw to the floor. All in all, this was the perfect high-octane ride that kept my fingers flying and my eyeballs speeding. Needless to say, all of my book besties at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse were right. This is a definite must read. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to A.M. Strong, Sonya Sargent, and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now!
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Yet again, this is one book I recommend going into blind. But if you are unable to restrain yourself, please see the publisher provided synopsis at thYet again, this is one book I recommend going into blind. But if you are unable to restrain yourself, please see the publisher provided synopsis at the end of my review… It’s one of the few that doesn’t reveal too much (in my humble opinion).
Holy cow! With a blindingly fast pace, a mysterious past, and one character you’re simply going to love to hate, The Last Party showed A.R. Torre at her best, which is a fact upon all of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse wholeheartedly agree. A gripping mix of suspense novel and thriller, the slow IV drip of clues led me to work extra hard to figure out where the plot was headed. Try as I might, however, the biggest of the big revelations totally slipped by my armchair sleuthing. And, boy, when it was delivered, it was a jaw-dropping, gasp-inducing success. But then, what was I expecting given who wrote this novel?
While not exactly character-driven, the personas in this dark, twisted tale definitely guided the plot to an extent. Especially Perla. A manipulative, cunning villain narrator drawn to perfection, her sociopathic personality hit all the right chords. Paired with the other deftly drawn individuals, there was a bit of everything for the savvy reader. What made it even better, though, were the multiple, round-robin POVs. Told via various sources including emails and journal entries from Perla’s eleven-year-old daughter, it was—you guessed it—utter perfection.
Just as a warning, however, you will most definitely have to suspend all disbelief before becoming spellbound by this one. Additionally, I did work out a few of the twists. Did that bother me in the slightest? Absolutely not. After all, this was one addictive ride full of palpable tension and evil motivations that had me 100% riveted all said and done.
All in all, the short chapters, twisty plot, and initially baffling connections meant an addictively fast-paced descent into sweet, sweet madness. Already one of my auto-buy authors, Torre merely cemented her name onto the list with her newest novel. She even included delicious witness statements at the beginning of each chapter. Needless to say, their inclusion only stepped up my habit of reading one more page over and over. Just a little advice, though. Perhaps be careful about what synopses you read before diving in. There are quite a few that give too much away and with this book you’re going to want all the thrills, chills, and surprises. Rating of 4.5 stars.
As promised, here’s the publisher’s blurb:
Perla Wultz lives with her husband, Grant, and their precious daughter, Sophie, in a gated Pasadena community. Affluent, sociable, and accomplished, Perla plays the part of loving wife and mother to perfection. It seems an ideal life, if not for a decades-old crime that has become Perla’s dark and consuming secret obsession.
Twenty-three years ago, Leewood Folcrum confessed to murdering two young girls during a birthday party. Though he’s been condemned to a life sentence, his crime is not forgotten. Not by Perla, nor by an inquisitive doctoral student interviewing Folcrum for his dissertation. He’s getting the killer to open up―about his motives, his confession, and the truth of what really happened on that horrible night.
As the past and the present entwine, the deceptions behind the infamous murder begin to surface. But who’s deceiving who now? And why? And as an ingeniously twisted plan is set in motion, who will be the next to die?
Thank you to A.R. Torre, Thomas & Mercer, and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. All opinions are my own.
Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of the road―alone. It was as if her parents and younger sister, Ella, had simply disappeared.
One year later, Alice is still dealing with nightmares and unanswered questions when she and her friends find Ella’s bloodstained backpack in the basement of an abandoned home. As Detective Jess Lambert investigates, she uncovers dark secrets that put her on a collision course with her past. Jess’s only witness is haunted by her own ghosts―ghosts that might ultimately be connected to Jess.
Jess will do anything to find out what happened to the Harpers―no matter how deep she has to dig. Because neither the living nor the dead are giving up their secrets easily.
OHHHEMMMGEEE! How does Christina McDonald manage to craft books that just get better and better? In the first book in the series, These Still Black Waters, she pulled the rug right out from under me in the best possible way. Now, with What Lies in Darkness, I couldn’t keep the s*** eating grin off of my face. From the magically interwoven plot to the well-developed characters who had me in the palm of their hands, there wasn’t a thing not to love. Even better, though, was McDonald still managed to shock me all the way to my core.
The plot itself alternated back and forth between dual timelines and multiple POVs. In fact, it was so intoxicating that I lost track of time. Despite clearly remembering the earth-shattering twist from book one in the series, this time around there was also even more of a heartbreaking element. Through thought-provoking quotable quotes and plot charging emotion, I felt this storyline deep in my bones. That’s not to say there wasn’t non-stop suspense and palpable tension. I promise that that was also there in spades.
Like most characters in a series, Jess has blossomed from the prequel to book one and now book two. The more I learn about her, the more realistic she becomes to the point where I almost feel like I know her by now. Yet again, though, she wasn’t the only character real enough to walk right off the page. From her stand-in partner to her witch of a boss, they each fit their roles to a T. All I can say is that I can’t wait to see where they all go from here. And I’m not the only one. All of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse feel exactly the same way.
Done and dusted, this newest addition to the Jess Lambert saga hit all the sweet spots for me. With a twisty, atmospheric plot, an unstoppable yet flawed heroine, and a killer conclusion, this psychologically acute thriller was beyond a slam dunk. A masterclass in suspense, McDonald has done it yet again. Already an auto-buy author for me, her sharp writing meant I felt immersed in this story. Take it from me, you have got to get your hands on this series. And please, start at the beginning. You’re not going to want to miss a minute with Jess. Rating of 5+ stars.
Thank you to Christina McDonald and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme)
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