Ashtin

Lock Every Door is a psychological thriller that kept me on the edge of my seat until the very last chapter. Set in New York City apartment building, this novel follows Jules Larsen. A down-on-her-luck woman who is offered a lucrative but strange opportunity to be an apartment sitter in the exclusive Bartholomew building after losing her job and apartment after ending her relationship with her boyfriend Andrew. The residents of this building are wealthy, mysterious, and seemingly untouchable. Jules becomes more and more fascinated with the residents of the building as well as its tenants and, in the process, uncovers a series of chilling events that lead to the climax of the novel itself, making it yet another classic for Riley Sager to add to his bestseller's list.

While this isn't my favorite work by Riley Sager, it's up there, as I didn't expect the climactic twist toward the end, as it's my goal to finish his entire collection by the end of 2025.I recommend it to anyone looking for a new style thriller that doesn't revolve around serial killers or the paranormal.

Riley Sager’s Final Girls, is a gripping and suspenseful rollercoaster ride that takes classic horror movie tropes and combining them with psychological mystery. Like The Beast at Kings Island, this novel kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

In his debut thriller we meet Quincy Carpenter, a woman who is the sole survivor of a massacre at a cabin committed a decade earlier by a man known as "The Milkman". Being the only survivor, Quincy has earned the title of being a 'final girl', like other lone survivors of mass murders. Since the nightmare a decade ago Quincy has struggled to get her life back in order. Living under the radar with her successful blog and perfect boyfriend, Quincy's life is turned upside down yet again when another final girl is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Shortly thereafter, Sam, a troubled third final girl, shows up at Quincy’s door, and chaos ensues as Quincy is forced to confront the dark, buried secrets of her past and the truth about what happened that night. As the novel progresses, Quincy begins to question not only herself, but the events of that fateful night at the cabin.

I loved this novel, and its my second favorite by Riley Sager. I would recommend it to anyone who likes traditional Law and Order episodes, as the novels unfolds exactly like that, with a twist you won't see coming.

Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree is a delightful and cozy fantasy that will sweep you into a world of magic, warmth, and good coffee. It’s a refreshing take on fantasy, filled with low-stakes adventure, rich world-building, and a wonderful sense of community that leaves readers with a smile on their face.

The story follows Viv, a former orc barbarian who’s decided to leave her violent past behind and embark on a new chapter of life. Tired of the bloodshed and violence of adventuring, she moves to the small city of Thune with the goal of opening the town’s first-ever coffee shop. Of course, opening a business isn’t as easy as it sounds, Viv faces many challenges, however. She is quickly joined by a quirky cast of characters, including a fellow former adventurer, a skilled barista, and a lovable succubus. Together, they work to make Viv’s dream a reality.

What makes Legends and Lattes so special is its subversion of traditional fantasy tropes. Unlike other traditional fantasy novels released lately, there’s no great evil, no kingdom, no gory battles with which to win—just a former warrior looking to find peace and happiness in a simpler life. Baldree’s world is full of magic, but instead of world-shaking sorcery, the focus is on the small, everyday magic of building something new and creating a sense of belonging.

Bookshops & Bonedust by Heather Fawcett is a whimsical, enchanting adventure that blends the magic of books with the thrill of mystery and fantasy that follows Eve, a young woman with an appearance of an ogre, with a dream of opening her own bookshop. As Eve unravels the mysteries of the shop, she becomes embroiled in a strange and supernatural journey that will test her courage, wit, and belief in magic.

The plot of Bookshops & Bonedust is full of twists, puzzles, and layers of intrigue. While the magical elements are certainly a large part of the story, Fawcett touches on themes such as loss and self-discovery as well. By mixing these themes with adventure, Fawcett has written a tale that is deemd to be both lighthearted and thought-provoking. The mystery at the center of the book is compelling, and as the secrets of the bookshop and its past unravel, readers will be hooked until the very last page. The only drawback to the book, and it may not be a drawback to many, it that it is definitely a slow, cozy read. I rated it 2/5 stars simply because it just wasn't as good as the sequel, Legends and Lattes.

Unforgettable Encounters During Life's Final Moments is a collection of deeply moving and reflective stories centered around those whose lives have been effects by hospice services, with its writing as compassionate as it is empathetic. The book brings together first-hand accounts, anecdotes, and reflections from both those who have had direct experiences with the dying and the loved ones who have witnessed these intimate and often emotional moments. Nurse Hadley Vlahos has written an emotionally novel thats overarching theme is the unexpected beauty and peace that can arise in life’s final moments.

Each story, written according to how it was experienced through her own eyes, the author sheds light on the extraordinary range of experiences people have when they are nearing the end of their lives, often involving extraordinary acts of clarity, unexpected memories, and even spiritual encounters. While deeply personal, these moments resonate universally, offering comfort, insight, and a sense of connection. Each story is unique, but many share common threads: themes of reconciliation, the power of love, and often, a final, unspoken exchange that provides closure. Some stories are bittersweet, while others are surprising, revealing how death can sometimes bring clarity or a profound sense of peace. At times, the book can feel emotionally overwhelming, as the stories bring to the surface the complex feelings associated with loss—grief, relief, longing, love—but this is part of its strength. By tackling such raw and universal themes, the book offers a powerful opportunity for readers to reflect on their relationships, mortality, and what it means to truly connect with others.