Meg
This was such an interesting read!
When 5 strangers meet in a cafe and decide to spend Christmas together they end up on a trajectory that intwines their lives. We get to see everything through the perspective of Ro who has a strained relationship with the Christmas season. However, it sets her up to become a horror author.
I know that synopsis seems a bit short, but this is a short book and saying too much more would give too much away in my opinion. The set up of this book is different than I'm used to reading but I very much enjoyed it. It spans a length of times and moves through it pretty quickly. The ending really threw me for a loop and I loved it. That moment the title makes sense is perfect.
I can't say too much as I think going into this as blind as possible is best, but I very much enjoyed the quick read and I highly recommend.
A family legacy that comes with a curse. What could go wrong?
Cecily suffered a tragedy as a child when she lost her mother to suicide. Though she remembers a supernatural figure stalking her and her mother the night she died she has come to terms with that being something her mind conjured up when she was a child. Now, she learns her great-grandmother is dying in France and requests her last living relative, Cecily, to come to meet her in person as she needs to speak with her. Cecily agrees and takes a trip to France that turns into a nightmare and fight for her life.
This was a pleasant surprise for me. I chose to read this on the cover/title alone and went in totally blind so I had zero expectations. The mystery surrounding the curse and Cecily's family history kept me intrigued through every chapter. Cecily and the side characters are well thought out and most of them are easy to like (except the ones you aren't supposed to like). Wheaton's writing is also easy to follow along and keeps you paying attention.
The only two slight issues I had with this was. First, there wasn't a clear cut answer that I was hoping for. However, I wouldn't say the ending leaves you hanging, but it wasn't the tidy ending I like. Which, of course, is just a personal preference. Second, time would jump mid paragraph with no indication of it. For example, the MC will be walking through the forest and the next sentence she is back at her apartment. Wasn't too big a deal but definitely kept me on my toes throughout the book.
Overall, I recommend!
I think Novellas are becoming some of my favorite books. The synopsis sums of this book quite nicely.
This is a fast paced novella that will give you the creeps. It's suspenseful and keeps you turning the pages until suddenly it's ended. But don't think you're left hanging. Sometimes novellas can leave you wanting more because they're so short, but Jeremy Ray does a great job of writing a full fledged novella with all the details you could hope for. The FMC is lovable and you can't help feeling for her. It also covers topics of sexual assault and PTSD while making it seem clique or appropriating those topics for a story line. The author's note is also very important to understanding this. Also I'm always there for women helping women....which you'll have to read the whole thing to understand.
Definitely recommend!
As a fan of horror movies, tv, books, etc. this book called to me. It's fascinating to not only see that there are people out there like you, but to see the studies and science behind your favorite genre.
Nina Nesseth is a lover of horror and sets out in her book to give some science behind some aspects of the intriguing genre. From what makes horror so appealing (or unappealing) to the ways society has influenced horror over the decades this book brings some great science, history, interviews, personal anecdotes, and more.
While some of the science was over my head I really enjoyed this book. You can tell Nesseth is a lover of the genre and I related to her on that level. I learned a lot about this weird, polarizing, and wonderful genre (and all of the many subgenres). While this is going to make you think, it's also not a difficult or dense read. And also it has enough movies listed throughout the pages to keep you Watch List packed for a while!
I have to put my heart back in my chest before I can write this review. This was such a heartbreaking but mesmerizing read.
Ruby has enjoyed summers in her family's chateau in France ever since she can remember. The summer she turns 12, the chateau is filled with friends old and new of her family's. This plunges Ruby into a tumultuous summer that leaves her and everyone that stays that summer changed forever.
This is my first book of Phoebe Wynne and I will absolutely be reading more of her work. The writing is beautiful and I could not stop reading. This is clearly meant for people like me who remember vividly being put in uncomfortable situations with older men that “mean no harm”. Comments and forced hugs aren't harmful, right? I felt strongly for every character, whether that was disdain, love, or my hear breaking for them. Each character was written so perfectly and the way we see them through Ruby's eyes was masterful.
This book is listed as a thriller on some platforms, and while there is a thriller component that's done really well, I'd consider this contemporary fiction for the most part. There's also mystery throughout the entire book which isn't revealed until the very end. The story is through Ruby's eyes though there is a dual timeline aspect where you can see the viewpoint from a person in present day, whose identity isn't revealed until later in the book. This is another part of the writing that I thought was brilliant. It added to the mystery and propelled me forward to learn who this narrator was and their connection to the chateau.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. Definitely my favorite read of July and maybe the year.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the chance to read this ARC.
This is my first Jennifer Hillier book and I can see why people rave about her books. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The story unfolds between multiple POV's and two timelines which I loved. It made the unfolding of the story more interesting and gave you insights that wouldn't have been the same from a single POV and timeline.
Even though most thrillers are filled with unlikeable or unreliable characters, I actually liked all of the characters in this book. Well, that's a lie....a few I loathed, but that was the point. The subject matter is heavy and there's some serious TW, but it was approached well. There are also a few different reveals and twists throughout, which I thought were predictable but still entertaining.
Overall, I enjoyed this and it was a quick read. I look forward to reading more from Jennifer Hillier.
Growing up the only horror books I even knew of was Goosebumps. Now, the middle grade horror genre is growing and Lindsay Currie is one of the best. I've enjoyed all of her books so far, but I have to say this is her best one in my opinion!
First, Mallory is a great character. That young angst of feeling like the world is out to get you is caught perfectly. You constantly see Mallory wanting to be a good daughter and friend while also longing for her old city and friends. Coming from Chicago to a small town on the East Coast that is obsessed with legends, curses, and ghosts (and gives big Sleepy Hollow and Salem vibes) has been a huge change for her and not a good one in her eyes. She doesn't believe any of it and thinks the town and the people in it are plain strange for how obsessed they are.
Second, the town! I love this town even though that changes throughout the book. I'm a huge fan of anything creepy, spooky, and weird and towns like Salem are my favorite places to go. However, this book opened my eyes to how exploitive and disrespectful using the tragedies of the past to lure tourists and with that, money, can be. Seeing it from the perspective of children, and also the ghost of one of those legends, made me view everything in a different way.
Third, the side characters. Everyone from Mallory's friends and family to the townspeople were perfect. They added to the story and the way Lindsay writes them, I felt like I was in the town. The dynamic between the friends is fun to read. They each have their own niche and interest that is talked about throughout and gives them each a unique way handling the impending disaster.
Finally, the story! I loved it. I enjoyed the idea that there is some truth to every legend but sometimes they're spot on and sometimes they're way off. But it takes some investigation and sleuthing and watching the kids find the truth is fun. The idea that someone's tragedy is celebrated for years and basically makes a town is heartbreaking. There were some seriously scary parts in this book that gave me goosebumps. Right from the beginning Mallory is unable to sleep from nightmares and as a kid that suffered from night terrors I thought it was written perfectly. The only difference is Mallory's nightmares start happening while she's awake and are connected with her neighbors. This being the lead into the rest of the adventure and horror was seamless. Between the legend of Sweet Molly and the course that she puts the kids on, it was story telling at its best.
Overall, I loved this book and highly recommend!
First I'm going to pick my jaw up from the floor.....Now I'll proceed.
Go Ask Alice was a very influential book for me in middle school and in high school (2000's era). I took so much away from the book and connected with it on such a personal level. It shaped me.
With that being said, the deep dive into the history of the publication, along with other diary style titles and how they impacted a toxic culture blew my mind. Satanic panic has been a topic I find endlessly fascinating and this book did not disappoint me in adding to my growing knowledge. The details on drugs and the war on drugs had me shocked. And I won't even begin to discuss Beatrice Sparks and the endless ways she slipped through every filter there was because I think reading about her with fresh eyes is the best way to go. The state of publishing, libraries, and bookselling is touched on and another interesting aspect of the book. I went through the emotions of shocked, sad, mad, furious, and heartbroken. This is a story that took so long to tell, which is such a shame, but Rick Emerson did a great job.
When it comes to non-fiction books, I enjoy them, but I tend to take a longer time to read. I need to really let the information sink in. With Unmask Alice, however, I couldn't read it fast enough. I needed all of the information ASAP. Emerson's writing is very readable and the mix of his personal touches (and opinions) I felt added to the readability. While authors' opinions can detract from the information in non-fiction, I thought it added to it (maybe this is because I agreed with all of them, but you never know).
There's so much more I want to add, but I don't want to spoil anything for readers. I highly recommend reading Unmask Alice!
Darcy Coates does it again. Another book where every one of my nerves was on end for a majority of my read. Two of my favorite things about Darcy's book are the readability of them and the great story telling. Gallows Hill is set up where a lot of mystery surrounds most of the beginning of the book and this propelled me forward even though it felt a bit slow. The build up is worth it though as the last half of the book is filled with excitement that will leave your blood pumping. The supporting characters are well formed and really aid the story through along with a strong female MC. There are many things I want to say, but in doing so would give too much away. I think going into this book as blind as possible makes the experience of reading it so perfect.
Overall, this book will rattle your nerves and get your blood pumping while propelling you to the end. The mystery will keep you looking for clues. Highly recommend!
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC!
This story gripped me. Like, put my nerves on end the entire time. The premise is two cousins, Maeve and Andrea, whose lives get upturned as children after they leave the cult they were born into. After many years, they finally reconnect as adults. Maeve is coming to terms with her past, present, and future while reconnecting with her cousin that was her best friend as a kid. But not all is right and life quickly becomes a nightmare.
This book is gripping. It left me guessing and needing to keep reading to figure out what is going on. The ending is enough to turn your blood to ice. Maeve is also such a likable character and I was rooting for her throughout. This book also brings up, of course, motherhood and being a woman but not a mother. I've met many women who have strong opinions about motherhood and this book highlights the extreme way people can view it and their fellow women.
Highly recommend!
Another book that sat on my shelf for far too long and when I finally got to it (because it's a book club pick), I was kicking myself I didn't read it sooner.
The premise of this book is the Golden State Killer - that McNamara penned, and was previously East Area Rapist (EAR) and then the Original Night Stalker (ONS), is a wild one. It's a story where there were so many victims and his crimes escalated from rape to murder, yet he alluded authorities for 4 decades. And it wasn't a popular, well-known story like the Zodiac killer. The research, effort, and care McNamara took into finding the facts and telling the story is really special. Her driving motive was to get this guy caught and answer for his crimes and I think it shown in every page of her writing. And I've said it before, some true crime feels exploitive of the people involved, but she handled this with respect. And, it actually scared me. Her writing is so immersive and there was even one moment I was cooking dinner while listening to the audiobook and realized the back door was unlocked and checked the whole house after locking it.
This is also a unique true crime book because the author, Michelle McNamara, died before she was able to finish it. And the killer was eventually caught shortly after this book was published but sadly she wouldn't be able to see that. I think the people that helped get this finished did a beautiful job. For me, this book was so unique because I think I am more interested in her then in the Golden State Killer. Yes, the story is interesting and left my jaw hanging open, but the story of Michelle and her hunt for him and just her history of true crime obsession and the trajectory that lead her to and through this case is so intriguing.
Overall, 5 star read and highly recommend to the true crime fans out there.
This was by no means a feel good book, however, I ended up feeling so tenderly for Sally. She's the focus of the book as she addresses her sister before, during, and after her death. We get to grow up with Sally and learn all of the intricacies of dealing with loss and grief and the guilt and shame that go along with that. We also get a glimpse of the people that surround her, her family, friends, and people in her neighborhood and school.
There's also this forbidden love feel to it with Sally and her sister's boyfriend throughout Sally's life; from childhood into adulthood. To watch it play out over years is both cringey (for lack of a better word) and heartbreaking. I was cheering them on but also felt a bit weird about it. The writing of this book was beautiful. I listened to it through audio, and while I thought the narrator did a very good job, I wish I could have read it in print.
Overall the story and writing was beautiful. There were a few parts that I felt rather bored, but I think that was due to me listening to the audio book and only able to go at the pace it went. I think reading it I could have flown through it.
Thank you NetGalley and Macmillan audio.
Ghost hunting is my jam. Well, not the actual ghost hunting, but the watching of the people ghost hunting. So this book with a group of ghost hunters was of course on my list (and the cover is amazing). I very much enjoyed this read. It was quick and easy and you could definitely tell it was a YA, but it did have some intense moments.
First, this group of characters are very lovable. Each person is unique yet they formed this friendship surrounding their hobby of ghost hunting. Each person is involved for different reasons and has a different view on it. As a watcher of ghost hunters, I enjoy when teams have a vary of different personalities, backgrounds, and beliefs/skeptics. I would definitely watched these guys YouTube channel.
There are some pretty exciting parts in this story. Overall, a lot is predictable and there are a few cringey moments considering it's a story following high schoolers. But I very much enjoyed it.
I had this book in my Audible library FOREVER. It was high on my tbr list but I also put it off. I really thought by the time I got to it, it would blow me away. I always try to stay away from reviews because they tend to stick in my head and I don't want them to influence my reading experience. However, this is one book that I wished I would have read the reviews first.
Firstly, I think the premise of this story is so interesting. The mix between sci-fi and horror is on point. I also think that the writing is well done. However! I was so bored. Even when there was exciting and/or tragic things happening I was bored. The characters weren't necessarily unlikable but they definitely weren't people I'd want to hang out with in my personal life. I think the character I disliked most was Eleanor Queen - it's always both names, they never shorten it. There is just something about children that act too adult that bothers me. If that was the only thing I would have just moved on and gotten over it, but mixed with the slow pace for me I think grated on me more than usual.
Even though this fell flat for me, I look forward to reading more from this author. I have Baby Teeth already on my TBR.
They have done it again. The Wife Between Us is hands down one of my favorite thrillers. Every book that this duo comes out with I have read and enjoyed. This was no different.
The characters in this book are interesting and in my opinion, likable. However, you never really know if you're seeing the real person behind the character. And I went in prepared for this because 1. I know how this author duo rolls, and 2. I tend to always be skeptical of characters in thrillers. One of the main reasons I think I enjoyed this one so much is that I was obsessed with learning more about these characters. I had my suspicions (which turned out that I was spot on) but never knew for sure what was going on with certain characters.
Overall I devoured this book. I love the writing styler of these two. I could hate the story and still buzz through because of the writing. But in this case the story is great. In my opinion it was predictable, but I still was on the edge of my seat for the whole book. Highly recommend.
Rachel Rear has wrote a “true crime” book that is informative, respectful, and has heart. The close connection while never having met Stephanie added a unique perspective to the book. Rachel is a great writer that made reading the book easy and engrossing. I had never heard of this story before, but the depth she went of showing all sides to this cold case made it one of my favorite non-fictions/true crimes this year (maybe even of all time). But, be prepared to have a dictionary, because her vocabulary is on point and I'm lucky I was reading on my Kindle and could easily look up certain words.
I think true crime stories are either done from a very emotional/sensitive view point or a very detached/information heavy, sometimes disrespectful view point. I found that this book had all of the information while also making it readable and adding respectful information about her friends, families, and co-workers/clients. She included her opinion as well, but always made sure the reader understood that it was her opinion.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. Even with the tragic content I very much enjoyed it. I know that this was a story close to the authors heart, but I would read anything else that she writes.
As someone who has a fear of water and who loves a good fright I was ecstatic to read this one. From the very beginning I was gripped by anyone that wants to dive 300 ft under the sea. Once you get the mysterious sinking of a ship nearly 100 years ago, and the promise of some spooky things happening that only Darcy Coates can do, I was smitten from the first chapter.
This book switches between time periods; present day and the final days of the Arcadia's voyage. This did great in building the mystery. And let's just say it did a great job of also building the weird. During the present day you get the perspective from multiple people but there's no rhyme or reason on who you're going to get or when. This made how the story unfolded gripping and kept the mysterious aspect of it. In the past tense you see it from mostly one perspective but get another perspective occasionally. I think this allowed for an already hectic and confusing plot to stay within the realm of understanding.
The plot was a slow burn in my opinion. There were times that I just wanted to skip chapters to get to the juicy parts but those chapters were important to the overall story. And I love Darcy Coates' writing style that I never felt bored reading necessarily. Just impatient. Once the action started happening it happened. Sitting in my bed reading before going to sleep I'd catch myself holding my breath, tensing my muscles, breathing heavy, and even a bit of sea sickness. There were so many parts that I could just FEEL what was being described. Sometimes I'd feel like I can finally relax only for the next heart palpitating scenario to unfold. This lead me to read way past my bedtime but it was worth it.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this book. It has the action and thrill with the creepy elements that Darcy is known for.
Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of the books that took me FOREVER to get to, and when I did I was kicking myself that I didn't get to it sooner. I'm a big fan of thrillers but horror is my first love. The Deadly Calling satisfied both. I would consider this a thriller, but there are some aspects that made it lean towards horror for me. I kind of went into this thinking of the tv crime dramas, but this was more like a fast paced Hollywood blockbuster.
Overall, I loved the ride. The characters are interesting, but this is definitely plot driven. Tim Langford will keep you turning the pages at a fast rate to see what happens next. I am very excited to read more from this author!
This is a book of every weird kid's dream. It's refreshing that horror is becoming bigger in middle grade. I come from the generation that only really had Goosebumps and I was obsessed. Unfortunately as my reading level progressed they didn't do much for me but I wasn't quite ready for the adult horror. I would have LOVED having this book as a kid. It pushes the boundaries of middle grade. It's uncomfortable but also one heck of an adventure. But I will say....this is not for the faint of heart. It is creepy and cringey and downright weird. Just what a weirdo like me loves. It's also not dumbed down so it's perfect for kids that have a higher reading level.
I was lucky enough to to be apart of a book club meeting that the author attended. Something he said that made me like the book even more was that he wasn't writing it to have some great lesson bestowed upon the readers but to create a sense of wonder. And I liked that. I liked the idea that there are books out there that's only purpose is to fuel the imaginations of kids. Especially when it comes to horror. And adults like me I guess.
I would recommend this for teens/adults and middle grade kids that really enjoy some weird stuff and have a good stomach.
I'm a big fan of Simone St. James books. They all have a bit of a true crime feel and a lot of haunted, paranormal vibes. This one was a bit different. The true crime element was much more prevalent and the paranormal aspect was more of a footnote than the main theme.
St. James does an amazing job at making female characters that are just the right amount of likable and tenacious, but I feel like she really outdid herself with Shea. I am a fan of true crime. I listen to the podcasts, read the books, and watch the documentaries. One thing that has always intrigued me are the people behind those podcasts, books, and documentaries. To go through the history of these people to create a story that is accurate and entertaining takes a special kind of person. Though, I have the interest and I believe the discipline, I don't know if I would have the stamina. This book was perfect, though fictional, for me to see what it's like to be someone that hunts for the answers of these cold cases. And not only are the MC's likable and complicated but the “villains” of the story usually are as well. There's always a loop or something that gives them multiple shades of grey instead of just black and white.
While most thrillers wait until close to the end to give you the big reveal this book reveals it in the middle of the book. While it does take away that need to read every page to get to the truth, I think it fit with this book. The big reveal in the middle of the book allowed for the story to take shape and allow no stone to be unturned. When you were finished with the book you had all of the answers and understood the motives. And it helped to understand how something that happened 40 years ago can be brought to the light today.
As I said before the paranormal/ haunting aspects of this book are light and more of a footnote but its done well. It starts right in the beginning that sets the tone of eeriness of the whole plot. It aids the unfolding of the story and the big reveals and helps explain a lot of motive. And makes the revelations of motive so much better.
I would highly recommend this book. If you are a fan of true crime this would be a great read for you. If you have read St. James previous work I would go in expecting some similarities to her previous work but also to keep an open mind.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkley for giving me an ARC for a fair and honest review.
Darcy Coates has done it again. The second book in the Gravekeeper series did not disappoint. The first book left us with some questions and the second gave some answers....and more questions. I love the pacing of these books. It is quick moving without feeling rushed. Keira regularly evolves. She has very little reason to be as compassionate as she is, but yet she continues to make decisions based on her need to help others. This book picks up right where the last one finishes and shows Keira learning more about her background, her gifts, and how to allow others to help her and be a friend. The town and the people in it are quaint and adds the perfect backdrop to the mystery that is Keira.
I would highly recommend this book! With every Darcy Coates book I read I fall more in love with her writing. This series is one I'm going to relish however many books come out.
