Meg

I was highly anticipating this book. Not only because I enjoyed The Silent Patient, but also because I saw it EVERYWHERE. So as far as the advertising and publicity of this book, it worked. And I am very happy to say I was not disappointed.

I was kind of in the mind set of “unreliable narrator” so I was on alert constantly throughout the book to “find the killer”. I immediately didn't agree with Mariana, but only because I didn't trust her. Throughout the novel I “figured out” the twist and BOY WAS I WRONG! Alex Michaelides definitely fooled me because I 100% believe that was his intention. I also love the ties to his first novel. I'm a sucker when there are crossovers, Easter eggs, etc. in books and tv/movies.

I also thoroughly enjoyed the academia parts of the book. The setting was perfect and somewhere I find intriguing. The Greek myths was a great way to pull everything together and also lead the reader astray. There were so many side characters and mini plots that usually gets lost and confusing but I think it was the perfect amount to lead the reader who were suspicious (like me) on a wild goose chase, almost.

Definitely will recommend this book and look forward to more of his books.

When I was younger I fell in love with fantasy books. I'd seek them out and become obsessed with the different characters and worlds. Over time I stopped reading so much fantasy and started reading more Thrillers and Horror books. This book reminded me why Fantasy is such a great genre and how it can pull you into a whole new world.

I devoured this book. Like, couldn't stop listening to it. Don't get me wrong, there are times that it dragged on and gave a bit too much information for my brain to comprehend. That did not deter me and it paid off. By the end, I felt I had a good grasp on the world, the creatures, the magic, and the characters. It's a rollercoaster as well. Time after time it seems it's getting the high point of the story. And then it comes down only to bring you to the next exciting part. It is a large book where a lot of things could have gotten lost, but I think the length did it justice.

Overall, a 10/10 for reminding me what it's like to get so engrossed in a world that is nothing like your own and falling in love with characters that you'll never get to meet. I haven't been excited for a new release like I am about the next one in this series for a long time.

I think this may be one of my favorite haunted house books. It ticked every box for me and the end blew me away. J.W. Ocker is becoming one of my favorite authors of all time. Whether it's adult fiction, non-fiction, or middle grade his writing is so easy to get into. I'm honestly surprised that it took me this long to read this AND that I don't see this book more often in the horror community.

I wished I went in knowing a little less so I'm not going to say much else. Just know if you're a fan of horror this is for you. Especially if you love a good haunted house story, even if you're a skeptic. Highly recommend!

When Alex wakes up in a hospital after her “friends” have all been brutally murdered, she's prepared for her already abysmal existence to get worse. Instead she's greeted by the dean of Yale offering her admission to the prestigious school. Alex hasn't graduated high school and at 20 has had a few dead end jobs and spends most of her time taking and selling drugs. But with her ability she's welcomed into Yale and is introduced to the life of secret societies, magic, and the Ivy League. Yet, everything doesn't go very smoothly and soon Alex is fighting to find answers and to save her life.

This was a mix of fantasy and paranormal thriller. It has serious dark academia vibes to it. There's some magic and some ghosts. It takes a minute to grasp the societies, their roles, and the different people involved. However, once I got those down I rolled through the book. Alex is a strong, female protagonist with many interesting characters surrounding her. There isn't any romance in this. I enjoyed the lack of romance because it allowed me to focus more on the characters as a whole and the different houses and magical aspects of the book. However, I think there's potential for possible romance in the next book. This is a slow burn read. Stick with the first half because the second half is EVERYTHING! Once you get to half way it really picks up speed and events unfold. The ending is spectacular and has me ready for the second book to be released. There is also a tv series being produced.

For fans of Leigh Bardugo's Greishaverse: DO NOT GO INTO THIS BOOK COMPARING IT TO GREISHAVERSE!! It is very different; more of a real world setting, no romance, and more adult themes and language. I have seen a lot of people dislike it because they're expecting more Shadow and Bone, King of Scars, and Six of Crow vibes. You will be disappointed if you are expecting that. However, Bardugo builds a magical world (that's set in the real world) that's immersive and entertaining.

The premise of the book is so interesting. It's based on the fairytale A Brewery of Eggshells but it covers so much more than that. It tackles the topic of children, motherhood, and the struggles that follow. It's creepy, there's a mystery, and there's the question if the narrator is reliable. All things that usually I love. However, I couldn't say I loved this one.

I'll begin by saying that I listened to this on Audible and highly recommend if you like audio books. The narrator did a great job and raised the creep factor for me. I so felt for Lauren and her journey becoming a new mother to twin boys. So many women are faced with hardships after birth but it's rarely talked about. And Lauren had twins! The author did a good job portraying that. There's a creepy story about a drowned village....I'm here for it! It was a ghost legend that had you wondering if it could be true. This book between two perspectives; Lauren Tranter (the mother of newborn twin boys) and Joanna Harper (the detective that gets wrapped up in the Tranter family as multiple issues happen that involve the police). I think this helped the book to set up the question if Lauren is a reliable narrator. I also really disliked her husband and I always think books that bring out strong emotions (either good or bad) are a positive.

The real issue I had with this one is that by the end of it I did not feel satisfied. There's a lot of questions I felt that were left open ended. I think this was done to leave up to interpretation of the reader but it didn't sit well with me. We went on this long journey and learned all of these things only for none of it to really be put to use. I wasn't sure if this was a ghost story or a story of a troubled woman. I may be alone in this and to others it was completely apparent, but I just think it fell flat for me.

Overall, I did enjoy listening to this and would recommend to people who like folklore, fairytales, ghost stories, and psychological thrillers.

3.5 Stars

The Turn of the Key is a creepy thriller. Starting with Rowan, a nanny, finding the post of her dreams then ending with shocking and devastating events that leave and child dead and Rowan in a prison cell.

It starts simple with a nanny wanting more out of her life. She is in a job that she hates, lives in a flat alone with no close friends or family in the city. She finds the job of a lifetime. A live in nanny position caring for 3 small children and a teenager in a remote house in Scotland. The house a mixture of old victorian and modern that is completely incorporated with technology. She cannot pass up the opportunity but there are heavy hints that not everything is as it seems.

From the beginning of her post she is riddled with mishaps. From technology not going her way, to not being prepared for how remote the house is, to the children not being quite as sweet as they first appeared. Not only those issues but issues arise that are difficult to be explained.

For most of the novel you are trying to figure out if the chilling nightmare Rowan is living is the work of the supernatural or a person(s) with ill intent. Told in the form of a letter to a solicitor that she is trying to convince to take her case. The book starts with the fact that a child is dead and the narrator is accused and awaiting trial for the murder. From there the narrator is creating a narrative for the solicitor to explain her side of things.

There were definitely some twists that I called early on but felt the reveal of them were still satisfying. It was a page turner with me changing my mind numerous times of what exactly I thought was going on. However, I did feel I was left with some plot hole and questions. Some portions of the story that, I believe, were meant to increase the creep factor and give you more things to question, weren't resolved in a way that made me feel satisfied. The parts I felt that were meant to creep out the reader didn't do it for me. The story as a whole was completely intriguing and I thought the reveal of the novel was done well. This is my first Ruth Ware novel and I am very excited to read more of hers.

A very interesting concept...that's also super disturbing.

So I made the mistake of reading reviews on this book. I had heard so much great feedback on how awesome this book was but then I read some bad reviews and didn't want to read it anymore. But after buying it I decided I was going to read it. And honestly I think a lot of the bad reviews were misguided. Most were “this is by a privileged white woman” “this woman preaches about one thing than describes a scenario in her life showing the opposite” and “this is supposed to be a Christian book but it only talks a little about God”. Well I found all of these, as I've said, misguided. Do not take the book by the woman writing it but by the words. Make each word similar to your life. The premise of this book isn't a rags to riches or a how to save your marriage or a praise Jesus. It's an uber successful woman (and life coach) telling her story in hopes that it helps someone. She's not just preaching...she's giving advice with her personal journey on how she got to that particular revelation. I think that it was very articulately written. I think that it has some wonderful advise (even some that I didn't feel immediately pertained to me). Every well written self help book can be made (in the right mind set) to pertain to your life. I think this was a wonderful book and it made me (after initially judging her by the reviews) very interested in her and her career and family. The motivation in this book is for you to make it happen for YOURSELF and I loved that.

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.

Was a slow read. Could not get into the psychology of it and it did not get off to a good start.

Incredibly unsure if I actually enjoyed this book or not. The twist is so unbelievable but I don't think I mind that. It was a good twist with a hint of sci-fi. I think it's just the sadness and lack of closure.

Odd read for me. I'd start thinking it was going in one direction only to end up in another. I felt that at the end of the book I didn't have the closure I was hoping for. Overall I enjoyed the read and it was definitely a page turner.

I love Jeneva Rose's writing and this did not disappoint!

Three siblings reunite to handle their mother's estate after she passes, but it's more like three strangers. Beth is the oldest and had stayed and cared for their mother all the way up until she passed. And her final words to Beth has Beth feeling confused along with bereft. Nicole is the middle child and battles substance abuse leaving her on the outs with everyone in her family. And Michael, the youngest, got out of their small town and now lives a life of luxury. He hasn't been back to his home town in seven years. With old wounds opening along with the fresh wound of their mother's passing they are more than eager to go through their mother's things and get the estate settled. However, when they stumble upon an old VHS that was meant to be their home tape from summer of 1999 but ends with the image of their father in bloodied clothes, a body, and their parents stating they plan on hiding the body, the siblings are left shocked and wondering what they should do with this information.

I really enjoyed how the story opens and progresses. It's told in the perspective of all three siblings and it's fascinating seeing how each sibling sees themselves and each other. The memories of their childhoods differ and each has a different perspective on how to handle this new knowledge they've gained. As the story unfolds I had several different ideas of what the twist was going to be. Jeneva Rose does a great job of making you feel like you've figured it out and then throwing another wrench in your theory. Overall, I did guess the twist but the lead up to its revelation was still fun. I especially enjoyed that there weren't too many characters involved, making it easy to keep up with the story.

I feel like people either love or hate this series and I can confidently say I am someone who loves this series. The characters are so easy to get wrapped up in. You're just routing for every single one of them. SJM creates characters (especially female ones) whose flaws are just that, flaws. They grow and hurt and love and lose and experience their trauma and rect in ways that's understandable.

First, I would never say I could relate to Nesta in any way from the previous books. However, now I think I may be more like her than any other character in an SJM world (keeping in mind I haven't read TOG yet). I think that's why I love the ACOTAR series. With every book you learn more layers to each character and it's impossible not to feel for them. Also, the relationships (and of course, the sex) is just a fantasy come true.

I'm eager for more books and learning more about these characters and this world.

This book is definitely more painful than the first. The dialogue is painful. And I get it - it's meant to highlight how airheaded the Pretties are, but I was ready to rip my speakers out as I listened to the audio of this. This book also gets more into some heavy topics like eating disorders. I think this was the last book that I read in the series when I was younger so I'm interested to read the next two.

This made me look at the publishing industry and authors a bit differently for a minute.

Alex is struggling. She and her best friend are no longer friends, one could even call them enemies perhaps. She is in a job that she truly hates. She has had writers block for almost a year and is just all together in a funk. So when she is chosen to attend a writing retreat she jumps at the chance. And this isn't just any writing retreat, it's the famous thriller writer Rosa Vallo's writing retreat located at her remote, gothic mansion. Her and the four other authors attending the retreat soon realize that this isn't any regular retreat and they are in serious danger.

This was definitely one of those books that I couldn't put down but when it was over I had to really think “how much did I like this book”? First, the FMC is very easy to relate to. She has a bit of mystery to her. And then the surmounting mystery of what is happening on this estate and this strange character Rosa Vallo and her odd staff keeps your attention. The twist is predictable but done in such a great way.

However, at the end I thought “this is a bit of a stretch in believability” but that doesn't really bother me. For a split second it did but the more I think about it the more I just realized how much I enjoyed the experience of reading it. And honestly, I can't say this couldn't be a real story - honestly, I've heard stranger stuff when I really think about it.

Overall, I think this is a fun, quick thriller and recommend it. Though it will really make you look at those uber-famous authors a bit closer.

Review to come

This book his heartbreaking, heartwarming, agonizing, beautiful, ugly, weird, disturbing and elegant. I have no idea how I feel about it but know that it was a well worth read that I finished in 2 days.

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.

Book 2 of The Legendborn Cycle was everything I wanted.

We pick up where we left off with Bree figuring out her new status in the secret society of magic wielding members that are descendants of King Arthur and the Knights of the Roundtable and Merlin. All while trying to understand her ancestral power and the history that is buried with her ancestors. The Regents want to do whatever it takes to understand Bree and hide the war which has Bree running with her close friends while trying to dodge threats from all angles and trying to get back Nick, the boy she has a deep connection with.

The action, romance, magic, friendship, and overall story telling is *chef's kiss. I love Bree even more and love her arc in this book. We learn so much while also getting more questions. I love how Tracy Deonn can give you so much hope while also keeping you sweating with anxiety for all of the characters. I also love seeing things from a different perspective. Representation matters. The author's note at the end is so informative and important as well! If you can't see by how many times I've said “I love” in this review, I loved this book. I'm so excited to see what comes next for Bree.

I was able to switch between reading this ebook and the audiobook and also highly recommend listening to the audiobook. Joniece Abbot-Pratt is amazing and does such a wonderful job at bringing the characters to life.

Review to come.

Set in 1995, while traveling to a motel to celebrate their honeymoon April and Eddie take a wrong turn. While trying to find their way back to the road they should be on they see a young woman on the side of the road. They decide to stop and give her a ride which ends up changing their vacation plans altogether. The girl is not only wounded with blood everywhere but there's a truck that's now chasing them. After outrunning the truck and taking her to the hospital where she dies they become suspects in her murder. They end up staying in the small town as the police start their investigation but they soon realize that this may not be a new investigation but an ongoing investigation as there have been other murders on that deserted road they picked up the girl on. This may be the work of a serial killer. April and Eddie start trying to find their own answers and they go down a haunting path.

Simone St. James is amazing at blending a crime novel and a paranormal novel. Her characters always feel well rounded and a bit gritty but likable and this book was no exception. The setting of a small town in Michigan in the summer of 1995 is perfect for a murder investigation possibly involving a serial killer. While reading I could so vividly see the Blockbuster as we past by it on a hot day with the air conditioning barely keeping us cool. Also the frustration of getting lost but the uncertain confidence that we'll find the way back to where we're supposed to be. I got my license in the era of Mapquest that soon turned into GPS and have no idea how people would stay so calm getting lost with only a map as their directions but that's all I ever witnessed as a kid.

The mystery surrounding so many different aspects of this book kept me reading straight through. Not only the mystery of the murders and the possibly supernatural elements but the mysteries surrounding the different characters. Some, like April and Eddie I immediately loved but had so many questions and others I disliked but needed to know more. The way they interacted throughout the book built on the mystery throughout.

Though I saw the twist coming a mile away I was still very entertained and excited by it. While not my favorite Simone St. James novel this is still a solid one and did not disappoint. Definitely recommencd!

Julie went on a hike one more and never came home. Two years later she's found sitting on her front porch like no time has passed. For Julie's best friend, Elise, she never really believed she was gone. After spending 2 years missing and mourning Julie, Elise and their two other best friends Molly and May, decide to have a girl's trip in a new hotel in New York where they all went to college together. On this trip they learn that Julie had changed in some drastic ways and are met with the realization that maybe the Julie they knew is not the Julie that's on the trip with them. This trip turns into a nightmare.

I very much enjoyed this one! I listened to the Audible version and thought that that aided in how much I liked this book. There is heavy dialogue between the girls and I thought the narrator did a great job in differentiating the girls and made the listen immersive and fun. The author did a great job and slowly creating the creep factor. I was incredibly intrigued about what happened to Julie and who (or what) she was now. The hotel also has an eery sense about it (however to avoid spoilers I won't say more about that). I highly recommend for those that are a fan of horror.