I had so many books to listen thanks to Netgalley and various publishers. So let me jump in!
“The Photo” by A.J. McDine is a riveting psychological thriller that hooks you from the very first page. The plot unfolds with a chilling premise: the protagonist believes she has seen her sister’s murderer, a man presumed dead for a decade, in a recent photograph. The tension is palpable as she navigates the fear and uncertainty of protecting her niece, Lily, while confronting this haunting specter from the past.
McDine masterfully weaves suspense and emotion, creating a story that is both heart-wrenching and exhilarating. The characters are well-developed, and the protagonist’s determination to keep her family safe relatable. The twists are genuinely jaw-dropping, keeping you guessing until the very end. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a good thriller with emotional depth and unexpected turns.
3/5 stars.
“Secrets of Rose Briar Hall” by Kelsey James is a mesmerising gothic tale set in the opulent yet eerie world of early 20th century New York. This Gilded Age homage to “Gaslight” captures the essence of suspense and psychological intrigue, weaving a chilling and captivating story.
The protagonist, Millie Turner, is a young and beautiful newlywed whose life takes a dark turn after a grand party at her lavish mansion, Rose Briar Hall. The novel begins with Millie waking up to a disturbing reality: she has lost weeks of her memory, her friends have turned their backs on her, and her once magnificent home now feels like a prison. Kelsey James skillfully portrays Millie’s descent into confusion and fear as she struggles to piece together what happened that fateful night.
James’s writing is rich and evocative, bringing to life the grandeur and underlying menace of Rose Briar Hall. The characters are intricately developed, with Millie’s charismatic and controlling husband, Charles, adding a layer of tension and mystery. The plot is meticulously crafted, filled with unexpected twists and a palpable sense of dread that keeps readers hooked until the very end.
3/5 stars.
“Jenny James Is Not a Disaster” by Debbie Johnson is a heartwarming and humorous journey of self-discovery and resilience. The story follows single mum Jenny, whose life seems to be in shambles after her cottage falls off a cliff, leaving her homeless and jobless. As Jenny grapples with the chaos of her situation, she decides to embark on a spontaneous road trip around England with her teenage son, Charlie, and their quirky neighbor, Luke, and his adorable dachshund, Betty.
Johnson masterfully blends wit and emotion, creating a narrative that is both relatable and uplifting. The road trip not only strengthens Jenny’s bond with her son but also forces her to confront painful memories and reconcile with her past.
The characters are richly developed, with Jenny’s strength and vulnerability making her an endearing protagonist. The dynamics between Jenny, Charlie, and Luke are heartwarming and authentic, adding depth to the story. The random destinations chosen from prompts like “BrontĂ« sisters” and favorite songs add a charming and whimsical touch to their journey.
“Jenny James Is Not a Disaster” is a delightful read that beautifully captures the essence of starting over and finding joy in the unexpected. It’s a story about embracing change, healing old wounds, and rediscovering one’s dreams. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a feel-good, inspirational read that will leave you smiling and hopeful.
3.5/5 stars.
“Eye of the Moon” by Ivan Obolensky is an intricately woven mystery that pulls readers into the enigmatic world of the Rhinebeck estate. The story follows two friends who set out to uncover the truth behind a relative’s suspicious death, only to find themselves entangled in a web of secrets and hidden agendas.
Obolensky’s storytelling is rich and atmospheric, bringing the mysterious estate and its complex characters to life with vivid detail. The plot is masterfully crafted, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as the friends delve deeper into the estate’s many secrets. Each revelation adds a new layer of intrigue, making it impossible to put the book down.
3/5 stars.
“Vengeance Street” by Louise Sharland is a riveting and darkly compelling thriller that plunges readers into the tumultuous world of Grace Midwinter, a disgraced probation officer. After a career-threatening mistake, Grace’s life spirals further into chaos as her clients begin to die in horrifying and deliberate ways. Sharland masterfully crafts a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat, blending suspense, intrigue, and a relentless pace.
Grace is a deeply relatable protagonist, whose determination to uncover the truth despite her own precarious position is inspiring and gripping. Sharland’s portrayal of her inner turmoil and desperation is realistic and poignant, adding depth to her character. The plot twists and turns, with rumours of conspiracies and vendettas adding layers of complexity and keeping readers guessing until the very end.
3/5 stars.
“Before She Fell” by Natalie Sammons is a gripping and suspenseful thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The novel centers around Susan Grey’s opulent fiftieth birthday party, which quickly descends into chaos and culminates in a shocking fall down the grand staircase. What initially appears to be a tragic accident soon raises questions of foul play.
DI Grace Roth, a disgraced cop relegated to desk duty, sees this high-profile case as her chance for redemption. Sammons skillfully portrays Roth’s determination and resilience as she navigates a maze of deceptive leads and hidden motives. Each clue unravels more of the mystery, and readers will find themselves engrossed in the twists and turns that make this story so compelling.
The characters are well-developed, and the dynamics at the party are vividly depicted, adding layers of intrigue and tension to the plot. Susan’s fall and the ensuing investigation are masterfully handled, keeping the suspense high as DI Roth races against time to solve the case.
3/5 stars.
“Her Deadly Homecoming” by Tony Urban and Drew Strickland is a gripping and intense thriller that keeps readers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. The story follows Carolina McKay, a former big-city police detective who returns to her hometown of Dupray, West Virginia, after a career-ending injury. Just as she begins to settle into her new reality, the brutal murders that haunted her past resurface.
Urban and Strickland masterfully craft a suspenseful narrative, blending chilling murder mystery with deep emotional undertones. The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. The authors vividly depict the eerie atmosphere of Dupray and the palpable tension surrounding the murders. The surgical removal of the victims’ eyelids adds a uniquely horrifying element to the crimes, making the investigation even more urgent and gripping.
3/5 stars.
“Last Night at Villa Lucia” by Simon McCleave is a thrilling and suspenseful novel that will keep you captivated from beginning to end. The story follows recently divorced Cerys, who hopes to find a fresh start by buying a luxury Tuscan villa. However, her dreams are shattered when one of her guests is found murdered in the villa’s infinity pool.
McCleave expertly weaves a tale of mystery and intrigue, as the police investigation unravels the secrets of Villa Lucia’s guests. The setting is beautifully described, with the luxurious Tuscan villa providing a stunning backdrop to the unfolding drama.
The plot is filled with unexpected twists and turns, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as Cerys tries to uncover the truth about the fateful night. McCleave’s writing is sharp and engaging, creating a vivid and immersive reading experience.
3/5 stars.
“Smothermoss” by Alisa Alering is a haunting and imaginative novel that beautifully captures the eerie atmosphere of 1980s Appalachia. The story revolves around two sisters whose lives are overshadowed by menacing and unexplained forces in their rural mountain community.
Alering’s prose is rich and evocative, painting vivid images of the dense forests and rugged landscapes that surround the sisters. The novel takes a dark turn with the brutal murders of two hikers on the Appalachian trail, thrusting the sisters into a dangerous quest to uncover the truth. The suspense builds steadily, with an ever-present threat of violence that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
3/5 stars.
“Echoes of Memory” by Sara Driscoll is an exhilarating standalone mystery that delves into the harrowing world of post-traumatic amnesia. The protagonist, Quinn Fleming, a San Diego florist, finds herself in a uniquely terrifying predicament: she is the only witness to a murder she cannot remember. Driscoll expertly crafts a story that is suspenseful and emotionally gripping, as Quinn relies on her handwritten notes and razor-sharp wits to solve the crime and save her life.
The plot is expertly paced, with each revelation pulling the reader deeper into the mystery.
Driscoll’s writing is sharp and engaging, making “Echoes of Memory” a true page-turner. The blend of psychological intrigue and thrilling suspense ensures that readers will be hooked from the very first page. Fans of mystery and suspense will find this novel hard to put down.
3/5 stars.
“It’s All Relative” by Rachel Magee is a delightful and modern retelling of Shakespeare’s classic comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” This lighthearted novel captures the essence of family, love, and the unpredictable journey of blending lives and traditions. The story follows Helena Crosby and Amelia Maddox, two women who couldn’t be more different. Helena, the spontaneous and carefree daughter, dreads her mother Nora’s upcoming wedding to Steve Maddox, which will thrust her into the midst of the Maddox family and their meticulously planned lives. On the other hand, Amelia, the epitome of perfection and control, has spent months organising the perfect wedding for her father and his bride-to-be, unaware that the week will bring unexpected complications and emotional upheavals.
Magee’s characters are wonderfully crafted and relatable. Helena’s free-spirited nature and Amelia’s determination to maintain order create a compelling dynamic that adds humour and heart to the story. The introduction of Landon, Helena’s best friend and Amelia’s former love, adds a layer of romantic tension that keeps the reader engaged and rooting for both women as they navigate their feelings and familial duties.
The novel beautifully explores the themes of family, acceptance, and personal growth. Through a series of wedding week activities and mishaps, Helena and Amelia learn valuable lessons about flexibility, love, and the true meaning of family. Magee’s writing is charming and witty, making the story both entertaining and thought-provoking.
“It’s All Relative” is a heartwarming and enjoyable read. Highly recommended for those who appreciate a good laugh, a bit of romance, and the complexities of family life.
3/5 stars.
I didn’t expect to like “The Absurd Life of Barry White” by Rob Harris as much as I did. Initially, it took me a bit to get into the story, but once I did, I found myself thoroughly enjoying the humour and, unexpectedly, in tears by the end. This book is a delightful and heartfelt surprise, earning a well-deserved four out of five stars.
Barry White Jr. is a loafer who is perfectly content with his unambitious lifestyle. As a content creator for a logistics firm, he’s a bit of an enigma in his Welsh village, where no one, including Barry himself, truly understands his job. His mundane existence takes an unexpected turn when he wins a huge sum of money from a bet. However, rather than embracing his newfound wealth, Barry hilariously struggles to get rid of it, only to find himself accumulating even more.
Rob Harris masterfully blends humour with heart, creating a story that is as funny as it is touching. Barry’s journey from a self-professed man-child to potentially becoming Barry White In-His-Own-Right is entertaining and poignant. The absurdity of his attempts to squander his winnings and his eventual realisation of how to use the money to his advantage is brilliantly portrayed.
The novel’s charm lies in its ability to balance comedy with moments of genuine emotion. Harris’s writing style is engaging and witty, making the reader laugh out loud one moment and feel deeply moved the next.
“The Absurd Life of Barry White” is a charming, hilarious, and heartwarming read that takes you on an unexpected emotional rollercoaster.
4/5 stars.
“The Summer of Yes” by Courtney Walsh is a heartwarming and inspirational tale that reminds us of the transformative power of stepping out of our comfort zones. The story centers around Kelsey Worthington, a junior editor who has always played it safe, and Georgina Tate, a successful businesswoman facing her own mortality and regrets. Their unexpected meeting in a hospital sets the stage for a summer filled with adventure, self-discovery, and emotional growth.
Walsh brilliantly captures the essence of living life to the fullest through Kelsey’s “Yes Plan,” which challenges both women to embrace new experiences and rediscover the joy in everyday moments. The dynamic between Kelsey and Georgina is beautifully portrayed, highlighting the impact of friendship and the importance of taking risks.
The characters are richly developed, and their journeys of love, forgiveness, and romance are both touching and relatable. The novel seamlessly intertwines their stories, creating a narrative that is compelling and uplifting. The adventures they embark on, from exploring their own city to reconnecting with estranged family members, are vividly described and full of charm.
“The Summer of Yes” is a delightful read that encourages readers to say yes to life’s possibilities. It’s a perfect blend of humour, emotion, and inspiration, making it a must-read for anyone looking to add a bit of adventure to their own lives. Highly recommended for fans of contemporary fiction and heartfelt stories.
4/5 stars.
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