Mary's 2024 Reading List
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1marykuhl
Welcome 2024
Here is the breakdown of the books I have read this year...so far
32/60 📖 read this year:
NetGalley: 0
Physical: 3
NetGalley & Physical:
Kindle: 0
Author: 7
Promo Tour: 22
Genre:
mystery/thriller: 27
memoir: 1
fiction:
true crime:
mystery: 1
cozy mystery: 1
historical: 1
horror: 1
Total Pages Read: 9397
January: 2008
February: 2202
March: 1528
April: 3008
May: 1236
Here is the breakdown of the books I have read this year...so far
32/60 📖 read this year:
NetGalley: 0
Physical: 3
NetGalley & Physical:
Kindle: 0
Author: 7
Promo Tour: 22
Genre:
mystery/thriller: 27
memoir: 1
fiction:
true crime:
mystery: 1
cozy mystery: 1
historical: 1
horror: 1
Total Pages Read: 9397
January: 2008
February: 2202
March: 1528
April: 3008
May: 1236
2Sergeirocks
Happy Reading, Mary! ☺️
3marykuhl
KEY:
NetGalley = ✨
Author ARC = 🎉
Physical Book = 📘
Promotional = 📢
JANUARY
January total books: 7/📕
January total pages: 2008 📄
One Wrong Word by Hank Phillipi Ryan ✨/📢
352 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 1/8/24
The Phantom Child by A J Wills 🎉
316 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 1/13/24
Never Trust the Husband by Jessica Payne ✨/📢
357 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -1/19/24
The Redhead of Auschwitz by Nechama Birnbaum 📘
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 1/26/24
The Whispering Palms by Annette Leigh 📢
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 1/27/24
The Wedding Party by L R Jones 🎉
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 1/30/24
The Stranger at Black Lake by Christina McDonald ✨/🎉
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 1/31/24
NetGalley = ✨
Author ARC = 🎉
Physical Book = 📘
Promotional = 📢
JANUARY
January total books: 7/📕
January total pages: 2008 📄
One Wrong Word by Hank Phillipi Ryan ✨/📢
352 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 1/8/24
The Phantom Child by A J Wills 🎉
316 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 1/13/24
Never Trust the Husband by Jessica Payne ✨/📢
357 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ -1/19/24
The Redhead of Auschwitz by Nechama Birnbaum 📘
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 1/26/24
The Whispering Palms by Annette Leigh 📢
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 1/27/24
The Wedding Party by L R Jones 🎉
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 1/30/24
The Stranger at Black Lake by Christina McDonald ✨/🎉
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 1/31/24
4marykuhl
One Wrong Word by Hank Phillippi Ryan
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
mystery/thriller
Boston, Massachusetts
release 2/6/2024
January #1
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions, Tor Publishing and Forge Books. The opinions are my own and freely given.
The general premise of this book is that Arden works for a PR firm to help smooth out her clients' lives. She is hired by the wife of a man who was found not guilty of vehicular manslaughter, to help the world realize that he is not guilty and to bring their lives along with their children's lives back to normal before the accident. There are times you wonder if Ned, the man found not guilty, got away with murder. The DA certainly thinks so.
I for 1 didn't like the wife, Cordelia, and every time she called Arden I was annoyed. I also didn't like Arden's boss. I felt he was a sleaze. Arden eventually makes a few allies, as her life is turned 180 and she learns who to trust and who not to trust.
This is the first novel by this author, and I was not disappointed. Can't wait to read more!
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
mystery/thriller
Boston, Massachusetts
release 2/6/2024
January #1
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions, Tor Publishing and Forge Books. The opinions are my own and freely given.
The general premise of this book is that Arden works for a PR firm to help smooth out her clients' lives. She is hired by the wife of a man who was found not guilty of vehicular manslaughter, to help the world realize that he is not guilty and to bring their lives along with their children's lives back to normal before the accident. There are times you wonder if Ned, the man found not guilty, got away with murder. The DA certainly thinks so.
I for 1 didn't like the wife, Cordelia, and every time she called Arden I was annoyed. I also didn't like Arden's boss. I felt he was a sleaze. Arden eventually makes a few allies, as her life is turned 180 and she learns who to trust and who not to trust.
This is the first novel by this author, and I was not disappointed. Can't wait to read more!
5marykuhl
The Phantom Child by A J Wills
standalone
author
mystery/thriller
Turkey/UK
release 2/1/24
January #2
The Phantom Child. A story about a mother whose child has gone missing.
That doesn't even sum up this story. First Karina and her husband Ronan go to Turkey on a holiday with her four-year old son, Jacob. This is a beautiful villa that has a pool and young Jacob can't wait to go swimming. The morning after they arrive, Karina awakes to find her son is gone, with no trace of him being in the home. Her husband tells her he never existed. She calls her ex-husband Sammy, the father of Jacob, and he confirms that they never had a child. Ronan gets her on medication and once pack in England, takes her to see a therapist. She finally comes to terms with the fact that Jacob isn't real and moves on with her life... But does he?
I spent half of the book wondering what happened to Jacob, if he really was a figment of Karina's imagination or if he was abducted and sold into a trafficking ring. Afterall, how can a father and stepfather deny his existence? I don't think I can say anymore without giving things away, but I loved this story. My favorite by this author so far.
Fast and easy to read, plus, it kept me guessing throughout.
Thank you, AJ Wills for my digital copy.
standalone
author
mystery/thriller
Turkey/UK
release 2/1/24
January #2
The Phantom Child. A story about a mother whose child has gone missing.
That doesn't even sum up this story. First Karina and her husband Ronan go to Turkey on a holiday with her four-year old son, Jacob. This is a beautiful villa that has a pool and young Jacob can't wait to go swimming. The morning after they arrive, Karina awakes to find her son is gone, with no trace of him being in the home. Her husband tells her he never existed. She calls her ex-husband Sammy, the father of Jacob, and he confirms that they never had a child. Ronan gets her on medication and once pack in England, takes her to see a therapist. She finally comes to terms with the fact that Jacob isn't real and moves on with her life... But does he?
I spent half of the book wondering what happened to Jacob, if he really was a figment of Karina's imagination or if he was abducted and sold into a trafficking ring. Afterall, how can a father and stepfather deny his existence? I don't think I can say anymore without giving things away, but I loved this story. My favorite by this author so far.
Fast and easy to read, plus, it kept me guessing throughout.
Thank you, AJ Wills for my digital copy.
6marykuhl
Never Trust the Husband by Jessica Payne
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
mystery/thriller
Seattle, Washington
release 3/5/24
January #3
Madeline is dead.
Just two days after her wedding to Benjamin. They go on an alternative honeymoon as the one they have planned has been cancelled due to a hurricane. They go hiking and Madeline is pushed off a cliff. 4 years later Benjamin and Madeline's best friend Gwyn are engaged. Enter Rebecca who spends her time watching the new couple, as she believes one of them had to have killed Madeline.
This is told from two POVs. Madeline, four years ago, and Rebecca, now. Madeline's story tells how her, and Benjamin met, fell in love and eventually got married. Rebecca's story tells how she is very suspicious of Benjamin and Gwyn. I mean, they say it's always the husband, right?
I haven't had the opportunity to read this author before, even though I have heard nothing but great things about her previous books, and I was not disappointed. Madeline, even though extremely rich, didn't strike me as that typical snobby girl, where Gwyn who is not so rich did. Benjamin, I was suspicious of from the beginning. And Rebecca, well she was trying so hard to get the bottom of what really happened on that cliff and keep under the radar.
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
mystery/thriller
Seattle, Washington
release 3/5/24
January #3
Madeline is dead.
Just two days after her wedding to Benjamin. They go on an alternative honeymoon as the one they have planned has been cancelled due to a hurricane. They go hiking and Madeline is pushed off a cliff. 4 years later Benjamin and Madeline's best friend Gwyn are engaged. Enter Rebecca who spends her time watching the new couple, as she believes one of them had to have killed Madeline.
This is told from two POVs. Madeline, four years ago, and Rebecca, now. Madeline's story tells how her, and Benjamin met, fell in love and eventually got married. Rebecca's story tells how she is very suspicious of Benjamin and Gwyn. I mean, they say it's always the husband, right?
I haven't had the opportunity to read this author before, even though I have heard nothing but great things about her previous books, and I was not disappointed. Madeline, even though extremely rich, didn't strike me as that typical snobby girl, where Gwyn who is not so rich did. Benjamin, I was suspicious of from the beginning. And Rebecca, well she was trying so hard to get the bottom of what really happened on that cliff and keep under the radar.
7marykuhl
The Redhead of Auschwitz by Nechama Birnbaum
standalone
paperback
memoir/Holocaust Survivor
released 11/25/2021
January #4
In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day (1/27) this is the story of The Redhead of Auschwitz.
Rosie was taken from her home as a teenager, along with her sister, brother, and mother. They were sent to yard moving bricks from one place to another for months. Then they were loaded into a train where they were taken to Auschwitz. Knowing the things that I know about the concentration camps: the showers, the conditions, the SS guards, I was scared through a lot of her time there. All the people who endured the concentration camps, whether they survived or not, were so strong to deal with what they put up with. Several times, I found myself wondering how Rosie survived some of her encounters. At one point her sister asks her why she can't just follow the rules, and she replies, "It's the Redhair."
This book was written by Rosie's granddaughter (spoiler alert). Every other chapter alternated between Rosie growing up (from age 9 until she is taken). I understand why this was written this way, but I did have a little bit of a hard time because it broke up the flow, that being said, with the subject matter, it made sense why it was put together this way.
standalone
paperback
memoir/Holocaust Survivor
released 11/25/2021
January #4
In honor of International Holocaust Remembrance Day (1/27) this is the story of The Redhead of Auschwitz.
Rosie was taken from her home as a teenager, along with her sister, brother, and mother. They were sent to yard moving bricks from one place to another for months. Then they were loaded into a train where they were taken to Auschwitz. Knowing the things that I know about the concentration camps: the showers, the conditions, the SS guards, I was scared through a lot of her time there. All the people who endured the concentration camps, whether they survived or not, were so strong to deal with what they put up with. Several times, I found myself wondering how Rosie survived some of her encounters. At one point her sister asks her why she can't just follow the rules, and she replies, "It's the Redhair."
This book was written by Rosie's granddaughter (spoiler alert). Every other chapter alternated between Rosie growing up (from age 9 until she is taken). I understand why this was written this way, but I did have a little bit of a hard time because it broke up the flow, that being said, with the subject matter, it made sense why it was put together this way.
8marykuhl
The Whispering Palms by Annette Leigh
standalone
Love Book Tours / epub
Thriller
release: 2/6/24
January #5
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Love Book Tours. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Andrea "Andie" Yates is an ex police officer turned true crime novelist. Her novel will be released soon and she gets a call from a mother, who wants Andie to investigate the disappearance of her daughter. Andie asks Mac, a private investigator and friend, to travel with her to look for Summer. What Andie doesn't tell Mac is that she lived in the town briefly, and her mother's body was discovered when she was 8 years old, and ruled an accidental drowning victim. For over 20 years, Andie has felt this was not an accident and vows to look into her death while she is there. This book brings years of cover-ups, police corruption, and general mistrust in the community.
I really like Andie, she was tough, but not that "I am an ex-cop and I am invincible" kind. Mac was always there to watch over her, and they have a really good working relationship. Andie also has a fiance, who she realizes is controlling. She is happy for the break away from him, no matter how brief that break is.
I really liked this author writing and the storyline. It kept me invested and wanting to read.
standalone
Love Book Tours / epub
Thriller
release: 2/6/24
January #5
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Love Book Tours. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Andrea "Andie" Yates is an ex police officer turned true crime novelist. Her novel will be released soon and she gets a call from a mother, who wants Andie to investigate the disappearance of her daughter. Andie asks Mac, a private investigator and friend, to travel with her to look for Summer. What Andie doesn't tell Mac is that she lived in the town briefly, and her mother's body was discovered when she was 8 years old, and ruled an accidental drowning victim. For over 20 years, Andie has felt this was not an accident and vows to look into her death while she is there. This book brings years of cover-ups, police corruption, and general mistrust in the community.
I really like Andie, she was tough, but not that "I am an ex-cop and I am invincible" kind. Mac was always there to watch over her, and they have a really good working relationship. Andie also has a fiance, who she realizes is controlling. She is happy for the break away from him, no matter how brief that break is.
I really liked this author writing and the storyline. It kept me invested and wanting to read.
9marykuhl
The Wedding Party by L R Jones
standalone
author team - kindle
Thriller
Release: 2/20/24
January #6
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by L R Jones. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Oliver and Carrie are set to get married. They have a double bachelor/bachelorette party in a haunted hotel. Andi Castle, FBI agent currently on leave was invited by one of the party guests. But in the early hours of the morning, she is awoken with the news that the groom is dead, and the bride is missing, Andi jumps back into action.
This book had a lot of who did it, who's guilty and what is going on? (Not in a confusing way at all). I enjoyed this story. There wasn't that big AHA moment, because I sort of thought I knew what was going on, but it still kept me reading to the end.
standalone
author team - kindle
Thriller
Release: 2/20/24
January #6
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by L R Jones. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Oliver and Carrie are set to get married. They have a double bachelor/bachelorette party in a haunted hotel. Andi Castle, FBI agent currently on leave was invited by one of the party guests. But in the early hours of the morning, she is awoken with the news that the groom is dead, and the bride is missing, Andi jumps back into action.
This book had a lot of who did it, who's guilty and what is going on? (Not in a confusing way at all). I enjoyed this story. There wasn't that big AHA moment, because I sort of thought I knew what was going on, but it still kept me reading to the end.
10marykuhl
The Stranger at Black Lake by Christina McDonald
prequel to Jess Lambert
author/netgalley
Thriller
Release: 3/19/24
January #7
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Christina McDonald and NetGalley. The opinions are my own and freely given.
This is the story of Jess Lambert. Jess and her husband Mac, move to Black Lake. This is her beginning and why she changed her life and became a detective. This is a novella/prequel to the Black Lake series and does not have to be read first. In fact, from the authors POV, this is a good story to read after the 1st book, (These Still Black Waters), in order to get a good feel for Jess from the beginning. I loved this story. Jess was not a detective with the police force at the time this story takes place, but you can tell that she has it in her: the drive, determination and passion. This is only 125 pages, fast and will give you a new outlook on how Jess's life was BEFORE.
I recommend this novella and I thank the author for sharing Jess's life with her readers.
prequel to Jess Lambert
author/netgalley
Thriller
Release: 3/19/24
January #7
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Christina McDonald and NetGalley. The opinions are my own and freely given.
This is the story of Jess Lambert. Jess and her husband Mac, move to Black Lake. This is her beginning and why she changed her life and became a detective. This is a novella/prequel to the Black Lake series and does not have to be read first. In fact, from the authors POV, this is a good story to read after the 1st book, (These Still Black Waters), in order to get a good feel for Jess from the beginning. I loved this story. Jess was not a detective with the police force at the time this story takes place, but you can tell that she has it in her: the drive, determination and passion. This is only 125 pages, fast and will give you a new outlook on how Jess's life was BEFORE.
I recommend this novella and I thank the author for sharing Jess's life with her readers.
11marykuhl
KEY:
NetGalley = ✨
Author ARC = 🎉
Physical Book = 📘
Promotional = 📢
FEBRUARY
February total books: 7/📕
February total pages: 2202/📄
What Lies in Darkness by Christina McDonald ✨📢
336 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 2/05/24
If I Lose Her by Brianne Sommerville 📢
354 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 2/09/24
Never Come Back by Joe Hart ✨📢
285 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 2/15/24
My Perfect Family by Melanie Price 📢
283 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 2/21/24
I Only Read Murder by Ian Ferguson & Will Ferguson 📢 📘
297 pages (arc)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 2/26/24
A Marriage of Lies by Amanda McKinney 📢
346 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 2/27/24
Peril in Pink by Sydney Leigh 📢
301 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 2/29/24
NetGalley = ✨
Author ARC = 🎉
Physical Book = 📘
Promotional = 📢
FEBRUARY
February total books: 7/📕
February total pages: 2202/📄
What Lies in Darkness by Christina McDonald ✨📢
336 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 2/05/24
If I Lose Her by Brianne Sommerville 📢
354 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 2/09/24
Never Come Back by Joe Hart ✨📢
285 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 2/15/24
My Perfect Family by Melanie Price 📢
283 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 2/21/24
I Only Read Murder by Ian Ferguson & Will Ferguson 📢 📘
297 pages (arc)
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 2/26/24
A Marriage of Lies by Amanda McKinney 📢
346 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 2/27/24
Peril in Pink by Sydney Leigh 📢
301 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 2/29/24
12marykuhl
What Lies in Darkness by Christina McDonald
Jess Lambert #2
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
Thriller
release 7/16/24
February #1
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions, Thomas & Mercer and Christina McDonald. The opinions are my own and freely given.
his is book #2 in the Jess Lambert series, and it is my FAVORITE book by Christina McDonald so far.
On Christmas Eve, 3 members of the Harper family disappear after a car crash, leaving Alice, the only surviving member. Although there is a search for her mom, dad and little sister, no one seems to find them. Fast forward 1 year later and as much as Alice is trying to move forward, she is still looking for answers. Enter Jess Lambert, who starts investigating after a bloodstained backpack is found.
So, Jess doesn't make an appearance really until several chapters in, but once she is in, she is in to stay. She investigates the Harper's disappearance, feels a connection with Alice and is still coming to terms with the death of her daughter. This book had me turning the pages, not wanting to put it down.
I loved how Jess has grown since the first book. Realizing that she has a drinking problem and still trying to rectify her life with Mac. Mac makes in appearance in the book and that leads to hope that they might one day reconnect, that things can be forgiven, although not forgotten.
I would recommend this book definitely. I don't feel that you have to read #1 Jess Lambert to read this (although I really like to read books in order, and I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading the first book.
Jess Lambert #2
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
Thriller
release 7/16/24
February #1
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions, Thomas & Mercer and Christina McDonald. The opinions are my own and freely given.
his is book #2 in the Jess Lambert series, and it is my FAVORITE book by Christina McDonald so far.
On Christmas Eve, 3 members of the Harper family disappear after a car crash, leaving Alice, the only surviving member. Although there is a search for her mom, dad and little sister, no one seems to find them. Fast forward 1 year later and as much as Alice is trying to move forward, she is still looking for answers. Enter Jess Lambert, who starts investigating after a bloodstained backpack is found.
So, Jess doesn't make an appearance really until several chapters in, but once she is in, she is in to stay. She investigates the Harper's disappearance, feels a connection with Alice and is still coming to terms with the death of her daughter. This book had me turning the pages, not wanting to put it down.
I loved how Jess has grown since the first book. Realizing that she has a drinking problem and still trying to rectify her life with Mac. Mac makes in appearance in the book and that leads to hope that they might one day reconnect, that things can be forgiven, although not forgotten.
I would recommend this book definitely. I don't feel that you have to read #1 Jess Lambert to read this (although I really like to read books in order, and I wouldn't discourage anyone from reading the first book.
13marykuhl
If I Lose Her by Brianne Sommerville
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
thriller
release 3/5/24
February #2
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
When Joanna "Jo" Baker gets a visit from Child Protective Services, she starts to worry about her state of mind. She didn't put her daughter out in the heat while she was napping, her daughter was right next to her. Wasn't she? Then more and more things start to happen, and she has no one to turn to. Her husband doesn't believe her, thinks she is not taking care of her child. Her mother-in-law is nosing her way in and Jo feels like she is trying to get custody. The only ones she can turn to are her sisters, but her oldest sister is the "perfect" mother, so she does not tell her anything. Everything comes to a finale when her life is threatened.
I thought this was a very good book. The beginning for me was a little slow because I kept waiting for something to happen, but it was building up to the culmination of the betrayal. The author has a very good disclaimer with trigger warnings at the beginning. I recommend this book.
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
thriller
release 3/5/24
February #2
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
When Joanna "Jo" Baker gets a visit from Child Protective Services, she starts to worry about her state of mind. She didn't put her daughter out in the heat while she was napping, her daughter was right next to her. Wasn't she? Then more and more things start to happen, and she has no one to turn to. Her husband doesn't believe her, thinks she is not taking care of her child. Her mother-in-law is nosing her way in and Jo feels like she is trying to get custody. The only ones she can turn to are her sisters, but her oldest sister is the "perfect" mother, so she does not tell her anything. Everything comes to a finale when her life is threatened.
I thought this was a very good book. The beginning for me was a little slow because I kept waiting for something to happen, but it was building up to the culmination of the betrayal. The author has a very good disclaimer with trigger warnings at the beginning. I recommend this book.
14marykuhl
Never Come Back by Joe Hart
#2 Nora McTavish
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
thriller
release 4/2/24
February #3
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
This is #2 in Nora McTavish series. I have not read #1 or this author before, but I just bought the first book! This was a really great read, and I was completely enthralled.
Nora is a family advocate and gets a call from her childhood best friend asking for her help. Nora travels several hours to see Tess and meet her daughter Kendra "Kenny". Nora's ex-husband has been accused of murder and Nora wants sole custody of Kenny. Through the court hearings and proceedings, Nora forms a connection with Kenny. Stronger than what she feels for Tess. This book was really up and down and sideways. I thought I had it figured out, but I was so wrong. I can't wait to read the first book, to get a little bit more background on Nora, and I look forward to book #3.
#2 Nora McTavish
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
thriller
release 4/2/24
February #3
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
This is #2 in Nora McTavish series. I have not read #1 or this author before, but I just bought the first book! This was a really great read, and I was completely enthralled.
Nora is a family advocate and gets a call from her childhood best friend asking for her help. Nora travels several hours to see Tess and meet her daughter Kendra "Kenny". Nora's ex-husband has been accused of murder and Nora wants sole custody of Kenny. Through the court hearings and proceedings, Nora forms a connection with Kenny. Stronger than what she feels for Tess. This book was really up and down and sideways. I thought I had it figured out, but I was so wrong. I can't wait to read the first book, to get a little bit more background on Nora, and I look forward to book #3.
15marykuhl
My Perfect Family by Melanie Price
standalone
Love Book Tours / epub
thriller
release 2/27/24
February #4
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Love Book Tours. The opinions are my own and freely given.
30-year-old Emily gets a call one morning from her aunt telling her that her mother is dead. The problem is, Emily can't remember the events of the night before.
Emily's father disappeared a long time ago and her mother remarried Glenn. Glenn and Emily never really got along. Glenn's daughter Zara and Emily were thick as thieves until Zara betrayed her. Since then, Emily has distanced herself from the family. Her mother just wants everyone to get along. Now, her mother is dead and although everyone said it was an accident, Emily knows her mother and believes there is something more going on. Emily starts looking into the "accident". She reconnects with her ex-boyfriend, who is now with the police and in charge of the investigation.
I liked this book. It kept me fluctuating between several different characters throughout the story as to who could be guilty, if indeed this wasn't an accident. Once I was able to rule out one person, another one crept into line to take his/her place. Everyone seems suspicious (every Emily's best friend) and everyone is hiding something for one reason or another. Chapters were short (which I LOVE). I thought this was very well written and a fast-paced read.
standalone
Love Book Tours / epub
thriller
release 2/27/24
February #4
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Love Book Tours. The opinions are my own and freely given.
30-year-old Emily gets a call one morning from her aunt telling her that her mother is dead. The problem is, Emily can't remember the events of the night before.
Emily's father disappeared a long time ago and her mother remarried Glenn. Glenn and Emily never really got along. Glenn's daughter Zara and Emily were thick as thieves until Zara betrayed her. Since then, Emily has distanced herself from the family. Her mother just wants everyone to get along. Now, her mother is dead and although everyone said it was an accident, Emily knows her mother and believes there is something more going on. Emily starts looking into the "accident". She reconnects with her ex-boyfriend, who is now with the police and in charge of the investigation.
I liked this book. It kept me fluctuating between several different characters throughout the story as to who could be guilty, if indeed this wasn't an accident. Once I was able to rule out one person, another one crept into line to take his/her place. Everyone seems suspicious (every Emily's best friend) and everyone is hiding something for one reason or another. Chapters were short (which I LOVE). I thought this was very well written and a fast-paced read.
16marykuhl
I Only Read Murder by Ian Ferguson & Will Ferguson
standalone
HTC, MIRA
cozy mystery
release 2/27/24
February #5
A copy of this book was provided to me by Harper Collins Publishing, Mira, and Harlequin Trade Publishing. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Miranda Abbott is an actress who had a hit TV show, Pastor Fran. Still living off the notoriety she earned, she became a small-time Diva. She thinks that everyone knows who she is, and she doesn't take no for an answer. Her finances are gone, her career is gone, her manager fired her. The only thing she has left is her personal assistant, and he is trying to quit, but she isn't having it.
Then, one day, she gets a postcard, and her life changes. She goes to the town of Happy Rock on the West Coast to meet up with her estranged husband. When she discovers that he has made a new life for himself and wants a divorce, she goes on a crusade with the locals to create, Team Miranda, to get him back.
Her husband lives in a historical home turned bookstore named I Only Read Murder. There is a local theater doing auditions for their annual play and Miranda auditions, thinking she will get the lead role in order to stay close to her husband. Throughout the auditions, script readings, and rehearsals, Miranda makes friends in Happy Rock. Then, a murder takes place, and she is determined to figure out who the killer is.
This is a very good cozy mystery, I was pleasantly surprised. Miranda grew as a person even though she still has a little Diva in her, and in the end, she becomes a better person. I would recommend this story for anyone looking for something easy to read.
standalone
HTC, MIRA
cozy mystery
release 2/27/24
February #5
A copy of this book was provided to me by Harper Collins Publishing, Mira, and Harlequin Trade Publishing. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Miranda Abbott is an actress who had a hit TV show, Pastor Fran. Still living off the notoriety she earned, she became a small-time Diva. She thinks that everyone knows who she is, and she doesn't take no for an answer. Her finances are gone, her career is gone, her manager fired her. The only thing she has left is her personal assistant, and he is trying to quit, but she isn't having it.
Then, one day, she gets a postcard, and her life changes. She goes to the town of Happy Rock on the West Coast to meet up with her estranged husband. When she discovers that he has made a new life for himself and wants a divorce, she goes on a crusade with the locals to create, Team Miranda, to get him back.
Her husband lives in a historical home turned bookstore named I Only Read Murder. There is a local theater doing auditions for their annual play and Miranda auditions, thinking she will get the lead role in order to stay close to her husband. Throughout the auditions, script readings, and rehearsals, Miranda makes friends in Happy Rock. Then, a murder takes place, and she is determined to figure out who the killer is.
This is a very good cozy mystery, I was pleasantly surprised. Miranda grew as a person even though she still has a little Diva in her, and in the end, she becomes a better person. I would recommend this story for anyone looking for something easy to read.
17marykuhl
A Marriage of Lies by Amanda McKinney
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions / NetGalley
thriller
release 3/29/24
February #6
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
This book is told from mainly two POV: Rowan Velky, the detective and Amber, the therapist. Amber is coming to terms with her life with her husband, and through the support of her friend, Emma decides to meet with a lawyer to get a divorce. Rowan finds herself not in love with her husband anymore but can't seem to get a divorce.
Then, a woman is discovered murdered in her home with Xs carved into her eyes, and Rowan and her partner, Kellen Palmer, start to investigate before the FBI swoops in and takes over. Rowan has been seeing Amber at first, it was a mandated appointment, but Rowan decided to stay on longer and talk to Rowan.
This book explores Rowan and her husband Shepherd's time in foster care, a transcript of a child interview with an FBI therapist, and a journal of a patient of Amber's. I love when all pieces that you can't seem to figure out connect, and this is exactly what this book did. From the beginning of the story when Rowan is arrested to the very end.
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions / NetGalley
thriller
release 3/29/24
February #6
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
This book is told from mainly two POV: Rowan Velky, the detective and Amber, the therapist. Amber is coming to terms with her life with her husband, and through the support of her friend, Emma decides to meet with a lawyer to get a divorce. Rowan finds herself not in love with her husband anymore but can't seem to get a divorce.
Then, a woman is discovered murdered in her home with Xs carved into her eyes, and Rowan and her partner, Kellen Palmer, start to investigate before the FBI swoops in and takes over. Rowan has been seeing Amber at first, it was a mandated appointment, but Rowan decided to stay on longer and talk to Rowan.
This book explores Rowan and her husband Shepherd's time in foster care, a transcript of a child interview with an FBI therapist, and a journal of a patient of Amber's. I love when all pieces that you can't seem to figure out connect, and this is exactly what this book did. From the beginning of the story when Rowan is arrested to the very end.
18marykuhl
Peril in Pink by Sydney Leigh
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
cozy mystery
release 3/19/24
February #7
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Jess and her best friend Kat open a B&B, The Pearl, in Hudson Valley. The Pearl was her grandmother's home and when she died, Kat and Jess bought it to make it into the beautiful place it is today. It is done up in pink, and a wonderful girls weekend away. The photos on Instagram make everyone want to visit. But the morning after opening night, Jess's sister-in-law stumbles across a body. He is a very disliked person in the town, swindling people out of their hard-earned money, so the suspect list is long. I really liked the characters. Jess and Kat try to investigate the murder themselves, due to all the true-crime podcasts Jess has listened to. But every time a thought comes into her head, Jess gets distracted by something else, the reporters, the B&B guests, the actual business side of it all. Lars is the high school boyfriend that went on a singing tv reality show and made it big. He agrees to perform at the grand opening, so plenty of people flock to the B&B. The only problem is his "manager" is his stepdad, the same man that was stealing money from the townsfolk. The police look heavily at Lars. The detective also has a history with Lars, so is he right in his investigation, or is he biased? This was a very nice comfy read that still had me guessing who murdered Bob. For a girl that reads mainly thriller type books, I did not get bored with this story. It kept me engaged.
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
cozy mystery
release 3/19/24
February #7
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Jess and her best friend Kat open a B&B, The Pearl, in Hudson Valley. The Pearl was her grandmother's home and when she died, Kat and Jess bought it to make it into the beautiful place it is today. It is done up in pink, and a wonderful girls weekend away. The photos on Instagram make everyone want to visit. But the morning after opening night, Jess's sister-in-law stumbles across a body. He is a very disliked person in the town, swindling people out of their hard-earned money, so the suspect list is long. I really liked the characters. Jess and Kat try to investigate the murder themselves, due to all the true-crime podcasts Jess has listened to. But every time a thought comes into her head, Jess gets distracted by something else, the reporters, the B&B guests, the actual business side of it all. Lars is the high school boyfriend that went on a singing tv reality show and made it big. He agrees to perform at the grand opening, so plenty of people flock to the B&B. The only problem is his "manager" is his stepdad, the same man that was stealing money from the townsfolk. The police look heavily at Lars. The detective also has a history with Lars, so is he right in his investigation, or is he biased? This was a very nice comfy read that still had me guessing who murdered Bob. For a girl that reads mainly thriller type books, I did not get bored with this story. It kept me engaged.
19marykuhl
KEY:
NetGalley = ✨
Author ARC = 🎉
Physical Book = 📘
Promotional = 📢
MARCH
March total books: 5/📕
March total pages: 1528/📄
Dark Shadow by Simon Dinsdale 📢
290 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 3/06/24
Don't Forget Me by Rea Frey 📢
266 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 3/09/24
What Would Aimee Dean Do by Y.M. Miller 📢
321 pages
⭐⭐⭐ - 3/15/24
Kill for Me Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh - ARC
338 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 3/20/24
A Lovely Lie by Jaime Lynn Hendricks 📢
313 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 3/25/24
NetGalley = ✨
Author ARC = 🎉
Physical Book = 📘
Promotional = 📢
MARCH
March total books: 5/📕
March total pages: 1528/📄
Dark Shadow by Simon Dinsdale 📢
290 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 3/06/24
Don't Forget Me by Rea Frey 📢
266 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 3/09/24
What Would Aimee Dean Do by Y.M. Miller 📢
321 pages
⭐⭐⭐ - 3/15/24
Kill for Me Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh - ARC
338 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 3/20/24
A Lovely Lie by Jaime Lynn Hendricks 📢
313 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 3/25/24
20marykuhl
Dark Shadow by Simon Dinsdale
#1 Detective Christian Dane
Love Book Tours
thriller
release 11/20/2023
March #1
This is the first book in the Detective Christian Dane series. Dane is a veteran investigating officer. He is called the look into the murder of three criminals. His boss is new to the force and doesn't have a lot of experience. These murders take him across cities, and he ends up working closely with the head of another police department. The story starts off with him being ambushed while he was in the army 20+ years ago. And the nightmares are coming back. This story is rife with cocaine, dealers and the hierarchy of the sellers. Dane calls on his old army pals to get to the bottom of this. I enjoyed this book. The chapters were long, and by the time a new chapter started, I seemed to forget who was in or what happened two chapters ago. There appear to be a lot of characters, and I had a hard time keeping them straight. That is due to all the different jurisdictions Dane had to visit. That being said, it all seemed to come together in the end and the confusion left me.
#1 Detective Christian Dane
Love Book Tours
thriller
release 11/20/2023
March #1
This is the first book in the Detective Christian Dane series. Dane is a veteran investigating officer. He is called the look into the murder of three criminals. His boss is new to the force and doesn't have a lot of experience. These murders take him across cities, and he ends up working closely with the head of another police department. The story starts off with him being ambushed while he was in the army 20+ years ago. And the nightmares are coming back. This story is rife with cocaine, dealers and the hierarchy of the sellers. Dane calls on his old army pals to get to the bottom of this. I enjoyed this book. The chapters were long, and by the time a new chapter started, I seemed to forget who was in or what happened two chapters ago. There appear to be a lot of characters, and I had a hard time keeping them straight. That is due to all the different jurisdictions Dane had to visit. That being said, it all seemed to come together in the end and the confusion left me.
21Jim53
>4 marykuhl: This is not Hank's first novel. Take a look at her author page. I had the same reaction that you did to Cordelia.
22marykuhl
Don't Forget Me by Rea Frey
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
thriller
released 3/1/24
March #2
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
This is the story of Ruby who one day finds a body floating in the lake by her house. All the neighbors say it is Ruby's husband Tom who has been missing. But Ruby doesn't recognize him. That said, the police detective looks at Ruby as her prime suspect. This community that Tom has moved her into is riddled with secrets and she is beginning to wonder who to trust. All she wants is to clear her name and start over. But more bodies keep turning up and Ruby appears to be the common thread. I liked this book. First time reading this author (even though I have a few on my TBR). With all the dead bodies I was a little like, really? This is a bit unbelievable. But once the reasoning was explained, I was ok with it. I didn't guess who the killer was, I had my suspicions, but I was clearly wrong. And now I am wondering why it took me so long to read this author! Very good book, definitely recommend it.
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
thriller
released 3/1/24
March #2
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
This is the story of Ruby who one day finds a body floating in the lake by her house. All the neighbors say it is Ruby's husband Tom who has been missing. But Ruby doesn't recognize him. That said, the police detective looks at Ruby as her prime suspect. This community that Tom has moved her into is riddled with secrets and she is beginning to wonder who to trust. All she wants is to clear her name and start over. But more bodies keep turning up and Ruby appears to be the common thread. I liked this book. First time reading this author (even though I have a few on my TBR). With all the dead bodies I was a little like, really? This is a bit unbelievable. But once the reasoning was explained, I was ok with it. I didn't guess who the killer was, I had my suspicions, but I was clearly wrong. And now I am wondering why it took me so long to read this author! Very good book, definitely recommend it.
23marykuhl
What Would Aimee Dean Do by Y.M. Miller
standalone
Love Book Tours
thriller
12/13/23
March #3
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Love Book Tours. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Child abuse
Sexual abuse
Chronic Illness (MS)
Alzheimer's
Cancer
Pregnancy
Abortion
What Would Aimee Dean Do? Let's see, her boyfriend, Ross and best friend, Nicole, disappear on a camping trip, never to be seen again. Twenty plus years later, Bea, a podcaster for The Vanished and Forgotten, brings the story back, trying to solve what really happened to Ross and Nicole. The guests include Andrew, who was Ross's best friend and also on that fateful trip, Sarah, who was part of the friend group and there that weekend.
So, I really liked the podcast section of this book. I find true crime podcasts intriguing and that part had me turning the pages. It was scattered throughout the story and shows how Bea was diving into the investigation. Due to receiving "evidence" Bea goes to the local police and from there, two officers reopen the investigation. This book starts telling the story of Aimee as far back as 1997 and brings us up to current time.
What I didn't like about this book was that there were too many storylines going on. First, Aimee's father is in prison and is trying to get out. Then you have missing campers. The podcast storyline. Aimee is a night carer for terminally ill, or patients recovering from surgery and there is a story going on there, in which she is seeking revenge. I feel the reason we were taken back to 1997 was to get a feel for Aimee, since her childhood trauma, but her father's storyline just kind of died. I think the there was some missing piece in the very end of the story (last chapter) and it left me feeling blah.
Yes, we find out what really happened to Ross and Nicole, but there were just some unanswered questions that I had throughout the book. To me there was way too much going on in this book and if it was just the missing campers and the podcast, I would have liked it better. This book was not my favorite, but maybe you'll love it!
standalone
Love Book Tours
thriller
12/13/23
March #3
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Love Book Tours. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Child abuse
Sexual abuse
Chronic Illness (MS)
Alzheimer's
Cancer
Pregnancy
Abortion
What Would Aimee Dean Do? Let's see, her boyfriend, Ross and best friend, Nicole, disappear on a camping trip, never to be seen again. Twenty plus years later, Bea, a podcaster for The Vanished and Forgotten, brings the story back, trying to solve what really happened to Ross and Nicole. The guests include Andrew, who was Ross's best friend and also on that fateful trip, Sarah, who was part of the friend group and there that weekend.
So, I really liked the podcast section of this book. I find true crime podcasts intriguing and that part had me turning the pages. It was scattered throughout the story and shows how Bea was diving into the investigation. Due to receiving "evidence" Bea goes to the local police and from there, two officers reopen the investigation. This book starts telling the story of Aimee as far back as 1997 and brings us up to current time.
What I didn't like about this book was that there were too many storylines going on. First, Aimee's father is in prison and is trying to get out. Then you have missing campers. The podcast storyline. Aimee is a night carer for terminally ill, or patients recovering from surgery and there is a story going on there, in which she is seeking revenge. I feel the reason we were taken back to 1997 was to get a feel for Aimee, since her childhood trauma, but her father's storyline just kind of died. I think the there was some missing piece in the very end of the story (last chapter) and it left me feeling blah.
Yes, we find out what really happened to Ross and Nicole, but there were just some unanswered questions that I had throughout the book. To me there was way too much going on in this book and if it was just the missing campers and the podcast, I would have liked it better. This book was not my favorite, but maybe you'll love it!
24marykuhl
Kill for Me Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh
standalone
publisher
thriller
3/19/24
March #4
I received a paperback copy of this book from Atria.
Amanda meets Wendy at group therapy. Amanda's 6-year-old daughter was abducted and found murdered; however, the man the police think is behind it still walks free. Amanda becomes obsessed with the man she believes has ruined her life. When Amanda and Wendy start talking, they plan to follow the movie "Strangers on a Train."
Ruth is the victim of a home invasion, and she moves into a hotel with her husband Scott and can't leave the hotel, let alone her hotel room for weeks.
I had NO idea how Amanda and Ruth's story intersect. I felt sorry for Amanda and the pain of losing her young daughter and weeks later, her husband.
I can understand why Amanda spends all her time watching the man who robbed her of everything.
I also felt bad for Ruth, and although I thankfully haven't experienced a home invasion, I understood her fear.
This book has alternating chapters mainly between Ruth and Amanda, with Farrow and Scott scattered in. This is my favorite book of the year!
Thank you, @netgalley, @sscav, and atria
standalone
publisher
thriller
3/19/24
March #4
I received a paperback copy of this book from Atria.
Amanda meets Wendy at group therapy. Amanda's 6-year-old daughter was abducted and found murdered; however, the man the police think is behind it still walks free. Amanda becomes obsessed with the man she believes has ruined her life. When Amanda and Wendy start talking, they plan to follow the movie "Strangers on a Train."
Ruth is the victim of a home invasion, and she moves into a hotel with her husband Scott and can't leave the hotel, let alone her hotel room for weeks.
I had NO idea how Amanda and Ruth's story intersect. I felt sorry for Amanda and the pain of losing her young daughter and weeks later, her husband.
I can understand why Amanda spends all her time watching the man who robbed her of everything.
I also felt bad for Ruth, and although I thankfully haven't experienced a home invasion, I understood her fear.
This book has alternating chapters mainly between Ruth and Amanda, with Farrow and Scott scattered in. This is my favorite book of the year!
Thank you, @netgalley, @sscav, and atria
25marykuhl
A Lovely Lie by Jaime Lynn Hendricks
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
thriller
5/28/24
March #5
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Pepper and Scarlett were the best of friends all thru middle school and high school. The day after graduation a terrible accident tore them apart. Only Scarlett knew Pepper was pregnant when she up and moved to New York. Twenty plus years later, Pepper's daughter, Zoey, blows into looking for the identity of her father.
This book had all the turns that we expect from Jaime Lynn Hendricks and then some. To learning the identity of the dad, what really caused the accident and whose relationships can with stand the years.
This is told in parts. Part 1 from Scarlett's POV, Part 2 from Zoey's. There are also flashback sequences to high school. I did not like Pepper. My guess is we weren't supposed to. I felt sorry for Scarlett because all through school she jumped when Pepper snapped. At first I didn't like Zoey either, but towards the end you realize she wasn't a true product of her mother.
Another great book that I didn't want to put down, and this is quickly becoming an automatic read author.
Thank you, @thrillerbookloverspromotions, @jaimelynnhendricksauthor, @scarletsuspense and @penzlerpub
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
thriller
5/28/24
March #5
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Pepper and Scarlett were the best of friends all thru middle school and high school. The day after graduation a terrible accident tore them apart. Only Scarlett knew Pepper was pregnant when she up and moved to New York. Twenty plus years later, Pepper's daughter, Zoey, blows into looking for the identity of her father.
This book had all the turns that we expect from Jaime Lynn Hendricks and then some. To learning the identity of the dad, what really caused the accident and whose relationships can with stand the years.
This is told in parts. Part 1 from Scarlett's POV, Part 2 from Zoey's. There are also flashback sequences to high school. I did not like Pepper. My guess is we weren't supposed to. I felt sorry for Scarlett because all through school she jumped when Pepper snapped. At first I didn't like Zoey either, but towards the end you realize she wasn't a true product of her mother.
Another great book that I didn't want to put down, and this is quickly becoming an automatic read author.
Thank you, @thrillerbookloverspromotions, @jaimelynnhendricksauthor, @scarletsuspense and @penzlerpub
26marykuhl
KEY:
NetGalley = ✨
Author ARC = 🎉
Physical Book = 📘
Promotional = 📢
APRIL
April total books: 9/📕
April total pages: 3008/📄
A Man Downstairs by Nicole Lundrigan 📢
429 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/2/24
Don't Ask, Don't Follow by Mary Keliikoa 📢
353 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/6/24
The Baby by A J McDine 🎉
336 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/9/24
The Boy in the Woods by A J Wills 🎉
336 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/14/24
The Summer of Love and Death by Marcy McCreary 📢
336 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/17/24
The Photograph by Diane Clarke 📢
252 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/19/24
The Vegas Flop by Kyle K Wolfson 🎉
357 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/24/24
Original Twin by Paula Gleeson 📢
315 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/26/24
My Perfect Husband by Georgina Cross 📢
294 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/30/24
NetGalley = ✨
Author ARC = 🎉
Physical Book = 📘
Promotional = 📢
APRIL
April total books: 9/📕
April total pages: 3008/📄
A Man Downstairs by Nicole Lundrigan 📢
429 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/2/24
Don't Ask, Don't Follow by Mary Keliikoa 📢
353 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/6/24
The Baby by A J McDine 🎉
336 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/9/24
The Boy in the Woods by A J Wills 🎉
336 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/14/24
The Summer of Love and Death by Marcy McCreary 📢
336 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/17/24
The Photograph by Diane Clarke 📢
252 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/19/24
The Vegas Flop by Kyle K Wolfson 🎉
357 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/24/24
Original Twin by Paula Gleeson 📢
315 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/26/24
My Perfect Husband by Georgina Cross 📢
294 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4/30/24
27marykuhl
A Man Downstairs by Nicole Lundrigan
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
thriller
3/05/24
April #1
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
This story alternates between NOW and THEN.
Now is Molly's story who moves back to her hometown with her teenage son, Alex. Her father Gil has had a stroke and she has hired a full time, live-in nurse, Glenn to take care of him. Molly and Alex move into the house of Russell, who lives in the basement. Brad, the boy next door that Molly had a childhood crush on moves back in with his mom, next door to Gil. Glenn, Russel and Brad were all friends in their teenage years, along with Terry. Terry was the boy accused and convicted of murdering Edie, Molly's mother.
THEN tells the story of Gil and Edie meeting and takes us up to the murder, witnessed by then 3-year-old Molly. Also, in this section is "Him". I spent the majority of the book wondering who "him" was. All of the boys were friends but now as adults, they don't have anything to do with each other.
I wasn't a huge fan of Gil's story. Edie, I didn't like much at all. I couldn't tell if she had some undiagnosed mental health issues, or she was just a young woman thrown into a relationship. She didn't want children to begin with and didn't seem to connect with Molly once she was born. I like Molly as she was recently divorced and managing her father's illness and her son, along with being back in the town that took her mother away from her at such a young age.
For me, this book started off slow and stayed slow most of the way through, but it finally hit that spot where everything just came together. Trying to figure out who "him" was, what happened to Edie, if Molly got it wrong or not and who was trying to contact Molly kept me intrigued.
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
thriller
3/05/24
April #1
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
This story alternates between NOW and THEN.
Now is Molly's story who moves back to her hometown with her teenage son, Alex. Her father Gil has had a stroke and she has hired a full time, live-in nurse, Glenn to take care of him. Molly and Alex move into the house of Russell, who lives in the basement. Brad, the boy next door that Molly had a childhood crush on moves back in with his mom, next door to Gil. Glenn, Russel and Brad were all friends in their teenage years, along with Terry. Terry was the boy accused and convicted of murdering Edie, Molly's mother.
THEN tells the story of Gil and Edie meeting and takes us up to the murder, witnessed by then 3-year-old Molly. Also, in this section is "Him". I spent the majority of the book wondering who "him" was. All of the boys were friends but now as adults, they don't have anything to do with each other.
I wasn't a huge fan of Gil's story. Edie, I didn't like much at all. I couldn't tell if she had some undiagnosed mental health issues, or she was just a young woman thrown into a relationship. She didn't want children to begin with and didn't seem to connect with Molly once she was born. I like Molly as she was recently divorced and managing her father's illness and her son, along with being back in the town that took her mother away from her at such a young age.
For me, this book started off slow and stayed slow most of the way through, but it finally hit that spot where everything just came together. Trying to figure out who "him" was, what happened to Edie, if Molly got it wrong or not and who was trying to contact Molly kept me intrigued.
28marykuhl
Don't Ask, Don't Follow by Mary Keliikoa
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
thriller
6/04/24
April #2
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
This story centers around Beth Ralston who discovers her boss has been murdered and her sister is missing. Whether she is hiding or has been abducted is the question. Beth, who is a paralegal in her father's law firm, follows her sister's steps to try to find her. Beth finds herself under the radar of the police and when bodies keep turning up, she seems to be around. Homelessness, drug and alcoholic addiction and adoption ends up being the root of everything. But can Beth find Lindsay before it's too late?
The girl's parents are so upper class. It seems to me they are so distanced from the girls that they don't seem to have the time to even acknowledge them, and some of the things they do, like brunch, feels like an obligation. With their dad running for mayor and their mom always having migraines and going to bed, I feel like they had a very strange relationship. If it wasn't for the nanny turned housekeeper, I don't think the girls would have had any parental guidance growing up.
Beth didn't seem to know who to trust throughout this whole story and I personally think she did just fine by herself. Detective Matson, although really investigating everything that Beth was able to tell him, was unavailable a lot, she had to call him several times.
Even though I didn't like the parents, this was a very fast-paced story, and I spent most of it wondering what Lindsay was investigating and whether she was hiding or if she was still alive.
standalone
Thriller Book Lovers Promotions
thriller
6/04/24
April #2
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by NetGalley and Thriller Book Lovers Promotions. The opinions are my own and freely given.
This story centers around Beth Ralston who discovers her boss has been murdered and her sister is missing. Whether she is hiding or has been abducted is the question. Beth, who is a paralegal in her father's law firm, follows her sister's steps to try to find her. Beth finds herself under the radar of the police and when bodies keep turning up, she seems to be around. Homelessness, drug and alcoholic addiction and adoption ends up being the root of everything. But can Beth find Lindsay before it's too late?
The girl's parents are so upper class. It seems to me they are so distanced from the girls that they don't seem to have the time to even acknowledge them, and some of the things they do, like brunch, feels like an obligation. With their dad running for mayor and their mom always having migraines and going to bed, I feel like they had a very strange relationship. If it wasn't for the nanny turned housekeeper, I don't think the girls would have had any parental guidance growing up.
Beth didn't seem to know who to trust throughout this whole story and I personally think she did just fine by herself. Detective Matson, although really investigating everything that Beth was able to tell him, was unavailable a lot, she had to call him several times.
Even though I didn't like the parents, this was a very fast-paced story, and I spent most of it wondering what Lindsay was investigating and whether she was hiding or if she was still alive.
29marykuhl
The Baby by A J McDine
standalone
author
thriller
4/23/24
April #3
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by the author through NetGalley. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Lucy awakens after what must be a night of blackout drinking to discover a baby in a drawer downstairs. It isn't her baby and she has recollection of how it got in her house. Instead of phoning the police immediately, she starts combing news reports for a missing or abducted child, because she must have stolen him.
Lucy's husband, Miles, works on an oil rig, 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off. He drives to Aberdeen to catch a helicopter to take him to the boat. She has be figure out what to do with the baby, because Miles never children. To me, Miles seems overbearing but to Lucy he is a concerned, caring husband.
Part of this story takes place in Lucy's granddad's cottage near Chilham on Kent Downs and another part in Cairngorms in Scotland.
Lucy is contacted by Shona, the sister of Rea who is missing and was a work collegue of Miles. Lucy meets Shona and together they start to search for Rea. Shona has raised Lucy's suspicions of Miles.
This was an easy read and kept me guessing where the baby came from. Miles was on my radar from the beginning, I just couldn't figure out if I could trust him or not - until everything came together.
I didn't want to put this down. The Baby is my new favorite book by this author. They just keep getting better and better.
standalone
author
thriller
4/23/24
April #3
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by the author through NetGalley. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Lucy awakens after what must be a night of blackout drinking to discover a baby in a drawer downstairs. It isn't her baby and she has recollection of how it got in her house. Instead of phoning the police immediately, she starts combing news reports for a missing or abducted child, because she must have stolen him.
Lucy's husband, Miles, works on an oil rig, 4 weeks on, 2 weeks off. He drives to Aberdeen to catch a helicopter to take him to the boat. She has be figure out what to do with the baby, because Miles never children. To me, Miles seems overbearing but to Lucy he is a concerned, caring husband.
Part of this story takes place in Lucy's granddad's cottage near Chilham on Kent Downs and another part in Cairngorms in Scotland.
Lucy is contacted by Shona, the sister of Rea who is missing and was a work collegue of Miles. Lucy meets Shona and together they start to search for Rea. Shona has raised Lucy's suspicions of Miles.
This was an easy read and kept me guessing where the baby came from. Miles was on my radar from the beginning, I just couldn't figure out if I could trust him or not - until everything came together.
I didn't want to put this down. The Baby is my new favorite book by this author. They just keep getting better and better.
31marykuhl
The Boy in the Woods by A J Wills
standalone
author
thriller
5/1/24
April #4
Trigger Warning:
Drugs
Sexual abuse
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by the author. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Sabine uproots her family and moves to a new neighborhood after the death of a girl surrounds her oldest son, Leo, in suspicion. She is new a dog walker for the neighborhood and while out in the woods, she sees what she thinks is her son fighting, with the girl that lives across the street from them. It is getting dark, and they are too far away for her to be certain, but the next morning the girl is reported missing. Now her suspicions about her son lead her to doubt everything he has told her.
Meanwhile her husband Rory is distancing himself from Sabine and doesn't appear to be very vested in the boys. Casper, her youngest, is the caring one, the one that talks to her, and one listens and behaves.
Now Sabine is leading her own investigation around the neighborhood and suspecting people in order to save her from being deemed an abductor/killer.
For me, the first half of this book was a bit slow but when I hit that half-way mark, I couldn't put it down. Did Leo do something, or was he being honest. Is he protecting someone or is someone else behind the disappearance.
I really didn't like Rory. He was so distant from his family, and he seemed to be going through a bit of a midlife crisis. He was always somewhere else when he should have been supporting the upheaval going on with the family.
I did like this book, the ending made up for the slowness of the beginning.
standalone
author
thriller
5/1/24
April #4
Trigger Warning:
Drugs
Sexual abuse
A digital copy of this book was provided to me by the author. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Sabine uproots her family and moves to a new neighborhood after the death of a girl surrounds her oldest son, Leo, in suspicion. She is new a dog walker for the neighborhood and while out in the woods, she sees what she thinks is her son fighting, with the girl that lives across the street from them. It is getting dark, and they are too far away for her to be certain, but the next morning the girl is reported missing. Now her suspicions about her son lead her to doubt everything he has told her.
Meanwhile her husband Rory is distancing himself from Sabine and doesn't appear to be very vested in the boys. Casper, her youngest, is the caring one, the one that talks to her, and one listens and behaves.
Now Sabine is leading her own investigation around the neighborhood and suspecting people in order to save her from being deemed an abductor/killer.
For me, the first half of this book was a bit slow but when I hit that half-way mark, I couldn't put it down. Did Leo do something, or was he being honest. Is he protecting someone or is someone else behind the disappearance.
I really didn't like Rory. He was so distant from his family, and he seemed to be going through a bit of a midlife crisis. He was always somewhere else when he should have been supporting the upheaval going on with the family.
I did like this book, the ending made up for the slowness of the beginning.
32marykuhl
The Summer of Love and Death by Marcy McCreary
#3 A Ford Family Mystery
Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse
mystery
8/13/24
April #5
Thank you, NetGalley for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Detective Susan Ford is teamed up with a new partner John "Jack" Tomelli. They are called to the local playhouse where a body has been found on the stage. However, this murder is eerily similar to a few murders that happened in 1969.
This book details the investigation where everyone involved in the play is a suspect and Susan's dad, Will Ford a retired police detective. He searches through the case files hoping to trigger his memory and lead the current detectives in the right direction. The chapters are all present day, but at the end of each chapter it leads into a "mini" chapter of Will from 1969. Easy to follow. The chapters are a bit lengthy, but they are broken up nicely if you only have a few minutes to read.
I LOVE detective series, but I HATE starting the series in the middle; HOWEVER, this reads like a standalone and I was not confused at all as I did not read the previous two installments.
With the cases being 50 years apart, and most of the people from the original investigation dead, I could not figure out how these were connected. But they blended together nicely. I will say that I figured out who the killer was about a page before Susan did, but I flip flopped on several suspects throughout.
Definitely getting the first 2 books and look forward to the next.
#3 A Ford Family Mystery
Thriller Book Lovers The Pulse
mystery
8/13/24
April #5
Thank you, NetGalley for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Detective Susan Ford is teamed up with a new partner John "Jack" Tomelli. They are called to the local playhouse where a body has been found on the stage. However, this murder is eerily similar to a few murders that happened in 1969.
This book details the investigation where everyone involved in the play is a suspect and Susan's dad, Will Ford a retired police detective. He searches through the case files hoping to trigger his memory and lead the current detectives in the right direction. The chapters are all present day, but at the end of each chapter it leads into a "mini" chapter of Will from 1969. Easy to follow. The chapters are a bit lengthy, but they are broken up nicely if you only have a few minutes to read.
I LOVE detective series, but I HATE starting the series in the middle; HOWEVER, this reads like a standalone and I was not confused at all as I did not read the previous two installments.
With the cases being 50 years apart, and most of the people from the original investigation dead, I could not figure out how these were connected. But they blended together nicely. I will say that I figured out who the killer was about a page before Susan did, but I flip flopped on several suspects throughout.
Definitely getting the first 2 books and look forward to the next.
33marykuhl
The Photograph by Diane Clarke
standalone
Love Book Tours
historical fiction
5/1/24
April #6
In 1995 Caryl finds a teddy bear with a photograph hidden inside. The photograph is of herself as a three-year-old, her mother and an older boy. Caryl has always believed she had a brother, but her adopted mother swore she came to the country alone with her mother. Caryl and her mother were evacuees from London at the beginning of World War II. Her mother died and her host, Gwen, adopted her.
The first part of this book is Caryl searching for her brother, or any clue as to what might have happened to him. The problem is her husband believes Gwen and doesn't want to see Caryl upset. Fast forward several years and her daughter, Megan takes a job organizing the records of the evacuee children and this starts her search for her mother's brother.
I enjoyed this story. I didn't realize that children were sent out of the cities in England for safety at the beginning of the war so that was a learning moment for me.
This book kept me intrigued and as Caryl learned more and more about the lies that Gwen had told all her life, I felt very sorry for Caryl. Although this book is not set during WWII, the story, at least Caryl's story, is centered around that. Megan's story, I could do without. I didn't care much about the lie that she had been hiding for 20+ years and I couldn't feel for her. But I did like how she put her mom's story first and tried her hardest to find her uncle.
standalone
Love Book Tours
historical fiction
5/1/24
April #6
In 1995 Caryl finds a teddy bear with a photograph hidden inside. The photograph is of herself as a three-year-old, her mother and an older boy. Caryl has always believed she had a brother, but her adopted mother swore she came to the country alone with her mother. Caryl and her mother were evacuees from London at the beginning of World War II. Her mother died and her host, Gwen, adopted her.
The first part of this book is Caryl searching for her brother, or any clue as to what might have happened to him. The problem is her husband believes Gwen and doesn't want to see Caryl upset. Fast forward several years and her daughter, Megan takes a job organizing the records of the evacuee children and this starts her search for her mother's brother.
I enjoyed this story. I didn't realize that children were sent out of the cities in England for safety at the beginning of the war so that was a learning moment for me.
This book kept me intrigued and as Caryl learned more and more about the lies that Gwen had told all her life, I felt very sorry for Caryl. Although this book is not set during WWII, the story, at least Caryl's story, is centered around that. Megan's story, I could do without. I didn't care much about the lie that she had been hiding for 20+ years and I couldn't feel for her. But I did like how she put her mom's story first and tried her hardest to find her uncle.
34marykuhl
The Vegas Flop by Kyle K Wolfson
standalone
author arc
Thriller
5/16/24
April #7
Thank you to the author for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given.
This is the story of Lucas, who is an assassin and has been hired by the cartel to kill Grant. This is the story of Grant who moves into his uncles home, after his uncle has been found dead, and takes over his real estate business. This is the story of Tracy, a police detective who was a client of Grant's uncle and befriends Grant to get information about his uncle and any ties he had with the cartel.
I REALLY like this book. It was pretty much non-stop. Set in Las Vegas with the desert, the casinos, the shows and the drug dealers. Lucas' niche is to assassinate someone but either make it look like an accident or be able to get someone else to actually do the killing. It is fascinating to me to see how Lucas sets up "accidents". As I was reading this, I could see it as a movie. I would recommend this book.
standalone
author arc
Thriller
5/16/24
April #7
Thank you to the author for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given.
This is the story of Lucas, who is an assassin and has been hired by the cartel to kill Grant. This is the story of Grant who moves into his uncles home, after his uncle has been found dead, and takes over his real estate business. This is the story of Tracy, a police detective who was a client of Grant's uncle and befriends Grant to get information about his uncle and any ties he had with the cartel.
I REALLY like this book. It was pretty much non-stop. Set in Las Vegas with the desert, the casinos, the shows and the drug dealers. Lucas' niche is to assassinate someone but either make it look like an accident or be able to get someone else to actually do the killing. It is fascinating to me to see how Lucas sets up "accidents". As I was reading this, I could see it as a movie. I would recommend this book.
35marykuhl
Original Twin by Paula Gleeson
standalone
The Pulse
thriller
6/1/24
April #8
Thank you,
@paulagleesonauthor, amazonpublishing and @netgalley for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given.
May and June are sisters. Twins. Fraternal. June has been missing for a year and May discovers that their mother was also missing for 3 weeks when she was 19. She went missing on the same day the June disappeared. May goes through the case file of her mother's disappearance/reappearance in order to figure out if the same person has abducted her sister.
The twins father is so distraught. He lost his wife, Diana, three years ago and then his daughter went missing. The twins aunt is so self absorbed. She thinks her sister lied about her abduction and now thinks that June has done the same thing. The only redeeming characters for May, is Pat, her grandmother and Sam the detective that investigated Diana's disappearance.
Sam met with June before she vanished, and she left clues for May in Diana's casefile. Hoping that she wod follow her footsteps and find her. Diana's college roommate didn't report her missing immediately and her boyfriend, Brad was out of town at the time of the disappearance. So who could have been responsible? This is a very twisty story and I couldn't put it down.
This story has alternating chapters where May is doing all of investigating, and letters from June to her dead mother.
standalone
The Pulse
thriller
6/1/24
April #8
Thank you,
@paulagleesonauthor, amazonpublishing and @netgalley for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given.
May and June are sisters. Twins. Fraternal. June has been missing for a year and May discovers that their mother was also missing for 3 weeks when she was 19. She went missing on the same day the June disappeared. May goes through the case file of her mother's disappearance/reappearance in order to figure out if the same person has abducted her sister.
The twins father is so distraught. He lost his wife, Diana, three years ago and then his daughter went missing. The twins aunt is so self absorbed. She thinks her sister lied about her abduction and now thinks that June has done the same thing. The only redeeming characters for May, is Pat, her grandmother and Sam the detective that investigated Diana's disappearance.
Sam met with June before she vanished, and she left clues for May in Diana's casefile. Hoping that she wod follow her footsteps and find her. Diana's college roommate didn't report her missing immediately and her boyfriend, Brad was out of town at the time of the disappearance. So who could have been responsible? This is a very twisty story and I couldn't put it down.
This story has alternating chapters where May is doing all of investigating, and letters from June to her dead mother.
36marykuhl
My Perfect Husband by Georgina Cross
standalone
The Pulse
thriller
5/13/24
April #9
Thank you, Geogina Cross, Bookouture, and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Lauren's younger sister, Ellie, disappeared years ago. She spent the last 10 years searching for her. She met Alex at a support group. His brother, Clive, also disappeared and he and Lauren married. Now, Ellie's body has been found with a picture of Alex in her pocket. Now Lauren has to figure out if Alex knows what happened all those years ago.
I liked this book but at times I just wanted to shake Lauren. She kept a secret from Alex too, but she was mad at him. I felt like the end just ended. I don't know what exactly, but I felt like I needed a little bit more, although I am not sure how else it could have ended.
I overall this was a good story and not really how I expected it to play out.
standalone
The Pulse
thriller
5/13/24
April #9
Thank you, Geogina Cross, Bookouture, and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Lauren's younger sister, Ellie, disappeared years ago. She spent the last 10 years searching for her. She met Alex at a support group. His brother, Clive, also disappeared and he and Lauren married. Now, Ellie's body has been found with a picture of Alex in her pocket. Now Lauren has to figure out if Alex knows what happened all those years ago.
I liked this book but at times I just wanted to shake Lauren. She kept a secret from Alex too, but she was mad at him. I felt like the end just ended. I don't know what exactly, but I felt like I needed a little bit more, although I am not sure how else it could have ended.
I overall this was a good story and not really how I expected it to play out.
37marykuhl
KEY:
NetGalley = ✨
Author ARC = 🎉
Physical Book = 📘
Promotional = 📢
MAY
May total books: 4/📕
May total pages: 1236/📄
Follow Her Down by Victoria Helen Stone 📢
331 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 5/06/24
Blindspot by Maggie Smith 📢
320 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 5/10/24
You Invited It In by Sarah Jules 🎉
254 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 5/15/24
The Last Girl Left by A.m. Strong 📢
331 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 5/19/24
Broken Shadows by Sorrel Pitts 📢
366 pages
NetGalley = ✨
Author ARC = 🎉
Physical Book = 📘
Promotional = 📢
MAY
May total books: 4/📕
May total pages: 1236/📄
Follow Her Down by Victoria Helen Stone 📢
331 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 5/06/24
Blindspot by Maggie Smith 📢
320 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 5/10/24
You Invited It In by Sarah Jules 🎉
254 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 5/15/24
The Last Girl Left by A.m. Strong 📢
331 pages
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 5/19/24
Broken Shadows by Sorrel Pitts 📢
366 pages
38marykuhl
Follow Her Down by Victoria Helen Stone
standalone
The Pulse
thriller
6/4/24
May #1
Thank you, Victoria Helen Stone, and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given
Elise's sister, Robin, disappeared, and for years the cops thought she was just a runaway until a local man committed suicide and left a note confessing to her murder and dumping her in the river.
Elise's mom won't leave the house for fear that Robin might come back, since a body has never been found. And Elise's brother, Kyle, is obsessed with conspiracy theories. After years of drinking and drugs, Elise has finally cleaned up and moved back to her hometown. She owns a "tiny cabin" resort and is flourishing. That is until one day she finds out her ex-boyfriend has died, and the police are looking at her as the prime suspect.
So, I absolutely loved the setting. Out in the "wilderness" surrounded by the mountains and a creek. With the tiny homes for rentals and the touristy set up. I found this to be a little on the slow side, and even the car chase scene didn't really get my heart pumping. The standoff with police however did. While Elise is trying to prove her innocence, so can't figure out who to trust and she lets her brother's conspiracies get into her head.
I am very curious about the end, because (without spoilers) Elise looks like she is going to continue to investigate what really happened way back when. (You'll just have to read it for yourself to find out what I am talking about). Overall, I enjoyed this book. Again, another author I have been meaning to read, but haven't gotten a chance to.
standalone
The Pulse
thriller
6/4/24
May #1
Thank you, Victoria Helen Stone, and NetGalley for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given
Elise's sister, Robin, disappeared, and for years the cops thought she was just a runaway until a local man committed suicide and left a note confessing to her murder and dumping her in the river.
Elise's mom won't leave the house for fear that Robin might come back, since a body has never been found. And Elise's brother, Kyle, is obsessed with conspiracy theories. After years of drinking and drugs, Elise has finally cleaned up and moved back to her hometown. She owns a "tiny cabin" resort and is flourishing. That is until one day she finds out her ex-boyfriend has died, and the police are looking at her as the prime suspect.
So, I absolutely loved the setting. Out in the "wilderness" surrounded by the mountains and a creek. With the tiny homes for rentals and the touristy set up. I found this to be a little on the slow side, and even the car chase scene didn't really get my heart pumping. The standoff with police however did. While Elise is trying to prove her innocence, so can't figure out who to trust and she lets her brother's conspiracies get into her head.
I am very curious about the end, because (without spoilers) Elise looks like she is going to continue to investigate what really happened way back when. (You'll just have to read it for yourself to find out what I am talking about). Overall, I enjoyed this book. Again, another author I have been meaning to read, but haven't gotten a chance to.
39marykuhl
Blindspot by Maggie Smith
standalone
The Pulse
thriller
5/21/24
May #2
Thank you, @maggiesmithwritesand @netgalley
for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Rachel is a successful prosecutor in the DAs office. She is also a single mother. She has never told her daughter, Charley, the true story about her father. One night by chance Rachel meets Olivia and they become friends. However, Olivia's husband gives Rachel the creeps and her daughter has also clung onto Olivia. By chance, she runs into her high school crush, Max, who is also a former cop turned private investigator. Rachel has been getting phone calls, strange notes on her car, and has been followed. She asks Max to find out who is behind all this, and then one day she gets a call threatening Charley in exchange for ransom.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the characters to the storyline. I will admit, I was a little disappointed in Rachel that she tried to take matters into her own hands with the ransom instead of going to the police, but I thankfully have never been in that situation, and hey this would have shortened the book if she had. I don't have anything bad to say about this book, the little twist at the very end was a surprise.
standalone
The Pulse
thriller
5/21/24
May #2
Thank you, @maggiesmithwritesand @netgalley
for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Rachel is a successful prosecutor in the DAs office. She is also a single mother. She has never told her daughter, Charley, the true story about her father. One night by chance Rachel meets Olivia and they become friends. However, Olivia's husband gives Rachel the creeps and her daughter has also clung onto Olivia. By chance, she runs into her high school crush, Max, who is also a former cop turned private investigator. Rachel has been getting phone calls, strange notes on her car, and has been followed. She asks Max to find out who is behind all this, and then one day she gets a call threatening Charley in exchange for ransom.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. From the characters to the storyline. I will admit, I was a little disappointed in Rachel that she tried to take matters into her own hands with the ransom instead of going to the police, but I thankfully have never been in that situation, and hey this would have shortened the book if she had. I don't have anything bad to say about this book, the little twist at the very end was a surprise.
40marykuhl
You Invited It In by Sarah Jules
standalone
author arc
horror
5/25/24
May #3
Thank you, sarahjuleswriting for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Felix has "The Gift" and can see spirits, so when his brother Eli, shows him an article about a "psychic" who, he believes earns a living by scamming grieving victims he plots a story about a haunting for her to "cleanse" his home; however, once she does, the real haunting begins.
Felix's wife, Jenna died in a car crash when their son, Asher was still a baby. Whatever is in the home, keeps presenting as Jenna so that Asher will trust it. Felix tries his hardest to convince his son that the presence isn't his mother, because that is one spirit that Felix has never been able to see.
The only thing that bothered me was Asher. He was twelve, so I realize he is in that stage of still being a kid, and being, what preteens conceive to be an adult, but there were times that he seemed to act like a little child (5, 6 years old) and it made me keep forgetting how old he really was.
There were a few moments in this book where I had to read with the lights on! This was a very fast-paced read. I don't read a lot of horror novels, and I may be a wimp, but I am picky about what I will and will not read. I am really glad I chose this one!
standalone
author arc
horror
5/25/24
May #3
Thank you, sarahjuleswriting for a digital copy of this book. The opinions are my own and freely given.
Felix has "The Gift" and can see spirits, so when his brother Eli, shows him an article about a "psychic" who, he believes earns a living by scamming grieving victims he plots a story about a haunting for her to "cleanse" his home; however, once she does, the real haunting begins.
Felix's wife, Jenna died in a car crash when their son, Asher was still a baby. Whatever is in the home, keeps presenting as Jenna so that Asher will trust it. Felix tries his hardest to convince his son that the presence isn't his mother, because that is one spirit that Felix has never been able to see.
The only thing that bothered me was Asher. He was twelve, so I realize he is in that stage of still being a kid, and being, what preteens conceive to be an adult, but there were times that he seemed to act like a little child (5, 6 years old) and it made me keep forgetting how old he really was.
There were a few moments in this book where I had to read with the lights on! This was a very fast-paced read. I don't read a lot of horror novels, and I may be a wimp, but I am picky about what I will and will not read. I am really glad I chose this one!
41marykuhl
The Last Girl left by A.M. Strong
standalone
The Pulse
mystery/thriller
4/23/24
May #4
⏰REVIEW COMING SOON! ⏰
standalone
The Pulse
mystery/thriller
4/23/24
May #4
⏰REVIEW COMING SOON! ⏰
42marykuhl
Broken Shadows by Sorrel Pitts
standalone
Love Book Tours
mystery/thriller
1/22/24
May
⏰REVIEW COMING SOON! ⏰
standalone
Love Book Tours
mystery/thriller
1/22/24
May
⏰REVIEW COMING SOON! ⏰
