Tag Archives: mystery
Wicked Charm
Entangled Teen
January 30, 2018
Paperback
304
Nothing good comes from living in the Devil's swamp.
Willow Bell thinks moving to the Okefenokee area isn't half bad, but nothing prepares her for what awaits in the shadows of the bog.
Girls are showing up dead in the swamp. And she could be next.
Everyone warns Willow to stay away from Beau Cadwell―the bad boy at the top of their suspect list as the serial killer tormenting the small town.
But beneath his wicked, depthless eyes, there's something else that draws Willow to him.
When yet another girl he knew dies, though, Willow questions whether she can trust her instincts…or if they're leading to her own death.
Review:
“Wicked Charm” is standard young adult mystery and romance fare. It’s enjoyable and an extremely quick read, making it a good choice for a beach read. It just isn’t memorable.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence
Before I Let Go
Young Adult Fiction
Sourcebooks Fire
January 23, 2018
368
From the author of the #1 New York Times bestseller This Is Where It Ends! Days before Corey is to return home to the snow and ice of Lost Creek, Alaska, to visit her best friend, Kyra dies. Corey is devastated—and confused. The entire Lost community speaks in hushed tones about the town's lost daughter, saying her death was meant to be. And they push Corey away like she's a stranger. Corey knows something is wrong. Lost is keeping secrets—chilling secrets. But piecing together the truth about what happened to her best friend may prove as difficult as lighting the sky in an Alaskan winter...
Review:
All three stars that I have given “Before I Let Go” are because of the beautiful writing. That being said, I didn’t like this book at all. The story sounds good in the blurb but fell flat all the way around for me. It did not help that I didn’t like any of the characters, so I wasn’t even invested in finding out what happened to them. It was a chore to read. “One of us. One of us. One of us,” ran through my mind the entire time. I know that Marieke Nijkamp is capable of much better storytelling and still look forward to her next book.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Language, Minor Sexual Situations, Violence
The Hanging Girl
Hmh Books for Young Readers
October 3, 2017
320
Another unputdownable, twisty, cat-and-mouse thriller by the author of With Malice about a girl who claims to have a psychic vision that could help find a missing teenager.
Review:
“The Hanging Girl” is a good read for someone in the mood for a quick and fun young adult mystery. The plot is entertaining and would come in handy for someone needing a break during the holiday season by escaping for a while. The only problem I had with it is the main character, Skye. No matter how much her character’s deeper history was revealed I just could not bring myself to like her. Recommended for a light read!
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence
Emma in the Night
Fiction
August 8, 2017
320
"Both twisted and twisty, this smart psychological thriller sets a new standard for unreliable narrators." –Booklist, Starred Review One night three years ago, the Tanner sisters disappeared: fifteen-year-old Cass and seventeen-year-old Emma. Three years later, Cass returns, without her sister Emma. Her story is one of kidnapping and betrayal, of a mysterious island where the two were held. But to forensic psychiatrist Dr. Abby Winter, something doesn't add up. Looking deep within this dysfunctional family Dr. Winter uncovers a life where boundaries were violated and a narcissistic parent held sway. And where one sister's return might just be the beginning of the crime.
Review:
“Emma in the Night” is a taut psychological thriller that kept me reading from start to finish without putting it down. Not only did I keep second-guessing my theories, I kept feeling ill-at-ease in my own home. It’s difficult to say much more than the book synopsis because to spoil it even a little would take away from the fun. If you like thriller mysteries, you will probably enjoy this.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Little Monsters
Young Adult Fiction
Delacorte Press
2017
336
When Kacey moves in with her estranged father and his new family, her new friend goes missing and Kacey finds herself at the center of the investigation.
Review:
“Little Monsters” is a young adult thriller that will satisfy both the ya audience and adult readers. The mystery is well-written and keeps the reader guessing throughout. Even when you think you know the bad guy, you keep second-guessing yourself. A very enjoyable read that I recommend to any fan of the mystery and thriller genres.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence
Southern Spirits (Southern Ghost Hunters #1)
Southern Ghost Hunters, Book 1
Fantasy fiction
January 13, 2015
276
When out of work graphic designer Verity Long accidentally traps a ghost on her property, she's saddled with more than a supernatural sidekick-she gains the ability see spirits. It leads to an offer she can't refuse from the town's bad boy, the brother of her ex and the last man she should ever partner with. Ellis Wyatt is in possession of a stunning historic property haunted by some of Sugarland Tennessee's finest former citizens. Only some of them are growing restless-and destructive. He hires Verity to put an end to the disturbances. But soon, Verity learns there's more to the mysterious estate than floating specters, secret passageways, and hidden rooms. There's a modern day mystery afoot, one that hinges on a decades-old murder. Verity isn't above questioning the living, or the dead. But can she discover the truth before the killer finds her?
Review:
“Southern Spirits” is the perfect cozy mystery for a rainy winter’s day. There is plenty of humor, a pet skunk, and southern charm, along with the beginning of what promises to be a steamy romance. Don’t be fooled, though, as there were some legitimate scares to be found. A really fun adult mystery read!
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Turbo Twenty-Three (Stephanie Plum #23)
Stephanie Plum, Book 23
Fiction
Bantam
November 15, 2016
320
Speed is the name of the game as Stephanie Plum returns in Turbo Twenty-Three--the thrilling, fast-paced new adventure from #1 New York Times bestselling author Janet Evanovich.
Review:
“Turbo Twenty-Three” is another funny and endearing novel in the Stephanie Plum series. I found myself laughing quite a bit and thrilled at some plot threads that were explored. My only issue with it is that it feels like the author knows things need a bit of a shake-up after all this time, and began to go down the road, only to chicken out rather abruptly at the end. I hope she takes some chances on the next one.
The Lost and the Found
JUVENILE FICTION
Crown Books For Young Readers
September 13, 2016
368
THE LOST
When six-year-old Laurel Logan was abducted, the only witness was her younger sister, Faith. Since then, Faith’s childhood has revolved around her sister’s disappearance—from her parents’ broken marriage and the constant media attention, to dealing with so-called friends who only ever want to talk about her missing sister.
THE FOUND
Now, thirteen years later, a young woman is found in the front yard of the Logans’ old house, disoriented and clutching the teddy bear Laurel was last seen with. Can her sister finally be back? Faith always dreamed of her sister coming home; she just never believed it would happen. But soon a disturbing series of events leaves Faith increasingly isolated from her family and paranoid about her sister’s motives. Before long, Faith begins to wonder if it’s the abduction that’s changed her sister, or if it’s something else. . . .
Originally published in the United Kingdom by Quercus in 2015.
Review:
“The Lost and the Found” is a contemporary thriller about a kidnapped girl coming home that managed to hold my attention and keep me flipping the pages until it was finished.
The story of Faith and her sister Laurel, who was kidnapped at age 6, revolves around Faith’s feelings after her sister returns home. I found it interesting to think about how a sibling would feel given the situation. Faith was both likable and frustrating in the ways that any teenager can be, and it felt like her reactions would be common in the situation. The book had a steady pace that built up to a conclusion that was both predictable and not predictable. I only had one problem, and that was with a resolution to a subplot that seemed completely out-of-character and rushed, as though it were an afterthought.
“The Lost and the Found” will be of interest to older young adults and adults who enjoy a quick reading contemporary thriller that has some substance and bite.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Language, Somewhat Graphic Sexual Situations, Violence, Sexual Abuse
The Cabin
Sourcebooks Fire
September 6, 2016
Paperback
336
A New York Times Bestseller!
There may only be one killer, but no one is innocent in this new young adult thriller from Natasha Preston, author of The Cellar, a New York Times Bestseller, and Awake
They think they're invincible.
They think they can do and say whatever they want.
They think there are no consequences.
They've left me no choice.
It's time for them to pay for their sins.
A weekend partying at a remote cabin is just what Mackenzie needs. She can't wait to let loose with her friends. But a crazy night of fun leaves two of them dead-murdered.
With no signs of a forced entry or struggle, suspicion turns to the five survivors. Someone isn't telling the truth. And Mackenzie's first mistake? Assuming the killing is over...
Review:
“The Cabin” was a solid four-star thriller up until the very end. That doesn’t stop it from being enjoyable in a B horror movie sort of way.
The characters are the stereotypical mix that you come to expect from horror movies and fun, fast reading thrillers. There were some plot surprises and enough creepy things to give you some chills. Just. The ending. I can’t quite forgive that one.
Overall, “The Cabin” is a fun read for the Halloween season or any other time you’re feeling like a fun and breezy thriller.
This unbiased review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
Language, Sexual Situations, Violence
Curious Minds
Knight and Moon, Book 1
Fiction
Bantam
August 16, 2016
256
Janet Evanovich, #1 New York Times bestselling author of the Stephanie Plum series, teams up with Emmy-winning writer Phoef Sutton for a brand-new series of thrillers featuring charmingly eccentric Emerson Knight and professional go-getter Riley Moon.
Review:
“Curious Minds” was a fun, quick read that featured all of the humor and wit for which Janet Evanovich is known. She and Phoef Sutton make a great writing team.
The new characters of Emerson Knight and Riley Moon are quite a bit different from others we have seen in previous series. The quirkiness of Emerson is especially intriguing, and I can’t wait to read more about him. They play well off of one another. The plot moved fast and it can easily be read in a sitting or two. There were a few sputters in character development, with few detailed background characters, but all of those can easily be fixed and filled in with the next installment.
I can easily recommend “Curious Minds” for any Janet Evanovich fan or for someone looking for a new humorous mystery series to enjoy.
This honest review is based upon a complimentary copy provided by the publisher.
Content Warning:
As this is an adult book, there are no content warnings.
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