The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell
The Family Upstairs by Lisa Jewell is my fourth book by the author. Quickly, Lisa has become my go-to author for suspense. Lisa is able to write these characters that are damaged, yet relatable. The Family Upstairs is no different. Throughout the story, there are definitely some creepy vibes. Also, I love the three timelines. They keep me guessing late into the night! Dark. Suspenseful & Cult Vibes Read this if you’re in the mood for a suspenseful & dark mystery filled with family secrets. This book also has cultish vibes. Lots of times, I can’t do cults. I grew up in Texas during the time of the Branch Davidians,…
In The Vines by Shannon Kirk
A family estranged, long-kept secrets, and a woman unwittingly searching for answers are woven together in this coastal thriller. In The Vines by Shannon Kirk is a unique thriller. A LIVING NIGHTMARE An enraged woman wields a hatchet in search of Mop (Mary Olivia Pentecost). She threatens to kill anyone who crosses her path for vengeance. Shannon Kirk immediately draws us into Mop’s hiding place, and her struggle to balance fear with pain and the will to survive. The story unfolds alternating between the voices of Mop and her Aunty Liv. Descendants of a prestigious New England family, these women have large estates and political power – think the Kennedys,…
Her Secret Son by Hannah Mary McKinnon
The Secret Son by Hannah Mary McKinnon is an emotional ride & I can’t put it down. I really liked seeing the characters develop. Josh is left to care for his longtime partner (Grace’s) child. Josh goes through a huge arc of emotions: anger, grief & resentment as he tries to uncover the truth about Grace’s son, Logan. Every time he thinks he is getting closer to the truth, he just gets deeper into the secrets. We see him go on this emotional journey as his trust and love is tested. I’m rating this one 4 to 4.5 stars. You can’t help but feel empathy for Josh as you ask…
Gretchen by Shannon Kirk Book Review
Gretchen by Shannon Kirk A mother running from her past, her daughter unsure what or who they’re running from. Together they land at an eerie property where long-kept secrets dare to be exposed. LIFE ON THE RUN Eleven different states over the past 13 years, means Lucy is a teenager who knows no single place as home. Mother has kept them on the run for as long as she can remember, forcing them to move at a moment’s notice, take on aliases, and pick up cash stashed in random cities. Mother is hiding something. The terror of being separated from Lucy is palpable, and maybe that’s why she rarely allows…
The Escape Room by Megan Goldin
The cover of The Escape Room says it is gripping & unforgettable read. You know what? I totally agree! I just finished this book & I’m like, “DAMN!” Let me clap for this book & say again, I love a revenge story! As I turn the first few pages, the final scene is clear. We know the ending, but how did we get here? Methodical, Calculating & Slick Much like Wall Street, The Escape Room by Megan Goldin is reminiscent of the famous Gordon Gecko. Greed certainly is good, until it bites you in the ass. Well, let’s just say some people get what’s coming to them in The Escape…
The Whisper Man by Alex North
The Whisper Man by Alex North is a Must Read for Any Fans of Suspense Hauntings of a serial killer come back to life. Kids are whispering in the dead of night. Kidnapped children & cold cases. Is a copycat killer or an accomplice is back to finish the work of The Whisper Man? This book has everything I want when I’m in the mood or a suspense thriller! Kids are Creepy First, I will include a trigger warning about imaginary friends. Next, The Whisper Man by Alex North centers around the death of children. Thankfully, the narrative is not gory and it’s certainly not glamorizing serial killers. As soon as…
The First Mistake by Sandie Jones
After really enjoying The Other Woman last summer, The First Mistake by Sandie Jones is high on my summer TBR. I only wish it lived up to my high hopes. Plenty of people love it, but I’m not one of them. I can say, pick this one up if enjoy a slow burn with some twists. The First Mistake by Sandie Jones The lowdown from Goodreads Publication Date June 11th, 2019 Let’s Talk About The Synopsis I’m very grateful to receive an ARC from Minotaur Books. As soon as the book arrives, I read the synopsis. I swear my eyes glaze over & I read it again. What’s this story about? Maybe…
The Arrangement by Robyn Harding
The Arrangement by Robyn Harding The lowdown on The Arrangement by Robyn Harding from Goodreads Publication Date July 30th, 2019 Sugar babies, an elite Manhattan corporate lawyer, and an art student looking for a break. Throw in hurt feelings, deceit & a murder. Hello, lover! A Little Bit of Sugar Undoubtedly, I love the sugar baby element in The Arrangement. The world of sugar daddies & their babies is incredibly salacious, tantalizing and so intriguing. The allure, the judgment, the lies & money – I want to know EVERYTHING! Thrilling & Salacious To say I devoured The Arrangement is an understatement. As soon as I started reading, I could not…
Book Review: A Shattered Lens by Layton Green
Book Review: A Shattered Lens by Layton Green The lowdown on Goodreads Publication Date July 16th, 2019 A detective investigates the murder of a teenage golden boy that has rocked a small town–and the chief suspect is the victim’s mother. Annalise Stephens Blue is a Creekville high school student with plans to become a world-famous filmmaker. As she begins filming an exposé of the town called Night Lives, she uncovers more than she bargained for: on the very first night of filming, she stumbles upon a murder in the woods, and flees the scene steps ahead of the killer. Detective Joe “Preach” Everson is called to investigate the murder. The victim,…
Just One Bite by Jack Heath
Just One Bite by Jack Heath The lowdown on Just One Bite by Jack Heath from Goodreads Publication Date June 4th, 2019 I really enjoyed this book. Honestly, the pacing is so fast & I was engaged the whole time. Surprisingly, I am very familiar with the setting of Just One Bite. Many years ago, I briefly lived in Southeast Texas and part of Southwest Louisiana. When Jack Heath describes the setting, I feel as if I’m back in time in Lousiana. Even though Just One Bite by Jack Heath is part of the Timothy Blake series, I didn’t read the first book, Hangman. Despite this, I am able…
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