Kate Burkholder is the Chief of Police in a small Ohio town where “English” and Amish communities coexist. Raised Amish, KatQuite an interesting plot!
Kate Burkholder is the Chief of Police in a small Ohio town where “English” and Amish communities coexist. Raised Amish, Kate left the community after a traumatic event prevented her from being baptized. Years later, she returns when her mother falls ill and passes away. The town council offers her the role of Chief of Police, which she accepts. Kate is well-liked by the town and her coworkers, yet few know the dark secret she carries and has vowed never to reveal.
When a woman is found tortured, raped, and murdered in a manner eerily similar to killings from sixteen years ago, the town fears the serial killer has returned. Kate begins to suspect the same, leaving her unsettled.
John Tomasetti, an agent with the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI), is sent to assist Kate. He knows his bosses hope he’ll fail, giving them an excuse to fire him. After a difficult two years, helping Kate seems to help Tomasetti heal as well.
My friend Kim S. recommended this series. She’s reading the latest book, number 17, and loves it. I’m glad she told me about it because she was right—Kate and John are compelling characters with flaws and secrets that make them deeply human.
I plan to read the entire series, as I hear the books only get better.
At only twenty-two, Katherine Cole is on trial for allegedly poisoning four wealthy and influential men at London’s most e What a unique book this was!
At only twenty-two, Katherine Cole is on trial for allegedly poisoning four wealthy and influential men at London’s most exclusive private club, where she worked as a waitress.
Katherine’s story unfolds through short, alternating chapters narrated by her father (who calls her Kit-Kat), her high school friend (K.C.), her ex-lover (Wildcat), her lawyer (Katherine), and a reporter (Killer Kate) covering the case. Each offers their perspective on her through their interactions, with some convinced of her guilt from the outset and others believing in her innocence.
Who is the real Katherine, and is she guilty or not?
This courtroom drama takes a refreshingly unexpected approach. Details that seem insignificant prove crucial in the end. I found the ending deeply satisfying.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by William Morrow via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Travis Devine works at a job he hates, but that his father strongly approves of. He’s an entry-level analyst at a weA good character for a new series!
Travis Devine works at a job he hates, but that his father strongly approves of. He’s an entry-level analyst at a well-known investment firm, Cowl and Comely, making money for the owner, Brad Cowl, and is likely to continue doing so.
Travis works long hours, six days a week, and takes the 6:20 train to Manhattan every morning on time. During his commute, he can see Brad Cowl’s house and a young woman who’s always in a bikini as the train passes by.
One day, upon arriving at work, Travis receives a message: Sara Ewes, a colleague, has been found dead in a storage closet. Stranger still, he gets a text from an unknown number informing him of her death before anyone else knows.
At first, it appears to be suicide, but soon it’s clear someone murdered Sara. Travis launches his own investigation for two reasons: he liked Sara and had feelings for her, and his Army past is catching up, threatening his freedom unless he uncovers the truth.
Travis is a highly likable character. It’s easy to root for him. Baldacci throws in plenty of red herrings to distract from the real culprit and the reasons behind Sara’s murder. Following Travis was definitely entertaining.
Cassie and Andie are twins, soon turning twenty-one when the book begins. They are the daughters of Joy Moody, owner of Joyful S3.5
What a unique plot!
Cassie and Andie are twins, soon turning twenty-one when the book begins. They are the daughters of Joy Moody, owner of Joyful Suds Laundromat. For most of their lives, their mother has told them they are from the future and, upon turning twenty-one, will travel back to 2050. As daughters of the future revolution, both are instrumental in the fight for humanity’s survival.
Only one problem: it’s all a fabrication. They are ordinary girls Joy raised on her own, with minimal contact with the outside world. They don’t own a TV or smartphone and only know what Joy allows them to know, making it hard to question any of it.
Then, on the day they’re supposed to travel to the future, they don’t go anywhere—and Joy dies. Was it a natural death, or was she murdered?
Joy Moody Is Out of Time offers a compelling mystery, an intriguing premise, and memorable characters. I enjoyed it.
Cliffhanger: No
3.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Family Experiment by John Marrs is the latest book in the Dark Future series.
As its title suggests, this novel centers on a groundbreaking experimThe Family Experiment by John Marrs is the latest book in the Dark Future series.
As its title suggests, this novel centers on a groundbreaking experiment: five couples and a single man become the “parents” of virtual babies. Over the next nine months, the virtual children grow from newborns to age eighteen. The parents access their “babies” through the metaverse and VR headsets. The prize? The winners can keep their virtual child or claim enough money to start a real family.
The couples and the young man all harbor secrets, which readers uncover gradually. Some are revealed from the start, while most emerge during the show, leading to eliminations one by one until the grand finale.
Unexpected, interesting, and thought-provoking, The Family Experiment held my attention the entire time. The one challenge was keeping track of so many characters at once. The audiobook and its narrators helped immensely.
Overall, it was a good addition to this sci-fi dystopian world!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Harlequin Trade Publishing | Hanover Square Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
At least, this is what Molly, the maid, is doing with her boyfriend, Juan Manuel. She used to do the same with her grannBring the advent calendar out!
At least, this is what Molly, the maid, is doing with her boyfriend, Juan Manuel. She used to do the same with her granny. Molly’s life has come a long way. She’s happy in the present—a stark contrast to a few years ago when she lost her grandmother. She still remembers a Christmas at work when people made fun of her.
However, lately, something peculiar has been happening. Her boyfriend is acting strangely. He looks exhausted all the time, and it seems like he’s keeping secrets from her.
Does Molly have a new mystery to unravel?
For fans of the Molly the Maid series, this novella is a sweet treat. The mystery wraps up nicely, and Juan Manuel steals the show.
A cute little novella—perfect for the Christmas season!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Ballantine Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Jules is excited about moving into her fiance's mansion. After becoming a widow, she never expected to fall in loveA dark and captivating short story!
Jules is excited about moving into her fiance's mansion. After becoming a widow, she never expected to fall in love again. When she met Kirin, she was lonely, and her teenage daughter, Scout, was the only thing keeping her sane.
But Scout can’t forget her father. She misses him every day and wishes she could talk to him again. She’s not thrilled that her mother sold their apartment and that they’re now moving in with Kirin. Losing her father changed her world, and now she has to start over at a new school, too. She doesn’t dislike Kirin, exactly—they even have something in common: he’s lost someone as well.
Yet, as they approach Kirin’s home, a sense of dread spreads through Scout.
What dark mysteries are hidden within the house—and the doll she is given?
It was truly entertaining from beginning to end. The narrators did a fantastic job setting the perfect tone of suspense and foreboding.
My only complaint? I wish it had been longer!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Amazon Original Stories via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had no clue what I was getting myself into when I started listening to The Secret Mother.
The book begins with Tessa Markham returning Unputabledown!
I had no clue what I was getting myself into when I started listening to The Secret Mother.
The book begins with Tessa Markham returning home after visiting her dead children at the cemetery. When she gets home, she finds a little boy in her kitchen. The boy asks her if she is his mommy!
Tessa doesn't know what to do so she called her ex Scott to ask him for help. Together they call the police who immediately suspect Tessa of kidnapping the child.
The press smells a story and they begin to camp outside her home trying to get a soundbite. Tessa is distraught. The press even tries to get her at work too. Her quiet life is imploding.
Tessa doesn't know how the child got into her home but after several days she begins to doubt herself. Did she snatch him and forget about it? She knows that at times her mind is not perfect after losing her children but was she capable of doing this?
Excellent plot. It sucked me in and it took me a while to figure it all out. Great outcome too!
Jasmine is a woman on the run. As a waitress without good family support and in an abusive relationship, her only way to gain freedomA gripping debut!
Jasmine is a woman on the run. As a waitress without good family support and in an abusive relationship, her only way to gain freedom is to leave her boyfriend while he sleeps.
Stephanie is a news director. She is divorced and doesn't see her son as much as she would like. She is always working, and thankfully, her neighbor, Robert, can take care of her cat while she flies for work. Stephanie wishes for a change in her life. Yet, she is packing for another work trip. This time, it's a conference in San Diego.
Two things these women have in common: first, they both take a flight to Denver and sit in the same row; second, they both meet a man named Trent McCarthy and then disappear after a few days.
What happened to the women?
"The Business Trip" was full of suspense with an intricate plot. It was full of surprises that made the story shine. The only part I didn't like was the last scene. I think it was unnecessary. I also would have liked to see more of Robert. Nonetheless, this novel was a winner.
Cliffhanger: No
45 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
A man steals an ancient Stela from a dig in Israel and smuggles it into the United States. This man is ready to sell it to the higheThis one was nuts!
A man steals an ancient Stela from a dig in Israel and smuggles it into the United States. This man is ready to sell it to the highest bidder as long as he gets the cash he needs. He doesn't care if it goes to the Israelis, Palestinians, Turks, Americans or Australians.
Lucas calls Virgil to pick up an Israeli agent. Her job is to recuperate the Stela and take it back. At first, Virgie believes this task won't be difficult but soon he realizes the opposite. No one is what they seem and enough people are either ready to pay or to steal the Stela.
Virgil is very different than Lucas in so many ways. He approaches his investigations differently too. The one thing both have in common is that they would do anything to catch the bad guys without leaving loose ends behind.
This book also marks the addition of a formidable character, Ma Nobles. A woman with several kids, a high IQ, and someone who will be perfect for Virgil as a partner.
In the small town of Deadhart in Alaska a teenager has been murdered. It looks like his throat was ripped open and drained of all hiA well-done novel!
In the small town of Deadhart in Alaska a teenager has been murdered. It looks like his throat was ripped open and drained of all his blood.
The town wants justice. They believed the vampire Colony living close by was responsible for the death and the humans wanted nothing more than to get approval of a Cull. They want to eradicate the vampires which can only be done if it turns out that the vampires are responsible for the death of fifteen-year-old Marcus Anderson.
Detective Barbara Atkins of the Forensic Vampire Anthropology Department is sent to investigate the case. The town is distrustful of outsiders making things harder for Barbara. More so since Reverend Colleen Grey wants a Cull too.
Barbara decides to enlist the help of the ex-sheriff, Jenson Tucker. He was the last one to investigate a murder twenty-five years ago and very similar to the current case.
Besides, Barbara and Tucker, there is also Athelinda. She is the leader of the Colony although she looks to be a child. She is very old and deadly but she insists the Colony is not guilty of the killing.
Quite a great atmospheric novel with an amazing character. I liked Barbara from the get-go. She was smart, funny, and determined to learn the truth at all costs.
The author leaves the door wide open for another book with this character and I hope it does happen. I would buy that book for sure!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Ballantine Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The novel begins with a robbery gone wrong. A woman is killed and the perpetrators are teenagers: Jimmy ShaMad River is the sixth book in this series.
The novel begins with a robbery gone wrong. A woman is killed and the perpetrators are teenagers: Jimmy Sharp, Becky Welsh, and Tom McCall.
After leaving the victim's house, the killers realize their car won't work and without a second thought, they go ahead and kill a man and steal his car.
Then, Lucas Davenport calls his best BCA agent and puts Virgil Flowers on the case.
Virgil is trying to catch them fast before the local small-town cops get to them first and perform their own version of justice.
As the body count increases, Virgil is running out of time.
Virgil is quite an entertaining character. He doesn't look or act like your usual detective. He likes indie rock bands and enjoys his off-time fishing.
Nineteen-year-old Charley Kelley is a maid at the prestigious Precipice Hotel in Maine. The hotel's owner, 3.5 Fangs
Amid a hurricane, secrets can kill!
Nineteen-year-old Charley Kelley is a maid at the prestigious Precipice Hotel in Maine. The hotel's owner, George Bishop, has died, and his three daughters, Vickie, Fatih, and Iris, are coming to stay for the will reading. Their arrival comes at the same time that a hurricane is about to make landfall, trapping everyone indoors.
Vickie is the oldest sister. She comes with her husband, Todd, and their son Quinn also arrives.
Faith, who used to be a famous model, is there with her wife, Hope, and their teenage son Olive,r who likes to speak in rhyme.
Iris is an ex-convict who "found Jesus" and is sober now.
In attendance is also George Bishop's lawyer, Mrs. Black.
After the will is read, one of the family members dies, and someone begins to leave poems alerting them of the consequences of keeping secrets and asking them to reveal them within the night, or another death will follow. No one is safe, and there is nowhere to run.
One Big Happy Family had several parts, and although I enjoyed it, it was not as good as The Block Party. Charley's character was interesting, and I felt invested in her. She was in a tough spot, trying to make ends meet for herself and her grandmother. I was rooting for her to come out of it alive.
In the midst of a hurricane, secrets can kill!
Nineteen-year-old Charley Kelley works as a maid at the prestigious Precipice Hotel in Maine. The owner, George Bishop, has died, and his three daughters—Vickie, Faith, and Iris—are arriving at the hotel for the reading of his will. Their visit coincides with an approaching hurricane that’s about to make landfall, trapping everyone inside.
Vickie, the eldest sister, arrives with her husband, Todd, and their son, Quinn.
Faith, a former famous model, is accompanied by her wife, Hope, and their teenage son, Oliver, who enjoys speaking in rhymes.
Iris, an ex-convict who “found Jesus,” is now sober.
Also in attendance is George Bishop’s lawyer, Mrs. Black.
After the will is read, one of the family members dies, and someone begins leaving poems that warn of the consequences of keeping secrets. The notes demand that the truth be revealed by the end of the night—or another death will follow. No one is safe, and there’s nowhere to escape.
One Big Happy Family unfolds in several parts. While I enjoyed it, it didn’t quite measure up to The Block Party. Charley’s character was compelling, and I felt invested in her story. She was in a tough spot, struggling to support herself and her grandmother, and I was rooting for her to survive the night.
Cliffhanger: No
3.5/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I love going back to Nantucket for the summer and immersing myself in the characters Elin comes up with.
Two young women meet on the ferry going to NanI love going back to Nantucket for the summer and immersing myself in the characters Elin comes up with.
Two young women meet on the ferry going to Nantucket.
Casey is the daughter of the chief of police. She is an ICU nurse and after losing a newborn in the NICU and realizing the woman she loves is marrying someone else, she decides to leave LA and go back home.
Coco is the other woman on the boat. She is new to the area. She was working in the Virgin Islands where she met the Richardsons. On the spot, Mr Richardson offers her the position as their personal assistant. Coco has a dual reason for accepting. First, she needs the money and second, Bo Richardson is a movie producer and Coco has just finished her first screenplay and she believes this could be the perfect opportunity for her to get it made into a movie.
At the beginning of the summer, The Richardsons buy a large home in Nantucket and pretty soon they make friends all over. Inviting them to the most coveted parties in town. However, by the end of the summer, their house has burned to the ground and Coco is missing.
The Chief of police who is ready to retire after being on the force for over 3 decades, is informed of the fire and Coco's disappearance. He knows that he needs to help with the investigation and find Coco. So many questions are going through his head. Who burned the house? Was it an accident or arson? Was Coco the one who set it up? Did Coco swim away or did someone push her off the boat?
I enjoyed this one a lot. I decided to do the audio and Bennett was fantastic. The characters were all interesting. Some are new, some are old. I was rooting for blonde Sharon to have a happy ending too.
Lenny Marks is a primary school teacher. For the most part, she keeps to herself and follows her routines. Amazing writing of an incredible character!
Lenny Marks is a primary school teacher. For the most part, she keeps to herself and follows her routines. She buys her groceries at the same market, spends her nights at home watching her favorite show Friends, and plays Scrabble with a fictional Monica Geller. She eats the same meals every week and collects copies of her favorite book, The Hobbit. Lenny doesn't drive; instead, she uses her bike to get around.
Lately, people have been suggesting that she make friends or go to therapy. So, she decides to try making some friends at work and step out of her comfort zone. She is also starting to recall events from her childhood. She grew up in foster care after her mother left when she was eleven, and most of her memories from that time are buried deep in her mind.
As a reader, you can't help but wonder what truly happened to Lenny.
Lenny reminds me of Eleanor Oliphant and Molly Gray. She doesn’t always pick up on social cues, and some people try to take advantage of her— or at least, they think they can.
Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder is a real attention-grabber from the start. The added element of a dog that needs saving makes it even more compelling. A truly entertaining novel. A great debut!
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ryan Richardson had a future as a basketball player. He was dating a popular and nice girl, Alison Lane when his world fThis was an attention grabber!
Ryan Richardson had a future as a basketball player. He was dating a popular and nice girl, Alison Lane when his world fell apart.
Ryan and Alison were spending time at Lover's Lane when a man abducts Ryan and knocks him out. With Alison gone, suspicion fell on Ryan, and for many years, he was hounded by people wanting to know what happened. The pressure was so intense that Ryan decided to change his name and attend law school. During a trip with his classmates in Italy, a man approaches telling him, he knows who he is.
Poppy McGee, a military veteran, returns to her home in Kansas and joins the police department as a Deputy sheriff. Her father is sick and she moved closer to take care of him. During her first week at the new job, someone finds Alison's car and to everyone's shock there are two dead men inside. Poppy is trying to decipher the mystery of Alison's disappearance and the why.
Shane O'Leary is a crime boss in Philadelphia. He loves his wife and child and would do anything for them. Yet, he is ruthless at his job. Someone crosses him and he won't stop until they are five feet under.
If Something Happens to Me was engaging from the very first chapter. I wanted to know what happened to Alison. Even when I figured it out early on, I couldn't stop myself from wanting to continue and finding out how everything was going to end.
From his first book, Alex Finlay has delivered interesting stories that this reader has enjoyed. I can't wait for his next book.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Minotaur Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Evie Porter is living the suburban life with her boyfriend, Ryan Sumner. She wishes for a garden and to have a place to calPerfectly crafted thriller!
Evie Porter is living the suburban life with her boyfriend, Ryan Sumner. She wishes for a garden and to have a place to call home. She can envision this future with Ryan.
The only problem is that she is not Evie Porter.
Ryan is the next mark on Mr Smith's list. "Evie" has worked for Mr. Smith for the last few years and her identity is created and changed depending on what he wants from his targets. Evie is the best at what she does but Ryan has made her question her future.
A truly enjoyable thriller from the very first chapter. Ashley Elston has written a fast-paced, twisty-galore, and addictive story that kept me glued to the pages.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Pamela Dorman Books | PENGUIN GROUP Viking via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Leela Crowe is living a quiet life after leaving her PR job at Jolvix two years ago.
Then, she receives aGames can kill you. Especially virtual ones...
Leela Crowe is living a quiet life after leaving her PR job at Jolvix two years ago.
Then, she receives an apology and the person who sent the apology dies. When this happens to other people who have wronged Leela, she knows this is associated with Jolvix and the VisPex goggles.
Leela with the help of her dead fiancee's brother, Teddy Lindmark, and Eve (someone we know from a prior book) will help her in trying to uncover the identity of the serial killer and hopefully stop him before another death occurs.
The Slaying Game had an interesting premise that hooks the reader from the very beginning.
Regarding the characters, I must admit that Leela sometimes annoyed me. She spent too much time in her head and she was rude to Teddy quite a bit. I couldn't help but love Teddy. I did like that both had pets and that no harm came to them.
There is one thing I disliked about this book and it was the author's dig at Florida. What the heck? Is she trying to upset her Florida readers? Even Taylor Swift loves FL...
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Mirror House Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
In 1995, April and Eddie are newlyweds on their way to their honeymoon. They are driving at night when they realizA wrong turn can cost you your life!
In 1995, April and Eddie are newlyweds on their way to their honeymoon. They are driving at night when they realize they are lost and they have taken a wrong turn. They are driving on a lonely road called Atticus Line. Just as they recognize their mistake, they see a woman walking on the side of the road.
April and Eddie decided to stop the car and help the woman. After the young woman agrees to get in the car with them, April notices blood from her midsection. They immediately take her to the hospital where she dies.
The police want to question the newlyweds as they have become the prime suspects in the death of the woman. They are asked not to leave town.
The couple soon learns that multiple deaths have been happening for many years on that road. Is there a serial killer in the town of Coldlake Falls?
Quite spooky and so very entertaining. Both main characters were quite engaging as well as Rose and the sisters who helped them.
Another addicting novel by Simone St. James.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Berkley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I'm an outlier for this one. I did not enjoy On the Savage Side.
I was hoping for a different type of book. This was a dark novel without hope.
On the SI'm an outlier for this one. I did not enjoy On the Savage Side.
I was hoping for a different type of book. This was a dark novel without hope.
On the Savage Side was inspired by the murders of the Chillicothe Six. I was hoping to see more justice for these women in the novel since in real life the actual women who were murdered have not had it since two of the missing women are still missing, presumed dead but no body has been recovered.
What rang true was the lack of worry the police felt about trying to find who was killing the prostitutes and drug addicts.
The main character is Arc Doggs. She has a twin named Daffy. They live with their mother and aunt. Both prostitutes and heroin drug addicts. The twins experience child and sexual abuse. They grow up poor and without anyone helping them after their grandmother is killed. So as teenagers, they succumb to drugs and to be able to afford their addiction they become prostitutes themselves.
As I said earlier this book was not for me. The prose was slow and the novel was full of imagery, symbolism, and constant metaphors. Too much for my taste.
Cliffhanger: No
2/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Knopf via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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