Mary's 2020 Reading List

This is my first time creating a list of my own. Thank you in advance for any feedback you can provide!

I have joined the Goodreads challenge of 54 books this year. 2019 challenge was 52 books and I was able to finish 54.
When I finish a book, I plan on marking it as such and I will have a review of that book.
*Genre is from Fantastic Fiction.

January 2020 - Plan to read (some may get moved to next month)

📚 11/8 read for the month

1 - A Divided Loyalty by Charles Todd - Early Readers -- Finished 1/2/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(I have been sick and not able to read as quickly as I would like)

2 - Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill - Early Readers -- Finished 1/6/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

3 - The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James - Finished - 1/11/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

4 - One of Us is Next by Karen McManus - Finished 1/17/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

5 - The Stranger Inside by Laura Benedict - Finished 1/25/20 ⭐ ⭐

6 - The First Mistake by Sandie Jones - Finished 1/20/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

7 - Let Justice Descend by Lisa Black - Finished 1/19/20 ⭐⭐⭐

8 - See You Soon by NC Marshall - Finished 1/24/20 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

9 - Cold Heart Creek by Lisa Regan - Finished 1/27/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(Finished all 8 I had planned to read this month ☺, get to start on more)

10. Silent for Sixty Years by Ben Fainer - Finished 1/29/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

11. Over The Edge: A P.I. Jocelyn Rush Digital Short by Lisa Regan - Finished 1/31/20 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

January Average rating = 3.86

Good luck on your reading challenge this year!

>1 marykuhl: Glad to have you onboard, Mary, ☺️.

>1 marykuhl: Welcome Mary. Good luck with your challenge. If you have any questions just ask. We will be glad to help in any way we can.

A Divided Loyalty by Charles Todd - 4 stars
#22 in the Inspector Ian Rutledge Series
Paperback
Scotland Yard, London - 1921
Genre - Historical Mystery
Published 2/4/20
Received From LTER
January #1

I received this book as an LTER. This is the 22nd in the Inspector Ian Rutledge Mystery series, but this is the first book in this series that I have read. I hate starting a series out of order, let alone at the end, but I loved this book. I will read the other books (in fact I already purchased two).

Inspection Ian Rutledge with Scotland Yard is sent to investigate a murder of a young woman, who is unidentified. After quickly solving that case, he is sent to Avebury to investigate a murder that took place months ago, that a colleague was unable to solve.

This murder is similar in that this is also a young woman who is unidentified. Inspector Brian Leslie, the original investigator, was unable to identify the woman, or have any leads. But Rutledge's tenacity opens up more questions and provides answers.

This book is set in England in 1921. Both Inspectors were former officers in The Great War. Rutledge is haunted by the memory of his superior officer, Hamish. Hamish is a voice in Rutledge's head that doesn't hinder or help the investigation. He is really just a sounding board. The appearance of Hamish is not something that I would classify as 'supernatural'.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. I loved that it was set in England, written by American authors and set in a time when the world was changing.

Collision of Lies by Tom Threadgill - 5 Stars
Stand Alone
Paperback
San Antonio, Texas - present day
385 pages
Genre - Inspirational
Published 2/4/20
Received from LTER
January #2

I received this book as an LTER.

This book had me hooked from the first page, and there aren't too many I can say that about. A detective with the burglary unit is eating breakfast and overhears and a couple arguing. She intervenes to make sure there is not a domestic issue and gets a whole lot more than she bargains for. A three year old train collision comes back to life and Detective Amara Alvarez does a lot of digging on her own time.

Detective Alvarez wants a chance to be a homicide detective. While semi-investigating the train crash that killed 17 children, she befriends "Starsky" a homicide detective. He feeds her information that gives her background and lo and behold, the whole investigation takes off.

I like all of the characters in this book, from the wise-cracking co-worker to the eccentric ME. They all work well together. I hope this is a series because I look forward to more adventures.

Sun Down Motel by Simone St James - 4 Stars
Standalone
Hardback
Fell, New York - 1982 & 2017
326 pages
Genre - Horror
Published 2/18/20
Book of the Month
January #3

Viv, a 20-year old who wants to be an actress, leaves her home in Illinois to go to New York, in 1982. She ends up in Fell, New York and starts to work the night shift of the Sun Down Motel. One night she vanishes. 35 years later, Carly, also a 20-year old, follows in her aunt's footsteps to look into her disappearance. Carly also gets a job working the night shift of the Sun Down Motel. Her roommate Heather, and Nick, a former resident of Fell who has a notorious past, helps her investigate her aunt's disappearance.

In 1982, Viv hears of local women that have been murdered. This upsets her, and she plays amateur sleuth to attempt to solve the crimes. In 2017, Carly starts to investigate the murders, to piece together what happened and figure out of Viv was killed by the same person.

The motel is haunted by those that have died there. Although these spirits play a part in the storyline, I don't feel like this is a supernatural thriller. This book alternates between Viv in 1982 and Carly in 2017. Each section ties together nicely.

Hi Mary! Welcome to this group. I love how you have organized your reading list for the month. It's, well, organized, and if you have to move a book from one month to the next, you'll have them ready to go (knowing how my best laid plans to finish a book go oft' into the next month).

Happy reading!

One of Us Is Next by Karen M McManus - 4 Stars
Sequel One of Us is Lying
Hardback
Bayview, California - present day
372 pages
Genre - Young Adult (mystery)
Publish 1/7/20
Amazon
January #4

The sequel to One of Us Is Lying. The Bayview Four have graduated and moved on, but a new "Unknown" is taking over with a game of Truth or Dare that turns deadly. Maeve, the little sister of one of the Bayview Four, gets targeted by unknown and along the way she makes friends that she never let herself make before. Alternating between Maeve, Knox & Phoebe this book doesn't disappoint.

>9 marykuhl: Sounds interesting. I'll have to see if the library has it if not I'm sure they can get it. I also like the way you've done your list.

Let Justice Descend by Lisa Black - 3 Stars
#5 Gardiner and Renner
kindle
Cleveland, Ohio - present day
336 pages
Genre - Mystery
Published 11/1/19
Amazon
January #5

I didn't hate this book, however there was so much political talk that I was bored. When Maggie was in the lab and the actual murders were being investigated, I enjoyed it. But when the lobbyist, EPA, Democratic and all the other characters were pointing fingers and explaining things, I felt like my eyes were crossing. This is not my favorite in this series, but the "whodunit" part though... I did very much like end.

The First Mistake by Sandie Jones - 4 Stars
Standalone
Hardback
London - present day; nine years ago
282 pages
Genre - Mystery
Published 6/11/19
Target
January #6

This is written in 3 parts - Present Day Alice; Nine Years Ago Beth and Present Day Alice & Beth. This is a story of a woman who has lost her husband and has rebuilt her life with a new husband and a woman who thought she had found the perfect man. These two women's lives intertwine in a way I was not anticipating.

See You Soon by NC Marshall - 4 Stars
Standalone
kindle
Sandbroke, England - present day
233 pages
Genre - Mystery
Published 4/22/16
amazon
January # 7

I got this book because a woman called into a segment on the radio and stated that she started and finished this book in one day. I figured, well it must be good right? It was!

Emily gets a message from her childhood friend, Ali. They haven't seen each other in 15 years. Ali states that she is in trouble and needs Emily's help. Ali doesn't respond to any of the replies that Emily send her so she ends up back in her hometown of Sandbroke. As Emily reconnects with a few old acquaintances she and the Chief Inspector try to find Ali; however, Emily keeps getting messages from Ali and is told not to involve the police.

This was a short, quick read. You don't find out what is really going on until the second to last chapter. Even though I was unable to finish this in one day, I am glad that I took this book as a recommendation and I will be reading more of the books by this author.

The Stranger Inside by Laura Benedict - 2 1/2 Stars
Standalone
Hardback
St. Louis, Missouri - present day
340 pages
Genre - Mystery
Published 3/5/19
Amazon
January # 8

The one thing I loved about this book is that it was set in St. Louis. I grew up in St. Louis county so I knew about a lot of things in this book. That being said, I HATED the main character. She was a selfish, self-absorbed, cheating, liar.

Kimber goes away to the Lake of the Ozarks for a weekend and comes home to find the locks changed and a man living in her house. Great storyline, but I can't feel for sorry for someone (Kimber) I just don't like. Her ex-husband and his new man, her best friend, her co-workers, her ex-boyfriend. She uses them all.

However, who the man really is that moves into her house and how big the scheme is behind this deception is what kept me reading it. I give it 2 1/2 stars.

Cold Heart Creek by Lisa Regan - 4 Stars
#7 Josie Quinn
kindle
Denton, Pennsylvania - present day
331 pages
Genre - Mystery
Published 12/2/19
Amazon
January #9

Two dead bodies, camping in the woods. A missing woman. A pregnant woman stumbling out of the woods on the road, and a "cult". Josie Quinn and her team race to find the missing woman, and come up with more questions. There was so much going on in this book. I didn't feel lost at all though. Another great installment.

Silent for Sixty Years by Ben Fainer - 5 stars
Standalone
kindle
Poland, Germany, Ireland, Canada, US
Pages: 167
Genre - autobiographical
Published 1/1/14
Amazon
January #10

I bought this book five years ago. I was standing at my local library and they were advertising the author, a holocaust survivor was coming to speak. I stood and cried while reading but immediately bought the book. That being said, it has taken me this long to read it.

Ben was 9 1/2 years old when the Germans came to Poland and he spent 6 years in various concentration csmps. This book shows how Ben wasn't defeated by the Nazis and still found love in his heart for humanity. Ben tells his story but doesn't go into great detail in the book. You know what's happening.

I wish I wouldn't have waited so long to read this because now Ben has died and I wish I would have had the opportunity to meet him and listen to one of his many talks he gave.

As sad as it is, I loved reading Ben's story and the person he became.

Over the Edge by Lisa Regan - 4 stars
#2.5 Jocelyn Rush
kindle
Philadelphia, PA - present day
Pages: 69
Genre - Mystery
Published 6/2/19
Amazon
January #11

I am not normally one to read short stories or novellas, but this was in the Jocelyn Rush series so I read it. The story itself was alright. A woman rear ends Jocelyn and Anita, her partner at Rush & Grant, on a bridge. Then when Jocelyn confronts the woman she jumps. I realize that it was a short story and everything was wrapped up neatly, however the very end seemed rushed and there was not really a build up to it. I love the series and I love the author, but this is why I don't read short stories.

❤❤ Happy February!! ❤❤

Since I finished all of my January planned books (and then some) here is my list for February. I am attempting 8 again this month. I also won an Early reviewer for January so if that comes in this month, something will get bumped. I had to bump The Cellar, because my ER book came in today, if I can't get to it, it will be added to next month.

(As I was entering these books, I apparently have a theme going, 3 "Wife" books in a row, completely unintentional!)

📚 6/8 read this month

1. The Prized Girl by Amy K Green -- finished 2/5/20 ⭐⭐⭐

2. Behind every Lie by Christina McDonald 2/8/20 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

3. A Cold Trail by Robert Dugoni ⏳ moving to March

4. You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks 2/25/20 ⭐⭐⭐

5. Dear Wife by Kimberly Belle 2/11/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

6. My Lovely wife by Samantha Downing 2/15/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

7. The Starter Wife by Nina Laurin 2/29/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

8. Mr. Nobody by Catherine Steadman ⏳ moving to March

KEY - 📖 currently reading ⏳waiting to be read

Pick 3 February Challenge - #5, #6, #7 - finished

February Average Rating = 3.83

>18 marykuhl: Congratulation on finishing your January reads and on your book win. I won an early review book also. This is my 3rd one from LibrayThing...still waiting for my first one from GoodReads. Your 3 wife books can go for the Pick 3 challenge.

Thank you! Where can I find information on the Pick 3 Challenge? Congrats on your book wins and Happy Reading.

>20 marykuhl: It's on this site. UIt's the thread called "Pick 3 Mini Challenge- February 2020".

https://www.librarything.com/topic/315847

I post 5 categories each month for readers to choose from...but some readers make their own.

Thank you. I have joined it and I'll be sure to check out future months

The Prized Girl by Amy K Green - 3 stars
Standalone
Hardback
Wrenton - present day
Pages - 372
Genre - mystery
Published: 1/14/20
Penguin Random House
February #1

So, I'm torn on this one. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it either. When a former pageant queen is murdered in a small town, things are turned upside down.

Jenny is 13 years old when she is murdered. This book is written from her perspective leading up to her murder, and her sister Virginia's after her death.

First, I didn't realize it was the murder of a child. The synopsis said former beauty queen so I thought it was an adult. That was my misunderstanding. I get that Jenny is trying to find her way in the world now without the pageants.

Second, Virginia... she is a messed up individual. She is much older than Jenny. She had a long time relationship with an older man while she herself was very young, and cannot move on. She is basically recluse who does not socialize, doesn't leave her apartment, is unemployed and drinks herself into oblivion.
It seems like Jenny's last night was just one tragic event after another, and no one was there for her. Other reviewer have said they figured it all out, that they were parts that seemed thrown in for shock factor and wasn't relevant. I didn't feel that way, I felt that everything tied in and answered other questions.

For me, the book was just ok.

Behind Every Lie by Christina McDonald - 5 stars
Standalone
Paperback
Seattle, Washington/London, England - present day/25 years ago
Pages - 306
Genre - mystery
Published 2/4/20
Amazon
February #2

This starts off with Eva having blood on her hands and her seeing her mother on the floor. Then Eva runs and an explosion knocks her out. Next thing she knows she wakes up in the hospital having been struck by lightning and she is told her mother has been killed. Detective Jackson thinks she is the number one suspect – but Eva can’t remember anything about the night. No w, if that isn't enough to suck you in, I don't know what is.
This book was written in two point of views. One of Eva current day and one of her mother Kat from 25 years ago leading up to the night she is murdered. This story reminded me of The Twilight Wife by AJ Banner. It might have been the setting, or it might have been the fiancé. I liked this book more than the Night Olivia Fell and I really liked that.
Everything is wrapped up very neatly in this book. I felt that every question was answered and there was nothing left open. Sometimes author’s second books just don’t seem to live up, but this is not the case. Great job.

Dear Wife by Kimberly Belle - 4 Stars
Standalone
Paperback
Pine Bluff, Arkansas - present day
Pages - 328
Genre - Mystery
Published 6/25/19
Amazon
February #3

Let me start off my saying, I ruined this book for myself. I flipped to the last page to see how many pages are in this book, and my eyes accidentally read the LAST LINE. That ruined it because by then I knew what was happening. So let me tell you DON'T count the pages!!

That being said, this was a great story. Jeffrey comes home from a 4-day work trip to find his wife, Sabine, a successful real estate broker is missing. As the police investigate her disappearance secrets start to emerge. In the meantime, "Beth" is on the run and hiding from her husband. Is "Beth" Sabine, or are they two women both from the same city?Each chapter is prefaced with who the chapter is about, Beth, Ingrid (Sabine's twin sister), Jeffrey the husband and Marcus the detective.

I wonder if I didn't ruin this book, if I would have figured it out or if there would have been that OH MY GOSH moment. I would definitely recommend this book.

My Lovely Wife by Samantha Downing 4 -Stars
Standalone
Hardback
Woodview, Florida
Pages - 371
Genre - mystery
Published 3/26/19
Amazon
February #4

This book was written in the first person, from the husband's perspective... I don't think the husband's name is ever identified. But that being said, this book is about the husband, and his wife Millicent and their "killing spree". This book had a good twist I didn't see coming until the moment the husband figured it out. I look forward to reading the next book by this author.

You Are Not Alone by Greer Hendricks 3-Stars
Standalone
Hardback
New York, New York
Pages - 340
Genre - Mystery
Published 3/3/20
Book of the Month
February #5

This book took me a little over half way to hold my interest. The big "wow" towards the end was worth it, but I spent the whole first half of the book wondering what "The Sisters" had planned. This book is told from the perspective of Shay and Cassandra and Jane. Then interspersed throughout are chapters about the other women in the group, Beth the lawyer, Stacey the ex-convict, Daphne the boutique owner, Valerie the actress and Amanda the nurse. I will not give any more details because I feel they would all be spoilers. This is not my favorite book by this duo, but I don't hate it. It wasn't one of those books I couldn't put down.

The Starter Wife by Nina Laurin - 4 stars
Standalone
Paperback
Ohio
Pages - 307
genre - Mystery
Published 6/11/19
Target
February #6

I was hooked from the first page of this book. Wife, Colleen, mysteriously "disappears" and years later, the husband, Byron, is remarried, but clearly still loves the first wife. Did the husband kill Colleen May or did she really commit suicide? Claire, the new wife, does some strange things, like faking her identity at a fertility clinic so she can have a baby. She starts asking questions about the disappearance of the first wife. This story is told from Claire's perspective and a the perspective of the "stalker" who is obsessed with Byron.

🍀🍀 Welcome to March 🍀🍀

5/7 📚 read this month

I wasn't able to complete my list for last month, so I have a couple carryover from February.

1. Mr. Nobody by Catherine Steadman - Finished 3/9/20 ⭐⭐ From February (Early Readers)

2. A Cold Trail by Robert Dugoni - Finished 3/27/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ from February

3. The Cellar by Natasha Preston - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Finished 3/22/20

4. I Know Who You Are by Alice Feeney - ⏳ to be completed in April

5. The Missing Years by Lexie Elliott - ⏳ to be completed in April

6. The Hiding Place by CJ Tudor - Finished 3/18/20 ⭐⭐⭐

7. Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas - Finished 3/30/20 ⭐⭐⭐ (Early Reviewers)

KEY = waiting to read - ⏳ currently reading 📖

Pick 3 March Challenge - #2, #6, #7 - finished

March Average Rating = 3.2

Mr Nobody by Catherine Steadman 3-Stars
Standalone
Hardback
England
Pages - 344
genre - Mystery
Published 1/7/20
Received from LTER
March #1

I received this book as an Early Reviewer from the publisher through thelibrarything. This book for me, was just ok. I don't know if I was expecting more of a "WOW" but the end seemed a bit anti climatic. This story is told from 2 perspectives, the unidentified man, with no memory of who he is, named by the media as Mr. Nobody, and Dr. Emma Lewis. Emma is a neuropsychologist in London and Mr. Nobody is found in her childhood hometown. Emma goes back, mainly to discover this man's mental state and to help further her career. But pieces of her past seem to keep popping up around this stranger. I can't say much more without spoiler alerts. Overall I didn't hate this book, I just didn't love it enough to tell everyone that they have to read it.

The Hiding Place by CJ Tudor - 3 Stars
Standalone
Paperback
England
Page -276
Genre - Mystery
Published 1/14/20
Amazon
March #2

I spent most of this book trying to figure out what happened to Annie. Was this a supernatural story or not? Sadly I struggled with this book and it didn't hold my attention until about the last 3rd of the book.
So a group of 5 teenagers find their way into a cave in a mine and something happens there. 25 years later, 1 of the 5 returns. Apparently whatever happened then is happening again. That's pretty much the way this story goes. It wasn't poorly written, I just had too many questions as I was reading that weren't answered at the time. I was really having a hard time figuring out what was going on.

The Cellar by Natasha Preston - 4 Stars
Standalone
Paperback
England
Pages - 347
Genre - YA Mystery
Published 3/1/14
Barnes and Noble
March #3

16-year old Summer is abducted and held captive for months. 3 other girls are also trapped in the Cellar with her. Summer's boyfriend, Lewis, and family do not give up searching for her. Lewis never doubts that she is still alive and Summer doesn't doubt that he will find her. This is a really good story about teenage love and the inner strength to survive the horrors of being trapped in The Cellar.

A Cold Trail by Robert Dugoni - 4 stars
#7 Tracy Crosswhite Series
kindle
Washington State
Pages - 339
Genre - mystery
published 2/4/20
Amazon
March #4

Another fine installment in the Tracy Crosswhite series. Tracy and Dan temporarily move back to Cedar Grove as their house in Redman is being remodeled. The Chief enlists Tracy's help in investigating a couple of murders, years apart, that seem connected. Although I almost had the ending I was quite there! With Dan representing a client of Cedar Grove's long time businesses and Tracy investigating the murders, the couple have their hands full.

Catherine House by Elisabeth Thomas - 3 Stars
Standalone
paperback
Pennsylvania
Pages - 309
Genre - literary fiction
Published 5/12/20
LTER
March #5

I received this book as an Early Reviewer from The LibraryThing.
I have read the first chapter of this book (40 pages) and I am not sure what is going on or what this book is really about. Ines, the main character, wakes up in a bathtub. Baby her roommate comes into the bathroom and that is the first conversation these two have. They have both been accepted the Catherine House, a prestigious secondary school that has turned out the best and brightest in society. It is a school that is secretive. There is no contact with the outside world. No calls or letters from home, no music, no talking about where you are from. This is a 3 year school. The first chapter seems to be the entire first semester of school.
This book is broken up into 3 parts, each being a year of the life at Catherine House. After finishing up Year One, I have a bit more understanding of this book. Ines has something in her past that happened after her application to Catherine House and before her acceptance. This haunts her and makes her the “bad girl”, skipping classes, getting drunk, partying and sleeping around. Ines seems to come to terms with her life and is entering Year Two.
The 2nd year in Catherine House finds Ines a little more mature. She still gets drunk and sleeps around, but it is not as talked about in the chapter. She and her friend Yaya are hungover a lot of the time but she has friends, real friends. There is more of a plot now. The New Materials Plasm concentration is for what seems like the smartest of the smart students. It is not fully understood in every day terms but it is something that every person and thing has within it. Ines is trying to discover what happens in the lab of the New Materials Concentrators. Year Three…So we go through the end of Ines’s time at the Catherine House. We find out what is in the secret lab that the New Materials Concentrators working under M. Neptune are working with. This file had some sci-fi in it. Parts of it reminded me of the Divergent series. I can’t say I loved this book, but I did like it. It felt like a good first novel.

🌺🌸Welcome April🌸🌺

I hope every one is staying safe and healthy!

I have two books I had to move from March to April

📚 6/8 Books Read This Month

1) Theme Music by T Marie Vandelly Finished 4/5/20 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

2) The Missing Years by Lexie Elliott ➡ carried over from March ⭐⭐⭐⭐Finished 4/23/20

3) I Know Who You Are by Alice Feeney ➡ carried over from March ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Finished 4/29/20

4) Layover by David Bell 📖

5) Thirteen by Steve Cavanaugh Finished 4/18/20 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

6) Kiss the Girls and Make Them Cry by Mary Higgins Clark Finished 4/10/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

7) The Last Mrs Parrish by Liv Constantine ⏳

8) The Guest List by Lucy Foley Finished 4/27/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

KEY = waiting to read ⏳ - currently reading 📖

Pick 3 April Challenge - #1, #5, #6 - finished

April Average Rating = 4.17

Theme Music by T. Marie Vandelly - 4 Stars
Standalone
hardback
Virginia
Pages - 383
Genre - Mystery
Published 1/23/19
Amazon
April #1

25 years ago, Billy Wheeler murdered his wife and 3 sons with an ax on Thanksgiving morning, leaving his 18-month old daughter Dixie, alive, in the high chair. Now, the house is up for sale and Dixie has decided to move in. She finds out her uncle has kept all the furniture and she re-creates the house. With the "ghosts" of her long deceased family members haunting her, Dixie is trying to figure out what really happened that morning. As Dixie tries to wade through the facts, people around her are disappearing. I liked this story a lot and cannot wait for a 2nd book by this author.

Kiss the Girls and Make Them Cry by Mary Higgins Clark - 4 Stars
Standalone
hardback
New York
Pages - 384
Genre - Mystery
Published 11/05/19
Target
April # 2

As far as I know, this was Mary Higgins Clark last published work before her passing. She was one of my favorite authors. I read this book knowing she would not be writing anymore. Gina, a freelance investigative journalist receives an email that states that she had a horrible experience at a top news station. Gina can't get in touch with this woman to get the story, instead she finds out the woman has died in a jet ski accident. Gina investigates this story which leads to more, a corporate coverup and more. I liked this, it a fast read.

Thirteen by Steve Cavanagh - 5 Stars
3# Eddie Flynn Series
Hardback
Manhattan, New York
Pages - 323
Genre - Mystery
Published - 08/13/19
Barnes & Noble
April #3

WOW! This is the first Steve Cavanagh book that I have read and although I dislike reading series out of order, I loved this book. The concept, a murder becomes part of the jury to convict the man who was arrested for the crime. I didn't know which one of the jurors was the murderer nor do I know the extent of this crimes. It didn't bother my to read this one first even though it was the 4th in the series. I will happily go back and read the first 3 and look forward to more.

The Missing Years by Lexie Elliott - 4 Stars
Standalone
Hardback
Scotland
Pages - 372
Genre - mystery
Published - 04/23/19
Barnes & Noble
April #4

Ailsa’s mom suddenly dies and she inherits “The Manse”, in Scotland. Unfortunately, her father who disappeared 25+ years ago still owns the other half. The law is she cannot sell it or rent it out without consent of the other owner. So she and her half-sister, Carrie, move into the home. She and her mother moved from the area when she was 7, after her father’s disappearance, but her family has a history with the locals.

This book reminds me of Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware. I don’t know if it is because of the setting, or that it is a creepy house with mysterious things happening. Probably a little of both. By mysterious things I mean lights being left on while Ailsa and Carrie are away, doors thumping, and loud noises in the middle of the night.

Ailsa meets people that she went to school with and the story unfolds. I won’t say this is a “unputdownable” book, until the end, but the story unfolds rather quickly. What secrets Ailsa’s new friends are keeping, and what danger is really in the house was enough to keep me intrigued.

The Guest List by Lucy Foley - 4 Stars
Standalone
Hardback
Ireland
Page - 313
Genre - mystery
Published - 6/2/20
Book of the Month
April #5

This book is written in 2 parts. Now - The Night of the Wedding and The Day Before. This is also written from different POVs. The Bride, The Bridesmaid, The Best Man, The Plus One and the Wedding Planner.
Jules and Will are to be married on an island on the western coast of Ireland. It is isolated and the only inhabitants are the Wedding Planner, Aoife and her husband, Freddy. All the gussets must take a boat to get to the venue. The wedding party and close family arrive the night before.
The book starts with the lights in the tent going out and as soon as power is restored, one of the waitresses returns with fear and shock as she has discovered a body.
It seems that the groom has secrets. The bridesmaid has secrets. the best man has secrets. And the best friend of the bride has secrets. The secrets one by one start to be revealed.
I figured out who was going to get killed once the secrets started to come to light. I did not know who the killer was or why.

I Know Who You Are by Alice Feeney - 4 Stars
Standalone
Hardback
Galway/Essex 1987 - London 2017
Page - 288
Genre - mystery
Published - 5/16/19
Barnes & Noble
April #6

This story starts at the end of the day with Aimee, an actress, in her dressing room on set. She is dreading going home as she and her husband Ben, had a fight the night before. When she gets home, Ben is gone but everything is in the house - phone, keys, wallet, clothes, cars. She discovers the next morning that her money has been withdrawn from her account and her account has been closed. The thing is, the bank says SHE is the one that closed the account. Aimee has had a stalker for a couple of years, but no one can seem to find her, or any evidence of her. Clues lead to this stalker being behind everything, but Aimee has secrets that go back to when she was 5 years old.
Aimee's story unfolds in alternating time lines 1987 - Galway/Essex and 2017 London. I was hooked on this book from the beginning. I alternating between 2 people of who the stalker was, but I was not correct. My jaw actually dropped on the last page. I highly recommend this book and can't wait until the next installment from this author.

I will say, I found it a bit sick and disturbing, but it didn't turn me off.

🎓 Welcome to May 🎓 (for the Seniors that can't graduate - my daughter being one of them)

I have two books I had to move from April to May.
I also made a shorter TBR list this month because I seemed to have failed it the last few months.

📚 9/6 Books Read This Month

Layover by David Bell ➡ carried over from April - finished 5/3/20 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine ➡ carried over from April 📖

Whisper Network by Chandler baker ⏳

Birthday Girl by Sue Fortin ⏳

The Holdout by Graham Moore ⏳

Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker ⏳

Gone Times by S.H. Steele - Finished 5/6/20 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Apartment by K. L. Slater - Finished 5/12/20 - ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (from netgalley)

The Girl from Widow Hills by Megan Miranda - Finished 5/14/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (from netgalley)

I Know Your Secret by Ruth Heald finished 5/18/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (from netgalley)

Gone in Seconds by Ed James Finished 5/25/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐(from netgalley)

The Guest by Cathryn Grant finished 5/21/20 ⭐⭐⭐ (from netgalley)

The Fallen Girls (Detective Clara Jefferies) by Kathryn Casey finished 5/27/20⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (from netgalley)

Remain Silent by Susie Steiner finished 6/1/20 ⭐⭐⭐ (from Netgalley)

KEY = waiting to read ⏳ - currently reading 📖

May Average rating = 3.89

>41 marykuhl: Congratulations to your daughter.

Since you liked I Know Who You Are (4 stars)...yoo might also like Sometimes I Lie. I gave it 4.5 stars and thought it was really good. Kept me guessing.

Thank you Carol. I did read Sometimes I Lie last year. I did like that one too. I look forward to His & Hers coming out later this summer.

Layover by David Bell - 4 Stars
Standalone
Paperback
Atlanta/Nashville/Kentucky - present
Pages - 399
Genre - Mystery
Published - 7/2/19
May #1

This is the first book I have read by this author and it definitely won't be the last. This is the story of Joshua, who meets Morgan at an airport on a layover. They spend a little time together and Morgan tells him, they will never see each other again. Joshua follows her halfway across the country, trying to find her and find out why she left. Joshua is then followed by Simon, who is trying to find Morgan, because he believes she killed his brother. This story is woven and weaved and wrapped. I don't feel like this was suspenseful, but I wasn't bored.

Gone Times by S.H.Steele - 4 stars
#1 Gone Times Series
ebook
Calgary/Montana
Pages - 328
Genre - Sci-Fi Thriller
unpublished beta read
May #2

So I was asked to be a Beta Reader on this book. It is a sci-fi thriller, not something that I would normally read, but I was not disappointed. This is a very good book. The storyline of this book has different timelines or "Presents". The author did a great job of letting you know what Present you were currently reading about. This story has 2 groups fighting each other. One is taking over, and the other is trying to get everything back. I won't say more, because I don't want to give anything away. This book is so worth the read. I was engaged in this from the start. I couldn't wait to see what happened next.

The Apartment by K.L. Slater - 4 stars
standalone
ebook - netgalley ARC release 4/28/20
Kensington
genre - mystery
May #3

This is the first book that I have read by KL Slater. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. After a tragic life changing event, Freya is looking for a new place to live. She is approached by Dr. Marsden who has the perfect place for her and her daughter to live. She moves in and finds that there was another little girl that lived in her apartment before, but when she asks, she is told she is the first resident. Strange things happen - voices, furniture being moved, items missing. Is The Apartment to good to be true? You decide! This book is written in the present tense, with inserts of a diary and medical notes from 1920. Thank you netgalley for providing me this ARC.

The girl from Widow Hills by Megan Miranda - 4 stars
standalone
ebook - netgalley ARC release 6/23/20
North Carolina/Kentucky
genre - mystery
May #4

This book was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The prologue of this book drew me in and this kept my interest throughout. Olivia thought she outgrew sleepwalking as a child, but 20 years later, her neighbor finds her outside in the middle of the night. The next night, she wakes up next to a body. Olivia has changed 20 much in the last 20 years, to protect herself - from the media, from the public. But her past is catching up to her. Olivia feels like she is being watched, she is suspicious of everyone. I liked all the characters, I could connect with them. I felt all questions were answered and I wasn't left thinking, "what happened with this?". I would definitely recommend this book.

I Know Your Secret by Ruth Heald
standalone
ebook - netgalley ARC release 6/10/20
London
genre - mystery
May #5

This book is written in alternating points of view between Beth and Danielle. Beth is a wife, a mother and a therapist. Danielle is a wife who is looking to have a baby but comes to Beth for marriage counseling. Beth lost the love of her life, Nick and has since built a life with Richard. Richard has admitted to having an affair and left. Now Beth is trying to rebuild as a single mother. Danielle has had an "accident" and several month later her husband, Peter asked for a separation. They are now back together.
There were parts of the story in the middle that I thought was a little redundant, not big parts of the story, but certain lines kept being repeated. But it didn't make me want to put the book down. I felt like I could read the story and thought I knew what the connection was, I was 1/2 right and pleasantly surprised.
This ARC was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

The Guest by Cathryn Grant
standalone
ebook - netgalley ARC release 5/31/20
San Francisco area
genre - general fiction/mystery & thriller
May #6

This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is showing as General Fiction/Mystery & Thriller, with the last line of the description being “stunning psychological thriller”. I would say the first 80% of this is general fiction while the last 20% is “thriller”. I felt like this was two separate books. One fiction and then a short thriller novel. I was disappointed as this being a thriller. A local high school girl is missing, then her body is found. This storyline is interwoven throughout the book. Then it becomes a fiction novel. Ellie’s husband Seth invites his cousin’s friend, Ace to come and stay for “a week or so”. That becomes longer than a week. Seth is acting distant and has lost his job. Ellie is starting to feel uncomfortable in her feelings for Ace. This part of the story was boring for me. I went in thinking this was a thriller. Then we get to the end and it gets better. I figured out what was going on. If you are new to thrillers, this might be ok, but if you are looking for heart pounding, page turning, can’t put down, this is not for you.

>50 marykuhl: Ahhh...He's so cute:)

>46 marykuhl: Thank you for this review, Mary. I like the sci-fi/fantasy genres, and writers who can do time travel/alternate times well are gifted IMHO.

Gone in Seconds by Ed James - 4 stars
#2 Max Carter Series
ebook - netgalley ARC release 6/1/20
Seattle, Washington
genre - mystery / thriller
May #7

This ARC was provided by the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. 6 week old baby Ky is abducted from his crib, while his parents are at a dinner and his nanny is watching TV. Each chapter in this book centers around a character and what they are doing during the abduction/investigation. The story is set in Washington state, and there are ferry rides back and forth between the mainland and islands. It takes a while to understand why the baby is abducted. The father and the uncle are rich, there is Russian mafia ties and a woman with ties to Syrian war. This is the second book in the Max Carter series, so about half of the storyline is follow-up/sequel to the first book, but I was not lost. The author did a good job explaining everything that was going on. I will say, Max Carter is not very likable. He is a gruff FBI agent that comes across as having no warmth. Since there is a bit of background to his story, it makes sense. I would really like to read the first and look forward to reading the next. Because there was so much going on and so many characters (not too many that you get lost), I was not bored.

The Fallen Girls by Kathryn Casey - 5 stars
#1 Clara Jefferies
ebook - NetGalley ARC release 6/3/20
Alber, Utah
genre - mystery / thriller
May #8

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is set in Utah, in a Mormon town filled with polygamy. A 12-year old girl, Delilah, is abducted from the cornfields behind her house. A letter is sent to the local police station alerting them to her disappearance but the mothers in the household plead ignorance when questioned. Max, a former member of "Elijah's People", the community the girl belongs to, calls Detective Clara Jefferies. She is Delilah's half sister who fled her upbringing 9 years ago. The town of Alber seems like a cult. They keep to themselves and won't talk to outsiders. They are leery of anyone asking questions. Clara's mother, Ardeth is not happy when Clara comes back to town. Hannah, the woman that helped Clara escape all those years ago now runs a women's shelter. She tells Clara that she believes other girls have disappeared too. As Clara races against time to find her sister, the town and local authorities are fighting against her.
I don't know anything about the Mormon religion or polygamy, but I found the background of the characters and the setting interesting. I liked all the characters, and realized that this is how the women were raised and they didn't really know any different. That turning a blind eye, believing what the men them, is their way of life and the belief they hold dear. I enjoyed this book so much. It is one of my favorites of the year to far. The ending leaves the reader wondering what Clara decides to do and perfectly segues into the next installment. Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Kathryn Casey!

Remain Silent by Susie Steiner - 3 stars
#3 Manon Bradshaw
ebook - NetGalley ARC release 6/2/20
England
genre - mystery
May #9

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Manon a detective finds a body hanging in a tree while at the park with her son. There is a note attached to the body in Lithuanian, so it is investigated as a hate crime. I thought the premise of this story was good and kept me reading, but I did not like Manon, the main character. There was too much of her "thoughts" that were paragraphs and paragraphs and paragraphs and were repeated throughout the book. She was having a conversation with Davy and thought about a conversation she had with someone else that went on and on. She was too fat, she was too old, she was unhappy in her relationship. This theme was repeated, every time she looked at food, got up from a chair, saw another couple. She was also way too harsh. Didn't seem like there was any sympathy in her whatsoever. I also felt like the story timeline jumped without really telling the viewer.

🌞🌞June - Summertime🌞🌞

I downgraded my list in May to 6 books, because I wasn't able to finish all of April. But, I was able to finish 9 in May. However, only 1 from my original list. Netgalley was generous enough to give me books to read and review, and those had to be finished before the publication dates. I am saving my leftover books from last month for another time.

📚 8/8 Books Read This Month

Find Her Alive by Lisa Regan finished 6/5/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Home Before Dark by Riley Sager finished 6/14/20 🎈 6/30/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Last Flight: A Novel by Julie Clark Finished 6/23/20 ⭐⭐⭐

Somebody's Daughter by Carol Wyer (from netgalley) finished 6/10/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🎈 7/9/20

Hush (Harriet Blue) by James Patterson and Candice Fox finished 6/30/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Final Judgment by Marcia Clark ⏳

Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier finished 6/27/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Nightingale House by Steve Frech (from netgalley) ⭐⭐⭐⭐
finished 6/7/20

I Know You Lied (Previously titled What we Hide) by Lesley Sanderson finished 6/15/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

KEY = waiting to read ⏳ - currently reading 📖 release date - 🎈

Average rating = 3.87

Find Her Alive by Lisa Regan - 4 stars
#8 Detective Josie Quinn
kindle
Denton, Pennsylvania
Genre - Mystery
June #1

Josie Quinn and her sister, Trinity have a fight and Trinity leaves. She rents a cabin in the woods. After sometime, Josie works up the nerve to go and talk to her, but Trinity is no where to be found. The door to the cabin is unlocked, Trinity's car is in the drive with her phone in the console and the keys in the ignition. Josie finds behind the cabin human remains on display. Josie and her team, with the help of the FBI rush to find Trinity before time runs out. Trinity has left clues for Josie to follow, and we get a little more background on how Trinity grew up and what made her what she is.
Josie Quinn is one of my favorite series. She is tough because of her childhood, but she is also very sweet. Josie's team stands behind her no matter what. All of the characters are likeable. This was a very quick read, as this whole series is. I would definitely recommend.

Nightingale House by Steve Frech - 4 stars
standalone
Kindle
Kingsbrook, Maine
genre - horror
June #2

This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the story of a father and his eight-year old daughter that move into an old house with a history of its own. This is interspersed with diary entries from 1900. These entries and the present day story intertwine. This is the story of a haunted house, and what led to the events of the previous owners not leaving. The ending was a page-turner for me. I like some stories about haunted houses and this one fit. It wasn't too terribly creepy or scary.

Somebody's Daughter by Carol Wyer - 4 stars
#8 Detective Natalie Ward
Samford, England
genre - mystery
June #3

This ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the 7th book in the Detective Natalie Ward series. I have not read the previous 6, even though they were on my TBR. That being said, I had no problems jumping into the storyline. The characters were all explained well and any background was provided and I don't think it will spoil going back to read the previous books. DCI Ward and DI Carmichael are tasked with solving the murder of a young girl on the streets. As the investigation progresses, the victims grow and grow. I liked all of the characters on the team, with the exception of Andy. He is another detective that is very negative, Everyone on the team deals with his negativity well. This was a good mystery. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Home Before Dark by Riley Sager - 4 stars
standalone
hardback
Bartley, Vermont
genre - mystery
June #4

Are the imaging's of 5 year old Maggie Holt just that, or are they something more. Children see and sense things adults can't. Growing up in the shadow of House of Horrors, the "real life" book her father wrote about their time at Baneberry Hall, Maggie has just wanted to know the truth about those 20 days they spent there, and why they left in the middle of the night. I wasn't terrified, but I was creeped out by some things. I feel like Lock Every Door was scarier, but this book still held me. I had to wonder, is this house haunted. Literally, I didn't know what happened until the last chapter. Very well written.

What we Hide by Lesley Sanderson - 4 stars
standalone
Seahurst/London
genre - mystery
June #5

This book was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Nell was told her mother, Sarah, died when she was a baby and receives a letter 30 years later, that her mother has died. Her grandmother, Lilian, that raised her, has lied to her. This book is written in the present (a few chapters at a time), then flashes back in time to tell Sarah's story (1 chapter at a time), and then a few letters from Lilian are sprinkled in. This is a well written, easy, fast read. Nell goes back to Seahurst to confront her grandmother, to get answers, only to find out she has moved out of her home. A man has moved in, claiming to be her cousin. She is met with hostility, break-ins and vandalism. Who is trying to scare her away? I thing about Lilian, she is not your typical loving grandmother. She is wealthy and not overly affectionate. I won't say this was a predictable story, although some of it I did guess before it was revealed, but I would recommend this book.

The Last Flight by Julie Clark - 3 stars
standalone
New York / California
genre - mystery
June #6

First of all, this book took me entirely too long to read. It didn't hold my interest until the last 100 pages. This is the story of a woman, Claire, trying to escape her abusive husband, and Eva, a woman trying to run from her life. Claire and Eva meet at the airport and trade plane tickets. Eva, heading to Puerto Rico and Claire to California. When Claire lands, she learns that Eva's plane has crashed. Claire has to try to hide from everyone, and starts gathering bits and pieces of Eva's life. The premise is good. I just didn't really care for Eva's story. She has become a drug maker and a drug dealer and is trying to get out. The only good thing in Eva's life was her next door neighbor, Liz. Through the whole of the book, you wonder if Eva get off the plane. You find out in the last paragraph of the book. Again, the last 100 pages of this book I couldn't put down. Claire's husband finds out where she is, and she is trying to run from him, yet again.

Little Secrets by Jennifer Hillier - 4 stars
standalone
Seattle
genre - mystery
June #7
Marin's four year old son is kidnapped 3 days before Christmas at a busy outdoor market. Months later, she and her husband Derek barely speak to each other. Marin's best friend from college, Sal checks on her every day. Marin has hired a PI to find her son but never told Derek. The PI discovers Derek is having an affair. There was a lot going on in this book. It was a page-turner, it kept me guessing and I couldn't predict what was happening. I really enjoyed reading this.

Hush (Harriet Blue) by James Patterson and Candice Fox - 4 stars
Harriet Blue #4
kindle
Australia
genre - mystery
June #8

July

📚 7/8 Books Read This Month

Final Judgement by Marcia Clark finished 7/6/20 ⭐⭐⭐

The Vacation by T.M. Logan (from netgalley ) release date - 🎈 7/21/20 finished ⭐⭐⭐ 7/11/20

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin (from netgalley) release date - 🎈 8/4/20 finished 7/21/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Behind the Red Door by Megan Collins (from netgalley) finished 7/31/20 release date - 🎈 8/4/20 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Shadows by Alex North ⏳

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia ⏳

Somewhere in the Dark by RJ Jacobs (from netgalley ) finished 7/18/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐release date - 🎈 8/11/20

Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier ⏳

Gone by Midnight by Candice Fox finished 7/15/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Request by David Bell finished 7/29/20 ⭐⭐⭐ 1/2

KEY = waiting to read ⏳ - currently reading 📖 - release date - 🎈

Average rating = 3.64

Final Judgment by Marcia Clark - 3 stars
#4 Samantha Brinkman series
kindle
Los Angeles
Genre - Mystery
July #1

This is not my favorite installment of Samantha Brinkman. I was bored through the first 10 chapters or so, then a body was discovered and it picked up a bit. There was a lot of background of investments, cryptocurrency, deals gone bad. But, once the murder investigation got under way and Samantha and Alex started working their magic it got much better.

The Vacation by TM Logan - 3 stars
standalone
France
Genre - mystery
July #2

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

4 college friends go on vacation in France with their families. Kate & Sean with 2 children, teenager Lucy and 9 year old Daniel. Rowan, and her husband Russ with 5 year old Odette. Jennifer and Alistair and their 2 teenage boys Jake and Ethan. And Izzy is single woman with no kids. Kate discovers that Sean is having an affair, and it is one of her 3 best friends that she spending the week with in France. Jennifer and Sean dated back in college for a couple of months before Kate and Sean got together. Izzy and Sean are from the same town in Ireland. Rowan is a successful business woman.

I love books that have groups of friends reuniting after a period of time, however this was very slow for me. Everyone appears to have secrets – adults and kids alike. What kept me reading is wanting to know which of the women Sean is having an affair with. I would not classify this as a thriller. This is more like a general fiction novel. With a tad bit of thriller mixed in. From the description of the book, I really believed there would be a tad bit more sabotage or violence or attempted murder. Overall, if reading this a straight up adult fiction, then this is a good book; however, if you go into this as a “thriller”, you will be disappointed.

Gone by Midnight by Candice Fox - 4 stars
#3 Crimson Lake
Australia
genre - mystery
July #3

Ted Conkaffey and Amanda Pharrell are pulled into the search for missing 8-year old Richie Farrow. While on vacation with 3 other couples, Richie disappears and his mother Sara, who has followed Ted's podcast has asked for his assistance in the search. Ted and Amanda search leads them to 2 different suspects. Then, Constable Joanna Fischer, who was best friends with Pip Sweeney, has an ax to grind with Amanda. Joanna blames Amanda for Pip's death. This is the 3rd installment of the Crimson Lake series. This is a fast paced read. I really have enjoyed this series and writing style. I would recommend this series.

Somewhere in the Dark by R. J. Jacobs - 4 stars
standalone
Nashville, Tennessee
genre - mystery
July #4

Jessie Duval has had a historic childhood. Listening to Shelley and Owen James CD is the only thing that kept her grounded. Once she was old enough o be on her own, she followed their tour from city to city until the last night, when everything went wrong. Charged with stalking and a restraining in ordered, one year later she has everything back on track. Until Shelley is murdered and the police think she is the killer. Set in Nashville, Shelley and Owen James are country music royalty. Jessie has been obsessed with them, wishing and believing they were her family.. This was a fast paced read. A good mystery of who killed Shelley, and Jessie trying to prove it. Because of her upbringing, Jessie has difficulties with words, difficulties connecting emotionally with people, trust issues and doesn't like to be touched. She is also naïve and gullible, which made me feel bad for her. I really enjoyed Jessie's "closet story and found I wanted to read more about it. This is a solid story that I would recommend if your looking for a good mystery. This is due to be released on August 11th, 2020.
Thank you R.J. Jacobs, Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Night Swim by Megan Goldin - 4 stars
standalone
Neapolis, North Carolina
genre - mystery
July #5

Rachel is an investigative reporter who is covering a trial in Neapolis, North Carolina for her podcast, Guilty or Not Guilty. Hannah has reached out to Rachel to help her solve the murder of her sister 25 years ago. Each chapter is written either in 3rd person narration as Rachel goes through the town, to the trial and looks for clues as to what happened to Jenny, Hannah's sister. Letters from Hannah, written to Rachel, left for her throughout her time in Neapolis. Or 3rd, you have the podcast that Rachel shares with her listeners. The trial that Rachel is covering is the rape of a 16-year old and the alleged attacker is a hometown 19-year old good ole boy who has dreams of being an Olympic swimmer. This reminds me of "Under Suspicion" series by Mary Higgins Clark and Alafair Burke. I found myself forgetting that there were really 2 different stories going on, I would get sucked into 1 part of the story (say, the trial) and it would change to Hannah's letters. I would definitely listen to Rachel's podcast, in real life. I had a hard time putting this book down. This is due to be released on August 4, 2020. Thank you Megan Goldin, St. Martins Press and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

The Request by David Bell - 3 1/2 stars
standalone
Rossingville, Kentucky
genre - mystery
July #6

When two best friends from college randomly meet, Blake asks Ryan to go to his ex's house (while she isn't home) to get something for him. Ryan reluctantly goes, but discovers the woman is dead. The concept of this story was good and it kept me reading, however, Ryan drove me crazy. For such a smart man, he made very stupid decisions. Constantly on his phone trying to call Blake or his wife Amanda. He was pulled in different directions, tells Amanda he is on his way to her, only to have Blake show up and "desperately" need help. There are a lot of pieces interwoven in this story. Overall, I didn't hate it, but it wasn't my favorite. Thank you NetGalley, Berkley Publishing and David Bell for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Behind the Red Door by Megan Collins - 4 stars
standalone
Cedar, NH & Ridgeway,ME
genre - mystery
July #7

14-year old Astrid Sullivan was abducted from her hometown, kept captive for weeks and then was miraculously returned. 20-years later, Astrid has gone missing again. When 32 year old Fern Douglas sees Astrid's picture on the news, she swears she knows her, but she doesn't know how.
To be completely honest, after the first 3 chapters, I actually put this book down and read another one. Fern had so much anxiety, seemed like she was scared of everything and if she heard of a disease on the news, she was convinced she had it. That bothered me, I was bored and just couldn’t get into the story… BUT, the 4th chapter was the turning point and from then on I couldn’t put it down. Fern goes back home to New Hampshire, to help her father, Ted pack up his house and move to Florida. In the midst of the packing, she tries to discover what happened to Astrid. The media, police and Fern are convinced it is the same man her took her. You learn why Fern is essentially afraid of her own shadow.
Even though there are a few parts that seemed predictable, it didn’t take away from the story. This is a very good second book and I would recommend it.
Thank you Megan Collins, Atria Books and NetGalley for providing me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

August

📚 8/8 Books Read This Month

Hidden Lake by Ruhi Choudhary - 🎈 8/19/20 finished 8/02/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Wife's House by Arianne Richmonde - 🎈 8/24/20 finished 8/5/20 ⭐⭐⭐

The Search Party by Simon Lelic 🎈 8/18/20 finished 8/11/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

What We Become by Reece Willis - finished 8/12/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Two Widows by Laura Wolfe - 🎈 8/27/20 finished 8/14/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole - 🎈9/01/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

One Step Behind by Lauren North 🎈9/01/20 ⭐⭐⭐

One Left Alive by Helen Phifer - 🎈 9/01/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Penance by Edward Daniel Hunt 📖 DNF moving to September

KEY = waiting to read ⏳ - currently reading 📖 - release date - 🎈

Average rating = 4

Hidden Lake by Ruhi Choudhary - 5 stars
#1 Detective Mackenzie Price
kindle, netgalley
Lakemore, WA
genre - mystery
August #1

Erica Perez, a 17 year old from Lakemore, WA (dubbed the Princess of Lakemore) goes missing. One year to the day, her best friend Abby Correia disappears. Detective Mackenzie Price and the Special Investigations team work on solving these cases. Lakemore is a small town where money, politics and high school football came before everything else. The team finds out that Abby was looking into Erica’s abduction on her own. But as time goes by, Mack is hit with roadblocks from the chain of command.
First of all, Mackenzie is a strong female detective. She had a difficult childhood, which you learn all about in the prologue, and it does remain (in memories and dreams) throughout the book. This has shaped her into the person she is today. I finished this book in 2 days. I couldn’t put it down. Mackenzie Price reminded me a lot of the Josie Quinn Series and Tracy Crosswhite series. Oh, and the last page is a cliffhanger!!! Can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Great debut.
Thank you Ruhi Choudhary, Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Wife's House by Arianne Richmonde - 3 stars
standalone
kindle, netgalley
Big Sur California
genre - mystery
August #2

Juan shows his wife a house on cliff overlooking the beach. She falls in love with it immediately. He buys it for her, then he suddenly dies. Now, a widow, she is all alone in her big house on the cliff. The house is made of glass and stone. No curtains. Then she starts to get messages, I AM WATCHING YOU.
Now she has befriended a set of (adult) triplets. They invade what little privacy she has in a house made of glass. She lies to them, they lie to her. This is really 3 books in one, an adult fiction, a thriller and then a action. The adult fiction part, the first probably half of the book is about the main character’s love for her husband, love for her house and her insecurities. Then ¾ of the way through is the thriller. And finally the last quarter is the action. Nature takes its toll on the area.
This wasn’t a bad book, I just felt like I needed something MORE within the first half.
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Arianne Richmonde for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Search Party by Simon Lelic - 4 stars
standalone
kindle, netgalley
UK
genre - mystery
August #3

The entire town thinks sixteen-year-old Sadie Saunders is dead. Missing now for a week, they say she was murdered. And they think they know who did it.

Sadie's five best friends aren’t so sure, and they vow to find out the truth. So they pack their bags and head into the woods where Sadie was last seen.
This starts with a call to emergency services. That sucks you in. But then it goes to Day 6… Day 6 of Sadie Saunders disappearance. I felt like I had really missed something. When the police are interviewing the group of friends, it is just each individual talking to the police. Telling their story, but there are no questions from the police. The kids are talking. That took a little bit to get used to as there were no actual “interviews”.
There are two investigations going on. One is the search for Sadie, and the other is the investigation as to what happened in the woods, while the kids were searching for her. Although I was confused while reading this a little bit, it all connected and tied up nicely. I didn’t really suspect the outcome.
This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Simon Lelic and Berkley Publishing Group.

What We Become by Reece Willis - 4 stars
standalone
kindle, netgalley
Thailand
genre - fiction
August #4

Thank you NetGalley for giving me this book in exchange for an honest review. Ben meets Kirsten and they fall in love, although, it appears that Ben falls a little harder. Kirsten moves in with Ben and then her true colors come out. She is self-centered and extremely selfish. After a few on again-off again, Kirsten leaves and Ben discovers she is engaged. Ben then goes to Thailand. Kirsten has changed Ben, and not for the better. This is written with every other chapter being present day and then events leading up to present day. You get to see where Ben started from and then how far he has fallen. You cannot like Kirsten. She has no redeeming qualities. And I had a hard time liking Ben in the present, until you find out why he has fallen so far. From the premise of the book, this book is not really what I was expecting. I was shocked at the ending. This is a fast and easy read, which I would recommend.

Two Widows by Laura Wolfe - 4 stars
standalone
kindle, netgalley
Michigan
genre - mystery
August #5

This book was provided to me from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This book is written from 2 different points of views/timelines, Gloria is Now and Beth is Before. Gloria, a widow rents out a piece of her land to Beth, who owns a "tiny house". Gloria also has a garage apartment, that she rents out to Joe, an artist. Gloria's husband Charlie has died and she is all alone and befriends Beth. Beth is also a widow, but her story leads up to Gloria's current timeline. This was very well written and was not confusing. I really enjoyed this story. I liked the back and forth and it made you understand the events of "now". There was enough suspense and mystery to keep me reading. I was never bored. A woman's body is discovered right be Beth moves in. And a little time later, Amanda, Beth's new friend and Gloria's former renter is missing. Thank you bookouture, netgalley and Laura Wolfe for this book.

When No One is Watching by Alyssa Cole - 4 stars
standalone
kindle, netgalley
Brooklyn, New York
genre - mystery
August #6

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sydney Green, a black woman, grew up in the same house in Brooklyn she is currently living in. She has known the neighbors for years. But some of her neighbors start to move, without telling anyone. And white people move in. Theo, who has moved in to the neighborhood befriends her. Sydney is wanting to give a walking tour of the neighborhood, that highlights the historical black community, and Theo offers to help her research. But can she trust him?
The very beginning of this book did not capture me, and I spent the prologue thinking, “What am I reading?” But then a few chapters in, I got it. This is a powerful book, especially in these times, with racially driven events.
This book made me sad, mad and scared. The author did a great job in inspiring all emotions. I enjoyed learning the history of Brooklyn, things that I was never taught. The thriller part was definitely in the last few chapters, but it didn’t feel like it was thrown together. It was well planned out.

One Step Behind byLauren North - 3 stars
standalone
kindle, netgalley
UK
genre - mystery
August #7

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Dr. Jenna Lawson is being stalked. Although she has seen his face, the police are unable to identify him. Then he is rushed to the emergency room of the hospital where she works.
The premise of this is intriguing but I felt this was a slow build. Once Jenna learns the identity of her stalker, she becomes obsessed with learning why he is stalking her. She doesn't let the police do their job and interferes with the investigation. Then there is the stalker's background.
This is written in the first person, but when Jenna thinks about her stalker it is all "You" did this, "You" made me this way, like she is talking to him.
The last 5 chapters is when the story all comes together and it gets a little bit more intense. Overall, I feel like this was OK. I didn't hate it but I didn't love it either.
This is due to be released on September 1st, 2020.

One Left Alive by Helen Phifer - 5 stars
Detective Morgan Brookes Book 1
kindle, netgalley
UK
genre - mystery
August #8

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Morgan Brookes' first day on solo patrol turns her life completely around. After being called to the scene of a suicide by hanging, Morgan has more questions than answers. That leads to Ben Matthews asking her to join CID since they are short staffed and he sees her potential.
Since Morgan is so new, she doesn't have the jaded outlook as some of the other police and she is just gullible and naïve enough. The characters are caring and warm and want to see her proceed. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes police procedurals, and I can not wait to read the sequel.
This is due to be released September 1st, 2020.

🏫 September 2020 🏫

📚 8/8 Books Read This Month

Save Her Soul by Lisa Regan - finished 9/4/20 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Dead Woman Crossing by J R Adler - finished 9/8/20 release date - 🎈 9/23/20 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Nesting by C.J Cooke - finished 9/12/20 release date - 🎈 9/29/20 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Her Final Prayer by Kathryn Casey - release date - 🎈 10/2/20 - ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Last Girls Alive by Jennifer Chase - finished 9/19/20 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ release date - 🎈 10/07/20 -

Watch Her Vanish by Ellery A Kane - finished 9/24/20 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐release date - 🎈 10/9/20

The Vow by Debbie Howells finished 9/27/20 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ release date - 🎈 10/15/20

The Girls in the Snow by Stacy Green - finished 9/29/20 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ release date - 🎈 10/19/20

KEY = waiting to read ⏳ - currently reading 📖 - release date - 🎈

Save Her Soul by Lisa Regan - 5 stars
#9 Josie Quinn
Denton, Pennsylvania
kindle
September #1

I love love love Josie Quinn. I can't say enough about this series.
Denton, Pennsylvania is being inundated with rain, which is causing flash flooding everywhere. Josie and Gretchen are called to the rescue of an elderly lady who couldn't evacuate in time. Her house is washed away in the flood waters and it unearths a blue tarp tied up. Josie believes there is a body in that tarp and she risks her life to retrieve it. The body is that of a girl that Josie went to high school with, who appears to have been killed 16 years ago. Josie and her team investigate to find the killer.
This book is action packed. I would definitely recommend this series of you haven't picked it up already.

Dead Woman Crossing by J.R. Adler - 4 stars
#1 Detective Kimberley King
Dead Woman Crossing, Oklahoma
netgalley
September #2

This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Kimberley King, a NYC detective moves to the tiny town of Dead Woman crossing, Oklahoma to be the Chief Deputy. She is trying to start over after a horrific serial murder case she investigated. She wants to be closer to her mother who has remarried a man named David. David has a daughter Emily, who is the same age as Kimberley and is married with two small children of her own.
At daycare drop off for her daughter Jessica, she runs into Hannah, a single mother who is in need of a friend. One day the decapitated body of Hannah is found and her 14-month old daughter is nearby in her stroller. Kimberley investigates the murder. The Sherriff doesn't want to believe it is someone from his town, and looks into tourists.
This is a very good mystery. Most of the characters are likable, except the ones that aren't supposed to be. This is the first in the Detective Kimberley King series and I look forward to more.
Thank you netgalley, bookouture and J.R. Adler. This book is set to be released on September 23rd.

The Nesting by C.J Cooke - 3 Stars
standalone
Norway
netgalley
September #3

I finished The Nesting by C.J. Cooke that I received from NetGalley and I have mixed feelings about it.
This book opens with Aurelia running through the woods and finding herself on the edge of the cliff. Her last thought as she falls are of her children. This part sucked me in. But I have to say it wasn't enough. Aurelia has died leaving her two children, Gaia, 6 and 9-month old Coco. Sophie becomes their nanny and moves to Norway while their father, Tom is building a new house. The scenery is beautiful and Sophie's first glimpse of Norway is written and so picturesque. There is a lot of Norse folklore throughout the story. Sophie becomes suspicious of Tom because she has found Aurelia's diary. While Tom is building the house, unexplained accidents keep happening and the workers, who are all Norwegian and superstitious, have second thoughts about working on the build. There was a "THEN" section, that was Aurelia's story, after Coco was born and leading up until she died. I found this story to not hold my interest. I was bored with her story and I really didn't care about her. I felt the ending was rushed through. There were some deals made that weren't upheld and I felt like there should have been a little more consequences. I didn't find this to be much of thriller, suspense or a mystery. I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Berkley and CJ Cooke.

Her Final Prayer by Kathryn Casey - 4 stars
#2 Detective Clara Jefferies
Alber, Utah
netgalley
September #4

This was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the second installment in the Clara Jefferies series. Set in Alber, Utah and centered around Elijah's People, a community of polygamists. When there is a brutal murder, Chief Clara Jefferies and Chief Deputy Max Anderson, investigate the crime. Clara and Max both grew up in the community and Clara is now considered an outsider. I enjoyed this story. It was a sequel. I guessed the killer pretty early on, but throughout the story I kept thinking I was wrong. I couldn't figure out the motive. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes detective stories. Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Kathryn Casey.

Last Girls Alive by Jennifer Chase - 4 stars
#4 Detective Katie Scott
Pine Valley, California
netgalley
September #5

This book was provided to me from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. When the body of a woman, matching the description of Candance Harlan, who is missing, is discovered, the case goes to Detective Katie Scott and Deputy Sean McGavan. This is the 4th installment in the series, and although I have not read the first three, I really enjoyed this book. Katie and Sean head up the cold case unit, and all the supporting characters are wonderful. This was easy to pick up the storyline, not reading the from the beginning of the series (which I will definitely be doing!) This was action packed. Thank you Bookouture, NetGalley and Jennifer Chase. Release date 10/7/20.

Watch Her Vanish by Ellery A. Kane -
#1 Rockwell and Decker
Fog Harbor, California
netgalley
September #6

The book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When a woman who works at the local prison goes missing, the town is in shock. Then her body is discovered and Dr. Olivia Rockwell, who also works at the prison meets Detective Decker, "Deck". Olivia and Deck work together, sort of, to solve the crime, as the body count rises.
I enjoyed this story. Olivia and Deck are good together. They work well together, and try to hide their feelings for each other. I look forward to the next adventure.
Thank you NetGalley, Ellery A Kane and Bookouture. This book will be released on 10/9/20.

The Vow: the gripping new thriller by Debbie Howells - 4 stars
standalone
UK
netgalley
September #7

This was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
2 weeks before her dream wedding to Matt, Amy realizes he has disappeared. A few days later, another woman calls the police to report Matt missing, saying she was in a relationship with him, and that he was leaving Amy for her. What unravels is twisty. When I first started reading this, I wasn't too impressed. Amy was too naïve, Matt was a schemer, and Fiona seemed a bitter woman. But then, all the pieces started coming together. Thankfully, Amy had her teenage daughter, Jess there to look out for her. I was a bit disappointed with the police investigation. When someone goes missing, it seems to me that nowadays, the first thing they look at is social media to answer some questions, look for clues or follow up on leads. The police in this story did not do that.
Instead, Jess was on Facebook connecting dots, researching past news articles and brought all that she discovered to the police. That being said, this was good little mystery of what happened the night Matt disappeared. This book is set to release 10/15/20. Thank you NetGalley, Avon Books UK and Debbie Howells.

Girls in the Snow by Stacy Green - 5 stars
#1 Nikki Hunt
Stillwater, Minnesota
netgalley
September #8

This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. When two girls bodies are found in a field in the snow, FBI Special Agent Nikki Hunt is called to investigate. She goes back to her hometown, where her parents were murdered. This is the first in the Nikki Hunt series. There were really two stories going on here. The investigation of the two teenage girls murders and the Innocence Project's campaign to free a convicted killer. I was hooked on this book. This is a very quick and easy read. Nikki heads up the new Behavioral Analysis Unit in St. Paul, Minnesota and works out of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Her team consists of Courtney Hart and Liam Wilson. All main characters are likeable. As the BAU team comes to Stillwater, Minnesota, the local sheriff's department works well with the FBI. I truly cannot wait for #2 in this series. Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Stacy Green. This book will be release on 10/19/20.

🍁🍁🍁👻👻👻 October👻👻👻🍁🍁🍁
Welcome to October! Happy Fall, Happy Halloween

4/4 books read this month

House of Correction by Nicci French - finished 10/3 - ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

The Christmas Killer by Alex Pine finished 10/26 - ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Little Bones by NV Peacock finished 10/30 - ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

Rosemary's Baby by Ira Levin finished 10/4 - ⭐ ⭐ ⭐

>91 marykuhl: I read Rosemary's Baby and have watched the DVD at least a dozen times. Enjoy.

>92 Carol420: Thank you! I read this back in high school and don't remember anything about it other than I liked it. I'm really excited to read it again.

>93 marykuhl: I look forward to seeing how you liked it now that your reading it from a different, more mature standpoint. I've read things that I read in high school or college and found myself wondering where the parts were that I liked so much then:) This one...was just a good scary read so I can see being exactly as you remembered it.

House of Correction by Nicci French - 4 stars
standalone
Okeham, England
NetGalley
October #1

This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
When a body is discovered in Okeham, England, Tabitha is shocked to find herself being placed in handcuffs. It must be a mistake.
At first, I didn't really connect with Tabitha. She was rude, brisk and prone to shouting or being violent. As I read on though, she grew on me and I saw her as the underdog. Everything was stacked against her, everyone was out make her look guilty. She didn't have friends and the acquaintances she did have the village didn't really seem to care about her. I was really invested in the book. I wanted to know why Tabitha was in prison, what evidence was against and how she couldn't remember anything. In the end, I did feel sorry for her because she did suffer from depression and mental illness, and no one seemed to try to help her. I would recommend this book. This is the first one I have read by this author, although I have another on TBR. Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins Publishers, William Morrow Paperbacks and Nicci French.

The Christmas Killer by Alex Pine - 4 stars
#1 DI James Walker Series
UK
NetGalley
October #3

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. First of all, I would like to say that as excited as I was about this book, (Christmas and Killings), it did not hold my interest and I found myself only being able to read a chapter or two at a time. I don't know if that is specifically the book, or if it was me, so I cannot honestly say if this is a fast-paced or a very slow book. What I will say is that once I buckled down and read more than a couple chapters at a time, I did enjoy it.
DI James Walker and his wife Annie move back to her hometown, a small village in northern England. DI Walker receives a Christmas card stating that there will be one murdered villager, who deserves to die, for each of the twelve days of Christmas. DI Walker and his team try to find the murderer, amidst a blizzard that cuts them off from the rest of civilization.
If you find yourself bizarrely struggling like I did, do stick with it, it is worth the outcome.
This is the first book in a new series.

Little Bones by NV Peacock - 4 stars
standalone
UK
NetGalley
October #4

I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The daughter of a serial killer tries to change/hid her identity. Its been 25 years since her father was imprisoned. Now, Cherrie has a long-time boyfriend, a son Robin, and a job. A chance meeting with a psychic tells her her son is in danger. Later that week, she takes him to a traveling fair and he disappears. A podcast has outed her identity and she is desperately looking for her son.
I enjoyed this book. Cherrie goes through a lot, with her neighborhood, with the police, with her boyfriend. This was easy to read and relatively quick.
Thank you NetGalley, NV Peacock and Avon Books UK.

🦃🦃 Happy Thanksgiving 🦃🦃

📚 5/5 Books Read This Month

She Lies Alone by Laura Wolfe 🎈 11/9/20 finished 11/9/20

Shallow Ground by Andy Maslen 🎈 - 11/10/20 finished 11/13/20

The Push by Claire McGowan 🎈- 11/12/20 finished 11/16/20

The Last Resort by Susi Holliday 🎈-12/1/20 finished 11/24/20

Breathe Your Last by Lisa Regan 🎈 - 12/9/20 finished 11/29/20

KEY = waiting to read ⏳ - currently reading 📖 - release date - 🎈

She Lies Alone by Laura Wolfe - 3 1/2 stars
standalone
Michigan, USA
netgalley
November #1

This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The prologue sets the scene with the discovery of a body on the high school football field. From there, it sets up all the characters, and leads up to the murder. This takes 62% of the book. The book is told from two perspectives, Jane, the AP Chemistry teacher, and Amy the mother of one of Jane's students, who is a part-timer in the school office as an accountant. I felt like this book was a bit slow. It didn't hold my attention and wasn't one that I couldn't put down. That being said, I didn't predict the murderer, and I didn't hate it. Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Laura Wolfe for giving me this book.

Shallow Ground by Andy Maslen
#1 DI Ford
UK
netgalley
November #2

This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the first in the DI Ford series and I was not disappointed. DI Ford is assigned his first case. A woman is found in her flat, blood seeping through the floor to the flat below. As Ford and his team look for the killer, the body count keeps increasing. Jools is his right hand, Hannah is the new CSI and is blunt and too the point. I enjoyed all the characters in this story and look forward to #2. Thank you NetGalley, Andy Maslen and Amazon Publishing UK.

The Push by Claire McGowan - 4 stars
standalone
UK
netgalley
November #3

The book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an hones review. This book was a great mystery, from who the victim is, to whether it was an accident or a murder. This is a fast paced story. Told from different perspectives, Allison, the investigator, and then many of the woman who attended the party. Thank you Netgalley, Amazon UK, Thomas & Mercer and Claire McGowan.

The Last Resort by Susi Holliday - 3 stars
standalone
UK
netgalley
November #4

This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 7 strangers set out for a "luxury" retreat. They have all signed a non-disclosure statement. They all have secrets. They are under the pretense that they are there to hype up a new vacation/resort area. However, they are exposed to new technology. They are all suspicious, of the retreat and of each other. I suppose when I requested this book, I didn't read the full description, so as I am reading I was really trying to figure out what the heck was happening. The book is told from the perspective of the 4 women on the trip. There is also the back story from 2000 interspersed. The reader does not know whose is involved in the back story. Thinking Big Brother meets Survivor. I enjoyed reading this but I felt this book led up to a really strong point, but the ending seemed just a little flat to me.

Breathe Your Last by Lisa Regan - 5 stars
#10 Detective Josie Quinn
Denton, PA
netgalley
November #5

This book was given to me in exchange for an honest review. This is the 10th book in the Detective Josie Quinn series and I have to say, I think every one gets better. The very beginning of this book I couldn't get into. Josie and Misty are dropping Harris off on his first day of preschool. Then a swimming star drowns, Josie and her team are trying to figure out if illegal drugs or alcohol were involved. After that, for me, this book picked up, immensely. This was action packed, full of drama, full of heartbreak. I was in shock, I was sad, I was mad. Same characters that we all know and love. Josie, Gretchen, Mett and Noah work as quickly as they can to solve this crime. Even Chief Chitwood seems to be a little softer and less gruff (not by much mind you). This book is set to release on Dec 9th and if you haven't started this series, I encourage you to. Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Lisa Regan!

🎄Merry Christmas 🎄
🕎 Happy Hanukkah 🕎
and whatever else you may be celebrating this month!

📚 6/6 Books Read This Month

The Killer's Girl by Helen Phifer finished 12/3/20 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ - 🎈 12/10/20

Deadly Games by Steve Frech finished 12/8 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 🎈 12/4/20

Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane finished 12/10/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🎈 12/29/20

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins finished 12/22/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🎈 1/05/21

Their Frozen Graves by Ruhi Choudhary finished 12/15/20 ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🎈 1/07/21

The Little Grave by Carolyn Arnold 🎈 1/11/21

KEY = waiting to read ⏳ - currently reading 📖 - release date - 🎈

The Killer's Girl by Helen Phifer - 5 stars
#2 Morgan Brookes
UK
netgalley
December #1

This book was given to me an exchange for an honest review by NetGalley. I may have found my new favorite series! This is the 2nd in the Morgan Brookes series. I was so excited to read this because I liked the first book so much, and I was not disappointed. In fact, I may have liked this one better!. Morgan Brookes is new to the detective division and is called to a murder scene of a young woman, found in her bedroom. She promises the victim's mother that she will find the killer, but the killer finds her first. There is a lot of Morgan's past that is brought to light, that she didn't even know. I love Declan, the pathologist. He takes care of the victims, is so gentle and remembers that they were people before their horrific deaths. Morgan is a strong, bold and stubborn woman, Ben her boss is always trying to watch out for her, and Amy her colleague speaks her mind. I love all the characters in this story. Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Helen Phifer! Can't wait for #3!!

Deadly Games by Steve Frech - 4 stars
standalone
Avalon, California
netgalley
December #2

This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the 2nd book that I have read by this author, and again I was not disappointed. Clay, a bartender knows everything about his regulars. But when one of them is murdered and he is framed for it, he has to find out who knows more about him. He decides to go on the run from the police to catch the killer. Clay runs into obstacles at every turn, and with the help of Genevieve, a reporter, he is able to stay on the run a little bit longer. I would definitely recommend this action packed novel. Thank you NetGalley, Steve Frech and HQ Digital for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Pretty Little Wife by Darby Kane - 4 stars
standalone
Ithaca, New York
Netgalley/hardback
December #3

This book was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. When Lila discovers her husband does something unforgiveable she doesn't plan to divorce him, she plans to kill him. But all her best laid plans do not prepare her for the day his best friend says he's missing. In trying to discover what happened to him, and keeping secrets from the police, this book takes turn after turn. I was surprised by what actually happened. I liked all the characters, Lila, her friend the lawyer, her brother-in-law, and Ginny, the woman investigating the disappearance. I would recommend this book. Thank you NetGalley, HarperCollins Publishers and William Morrow Paperbacks.

Their Frozen Graves by Ruhi Choudhary - 4 stars
#2 Detective Mackenzie Price
Lakemore, Washington
Netgalley
December #4

This was given to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. After reading the first in this series that ended with a jaw dropping cliffhanger, I couldn't wait to read this book. However, the beginning didn't hold my interest and I felt like this book was taking forever. That being said, about maybe a 3rd of the way through, I read and read and read. Although I liked the first book better, this was not a disappointment. Two women's bodies are found by fishermen during a snow storm. Mackenzie and the team rush to find the who and why behind their deaths. And of course, there is a little personal drama mixed in for Mackenzie to figure out. Oh and then the ending (epilogue) sucks you in and now I can't wait for #3 to come out. Hats off Ruhi Choudhary! Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture. This book is set to release January 7, 2021.

The Wife Upstairs by Rachel Hawkins - 4 stars
standalone
Birmingham, Alabama
netgalley/book of the month
December #5

This was given to me by netgalley in exchange for an honest review. "Jane" grew up in the foster system until she aged out. She changed her identity and has been trying to make a better life for herself. She takes a job as a dog walker in a high-end neighborhood in Birmingham where she meets Eddie, a widower who lives in the house of her dreams. Eddie's wife and her best friend both disappeared in what is believed to be a boating accident. But then the best friends body is found and questions and suspicions start to form.
This is written from 3 points of view, Jane, Bea (the wife) and Eddie. This was well written and nicely broken up into sections so that you didn't have to wonder whose story was being told. Thank you NetGalley, St. Martins Press and Rachel Hawkins.

The Little Grave by Carolyn Arnold - 4 stars
#1 Detective Amanda Steele
Woodbridge, Virginia
netgalley
December #6

This book was provided to me by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Detective Amanda Steele's life was torn apart 5 1/2 years ago, and ever since then she has been in a tailspin. When she requests to investigate the murder of the man who broke her world in two, she is thrust into 2 cold cases that could or could not be related. I had a little bit of a time getting into this book, I would only be able to read a chapter at a time for about the first 10%. Once I got past Amanda's destructive behavior, I was able to enjoy the story and see how it unfolded. Characters are great and always looking out for Amanda: her best friend Becky, her sergeant who is like a 2nd father to her and her new partner, Trent the Rookie. I would recommend this to anyone who likes a good detective story. Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture and Carolyn Arnold. Releases Jan 11, 2021.