Offering up a hard-hitting revenge plot with a creepy stalker vibe, Karma Never Sleeps was an intoxicating start to a new crime thriller series. But tOffering up a hard-hitting revenge plot with a creepy stalker vibe, Karma Never Sleeps was an intoxicating start to a new crime thriller series. But that description isn’t quite complete. With a police procedural core, a fast-paced thriller edge, and friendship drama in spades, the depth to this one was more than I expected as it broached serious topics such as bullying and justice. So much so, in fact, that it had me thinking long and hard after closing the cover. That’s not to say that the propulsive storyline didn’t keep me in suspense. After all, alongside that depth was a ton of foreboding.
Then there were the characters, who were the backbone to this novel. Well-developed and fully fleshed out, they—along with the small town feel—made the book come alive. I particularly loved the cliquey behavior of the women at the center of the action. Paired with the root-for-able FBI agent protagonist and the sweet romance that bubbled at the edges, and I was won over in no time at all. I mean, who could pass up a character you love to hate alongside a handful of others who deserved my constant side-eye glances? Altogether, they each felt undeniably real.
The only pieces to this utter slam dunk that didn’t ring with precision were threefold. First was the complexity of the plot, which was dizzying at times. Tying into that was that long list of characters. So long, in fact, that I had to make a list of who was who and how they all connected. Last but not least, though, was the conclusion. Feeling somewhat dry, it just didn’t give the same feel as the rest of the novel. Ultimately, though, none of that hampered my all-around enjoyment of this propulsive crime thriller, which I flew through in under twenty-four hours.
All said and done, I was unbelievably impressed by Mr. Dingle’s first book in the Gus Wheeler series. Doubling as his debut novel, you would never in a million years have been able to tell. From the attention-grabbing start to the explosive yet perfectly plotted climax, it felt like a novel written by a consummate pro. In the end, though, I wasn’t all that surprised as my friends and colleagues with Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse have been raving about this one for ages. So if you love a book with dark mysteries, long-buried secrets, and frenemies galore, grab this as soon as you’re able. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
When a second woman from a group of friends known as “the posse” is murdered in the woods near the New England enclave of Kendalton, FBI agent and profiler Gus Wheeler and his partner are called in to determine if this is a serial killing. He’s intrigued by a clue hidden on the body: a memorial picture of a teen who died 25 years ago.
Instead of helping with the investigation, the long-term friends stonewall the agents. But Gus can smell fear beneath their calm masks, fake smiles, and politely vague answers. Digging deeper, he discovers they are being terrorized by cyberstalking, spying, threats and mysterious break-ins. When a third member is hospitalized after a brutal attack, Gus suspects someone in the posse is the hunter instead of the hunted.
Is it the alpha leader Jules, her best friend Maria—married to the chief of police—outsider Mel, or weak link Lizzy? Or someone else bent on revenge? Time’s running out, and Gus’s life depends on his skill at determining who’s the best liar in town.
Thank you to R. John Dingle and Tule Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
As always, Harlan Coben delivered yet another slam dunk with Nobody’s Fool. The king of sarcastic humor and complex, well-plotted storylines, the rideAs always, Harlan Coben delivered yet another slam dunk with Nobody’s Fool. The king of sarcastic humor and complex, well-plotted storylines, the ride through this dynamite novel was nothing if not sublime. After all, despite its crime fiction core, the clear thriller vibe made it fast-paced and propulsive from the very first page. And I can’t forget its twisty, twisty premise. You know the kind where if you take your eye off the ball you’re lost in the weeds? Well, this was one of those. I do have to say, though, that there wasn’t a moment of confusion as former Detective Sami Kierce ushered me through these two jaw-dropping cases to their unguessable albeit believable closures.
As for the characters, they were what made this book—and all of Coben’s others—utterly sing. From the determined Sami who may not necessarily be the brightest of the bunch but he’s thoroughly dogged to his motley crew of assistants and their individual contributions, they came together to get the job done. Handling the case with both intuition and pragmatism, it made the entire plot feel all the more real. Speaking of which, I was over the moon to find the storyline just as taut and suspenseful as I would’ve expected. With plenty of long-buried secrets, dastardly deeds, and underhanded manipulations, there wasn’t a chance in hell of me putting it all together in time.
All in all, this book has only reaffirmed my all-out adoration for Mr. Coben and his masterful skill. Compelling, addictive, and seriously electric, I dread the long wait until I get to read another one of his novels. Considering that this second book in a series ended the way that it did, though, I can only hold out hope for the continuing saga to head my way soon. Both wrapped up tight and also left open for more investigations, it was the best of both worlds for this particular thriller lover. All I can say is that you need to grab this one quick, although I do recommend starting at the beginning as you don’t want to miss a minute with Sami. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Sami Kierce, a young college grad backpacking in Spain with friends, wakes up one morning, covered in blood. There’s a knife in his hand. Beside him, the body of his girlfriend. Anna. Dead. He doesn’t know what happened. His screams drown out his thoughts—and then he runs.
Twenty-two years later, Kierce, now a private investigator, is a new father who’s working off his debts by doing low level surveillance jobs and teaching wannabe sleuths at a night school in New York City. One evening, he recognizes a familiar face at the back of the classroom. Anna. It’s unmistakably her. As soon as Kierce makes eye contact with her, she bolts. For Kierce there is no choice. He knows he must find this woman and solve the impossible mystery that has haunted his every waking moment since that terrible day.
His investigation will bring him face-to-face with his past—and prove, after all this time, he’s nobody’s fool.
Thank you to Harlan Coben, Grand Central Publishing, and Netgalley for my complimentary digital and physical copies. All opinions are my own.
As much as I wanted to love Desperate Deadly Widows, I just couldn’t do it. Over-the-top in a cringe-worthy way, this second book in a series had all As much as I wanted to love Desperate Deadly Widows, I just couldn’t do it. Over-the-top in a cringe-worthy way, this second book in a series had all four widows feeling like caricatures of girls parading themselves as women. Adding to the disappointment was a plot that—while initially promising—met their unrealistic behavior every step of the way. And while I could easily see the comparisons to Real Housewives and Succession, it still didn’t manage to win me over before I decided to stop reading. At the same time, if you love fast pacing, distinct multiple POVs, or a fun 80s vibe, this book is most definitely for you. After all, there was plenty of laugh-out-loud snark, women supporting women, and complexity to the plot. Unfortunately, though, it just didn’t strike a chord with this thriller lover. Rating of DNF.
SYNOPSIS:
The widows are back! Big hair and bigger lies collide in the highly anticipated follow-up to Young Rich Widows, where nothing's more dangerous than a widow with nothing left to lose.
Set in neon-drenched Providence, Rhode Island, circa 1987, just two years after a plane carrying four mafia-affiliated law-firm partners exploded over the Atlantic along with the cushy lives of their once wealthy wives. Now, Krystle fights to keep their fallen law firm afloat. Justine hustles as a lawyer-in-training. Meredith owns and operates the strip club where she once danced. And Camille orchestrates honey-pot schemes for scorned women–until one of her arrangements goes terribly wrong, and she becomes implicated in the debauched Mayor Tom's mysterious murder in the champagne room. With everything on the line, the widows must join forces once more. But as the conspiracy unravels beyond the mayor's demise, their search for justice pits first wife against second wife and widow against widow. With the widows' fragile bond now tested, will the women cement their friendships, or is loyalty a luxury they just can't afford?
Thank you to Kimberly Belle, Layne Fargo, Cate Holahan, Vanessa Lillie, and Sourcebooks Landmark for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Wow. Having gone into Presumed Guilty 100% blind, I didn’t know quite what to expect all things considered. After all, I didn’t even watch the streamiWow. Having gone into Presumed Guilty 100% blind, I didn’t know quite what to expect all things considered. After all, I didn’t even watch the streaming Apple TV drama, Presumed Innocent, which was based off of the first in the three book series. Needles to say, though, I shouldn’t have worried. Brilliantly realistic and thought-provoking in the extreme, this newest legal thriller was everything I wanted and more. You see, I not only got to be a fly on the wall of a riveting courtroom drama, but I was blessed to meet a long list of well-developed characters that touched me to my core. Combined with one doozy of a twist three-quarters of the way in, Turow just simply couldn’t go wrong.
The biggest success in this utter slam dunk, however, were the intense, riveting scenes that took place in the courtroom. Wholly authentic to this legal thriller lover, there were plenty of head-to-heads and more than one instance where the rug was pulled out from under one of the attorney’s very own feet. Even better, there was a sense of David versus Goliath as the battle got underway. Now, I do have to forewarn you that this wasn’t exactly a hard-hitting thriller with shocks left, right, and center. Instead, it was a suspenseful mystery that caught fire in the courtroom as Rusty’s brilliant trial tactics endeared him to me more with every page that I turned.
As for those characters, each came brilliantly to life with each master stroke of Turow’s pen. Running the gamut from merely unlikeable to thoroughly suspicious, the long cast of characters made the plot sing. And while there could have been more showing instead of telling about who each of them were, they nevertheless felt like real honest-to-goodness people that you’d meet in a small Midwestern town. Together with the evocative descriptions of this fictional county, each small country lane and winter fallowed field came vividly to life in the back of my mind.
The only downside to Turow’s written style was the extreme slow burn at the start of the novel. As I’ve described, there was a lot of exposition that I wasn’t expecting. And considering that the book is well over 500 pages, it really took some doing to get through the long-drawn-out beginning. Once I hit the start of the murder case, however, the fast-paced courtroom scenes had me spellbound and I just couldn’t put the book down. I’m not kidding. Despite its length, I finished this book in just over forty-eight hours, which meant two very late nights.
All said and done, there’s no doubt in my mind that I’m a now an avid fan of Mr. Scott Turow. With a well-laid out plot, masterful characters, and an underlying believable feel, I was moved by the moral dilemmas and serious themes. And while I think it would be perfect for fans of John Grisham, I also know that this novel just might be able to outdo any of his novels. I mean, not only was it compelling, richly layered, and complete with one heck of a conceivable twist, but the conclusion also left me shocked in the best possible way. So run out and grab this one ASAP. As for me? I’ll now be starting book one as soon as I can. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Rusty is a retired judge attempting a third act in life with a loving soon-to-be wife, Bea, with whom he shares both a restful home on an idyllic lake in the rural Midwest and a plaintive hope that this marriage will be his best, and his last. But the peace that’s taken Rusty so long to find evaporates when Bea’s young adult son, Aaron, living under their supervision while on probation for drug possession, disappears. If Aaron doesn’t return soon, he will be sent back to jail.
Aaron eventually turns up with a vague story about a camping trip with his troubled girlfriend, Mae, that ended in a fight and a long hitchhike home. Days later, when she still hasn’t returned, suspicion falls on Aaron, and when Mae is subsequently discovered dead, Aaron is arrested and set for trial on charges of first-degree murder.
Faced with few choices and even fewer hopes, Bea begs Rusty to return to court one last time, to defend her son and to save their last best hope for happiness. For Rusty, the question is not whether to defend Aaron, or whether the boy is in fact innocent—it’s whether the system to which he has devoted his life can ever provide true justice for those who are presumed guilty.
Thank you to Scott Turow, Grand Central Publishing, and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. All opinions are my own.
Stuffed to the brim with red herrings, misdirection, and deftly interwoven subplots, Murder Town had me under its thrall from beginning to end. After Stuffed to the brim with red herrings, misdirection, and deftly interwoven subplots, Murder Town had me under its thrall from beginning to end. After all, from the true-to-life small town feel to the dynamic dual POVs, its complex plot and evocative setting came brilliantly to life. Starting off not quite as a slow burn but also not quite fast-paced, the ratcheting tension and rising momentum kept me spellbound for sure. And let me tell you, by the time I reached that well-played climax and downright jaw-dropping twist, I was thoroughly won over hook, line, and sinker.
The only bit that rubbed me the wrong way was the complexity that edged into complicated in terms of the plot. With a murder scheme that took some concentrating to unravel, a bit of the fun was removed from the great big reveal. Nevertheless, it was a truly epic case of phenomenal misdirection. The kind that easily stacked up to the likes of the masterful Grand Dame herself—Agatha Christie.
All said and done, with realistic characters that evoked a small town vibe and an atmospheric plot heavy with despair, it was deeply plausible while also feeling just fictional enough to grab and hold my attention. The best pieces of this mystery/thriller, however, were the ruinous secrets and equally explosive dark lies. Loosely linked to the first book in the series, Wake, I still recommend reading it, well, first. I didn’t and I truly regret it as I missed out on one whopper of a backstory. All I know is that I’m now itching to read book three as the stellar last chapter set it all up with utter perfection. Rating of 4 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Gemma Guillory has lived in the Australian Outback enclave of Rainier her entire life. She knows the tiny, red-dust town’s ins and outs by heart, knows the people like they are her family, their quirks as if they were her own.
She also knows her once charming town is now remembered for one reason and one reason only: three innocent people died there at the hands of a serial killer. The last stop on the Rainier Ripper’s trail of deaths fifteen years ago was her picturesque little tea shop. She knows that the consequences of catching the Ripper still haunt her policeman husband and their marriage to this day, and some of her neighbors are desperate enough to welcome a dark tourism company keen to cash in on Rainier’s notoriety as the “Murder Town.”
When the tour guide is killed by a Ripper copycat on Gemma’s doorstep, the unease that has lurked quietly in the original killer’s wake explodes into the light, and Gemma is drawn into the investigation. Unbeknownst to her, so is a prisoner named Lane Holland, a former private investigator who earned a living cracking cold cases before he ran afoul of the law.
Thank you to Shelley Burr and William Morrow for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: November 5, 2024
Trigger warning: mental health problems, adoption, mention of: knife violence, fall from a height...more
I just don’t know how Joe Hart manages to do it. For the third straight time, he’s hit it out of the park with Now We Run in all of its addictive, fasI just don’t know how Joe Hart manages to do it. For the third straight time, he’s hit it out of the park with Now We Run in all of its addictive, fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat glory. With a handful of compelling characters and one nail-biting game of cat-and-mouse, I found myself ripping through the pages until the utterly perfect climax and finale. After all, this book brought to life good versus evil and right versus wrong while also evocatively expressing the complexities of the parent-child relationship through two irresistibly dynamic personas.
It was, however, Nora’s continuing saga in this third book in the series that really hit home. Building upon the backdrop of her turbulent childhood, we saw not only her rescuing the defenseless this time around, but also being vulnerable herself. Well-developed and genuinely flawed, I grew to love her character even more as the plot moved along. And then there were Matthew and Gwen. Both powerful personas in their own right, I felt deeply for them too. Like I said, I don’t know how Joe does it as he both pulled my heart-strings and shredded my nerves in one masterful go.
All in all, from the gripping multiple POVs—including one truly evil individual—to the propulsive, driving plot that held ever ratcheting suspense, I fell in love at first sight. I admit that I did have to suspend all disbelief as the adrenaline-fueled twists departed from reality a few times, but I didn’t mind in the slightest. After all, thanks to this author’s virtuoso-like skill at melding action-packed and poignant, there wasn’t a moment where I wasn’t fully invested. So run out and grab this whole series ASAP. Trust me when I say that you don’t want to miss a moment with Nora. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Family advocate Nora McTavish is no stranger to hardship and meeting trauma head on- it's part of what drives her to fight on behalf of those in need. So when the opportunity arises to track down and confront the mother who abandoned her as a child she decides to face the past and slay her demons once and for all.
But finding her mother is only the beginning of a journey that will take her from the gorgeous Gulf of California coastline, through the unforgiving desert of northern Mexico, and back to the mountains of Oregon- all in an effort to keep a young boy safe from an abusive father with unlimited resources and a wrath without bounds.
Before long Nora will be forced to confront not only a ruthless killer hell-bent on her destruction, but also the landscape of her own ravaged heart. And only one thing is for certain- she will never be the same again.
Thank you to Joe Hart and @books_by_the _bottle for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now!
Trigger warning: death of a parent, claustrophobia, illegal immigration, breaking and entering, assault, strangulation, gun violence, mention of: child abuse...more
The third super-charged book in a series based around Ms. Cecilia Strom, What the Nanny Saw was everything I would expect out of a Kaira Rouda novel. The third super-charged book in a series based around Ms. Cecilia Strom, What the Nanny Saw was everything I would expect out of a Kaira Rouda novel. After all, she’s made herself known for her addictive popcorn thrillers with those of us in Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse. Each bearing a ratcheting pace and twisty, twisty plot, I’m never disappointed when I sit down with one of her thrillers. This time around was no different, of course. Packed with unbridled suspense, all I could do was hold on for dear life as the delightfully over-the-top scenes came brilliantly to life.
Just like in every other book that I’ve read by this author, this one had plenty of thoroughly unlikeable characters. While not necessarily true-to-life in the typical sense, they nevertheless made my alliances shift back and forth as the deliciously unhinged events quickly got underway. With emotions such as jealousy and suspicion riding high, I happily got sucked into their plot charging drama. And the fact that it was all told via dual POVs made the whole thing undeniably sing. Who to trust? Who to suspect? As the puzzle pieces were laid down, I was utterly floored.
All said and done, while I definitely had to suspend all disbelief as I flew through the pages, this crazy train ride was bingeable in the extreme. So much so, in fact, that I read it in just a matter of hours. With palpable tension, an explosive climax, and teasing plot twists, I was even completely won over by the smile-inducing conclusion. Now I’m just crossing my fingers and toes that there’s going to be a fourth book in the series. Fear not, you can read them all as standalones, even though I don’t really recommend it. After all, you not going to want to miss out on a minute with the Stroms. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
I keep all her secrets. She thinks she can trust me…
Cecilia has it all. The house on the beach. The cute figure. The beautiful baby. But she’s a long way from perfect.
She’s let me into her gorgeous house as her nanny because now she’s on her own, she needs a little help with her baby daughter Peyton. She barely notices me. But I see everything.
While Peyton naps, I rifle through her drawers and discover the dark secrets in her past, the threatening letter from her ex-husband.
It's a shame that Cecilia doesn’t have my powers of observation. If she took some time, she might just recognise me. I’ve been following her for a while, after all.
If she knew who I was then I don’t think I’d be so invisible. And she wouldn’t be so surprised one morning when little Peyton’s cot is found empty…
Thank you to Kaira Rouda, Bookouture, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: November 13, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Trigger warning: gaslighting, kidnapping, blackmail, being drugged, mention of: infidelity, death of a parent, stalking...more
From the bottom of my soul, I have to thank Ms. Jeneva Rose for yet another tour de force of a novel. From the start, The Perfect Divorce was in one wFrom the bottom of my soul, I have to thank Ms. Jeneva Rose for yet another tour de force of a novel. From the start, The Perfect Divorce was in one word…well…perfect. Somehow outdoing the first book in the series, this new mashup of domestic and psychological thriller was dark, twisted, and thoroughly entertaining. Packed full of brilliant twists and well-executed red herrings, even I—guesser of most revelations—missed a trick here and there. Did I catch a few? Well…yes. But that just made me love this wild ride even more as I raced through the chapters. I mean, who could pass up trying to outguess Jeneva?
You see, just like the first installment, this book delivered suspicious individuals complete with unhinged behavior. This time around, though, not only was the over-the-top meter dialed down just a bit, but Sarah really came into her own. Dynamic, quick-witted, and utterly savage, she was everything I could want in a female main character. A force to be reckoned with, she had me totally bamboozled until the final timely reveal delivered in spades. After all, even though I saw through a few of the twists thanks to my insatiable appetite of all things suspense, the onion-like layers meant that there was so much more to this—and the last—story than I could have ever foreseen.
All in all, this newest rendition took The Perfect Marriage and turned everything up a notch until the plot and characters exploded off of the page. Thanks to well-written multiple POVs, a propulsive pace, and immersive storytelling where I lost all track of time, I fell for the plot hook, line, and sinker. And let me tell you, when I read in the acknowledgments that this won’t be the last we see of these characters, I quite literally shouted “Oh, thank you, God!!” All I know is that you need to grab this book as soon as you can. Just be sure to start at the beginning. After all, you’re not going to want to miss a minute with Sarah. Rating of 5 stars.
**NOTE: I know that there have been mixed opinions on the first book in this series, but, even if you didn’t love The Perfect Marriage, I highly recommend giving this one a try. With the same Jeneva Rose magic but a more almost grown-up feel, the unbelievability that many disliked in the first novel was noticeably absent this time around. Instead, it felt realistic all while still supplying plenty of that much loved juicy drama that this author’s known for.
SYNOPSIS:
It’s been eleven years since high-powered attorney Sarah Morgan defended her husband, Adam, against the charge of murdering his mistress. Sarah has long since moved on, starting a family with her new husband, Bob Miller, and changing careers. Her life is back to being exactly how she always wanted…or is it?
After discovering Bob engaged in a one-night stand, Sarah wastes no time filing for divorce. However, amid their ugly separation, new DNA evidence is uncovered in the case against Adam, forcing the police to reopen the investigation and putting Sarah right back in the spotlight. Everyone wants to know what really happened, most of all former deputy Marcus Hudson, who is hell-bent on finding the truth.
But when the woman Bob slept with is reported missing, he and Sarah start to fight dirty, and a high-stakes game of cat and mouse ensues. Filled with page-turning suspense and Jeneva Rose’s signature twists and turns, this book will have readers wondering, Can Bob and Sarah achieve the perfect divorce? Or will it be “till death do us part”?
Thank you to Jeneva Rose and Blackstone Publishing got my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I honestly don’t know how anyone who loves a riveting crime/legal thriller wouldn’t fall for Eddie Flynn hook, line, and sinker. Reprised for the eighI honestly don’t know how anyone who loves a riveting crime/legal thriller wouldn’t fall for Eddie Flynn hook, line, and sinker. Reprised for the eighth time in Witness 8, this streetwise con artist turned wily defense attorney protagonist was the epitome of morally gray in the best possible way. He wasn’t, however, the only gem of a character. With a long list of multiple POVs—including a motley crew of strong individuals—it was a frenzy of fast-paced action within a complex but well-thought-out plot. Addictive, deceptive, and exceptionally well-constructed, I couldn’t put this book down no matter what and finished it in only a handful of hours.
Just as Cavanagh’s last book, Kill for Me, Kill for Youkept my guessing in the extreme, his newest addition to the Eddie Flynn series did so as well. With plenty of blind turns and head-scratching short, cliffhanger chapters, there wasn’t a chance of me working it all out before each timely reveal. From the multiple villains and their dastardly deeds to the various plates that Eddie had up in the air, there was plenty going on that kept me firmly—and happily—in suspense as I ripped through the each and every page. After all, these interconnected plot lines just couldn’t go wrong and quickly gave me a very Harlan Coben-esque feel.
All said and done, I’m happy to shout from the rafters that Mr. Cavanagh has done it again. You see, from the explosive beginning to the somewhat open-ended conclusion, my attention never wavered as I inhaled page after page. Due to plenty of crooked dealings, shady individuals, and a few shameless wealthy people behaving oh so badly, time seemed to stand still as I ignored the world around me. But fear not, for while this is the eighth book in the series, it’s fine as a standalone and won’t leave you scratching your head despite the continuing characters and hinted at past cases. So what are you waiting for? Order it—and the rest of the series—right now! Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
A former resident of the ultra-elite Manhattan upper class, Ruby now works as a maid in the type of houses she used to live in. Unassuming, she sees everyone’s dirty secrets from the inside of their beautiful, renovated brownstones. But when Ruby witnesses a murder, she has wicked plans in mind that don’t involve telling the authorities the truth.
Eddie Flynn, streetwise ex con-artist-turned-defense attorney, is the only lawyer in New York City willing to take on hopeless cases. And none is more hopeless than John Jackson’s—the gun that killed his neighbor found, with Jackson’s DNA, in his own home. Flynn and his unconventional team will need to use every trick they know to keep an innocent man from being locked up. But to save his client’s life, Eddie must first protect his own, as the scariest organized criminals in the city are out for his head.
Thank you to Steve Cavanagh, Atria Books, and NetGalley for my complimentary physical and digital copies. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: March 25, 2025
Content warning: cursing, kidnapping, gun and knife violence, blackmail, violence...more
Once again, Terri Parlato pulled out all the stops with Watch Your Back and delivered an undeniable home run. The third book in a series, I’ve been loOnce again, Terri Parlato pulled out all the stops with Watch Your Back and delivered an undeniable home run. The third book in a series, I’ve been looking forward to getting my Rita fix for altogether too long. This time around the well-developed characters and jaw-dropping twists kept my eyes firmly glued to the pages until the soul-satisfying conclusion. After all, the dynamite storyline was perfectly plotted with an attention-grabbing start and a deliciously unhinged climax that hit just the right chord. I was even tempted to skim despite wanting to make the book last, and I swear that I just barely resisted.
As for the characters, Ms. Parlato managed to craft solid personas who not only delivered in spades, but also had me looking at them all with barely veiled suspicion as the plot rolled along. Told via the multiple POVs of Eve, Rita, and Nathan, the alternating perspectives elicited plenty of deftly obscured clues and perfectly plausible red herrings. And while I did somewhat put the puzzle pieces together before each well-thought-out twist, there were still quite a few that shocked me but good. All told, despite a slightly over-the-top feel towards the end of the book, I was utterly addicted to a storyline that clearly became an out-and-out winner.
All said and done, this whodunnit of a plot was the perfect mashup of a low-key police procedural and suspenseful domestic thriller. With short chapters, immersive storytelling, and a sinister vibe, what was a step up from a slow burn utterly sizzled from the first page until the very last one. And while all of the books in this series could easily be read on their own, I beg you to reconsider. After all, why would you pass up the chance to get to know Rita better? Now comes the long, drawn-out wait for book four. At least, I hope that there’s another one coming! Please say that it’s so, my dear Ms. Parlato? I’m here ready and waiting. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Accidents happen, no matter how careful or well-intentioned you are. Psychiatrist Eve Thayer frequently reassures her patients of that fact. There are even times when accidents have good consequences—like when Eve met her now-husband, Nathan, at his collision shop after another car ran her off the road.
After a whirlwind courtship, Nathan and Eve have settled into domestic life. They have a lovely home on a quiet street, a beautiful baby girl, and even the perfect babysitter to care for her. And yet, something isn’t quite right.
The stress in Eva’s life is mounting, both professionally and personally. Though the clinic where she works has been remodeled since its notorious days as an institution for the criminally insane, she feels increasingly uneasy there. And in her own neighborhood, a break-in at a nearby empty house hasn't helped, either.
Detective Rita Myers hasn’t yet figured out whether Eve is a target or a suspect, but every disturbing discovery in this usually peaceful neighborhood seems to revolve around her. Only as a deadly ice storm crashes through does it become clear just how far from perfect Eve and Nathan’s lives really are. And as the cracks in the surface come to light, so do the sinister secrets that lie beneath…
Thank you to Terri Parlato and Kensington Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
From the complex plot to the engaging characters, Beyond Reasonable Doubt was everything that I’ve come to expect in a Robert Dugoni novel. The secondFrom the complex plot to the engaging characters, Beyond Reasonable Doubt was everything that I’ve come to expect in a Robert Dugoni novel. The second book in a series, I was duly impressed by the binge-worthy premise packed full of twists. What I might’ve loved the most, however, was the perfectly intermixed crime fiction subgenres of police procedural and legal thriller. From the realistic court scenes to the slowly unraveling police case, I was spellbound to the words from the riveting prologue to the smile-inducing last page.
The characters, however, were what made this book sing. I mean, if Keera and Rossi’s dual POVs don’t manage to grab your attention, then the deliciously sociopathic main character you’re simply going to love to hate will hook you for sure. Then there was Keera’s family drama. Furthering the development of several other supporting characters while also making the plot feel complete, it confirmed for me that while this could be read as a standalone, I don’t recommend it. After all, you don’t want to miss a minute with Keera.
I do have to say, however, that this one wasn’t quite as brilliant as the first book in the series, Her Deadly Game. While I love a good police procedural, the first two-thirds of the book dragged on just a bit. Besides…I was anticipating an out-and-out legal thriller. As compared to book one—which I gave 5+ stars—this one had a much slower pace and required some serious concentration when the reveal was exposed. At the same time, I think this could have been more about my expectations and less to do with the quality of the plot.
All in all, just like Keera, it’s clear that Dugoni is a fan of chess strategy as well. With deft feints and more than one surprising twist, there wasn’t a chance of me guessing the conclusion before it was all laid at my feet. Stuffed with palpable tension, juicy drama, and plenty of mystery, I’m already ready and waiting for book three in the Keera Duggan saga. So if you too love a good police procedural with a few delectable courtroom battles, grab this book ASAP. Intensely clever, intricately plotted, and flawlessly written, there was—without a doubt—much fun to be had. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
When Jenna Bernstein, disgraced wunderkind CEO of a controversial biotech company, is accused of murdering her former partner and lover, she turns to Seattle attorney Keera Duggan to defend her. Keera is more than a master chess player who brings her intuitive moves into court—she’s Jenna’s childhood friend. But considering their history, Keera knows that where Jenna goes, trouble follows.
Five years earlier, Keera’s father successfully defended Jenna when she was tried for the killing of her company’s chief scientist who threatened to go public with allegations of corporate fraud. Keera knows Jenna too well. When she was a kid, Keera saw Jenna for what she was: a manipulative and frighteningly controlling sociopath. Now, with only circumstantial evidence against Jenna, Keera is willing to bury any trepidation she might have to defend a woman she believes, this time, to be innocent.
As the investigation gets underway and disturbing questions arise, Keera puts her trust in a client who swears that this time she's telling nothing but the truth. If this is all just another devious game, Keera might be working to set a murderer free.
Thank you to Robert Dugoni, Thomas & Mercer, and MBC Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
O.M.G. I am utterly blown away by what I just finished reading as well as shocked by the fact that haven’t discovered M.W. Craven until now. After allO.M.G. I am utterly blown away by what I just finished reading as well as shocked by the fact that haven’t discovered M.W. Craven until now. After all, I’m a massive fan of all things crime fiction and this one was easily one of the absolute best. The first book in the Washington Poe series, The Puppet Show demonstrated what only a truly gifted police procedural/crime thriller author can muster: an original premise, dynamite characters, and a deep dive into the darker side of humanity. But that, of course, was only the beginning of where this novel struck true, unequivocal gold.
Unlike many other crime fiction novels, this riveting plot kept the suspense level high and the action at full steam. Yes, there was some of the expected interviewing and evidence collecting, but for the most part that was broken up superbly with endearing relationships and plenty of giggle-worthy humor. And then there were the twists. From smaller ones that I definitely didn’t see coming to the one gigantic, jaw-dropping reveal that had me whispering “No f***ing way!” as I slapped the book to my chest in unadulterated glee.
The characters were the biggest win of all, however, in this definite home run. Between the naïve, brilliant analyst named Tilly and the brash, take-no-prisoners Detective Sergeant Poe, I quickly came to realize that I had just met two of my all-time favorite characters. But it was the interplay between them that made the duo shine even brighter. An unlikely pair, they made my heart sing as I laughed along with their hilarious and heartwarming chatter. Even better, however, they felt 100% realistic and easily won me over hook, line, and sinker.
All in all, I’m already plotting out how soon I can read the next book in the series. Dark, gritty, and yet undeniably compelling, the story resonated all while also making me mildly uneasy due to the serious themes. Have no fear, for the most part it never felt particularly graphic, although the prologue certainly got my attention. From there, though, the rising tension and edge-of-your-seat plotting kept me thoroughly enthralled. So as long as you love eccentric yet deep characters and a phenomenal cliffhanger ending, you’ll agree that this witty, complex plot was beyond good—it was damn near perfection. Rating of 5+ stars.
SYNOPSIS:
A serial killer is burning people alive in the Lake District's prehistoric stone circles. He leaves no clues and the police are helpless.
When his name is found carved into the charred remains of the third victim, disgraced detective Washington Poe is brought back from suspension and into an investigation he wants no part of.
Reluctantly partnered with the brilliant but socially awkward civilian analyst, Tilly Bradshaw, the mismatched pair uncover a trail that only he is meant to see. The elusive killer has a plan and for some reason Poe is part of it.
As the body count rises, Poe discovers he has far more invested in the case than he could have possibly imagined. And in a shocking finale that will shatter everything he's ever believed about himself, Poe will learn that there are things far worse than being burned alive...
While on vacation in Las Vegas, a businessman wakes up in a strange hotel room to find a dead woman in the bathtub.
Panicked, he runs. But before he caWhile on vacation in Las Vegas, a businessman wakes up in a strange hotel room to find a dead woman in the bathtub.
Panicked, he runs. But before he can get far, a pair of detectives stop him.
Desperate, he tells them that he’s innocent. That there’s no way he killed the woman. That he’ll do anything not to go to prison.
That’s when they offer him a way out.
But there is no way out—as the detectives will soon learn.
I have to admit upfront that The Killing Roomwasn’t the type of thriller that I would normally read. Just the same, when all of my friends and colleagues with Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse started clamoring over this one, I knew that I had to read it, no ifs, ands, or buts. And while my first statement is still definitely true, the action-packed thrills and chills were utterly addictive. Despite the fact that the plot had a definite “dad book” vibe, this thriller loving fiend still inhaled it from beginning to end.
With a fast-paced, propulsive storyline that just never let up, the claustrophobic feel simply oozed from the pages. But the twists were the true winners for me. Time after time, I was entirely blown away by a new unexpected link or surprising revelation. And as they quickly blew apart every one of my guesses, the action movie-like plot rolled on with adrenaline-pumping speed. Needless to say, there wasn’t much not to love.
The characters ran the gamut from cold-hearted villains to possible heroes. At the same time, they were all finely layered. Unlike a Marvel type film, they all had their good sides—and their bad. Up to and including our narrator. What I particularly liked, however, were the multiple POVs. Through it, I got a glimpse into all of their psyches. While perhaps not all that deep, each persona was on the cusp of fully fleshed out. Especially our hero. Now I look forward to learning more about him and his past in the sequel, Enemy of the State, which comes out in August.
All in all, while I wouldn’t have typically picked up this novel given the general vibe, I’m so glad that I did. With one epic game of cat-and-mouse and no end to the slights of hand, this was one book that truly kept me guessing. And with a conclusion that both deftly wrapped up the plot but also set it up perfectly for the sequel, there’s every chance that I’ll be diving straight into the next book in the series. So even if it sounds somewhat outside of your wheelhouse, give this crime thriller a try. It just might surprise you. After all, it certainly did so for me. Rating of 4 stars.
Thank you to Robert Swartwood and Blackstone Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: Out now (Enemy of the State comes out on August 20, 2024)
The epitome of fun, Everyone This Christmas Has a Secretmixed a quick-witted whodunnit with a cozy mystery feel. Showcasing the snarky, likeable protThe epitome of fun, Everyone This Christmas Has a Secretmixed a quick-witted whodunnit with a cozy mystery feel. Showcasing the snarky, likeable protagonist of Ernest Cunningham yet again in this third in a series, I was quickly pulled into the plot through fast pacing and irresistible surprises. The best piece of the puzzle, however, was easily the final jaw-dropping twist. Bringing to mind the greats such as Agatha Christie herself, I quickly had a smile slapped onto my face as I absolutely did not see this one coming despite the many cleverly administered clues.
Coming a close second to the dynamite reveal was the style and format of this unputdownable novella. Told through first-person narration where Ernest speaks directly to the reader, I felt like I was a part of the drama from the very first page. Adding to the fun was the advent calendar structure and the generously sprinkled humor, which quite literally had me giggling with glee. Even better, however, was the fact that this didn’t feel like a short story. Well-developed and perfectly wrapped up, there wasn’t a thing missing—up to and including the flawless modern take on a Golden Age mystery dénouement.
All in all, I couldn’t have been happier with Stevenson’s newest addition to Ernie’s unfolding saga. Packed full of seemingly impossible crimes and one heck of an amateur sleuth, I loved trying to work out the who in this masterful whodunnit before it was revealed in all of its well-plotted glory. Sadly—or, rather, happily—I was not up to the job and instead reveled in being shocked to the core when Ernie enacted his (mostly) well-thought plan. So if you are looking for a lighter read with a side of the holiday vibe, run—don’t walk—and order this one ASAP. After all, I loved this quick, easy read and I’m positive that you will as well. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
My name’s Ernest Cunningham. I used to be a fan of reading Golden Age murder mysteries, until I found myself with a haphazard career getting stuck in the middle of real-life ones. I’d hoped, this Christmas, that any self-respecting murderer would kick their feet up and take it easy over the holidays. I was wrong.
So here I am, backstage at the show of world-famous magician Rylan Blaze, whose benefactor has just been murdered. My suspects are all professional tricksters: masters of the art of misdirection.
THE MAGICIAN THE ASSISTANT THE EXECUTIVE THE HYPNOTIST THE IDENTICAL TWIN THE COUNSELLOR THE TECH
My clues are even more abstract: A suspect covered in blood, without a memory of how it got there. A murder committed without setting foot inside the room where it happens. And an advent calendar. Because, you know, it’s Christmas.
If I can see through the illusions, I know I can solve it. After all, a good murder is just like a magic trick, isn’t it?
Thank you to Benjamin Stevenson and Mariner Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 22, 2024
Trigger warning: gun violence, mention of: drug addiction...more
If you haven’t read The Plot yet, STOP READING NOW! While I’ve done my best to avoid any spoilers, there will inevitably be a few substantial hints thIf you haven’t read The Plot yet, STOP READING NOW! While I’ve done my best to avoid any spoilers, there will inevitably be a few substantial hints that would ruin the first book in this series.
A masterful follow-up to The Plot, The Sequel happily took me back into the twisty world of Ms. Korelitz’s mind. This time, however, the main character was even more compelling, addictive, and utterly all-consuming. Picking up pretty much right after the conclusion of book one, I was over the moon to finally get Anna’s much wanted perspective. After all, the epitome of an anti-heroine, her viewpoint was the one piece of the puzzle that I had missed the last time around.
Let me back up just a bit, though. I mean, this story had all of the winning attributes that I look for in a book. And the fact that it was yet another work of metafiction with book within a book additions? It just couldn’t have been better. Granted, it was somewhat of a long, slow burn until the last one hundred thrilling pages. A brilliantly combined mix of drama and suspense, the slow buildup nevertheless led to high stakes and a tense game of cat-and-mouse that won me over hook, line, and sinker by the perfectly plotted conclusion.
As much as I loved this second book in the series, though, I do have to say that it didn’t quite blow me away as much as The Plot. That’s not to say that there weren’t plenty of twists that had my jaw on the floor here as well, because there unquestionably were. What was done better, however, was Anna. One truly villainous protagonist, her fully fleshed out persona and thorough background pulled me in deep. All told, I rallied behind her—despite (or because of) some truly despicable deeds.
All in all, I was duly impressed. Original and yet oddly realistic, I never would have guessed where this one was heading. From the adrenaline-fueled climax to the well-written satire, my only hope is that there’s still room for a third book in the series. Perhaps The Epilogue would be fitting? After all, I would revel in another finely layered plot with more deftly obscured clues and morally gray characters. All I know is that this is not one to be missed. Just don’t go into it before first reading The Plot. In my estimation, that would be one doozy of a mistake. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Anna Williams-Bonner has taken care of business. That is to say, she’s taken care of her husband, bestselling novelist Jacob Finch Bonner, and laid to rest those anonymous accusations of plagiarism that so tormented him. Now she is living the contented life of a literary widow, enjoying her husband’s royalty checks in perpetuity, but for the second time in her life, a work of fiction intercedes, and this time it’s her own debut novel, The Afterword. After all, how hard can it really be to write a universally lauded bestseller?
But when Anna publishes her book and indulges in her own literary acclaim, she begins to receive excerpts of a novel she never expected to see again, a novel that should no longer exist. That it does means something has gone very wrong, and someone out there knows far too much: about her late brother, her late husband, and just possibly... Anna, herself. What does this person want and what are they prepared to do? She has come too far, and worked too hard, to lose what she values most: the sole and uncontested right to her own story. And she is, by any standard, a master storyteller.
Thank you to Jean Hanff Korelitz and Celadon Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: October 1, 2024
Scroll down for my potentially plot spoiling trigger list.
Knowing my love for this author, I went into her newest book completely blind. After closing the cover, I have to say that doing so was a blessing. WhKnowing my love for this author, I went into her newest book completely blind. After closing the cover, I have to say that doing so was a blessing. While the synopsis wasn’t stuffed full of spoilers, it also would’ve lessened my love for this book. So, if you’re willing, go into this one unawares. I promise it will be worth it. If, however, you’re one of those people who can’t, you’ll find the blurb at the end of my review…
I can’t tell you how overjoyed I was to learn that Paul Strom was back in the picture. After first meeting him in Best Day Ever, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I would be in for quite the ride within the pages of this sequel, The Second Mrs. Strom. After all, one of my favorite tropes just so happens to be that of the villain narrator. But add to that delicious bag of tricks the fact that Paul is a sociopathic narcissist? For this thriller lover, it truly couldn’t have been better.
The plot and the characters, of course, had a delightful unhinged quality that I always equate with Kaira Rouda. Gifted at crafting scenes and personas that are perfectly unstable, they also somehow retain a true-to-life essence. Naturally, this book was no exception. Well-plotted and written with care, the ballooning suspense and sense of impending disaster just ratcheted higher and higher right along with the page count. Even better, however, were the multitude of twists that caught me entirely unawares. Needless to say, they were jaw-droppers for sure.
Done and dusted, the unlikeable characters, epic mind games, and questionable morals won me over hook, line, and sinker. Now I just pray that this second book in the Paul Strom saga isn’t the last that we hear from him. Poised perfectly for a follow up, I’m throwing myself on Ms. Rouda’s mercy. As for you, fellow readers, if you haven’t discovered the perfection that can be found within these quick, easy reads, be sure to check them out ASAP. After all, those of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse simply can’t stop talking about Paul, Cecilia, and this killer tale of domestic suspense. Rating of 4.5 stars.
Thank you to Kaira Rouda, Bookouture, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
As promised, here is the publisher provided synopsis:
If you had met me a year ago, you wouldn’t have noticed me. A beautiful woman, but a struggling nobody in a tiny apartment, invisible…
Meeting Paul changed that.
And now here I am in Paris, after a whirlwind courtship and a stunning beach proposal I smile at my handsome husband, my eyes shining in the candlelight, my huge diamond ring sparkling on the starched white tablecloth. Other women look at me in envy. They see a couple completely in love.
They’re wrong.
Despite this incredible luxury vacation, my husband and I can’t escape our problems. I can’t get over what he did with that woman just after our wedding, and my bright smile can’t hide the hardness in my heart.
I wonder if Paul knows the truth. That our first meeting, when we fell in love, wasn’t the coincidence he thinks it was. That what I want from him has nothing to do with his money. And now that he’s wronged me, I’ll stop at nothing to get it…...more
Tok, Alaska. Cameron Prescott hopes the past stays buried. After believing her murderous husband is finally dead, the fierce survivor longs to start oTok, Alaska. Cameron Prescott hopes the past stays buried. After believing her murderous husband is finally dead, the fierce survivor longs to start over with her state trooper boyfriend. But her illusion of peace shatters when she hears of a fresh killing that resembles her late husband’s grisly signature.
Horrified to learn the evidence points to a member of law enforcement, Cameron questions how well she knows her new man. And as the lies and bodies pile up, Cameron is convinced she's being stalked by a killer.
Is trusting anyone just a path to a cold tomb?
Oh. My. God. Having read—and loved—The Final Hunt, I knew I was in for quite the treat with its sequel. Needless to say, I wasn’t let down in the least by the brilliance that I found within The Last Hunt’s spine-tingling pages. With compelling characters, an atmospheric setting, and a fast-paced, addictive plot, I got pulled into this book from the very first page. After all, the prologue threw me straight into the deep end in all of its action-packed glory. And that was before I encountered even one of its jaw-dropping reveals.
What kept me thoroughly engaged, however, were the dynamic characters who came alive on the page. Growing in depth from the last book, both of the narrators struck a chord with me even more so than the first time around. In fact, I was shocked to discover that I loved this continuing saga even more than book one. With heart-pounding action, a healthy dose of foreboding, and plenty of red herrings, it was a thriller lover’s dream from beginning to end.
All in all, from the palpable tension to the well-developed plot, there simply wasn’t a thing not to love about each and every piece of this finely tuned mystery. Cole truly went above and beyond to deliver a superlative novel with non-stop suspense and precise plotting that left me fully immersed in Cameron’s newest crisis. Now I just have to hope, pray, and maybe even beg for a book three in this unputdownable, explosive, binge-worthy, mesmerizing series. As for every thriller lover out there, you simply HAVE to get your hands on these books. And please, start at the beginning. You’re not going to want to miss a minute with Cameron. Rating of 5+ stars.
*One final note: While this could potentially be read as a stand-alone, I wouldn’t recommend it. In addition to the spoilers you would encounter, you might find yourself lost here and there as details are slow-dripped into the plot. Plus, as I’ve already said, you’re not going to want to miss out on a minute with these magnificent characters.
Thank you to Audrey J. Cole for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: June 25, 2024
Trigger warning: abduction, breaking and entering, strangulation, gun violence...more
Wow. Just wow. Both a gripping tale about the lasting damage of childhood trauma and a nuanced, acute, suspense-filled novel, The Truth You Told was jWow. Just wow. Both a gripping tale about the lasting damage of childhood trauma and a nuanced, acute, suspense-filled novel, The Truth You Told was just another example of Brianna Labuskes’s virtuoso-like skill. With a finely layered, complex plot and twists that legitimately caused my jaw to drop, there was no getting away from the fact that this newest addition to the Raisa Susanto series was an utter home run. Quite frankly, it managed to outshine the first book, which is saying something as it too was simply sublime.
While the plot was everything that I wanted and more, the characters easily got my gold star for the day. Multi-dimensional, flawed, and beyond realistic, they both pulled at my heartstrings and also helped drive unbridled suspense. I especially loved how we got to know Callum Kilkenny even better. Poignant and revealing, I’m already eagerly awaiting what this impressive character combo will be doing next. I mean, it’s just so rare to find personalities that are so real that they could walk right off of the page.
Okay. Now onto the best bit by far. I know what I said above, but this plot was downright addictive. Told from dual alternating timelines and POVs, the cliffhanger chapters and explosive revelations had me repeatedly shouting “Wait, what?!” as I was shocked yet again. Of course, much like the first book in the series, I had to pay close attention to what was going on. Without that, I could’ve easily gotten lost, but when the last puzzle piece was revealed it just didn’t matter. After all, my mind was 100% blown.
I do have to warn you that this is hardly an action-packed thriller. More of a slow burn suspense novel mixed judiciously with crime fiction, it had surprising depth that doubled down on Raisa’s recent trials. I also wouldn’t recommend reading this as a standalone. While it’s certainly possible to understand what was going on, there are continuing sagas and overlapping characters that weren’t thoroughly explained. Additionally, of course, you’d miss out on one heck of a spellbinding tale filled with delicious drama, tantalizing intrigue, and in-your-face deceit.
All in all, already one of my auto-buy authors, Ms. Labuskes has clearly done it again. Her last series easily ranked among my favorites, but this one is quickly catching up with this newest addition. Thanks to an intricate plot, binge-worthy characters, and an unputdownable premise, it easily hit all of the sweet spots for me. Needless to say, I’m in love with the book in all of its serial killer focused glory. So if it wasn’t already obvious, I wholeheartedly recommend grabbing both this and The Lies You Wrote now. A dynamite duo, they undeniably had me from hello. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Forensic psychologist Callum Kilkenny lost his wife, Shay, to the very serial killer he’d hunted for five years. When Nathaniel Conrad—known as the Alphabet Man, for his love of tattooing codes onto his victims’ bodies—was condemned to death row, Callum thought the game of cat and mouse was over. But just before execution, Nathaniel drops a bombshell: he’s not the one who murdered Shay.
After analyzing the killer’s taunting, coded letters to authorities—one for each victim—FBI forensic linguist Raisa Susanto believes him. The discrepancies bear it out. So was it a copycat? A partner in crime? Or something more sinister? If Nathaniel knows the answer, Raisa fears he’ll be taking that closely guarded secret to his grave.
As Raisa and Callum are pulled into an investigation to solve Shay’s murder, it reopens old traumas that cut deeper than they could imagine. Before someone else dies, Raisa must decipher the unbelievable truth in an ever-twisting case built on a foundation of lies.
Thank you to Brianna Labuskes and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Taking action-packed to a whole new level, Enemy of the State had my fingers flying through the pages as my eyes whizzed across the words. The second Taking action-packed to a whole new level, Enemy of the State had my fingers flying through the pages as my eyes whizzed across the words. The second book in the Killing Room series, it was no surprise that my colleagues at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse have been shouting about this one from the rafters. After all, the dynamite characters, jaw-dropping twists, and explosive pacing meant that I read it in just a handful of hours. You heard me, despite the near 400 pages, I found myself almost skimming so that I could find out the spine-tingling whos, whats, and whys.
The plot began from the moment The Killing Room ended. With nary a lull, the action movie-esque feel continued right on cue. With a well-plotted, deftly layered storyline that twisted and turned, this newest novel even delivered several humdinger twists. The kind where I gasped in delight as I shouted “Wait, WHAT?!” with unadulterated glee. Trust me when I say that this was like a finely tuned climax from beginning to end. One where you absolutely don’t want the carnage to stop no matter what.
As for the characters, while Daniel easily reminded me of a more likeable Jason Bourne, I found myself rooting for not only him, but his compatriots as well. For that reason, I actually liked this sophomore work better than the first in the series. Add into the mix a smattering of villains that ran the gamut from evil overlord to merely gullible, and I was firmly in their thrall as they raced to catch their wanted man—wherever he was.
The only piece to the puzzle that didn’t win me over hook, line, and sinker was the conclusion. A blatant cliffhanger ending, it seriously made me want to hurl my tablet across the room. Of course, that’s mostly because I’m that irritating type of reader who loves finales with neat, pretty, little bows. So if you don’t mind an unresolved plot line or two, you’ll definitely be over the moon when you reach the last heart-seizing page.
All in all, from the riveting game of cat-and-mouse to the well-crafted multiple POVs, I was utterly spellbound by Swartwood’s newest novel. I mean, I honestly don’t normally go for “dad book” type plots, but somehow this one ended up being a winner for me. So even if you aren’t an out-and-out fan of action/spy/crime thrillers (it has a bit of all three), I definitely recommend trying out this propulsive series. And don’t worry, if you’d rather start with this one instead, it can certainly be read as a stand-alone all things considered. Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
The world believed Daniel Burke was dead.
At least, the few people in the government who knew he existed did. Once part of an elite black op team, Burke faked his death so he could avenge his brother. Now that those responsible have been brought to justice, he plans to leave the country and start a new life.
But before Burke can even get on the plane, his old team has tracked him down
The CIA believes Daniel Burke is a traitor—an enemy of the state—who must answer for his crimes. But others in government simply want him dead.
Knowing he's been set up, Burke is the only one who can track down and expose the real traitor--before it's too late.
Thank you to Robert Swartwood, Blackstone Publishing, and NetGalley for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of Late Christmas Eve, the Harper family’s car crashed on a desolate stretch outside Black Lake. Sixteen-year-old Alice was found injured by the side of the road―alone. It was as if her parents and younger sister, Ella, had simply disappeared.
One year later, Alice is still dealing with nightmares and unanswered questions when she and her friends find Ella’s bloodstained backpack in the basement of an abandoned home. As Detective Jess Lambert investigates, she uncovers dark secrets that put her on a collision course with her past. Jess’s only witness is haunted by her own ghosts―ghosts that might ultimately be connected to Jess.
Jess will do anything to find out what happened to the Harpers―no matter how deep she has to dig. Because neither the living nor the dead are giving up their secrets easily.
OHHHEMMMGEEE! How does Christina McDonald manage to craft books that just get better and better? In the first book in the series, These Still Black Waters, she pulled the rug right out from under me in the best possible way. Now, with What Lies in Darkness, I couldn’t keep the s*** eating grin off of my face. From the magically interwoven plot to the well-developed characters who had me in the palm of their hands, there wasn’t a thing not to love. Even better, though, was McDonald still managed to shock me all the way to my core.
The plot itself alternated back and forth between dual timelines and multiple POVs. In fact, it was so intoxicating that I lost track of time. Despite clearly remembering the earth-shattering twist from book one in the series, this time around there was also even more of a heartbreaking element. Through thought-provoking quotable quotes and plot charging emotion, I felt this storyline deep in my bones. That’s not to say there wasn’t non-stop suspense and palpable tension. I promise that that was also there in spades.
Like most characters in a series, Jess has blossomed from the prequel to book one and now book two. The more I learn about her, the more realistic she becomes to the point where I almost feel like I know her by now. Yet again, though, she wasn’t the only character real enough to walk right off the page. From her stand-in partner to her witch of a boss, they each fit their roles to a T. All I can say is that I can’t wait to see where they all go from here. And I’m not the only one. All of us at Thriller Book Lovers: The Pulse feel exactly the same way.
Done and dusted, this newest addition to the Jess Lambert saga hit all the sweet spots for me. With a twisty, atmospheric plot, an unstoppable yet flawed heroine, and a killer conclusion, this psychologically acute thriller was beyond a slam dunk. A masterclass in suspense, McDonald has done it yet again. Already an auto-buy author for me, her sharp writing meant I felt immersed in this story. Take it from me, you have got to get your hands on this series. And please, start at the beginning. You’re not going to want to miss a minute with Jess. Rating of 5+ stars.
Thank you to Christina McDonald and Thomas & Mercer for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Linzie (suspenseisthrillingme)
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