In the near future, government-mandated self-driving cars become the norm in Britain—They were supposed to make the roads 95% safer for both passengerIn the near future, government-mandated self-driving cars become the norm in Britain—They were supposed to make the roads 95% safer for both passengers and pedestrians. Then one morning, someone hacks into the systems of eight self-drive cars with their passengers, and they are set on a fatal collision course. They are told that they will probably be dead in several hours. All of this, of course, unfolds over social media, and the world finds itself captivated—particularly when the Hacker begins asking the audience, to vote on who lives and who dies. Almost everyone who has been kidnapped has a secret they don’t want to reveal—but the Hacker has secrets of his own. Now the public has to judge who should survive but are the passengers all that they first seem?
The Passengers has all the ingredients of an exciting thriller: A brilliant plot, some interesting characters who will keep you guessing, and some nice twist and turns which will keep you hooked till the end. The story uses technology as a backdrop and it feels like an episode straight out of Dark Mirror. Marrs taps into the most basic fears about the dark side of technology from the invasion of privacy to the mob mentality of social media, technology overriding laws of nature, and so on. This book asks many uncomfortable questions forcing you to think about the role of tech in our lives.
The story is fast-paced and the next shocking twist is always right around the corner. Despite technology playing a crucial part, the different characters are what really make the story really interesting. Another hallmark of John Marrs novels is that none of the characters are what they really seem, so you’ll be kept guessing what each character really is. Just when you think, you have sorted out the story, another twist will change the entire story.
The story goes on smoothly till the climax. I felt the climax was marred by too many twists than needed, so there were some plot holes, illogical explanations, and unanswered questions. But the story as a whole is highly entertaining so it did not matter too much in the end.
Overall, The Passengers is a well-paced sci-fi thriller with some fascinating characters. It has a very unique premise and an action-packed story that will keep you entertained right till the end.
Many thanks to the publisher Penguin Publishing Group and Eddelweiss for the ARC. ...more
“This place is dark.” “Some of us like the dark. It’s what we know.” “
The Sun Down Motel masterfully blends a mystery thriller with spooky horror “This place is dark.” “Some of us like the dark. It’s what we know.” “
The Sun Down Motel masterfully blends a mystery thriller with spooky horror to create a perfect page-turner that keeps you hooked right till the end.
The novel revolves around a young woman, Carly, searching for her aunt Vivian who has disappeared 35 years ago during her late-night shift, working at reception in The Sun Down Motel. Carly manages to get a job at the same Sun Down herself in order to try and find an answer. Soon Carly discovers the Motel is hiding many more sinister secrets than she could imagine. The Sun Down Motel combines all the elements of a perfect thriller; the dark, spooky atmosphere, the multiple strong female characters, an intriguing plot, and the excellent pacing of the story. The story has many supernatural elements, but it was more a mystery rather than a horror story. The supernatural elements never overshadowed the mystery part but they rather added another dimension to the story.
The story is narrated in 2 timelines: The past covering Viv’s story and the present covering Carly’s story. The alternating timelines work beautifully, like each chapter acting as a missing part of the jigsaw puzzle, completing the picture bit by bit.
There are times when the events feel repetitive (especially the scary parts) which make the two timelines confusing. The book could have used more scares which I felt were lacking in the middle. Also, given the buildup, the ending felt rushed and a bit tame. Given all the supernatural elements and mystery, I expected the ending to bit more explosive. The characters were mostly well developed including the other female supporting characters too. In fact, most of the characters in the book are strong female characters, each playing their part to perfection.
Overall, The Sun Down Motel is an excellent thriller. There are several twists and turns that will keep you hooked. This book is thrilling, atmospheric, and unnerving. If you love reading mystery thrillers with a supernatural twist, this is one book you should definitely read.
Many thanks to the publishers Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for the ARC. ...more
Ellery Queen's Japanese Mystery Stories: From Japan's Greatest Detective & Crime Writers as the title suggests is a collection of 12 stories by arguabEllery Queen's Japanese Mystery Stories: From Japan's Greatest Detective & Crime Writers as the title suggests is a collection of 12 stories by arguably Japan’s greatest detective and crime writers. Ellery Queen has selected these stories by award-winning Japanese authors, from among many thousands of stories published in postwar Japan.
Each story has a unique setting and features an unusual plot and some diverse set of characters. At the beginning of each story Satoru Saito – an Associate Professor of Japanese Literature at Rutgers University – provides background information on each writer. He describes their writing style, the context of the story in Japanese literature, and a hint of what you can expect from the story that follows.
The best thing about the book is that it features several authors from different eras with different writing styles and with a lot of unique storylines. Each story has some unique idea or narrative style which will keep you engaged. Of the 12, most were either good to excellent with very few missing the mark. The ones I really liked were Too Much About Too Many by Eitaro Ishizawa, The Cooperative Defendant by Seicho Matsumoto, A Letter From the Dead by Tohru Miyoshi, The Kindly Blackmailer by Kyotaro Nishimura, No Proof by Yoh Sano, Invitation From The Sea by Saho Sasazawa and Write In, Rub Out by Takao Tsuchiya
Overall, This compilation offers a different flavor of mystery, focusing mainly on unusual characters and unpredictable storylines, then blood and gore. The writing is excellent and there are several new themes that you may have never encountered before. This book will serve nicely as an introduction to the world of Japanese mysteries with a good and diverse selection of mystery stories.
Many thanks to the publishers Atlantic Monthly Press and Edelweiss for the ARC. ...more
The Case of the Vanishing Blonde: And Other True Crime Stories is a collection of six fascinating true-crime stories, spanning Mark Bowden’s long and The Case of the Vanishing Blonde: And Other True Crime Stories is a collection of six fascinating true-crime stories, spanning Mark Bowden’s long and illustrious career as a crime journalist. It covers a variety of complicated crimes; both thought-provoking and fascinating.
From a story of a rape at the University of Pennsylvania that sparked a debate over the nature of consent to a case of entrapment in a pedophile case. Followed by three cold cases featuring the genius of private detective Ken Brennan and a startling investigation into a cold case that reveals an unexpected murderer. Each of these stories is masterfully narrated and often the interpretation; relating to ethics involved in the case is left to the reader.
The first two cases Incident at Alpha Tau Omega and why don't u tell me wht ur into delve into the fundamental questions involving the nature of the crime but leaving the judgment to the readers open-ended. The Case of the Vanishing Blonde, The Body in Room 348, Who Killed Euhommie Bond? all Sherlock type unsolvable mysteries involving Mr. Brennann. Ken Brennan, a Private Detective, with a magic touch, who seemingly can solve even the most unsolvable cases. Bowden spins the narrative in such a manner that it keeps the readers hooked till the end and the best example of it is A Million Years Ago another cold case but narrated it such a unique way that it will shock the readers as it gradually reveals the entire story.
There have been several crime books in recent times like Mindhunter. The key difference being most books narrate a crime from the perspective of either the criminal or the investigator. This book is unique because as a crime journalist, Bowden could cover the perspective of every party involved including key eyewitnesses. Also, the book covers a variety of cases which different kinds of mystery. Bowden gives you enough background info about the case and explains the implication of every possible missing piece to make it interesting.
Each of these stories is fascinating and intriguing. This book is a fairly quick read and I found it to be a page-turner; mainly due to some excellent narration and some thought-provoking cases. If you are a fan of the True Crime genre, this book is categorically a must-read. 4.5 stars out of 5
Many thanks to the publishers Atlantic Monthly Press and Edelweiss for the ARC. ...more
For Years, The term ‘Samurai’ has been shrouded in myths and legends. Samurai; A warrior caste that came to rule Japan for centuries, with soldiers whFor Years, The term ‘Samurai’ has been shrouded in myths and legends. Samurai; A warrior caste that came to rule Japan for centuries, with soldiers who would give their lives based on the mythical code of Bushido (Bushido—"the way of the warrior"—a complex code of conduct embracing ideals of honor and loyalty that continues to govern the Japanese way of life even today)
A History of the Samurai attempts to tell the complete story of Japan's legendary warrior class from the beginning to the end—an epic tale of bravery and honor but also of conspiracies and carnage. The book attempts to separate the real history of the Samurai from the myths and legends and succeeds in it.
The book is a chronological history of Japan from the 11th Century to the 20th century, focusing mainly on the Samurai. Each chapter focuses on a specific person or moment. The book takes a look at some of the greatest warriors in Japanese history including Miyamoto Musashi, Minamoto Yoshitsune, Takeda Shingen, Oda Nobunaga Tomoe Gozen, Tokugawa Ieyasu, and many more. Apart from the history of the Samurai, the book also explores some forgotten chapters in Japanese history like the Japanese invasions of Korea, Japanese missions to Europe, and Japanese relations to European powers.
The book traces the fascinating story of the rise and fall of these enigmatic warriors throughout Japanese history. The book is illustrated with several rare photos and documents which only enrich the book. At the end of the book, a complete bibliography, a chronology of Japan, a list of emperors are also included.
Overall, the book does a good job. Japanese history is a lot complex, given the several clans and factions, so it may still prove difficult to grasp it all. The book does a stellar job in narrating the history of Japan through the context of its Samurai class. If you are interested in Japan and its history, this book is a great read.
Many thanks to the publishers Tuttle Publishing and Edelweiss for the ARC. ...more
One of my favorite murder mystery subgenres is the ‘locked room mystery’. Featuring a cast of creepy characters, locked away from the outside world, wOne of my favorite murder mystery subgenres is the ‘locked room mystery’. Featuring a cast of creepy characters, locked away from the outside world, while a serial killer hunting them, one by one. The thrill of seeking the killer hiding in plain sight is simply unparalleled. Agatha Christie has done it before and with One by One, Ruth Ware has tried to give us a modern version of Agatha Christie's And Then There Were None.
Set in a perfect atmospheric & isolated location in the beautiful snowy mountains, a tech startup has organized a weeklong trip for their team. What starts out as a corporate retreat takes a disastrous turn when an avalanche leaves the group isolated from the outside world. As hours start passing without any sign of rescue, panic mounts as the group members start getting killed off in a mysterious fashion.
The basic premise of the locked room mystery has been done many times before but what makes the book immensely readable is Ware's ability to build a creepy atmosphere with some excellent storytelling skills.
The book can be roughly divided into 3 parts, the first 25% which I found slow due to the vast no of characters. The story picks up from there and is totally intense till the climax. We have an avalanche and a killer killing randomly. This part of the book was the most fun with many suspects and clues. The last 25% of the novel played out like a thriller and was equally strong for me. The best things about the book were the excellent storytelling which kept the readers hooked at all times.
Having said that I had some issues with the book. Firstly, a large number of characters. The book begins by introducing a vast no of characters that we have to keep track of. Among the dozen, so characters, there are hardly memorable ones, barring a couple and I had to keep going back to the first chapter that introduces the characters, just to remind myself of who is who exactly. The story revolves around ‘Snoop’ a music streaming software and the book goes into great detail explaining how Snoop works. Having done that, Snoop hardly adds anything to the plot. In fact, even a basic GPS tracker would have been enough to move the story ahead, without too much diverting the plot. The book continues to drag on after the ending, tying all ends when it doesn’t really matter. I felt the killer's revelation was a bit obvious and the ending felt a bit abrupt.
Overall, One by One latest is an exciting and entertaining thriller. Despite its flaws, I still thought One by One was immensely readable. It starts slowly but once it gets going, you will enjoy the story immensely. It could have much simpler and more focused on the mystery but Ware's writing still makes it a really good read. 4.0 out of 5 stars
Many thanks to the publishers Simon & Schuster and Edelweiss for the ARC. ...more
Once in a while, you read a story without having any idea of what to expect, and in the end, it turns out to be a totally unforgettable experience. ThOnce in a while, you read a story without having any idea of what to expect, and in the end, it turns out to be a totally unforgettable experience. The Familiar Dark is one such gem. At the heart of it, it’s the story of a mother, who sets out on a relentless pursuit for justice after her teenage daughter is murdered by an unknown assailant.
Set in a small-town part of the Missouri, 12-year-old Junie and her best friend, Izzy, are found with their throats slit on a playground. Determined to find her daughter’s killer at any cost, Eve will have to overcome her grief to find out the truth about what happened. Her quest for justice takes her to the darkest parts of the town and some of the darkest memories of her buried past.
The Familiar Dark is a dark and intense psychological thriller about a grieving mother and her quest for vengeance. The story is told entirely from a grieving mother's point of view. This is not a typical murder mystery. It often reminded me of thrillers by the Coen brothers where the world-building, the atmosphere, and some memorable characters drive the story forward. This is a story of loss, grief, lies, secrets, vengeance, and justice. The novel also explores the complex relationship between mothers and daughters, the life of poverty in small towns, and how people adapt to adversity.
The Familiar Dark is a well-written story full of twists. The book is atmospheric, and filled with some intense emotions with an equally intense atmosphere. The ending left me a bit wanting more but given the story arc, it was adequate. The book is dark and intense and may not be suited for everyone. At 256 pages, it's tightly written and feels like an intense ride from start to finish.
The characters are the real driving force behind this book. The main character has to be one of the strongest female characters I've ever read. From her loving relationship with her daughter driven by her desire to protect her from an abusive childhood and relationships and her transformation from a grieving mother to one seeking revenge, Eve’s character development was excellent. Eve is not perfect, far from it, but that’s what makes her character so real. Engel has done a great job of creating a small town and some twisted yet memorable characters. I think each character in the book was so well crafted despite their limited background story due to which the story really left a mark.
Overall, The Familiar Dark is a dark and emotional story about grief and vengeance. If you want to pick up a dark thriller with a great atmosphere, some complex characters, and a gripping plot, you will enjoy this book. 4 stars out of 5.
Many thanks to the publishers Dutton & Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for the ARC. ...more
The End of Her is the new domestic suspense novel from Shari Lapena. Having read An Unwanted Guest by the same author, The End of Her is a totallyThe End of Her is the new domestic suspense novel from Shari Lapena. Having read An Unwanted Guest by the same author, The End of Her is a totally new theme and an enjoyable thriller which does not disappoint.
Stephanie and Patrick are adjusting to their life with their newborn twin babies. Soon Erica, from Patrick's past, drops in on them unexpectedly and raises questions about his late first wife. Stephanie supports her husband totally but when Erica and the police start probing, Stephanie's trust in her husband begins to falter and doubts in their relationship begin to crop up. So, what is the truth after all?
The story is a fast and engrossing read, full of curious characters. It keeps you on the edge mainly due to some unreliable characters and some unique twists that will keep you guessing throughout. What I thought was unique about this book explores humans and fragility of human relationships; how even the smallest suspicion can torment a human mind and destroy relationships. Lapena skillfully creates mysteries out of some real characters and some real-life situations. Throughout the book, you are not sure what the character’s motivations are and what he really intends to do, which keeps the plot unpredictable. The story was fact-paced to keep you engaged and the characters will keep you guessing.
The ending and some twists in the end, though shocking, didn’t feel totally convincing. Some of the side plots felt unresolved. The epilogue though thrilling, leaves you hanging. Part of the mystery is revealed quite early which took away some of the excitement for me.
Overall, it’s gripping domestic suspense with plenty of twists and turns. If you are a fan of domestic thrillers, you will enjoy this one.
Many thanks to the publisher Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for the ARC.
Have you ever been curious about astronomical phenomena like planets, moons, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and comets? Have you wondered if aliens existedHave you ever been curious about astronomical phenomena like planets, moons, stars, nebulae, galaxies, and comets? Have you wondered if aliens existed or if space travel was possible? Then this book is just right for you. Paul Sutter, the creator of the popular podcast "Ask a Spaceman!" takes you on a journey of the many mysteries of the Universe in How to Die in Space: A Journey Through Dangerous Astrophysical Phenomena
Astrophysicist Sutter takes an interesting approach to explore the universe. The book catalogs the many things that can kill you when you venture into space. . From Black holes, dying stars, solar flares, supernova explosions, gamma-ray bursts, quasars, blazars, pulsars, and cosmic microwave background radiation, this book documents all the dangers of the universe. It even explores purely theoretical ideas such as dark matter, wormholes, and alien life.
Sutter keeps the language uncomplicated, avoids scientific jargon, and keeps the tone humorous to explain the mysteries of the cosmos and the physics behind it. He introduces complex topics but in a way, almost anyone can understand. Sutter simplifies complicated physics and quantum mechanical concepts with utmost ease and interesting examples, so even someone from a non-science background can understand it.
Sutter adopts a conversational lighthearted approach to explaining difficult concepts but at times (not always) it feels excessive. Maybe the chatty, informal tone suits a podcast more than a book. Some concepts are way too advanced to understand even after simplifying. So without a sound knowledge of some basic physics, you may struggle to grasp them.
Overall the book is a refreshing approach to a vast and complex subject. The author presents astronomy with readers without a science background in mind. If you are interested in science and astrophysics, you will enjoy reading this book.
Many thanks to the publisher Pegasus Books and Edelweiss for the ARC. ...more
Knowing the truth will destroy her. Keeping it secret will destroy him.
First things first, this book is NOT a thriller or a mystery but more of a FamKnowing the truth will destroy her. Keeping it secret will destroy him.
First things first, this book is NOT a thriller or a mystery but more of a Family Drama. The entire novel unfolds in a 24 hour period and revolves around a married couple- Livia and Adam.
It is Livia’s 40th birthday, and her husband Adam is throwing her the party of a lifetime to make up for the grand wedding they never had. Everyone she loves will be there, except her daughter Marnie, who’s studying abroad. But throughout the party, both Adam and Livia are in mental turmoil. Because both of them are withholding a secret from each other and in a dilemma, whether to reveal it or not… A secret that could tear their lives apart.
First the good part. This is a story about miscommunications that overtime keeps getting bigger. The story unfolds slowly with each chapter over a one hour time period, told by either Adam or Livia. The story is tragic and B A Paris has an amazing writing style that keeps you hooked.
Now for the not so good part. If you read this expecting a thriller you will be disappointed. It’s more of a family drama. I found the entire premise of Birthday party and husband not sharing a secret really hard to believe. The story gets very repetitive with both husband and wife struggling with their ‘secrets’ over and over and over without any resolution in sight. Entire scenes and chapters start feeling repetitive after a while. Both Livia and Adam came across as immature and self-centered. There was no twist in the ending either. This could have worked as a short story but felt unnecessarily dragged.
Overall, this book will appeal more to fans of a family drama than thriller fans. 2.5 stars out of 5.
Many thanks to the publishers' St. Martin's Press and Macmillan and Edelweiss for the ARC. ...more
Throughout human history, there have been some landmark discoveries, which shaped the future of the human race. The discovery of Fire, Wheel, AntibiotThroughout human history, there have been some landmark discoveries, which shaped the future of the human race. The discovery of Fire, Wheel, Antibiotics for eg. But, there are several other discoveries throughout human history that are not even acknowledged today, despite their impact. In Who Ate the First Oyster, Cody Cassidy takes a look at a few (17 to be exact) very important one's discoveries and traces their evolution and their impact on human evolution.
“This is a book about who these people were. What they did. And why it mattered.” It is a book about individual achievements during the long period of prehistory. This book takes a look at some interesting discoveries incl: -Who invented fire? -Who first rode the horse? -Who wore the first pants? -Who invented the wheel? -Who drank the first beer? -Who painted the first masterpiece? -Who was the first surgeon?
Each chapter focuses on a new discovery. Cassidy has used everything from modern genetics to expert opinion to archaeology to create a profile of these individuals. For eg: The first person to eat an oyster was probably a woman as women were mostly gatherers and foragers. Then it attempts to speculate on the events that led to the invention.
Written in an engaging style and lots of humor, Who Ate the First Oyster is divided into short chapters that focus on an invention that was important for our evolution and progress. The use of the clock analogy to represent how long ago these events happened was interesting too. The older inventions are based on more speculation but overall backed by solid evidence.
Overall, Who Are the First Oyster is an excellently informative read. Cassidy’s light and humorous writing style make this book, a fun to read. This book attempts to simplify science and make it accessible to all and it succeeds brilliantly.
Many thanks to the publishers' Penguin Books and Edelweiss for the ARC. ...more
“Two tigers cannot share the same mountain.” ~ Ancient Chinese Proverb
Three Tigers, One Mountain is a part travelogue, part history book exploring the“Two tigers cannot share the same mountain.” ~ Ancient Chinese Proverb
Three Tigers, One Mountain is a part travelogue, part history book exploring the long history of turmoil between China, Korea, and Japan. The author takes us on an informative and enjoyable journey through China, Japan, and Korea and also Hong Kong and Taiwan.
Written more like a travelogue, each chapter is based in a city and explores its associated history and its current state. The author gives the historical/political background of each country to give the reader an insight into the reasons based on history, politics & culture as to why there continues to be so much tension between these countries.
This is not purely a history book or a travel diary but also attempts to speak with a multitude of people from all walks of life including politicians, academics, former govt officials, and even YouTubers. The interviews were particularly interesting and a glimpse into the psyche of the citizens of each country. I really liked how it tried to understand viewpoints from all sides of the political spectrum. The history combined with these viewpoints painted a very comprehensive portrait of these countries, their citizens, and their complex, relationships with their neighbors.
This is not a history book. So, if you are looking for a deeper understanding of the historical issues between the countries, it may feel insufficient. Also the historical coverage, incl the post-WWII event feels light.
However, Booth does a good job of combining history with his own experiences to keep the readers engaged. This book was both informative and thoroughly entertaining. If you are interested in Asian History as well as exploring the countries and people, this book will be a good choice.
Many thanks to the publishers' St. Martin's Press and Edelweiss for the ARC. ...more
All it takes to unravel a life is one little secret...
Right at the start, I would advise all book lovers to start reading this book straightway--wAll it takes to unravel a life is one little secret...
Right at the start, I would advise all book lovers to start reading this book straightway--without even read the synopsis. This book is more enjoyable when you have no idea where things are going.
Marin had a perfect life. Married to her college sweetheart, she owns a chain of upscale hair salons, and Derek runs his own company. They're admired in their community and are a loving family—until their world falls apart the day their son Sebastian is taken. Now you may think that this is another mystery with a missing kid and you couldn’t be more wrong because what feels like a child abduction story is so much more beneath the surface.
Little Secrets is a dark and twisted story of secrets and betrayals, of loss and guilt and some old fashioned revenge. The book is told in alternating POVs from the two women’s point of view and the story is revealed through switching timelines and flashbacks. There are so many twists and turns and the writer does a great job of keeping you on the edge of your seat every moment. The writing, the pacing, the characters all combine nicely to create an enjoyable thriller. The story is definitely a slow burner but it never gets stuck at any point.
I really loved the character development. None of the characters were really likable and yet you feel riveted by their story. Each of the characters is dark and twisted but the story explains their motivations and decisions so skillfully. Ms. Hillier did a superb job of developing these characters and does an excellent job of keeping these characters real with strengths and flaws. The only complaint I have is the ending, which felt too convenient and rushed. I didn’t hate the ending but some of the things did felt too unbelievable to be true.
Overall, Little Secrets is a dark and intense thriller with some twisted characters and many suspenseful twists. If you are looking for a psychological thriller, then Little Secrets is a must-read for you. 4.5 stars out of 5.
Many thanks to the publishers' Minotaur Book, Penguin Publishing Group, and Edelweiss for the ARC. ...more
For a murder mystery, An Unwanted Guest gets the setting perfectly right: A cozy lodge nestled deep in the wood, during peak weather and in the midst For a murder mystery, An Unwanted Guest gets the setting perfectly right: A cozy lodge nestled deep in the wood, during peak weather and in the midst of a snowstorm, with many interesting characters. When the weather takes a turn for the worse, and a blizzard cuts off the electricity--and all contact with the outside world--the guests settle in for the long haul. Soon, the weekend getaway turns deadly, as some unknown killer starts killing the guests one by one.
The plot may remind you of And There were None and this is the closest anyone has come to writing an Agatha Christie-style murder mystery. Though their writing styles are unique, this is a perfect example of a murder mystery done right. From the setting to the creepy atmosphere to the interesting characters (with even more interesting backstories), everything falls in place nicely to create an amazing reading experience.
Apart from the plot, the characters are very well crafted. Each character looks like a suspect and you are no closer to solving the mystery, till the very end. The pacing in this book was perfect. I felt the ending was well explained though it offers very little clues beforehand. Lapena does a great job of building suspense and leaving enough unanswered questions about each character.
The book does feel bit short on the action at times and given the atmosphere, I was expecting a lot more scares and false alarms. Also, there were no clues for the reader to put together and solve till the very end. Yet, it manages to throw a lot of suspects throughout the course of the story. The author did an excellent job with the atmosphere building which makes you feel like a part of the story.
Overall, An Unwanted Guest is a fast-paced and entertaining read. This novel has some clever twists and turns which will keep you hooked till the end. Recommended for Mystery and Thriller Fans.
Many thanks to the publishers Pamela Dorman Books, Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for the ARC. ...more
The debt between a child and her mother could never be repaid, like running a foot race against someone fifteen miles ahead of you. What hope did yThe debt between a child and her mother could never be repaid, like running a foot race against someone fifteen miles ahead of you. What hope did you have of catching up?
Darling Rose Gold is one of those stories in which you are not sure what to trust and whom to believe. As a dark and disturbing psychological thriller, it delivers an interesting and fascinating experience with a brilliantly original plot and some complex characters. In a genre full of stories of husbands and wives, Wrobel explores one of the most complicated (and least explored) mother-daughter relationship.
For the first eighteen years of her life, Rose Gold Watts believed she was seriously ill. She was allergic to everything, used a wheelchair and practically lived at the hospital. Turns out her mom, Patty Watts, is poisoning her and is sentenced to prison. After serving five years in prison, Patty gets out with nowhere to go and the entire community is shocked when Rose Gold takes her in. Patty insists she's forgiven Rose Gold testifying against her. But some old wounds never truly heal.
The story is told from both Patty and Rose Gold’s point of view alternating back and forth between past and present. Apart from an intense look at a dysfunctional mother-daughter relationship, it is also a tale of manipulation and revenge. With alternating POVs, Patty and her daughter, Rose Gold reveal the motives and it is left to the readers to figure out who is manipulating whom. The fact that it’s based on a true story makes it much creepier.
The story unfolds in layers, explaining the motivations of each character and makes the readers wanting to know more. We learn what happened with each character in the intervening 5 years, Patty’s past, and their time together once Patty is released. The story revolves mostly around Patty and Rose Gold but supporting characters also leaves a mark. The dysfunctional relationship between this mother & daughter and the resulting friction between them is intense. It’s like watching a live explosive and never knowing when it’s going to explode. A dangerous game of cat and mouse develops between them with no way of knowing who will win in the end. The fast pacing, the tense setting, and the twisted characters create a really captivating story.
Overall, Darling Rose Gold is an entertaining and engrossing thriller. If you like reading dark psychological thrillers,this one is highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publishers Berkley, Penguin Publishing Group and Edelweiss for the ARC. ...more
You Are Not Alone is an enthralling psychological thriller with an incredible storyline and some well-crafted characters. It’s a complex and emotionalYou Are Not Alone is an enthralling psychological thriller with an incredible storyline and some well-crafted characters. It’s a complex and emotional tale of friendship, manipulation, betrayal, and revenge.
With a dead-end job and an increasingly lonely life, Shay Miller is unhappy. But things become much worse for her as she watches a stranger (Amanda) commit suicide by throwing herself off in front of a moving train. Emotionally distressed Shay, who becomes fixated on Amanda, tracks down the young woman’s address and shows up at her memorial service. Shay’s presence attracts the attention of glamorous sisters Jane and Cassandra Moore, whose inner circle of women included Amanda. Soon, they invite Shay into their circle, everything seems to get better. Things keep going well for Shay and her new friends until things take a sharp turn for the worst.
Amidst the several domestic suspense stories (husband-wife-ex-wife-ex lover), this book was like a breath of fresh air. Not only was the plot unique but the characters were distinctive too. The story is narrated by different characters but Shay is the primary character. The reader gets the perspectives of various characters and their motivations of the group, which fills gaps in the story nicely. The story sets up the third act which is dramatically different from the rest of the story. The characters of Shay, Cassandra and Jane were excellently crafted and given the story revolves mostly around them, it worked nicely. The writing was excellent and the short chapters kept the plot moving along at a rapid pace.
Having said that, the story gets a little slow at times. The supporting characters apart from Cassandra and Jane rest felt one dimensional. After investing in each character’s own chapter POVs through different timelines, some of these characters are rarely used which was a bit of a disappointment. The cast of characters were also hard to keep track of at times and that made the book difficult to keep up with. The plot overall was good but the final reveal and the events leading to it feel a bit unrealistic.
Having said that, the story was really entertaining. I really enjoyed the first half of this book when the mystery was being set up and the backstories on some characters. Only the third act and the ending was a bit of a letdown.
Overall, You Are Not Alone is an entertaining and engaging thriller. If you like dark and suspenseful reads with some unique twists, you will enjoy this one. Three and a half stars
Many thanks to the publishers St. Martin's Press and Edelweiss for the ARC. ...more
Black Wave is an insightful history of Middle Eastern conflict and why the Middle East is in a state of turmoil today. Award-winning journalist and au Black Wave is an insightful history of Middle Eastern conflict and why the Middle East is in a state of turmoil today. Award-winning journalist and author Kim Ghattas argues that the turning point in the modern history of the Middle East can be located in three major events in 1979: The Iranian revolution; the siege of the Holy Mosque in Mecca; and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. Before this year, Saudi Arabia and Iran had been working allies and twin pillars of US strategy in the region - but the radical legacy of these events made them mortal enemies, unleashing a process that transformed culture, society, religion, and geopolitics across the region for decades to come.
Kim Ghattas unpacks layers of history and politics to understand the transformation of the region as a whole. With vivid storytelling, extensive historical research and on-the-ground reporting, Ghattas explore how Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran, once allies and twin pillars of US strategy in the region, became mortal enemies after 1979. She shows how the competition that went well beyond geopolitics and how this rivalry for religious and cultural supremacy has fed intolerance, encouraged violence, the creation of groups like Hezbollah and ISIS and, ultimately, destroyed the lives of millions.
Black Wave deals not only with rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia, but also Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and Egypt. The Israel-Palestine conflict plays only a supporting role. US foreign policy, often crucial to the region’s geopolitics also gets only a passing mention. The geopolitical rivalry between Iran and Saudi Arabia, two countries takes the center stage. It’s like Iran & Saudi Arabia are battling for control in a never-ending game of chess. Indeed, Black Wave is crafted like a thriller but with countries as characters in the story.
What makes the book special is that Ghattas narrates the story through the stories of a riveting cast of characters whose lives were changed completely by the geopolitical drama over four decades. These are not fictional characters but real people; from the Pakistani television anchor who defied her country’s dictator, to the Egyptian novelist thrown in jail for his writings all the way to the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018. Black Wave is both an intimate account of real-life experiences and sweeping history of the region narrated through the lives of people.
Ghattas has a distinct and free-flowing style of writing and the book does an excellent job in demystifying the complex history and geopolitics of the region. Meticulously researched and extremely readable, the book attempts to make sense of the region’s many troubles. The story keeps shifting from country to country without getting confusing. The western media has often reduced matters of extraordinary depth and complexity to a snapshot but this book attempts to decipher the complex events from several viewpoints. If you are interested in history and world events, this book is a must-read.
Many thanks to the publishers Henry Holt and Co and Macmillans and Edelweiss for the ARC. ...more
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