The book begins with tragedy. The Pine family has been found dead while vacationing in Mexico.
Matt, the son and brother, is informed of their death. The book begins with tragedy. The Pine family has been found dead while vacationing in Mexico.
Matt, the son and brother, is informed of their death. But was his family really vacationing?
That’s the big question.
The Pine family had it hard. Their oldest son Danny was convicted of killing his pregnant girlfriend. Then, moving her dead body to the creek using a wheelbarrow.
Yet the father, Ethan Pine knows in his heart, his son is not guilty and he has spent the last few years trying to prove it.
Maggie, Ethan's daughter and Matt's sister, is soon going to MIT. She is a tech whiz and is helping Ethan collect clues to prove Danny's innocence.
After Danny is taken to prison, his mother finds comfort in her new pregnancy and when Tommy is born, she dedicates her time to take care of the baby of the family.
Then all four are gone. Matt becomes the sole contact responsible to reclaim their bodies. Travelling to Mexico and realizing that something is amiss.
I thought it was a very intriguing and interesting way to tell their story. Knowing they were all dead didn’t diminish how important they were. It made my heartache to know they were all gone and Matt was all alone.
It’s hard to say anymore without letting the cat out of the box.
Each chapter captivated me and made me want to continue reading. I did guess the ending but I enjoyed the delivery.
4/5 fangs
Cliffhanger: No
A complimentary copy was provided by Minotaur Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I like how The Minders is written in the same word as The Passengers and The One.
I believe it makes sense to read the first two books to get an idea I like how The Minders is written in the same word as The Passengers and The One.
I believe it makes sense to read the first two books to get an idea of the world John Marrs has created.
This time, the Hacking Collective is ready to blackmailed countries into paying them what they want or having all their secrets revealed.
Many countries have fallen to this blackmail but the UK has not fallen yet. In order to prevent this, a new approach has been taken by the government with the help of the best scientists. With the use of a puzzle, certain humans who have synaesthesia have been selected to get the information implanted in their heads. If after five years nothing happens, they can be returned to a normal. In the meantime, they have to walk away from everything they know, they love or hurts them.
Then, one of them is murdered. And the other ones have to try to stay alive before all the secrets die with them.
At first, it was hard to follow Charlie Nicholls, Flick Kennedy, Sinéad Kelly, Bruno Yorke, and Emilia but soon I was able to keep them all straight and started rooting for one of them to survive it all.
The Minders by John Marrs is entertainment in the best possible way. Complex characters and a sense of dread and running out of time kept me reading until the end.
The idea of getting something implanted is not too crazy anymore. Same with cars that can drive themselves. The DNA match is harder for me to accept.
I wonder if we will see this world again. I hope we do.
What a powerful novel! More so since it's based on a true story, the life of Lale Sokolov while a prisoner in Auschwitz/Birkenau.
I never want to forgeWhat a powerful novel! More so since it's based on a true story, the life of Lale Sokolov while a prisoner in Auschwitz/Birkenau.
I never want to forget about the Holocaust and fiction books based on it are always found on the top of my TBR. I've read many non-fiction books about it over the years and I'm always affected by the lack of humanity by the nazis and the perseverance of the imprisoned.
Lale Sokolov was taken in April 1942 when he was a young man. He was living with his parents in Krompachy, Slovakia when his sister brings a poster her boss had given her to place in the shop window. The announcement said that each Jewish family had to give up a son aged eighteen or older to work for the Germans. Lale surrenders himself instead of his older brother Max and he's taken to Auschwitz/Birkenau.
After arriving, Lale makes a promise that he will survive whatever the concentration camp sends his way. With his knowledge of different languages, he's soon placed to become the Tatowierer. It takes pieces of his soul to mark other human beings but he is just doing what all prisoners were trying to do: to survive.
As the Tatowierer, he has more food rations and he can move more freely. He becomes involved in exchanging jewels and money (found on dead prisoners) for food and medications and he starts helping whoever he can.
Lale also falls in love with Gita. The first time he sees her is when he has to tattoo her arm with the number 34902.
What follows is a tale of horror, sacrifice, and hope.
I wonder how many people were able to live one more day with the help of Lale. He took a huge risk over and over again to help others. He was forced to do the job he hated. He had no other choice but he found a silver lining in hell.
(view spoiler)[I'm glad Lale decided to tell his story and talked to the author. She went to see him for three years to gather all the information of what he remembered, which if I go by the author's notes at the end of the book, was a lot and quite clearly. He did it so it could never be repeated. It also makes me happy that he and Gita had a long life full of love. (hide spoiler)]
The Tattoist of Auschwitz is a story of perseverance and determination in a moment in history where giving up was the expected path.
Lucas Davenport is called to deal with a new case, the murder of Alie'e Maison, one of the most famous models. She has been choked to death at a partyLucas Davenport is called to deal with a new case, the murder of Alie'e Maison, one of the most famous models. She has been choked to death at a party after ingesting drugs and having sex with two other women.
Lucas arrives at the scene of the crime and his mind is starting to create a suspect list when a second body is discovered stuffed in a closet. The second body is of another woman. The murder of the young model makes no sense and Lucas's radar starts working non-stop to find the killer of these two women.
In the midst of the investigation, Lucas's romantic life is being pulled from three different angles.
Catrin is his ex-girlfriend from college who is going through a midlife crisis. She is not sure she can continue to stay in her marriage and Lucas might be a nice distraction.
Weather, his recent ex, and the woman he fell in love with. Losing her sent him into almost another depressive episode and a chance at having her back in his life, for good this time, is not something he won't consider.
Lastly, there is a new kid on the block. Jael an ex-model who is part of the current investigation. Someone who intrigues him. Who's a little dangerous herself.
As a whole, this book is not my favorite. I like the last two much more. The action, the bad guys, the resolution were more intriguing than what Easy Prey gave me. What I do love is the camaraderie between the team, the jokes, the little things I have come to appreciate from all the different characters. That's not to say I wasn't worried about a character in particular and I was going to be so upset if the author went the wrong way with it. Glad he didn't ruin it for me.
In regards to Lucas's love life, it is still a mess. He is a mess. I don't think he can be faithful. His mind is always pulling him towards disaster.
As soon as I finished the first book, I had to open book two.
Poppy is taken against her will by Castiel. She has been deceived and now she’s in the aAs soon as I finished the first book, I had to open book two.
Poppy is taken against her will by Castiel. She has been deceived and now she’s in the arms of the Dark One. The one she was never to meet.
Poppy wants her freedom, she wants to find her brother and find out what happened to him. Has he ascended? Will he still care for Poppy? Or instead, a cold and flat stare is all that awaits her? Nonetheless, she is forced to go with Castiel away from the only family she has left.
Traveling to Atlantia is not easy. Many things happened on the way. Many are not happy to see the Maiden in their territory and trying to dispose of her and what she represents is always lurking in the shadows.
Castiel has promised to protect her from everyone but can he go against his family and subjects?
The second installment was a little more predictable. I still love Poppy and Castiel together. I also love Kurien so much. I do worry about the joining and I hope it’s a tasteful one.
As much as I liked it, I didn't enjoy how repetitive it becomes in certain aspects. Example: Poppy trying to stab Castiel all the time. It got quite old. Her behavior was immature and she was acting without thinking first.
I didn’t care when they made fun of Poppy for asking questions. She was entitled to knowledge. Otherwise, there were none better than the Duke and Duchess.
Lastly, some parts were not exactly boring but less exciting. It made me feel like nothing was happening.
The ending is another cliffhanger but It’s an amazing one.
I want the third book in my hands now. I’m desperate to read it and see where it leads.
I’m going to predict that Allistar is evil. Who’s with me ??
What a delightful and innovative storyline! Nothing like an assassin who doesn't want to be one.
Finlay Donovan is going through a rough time. Her ex-hWhat a delightful and innovative storyline! Nothing like an assassin who doesn't want to be one.
Finlay Donovan is going through a rough time. Her ex-husband cheated, got engaged to their realtor and now it’s trying to take custody of their two kids. Finlay's financial situation is dire. She can’t pay her bills!
Finlay is a writer but since her divorce, she has not been able to write a word. She already used the advance she was given. If she doesn't deliver a new book, her suspense writing dream is over and she will lose her kids for sure.
Then while meeting her literary agent at Panera, the woman next to them (Patricia Mickler) started eavesdropping on their conversation and she misinterprets what Finlay and her agent were discussing. Next thing you know, Mrs. Mickler leaves a message with a phone number. When Finlay calls, Patricia is offering fifty thousand dollars in exchange for Finlay disposing of her husband.
This book was unputabledown. It was refreshing. I was entertained throughout!
I was also anxious about Finlay getting over her head. The one saving grace was Vero. I want a Vero in my life. She was the perfect babysitter and friend anyone should have.
I love Finlay too. She was stuck in a hard place and did what she thought needed to be done. Of course, her decisions were mostly wrong and led to even more trouble for her and Vero.
The best part was the ending. I loved it.
Grab this gem when you need a distraction, it will make laugh and hopefully root for her as I did.
Anders is a reporter but he wants to become a famous podcaster like the one who made Serial. He goes to Frick IsBittersweet story with a good message!
Anders is a reporter but he wants to become a famous podcaster like the one who made Serial. He goes to Frick Island on an assignment. It’s the yearly Cake Walk. After doing his interviews, he stops by the One-Eyed-Crab to get a bite to eat when a beautiful young woman enters the place. After arming himself with courage, he walks toward her and asks her if he can sit with her. The woman's name is Piper and she tells him absolutely not. She is married.
After leaving the island, Anders gets an email from someone who tells him that he missed the Island's big story. He returns to the island and he learns that Piper's husband, Tom is dead but that Piper believes he's still with her. The whole island is happy to continue her delusion and they continue to talk or say hi to "Tom".
Anders spidey senses go crazy, he knows he has hit the jackpot of a story. He hopes that doing a podcast about Piper is going to make him get more listeners and finally his podcast can take off.
But what happens when your subject starts captivating your heart?
And what will happen when Piper finds out the truth about what Anders is really doing?
Just as Anders, my notions and objections about Frick Island started melting away. The island and its occupants were quite entertaining. A tight group of people who knew everything about each other. I like how Anders started gaining the favor of the island inhabitants. He started doing things for others and they went from tolerating him to actually looking forward to seeing him.
It was so sad to see Pipers' denial. It has to be devastating to lose your partner, your first and only love so young. I felt sad and my heart broke for her and her loss. I wasn't sure how much her denial was going to affect her psyche.
Also, I learned to love Anders. I loved his quirkiness. In general, he was a nice guy and his shortcomings made him more real to me. His character development was well done.
I liked many of the messages the author gives us: To learn about other people before scratching them from your life. To be more tolerable. To be more helpful. Understand that people grieve in different ways. To open up to others. After all, "no man is an island".
4/5 fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Berkley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Caroline Ferriday was a real person. A devoted philanthropist who felt compelled to help others. One of the most important aWhat an interesting story!
Caroline Ferriday was a real person. A devoted philanthropist who felt compelled to help others. One of the most important achievements of her life was to help with the ones called "Rabbits".
The Rabbits were the Polish women who were taken into the largest all-female concentration camp in Ravensbrück and who many surgical procedures were performed against their will. Many different surgeries were done including sterilization and introducing different materials like dirt, glass, and bacterial cultures into their legs to promote infection and to test the efficacy of sulfa drugs. More than half of the Rabbits died from these experiments. The 35 Ravensbrück Rabbit survivors suffered from chronic pain, infections, and inability to walk. After the war and over the years, no one helped them until Caroline Ferriday learned about them and she made sure the USA learned about them too. Then, the Rabbits came to America and got the reconstructive surgery and treatment they needed all at no cost to them.
I was so engrossed in the story and it's three narrators.
Caroline Ferriday: almost as her true self. A socialite who dedicates her time to a cause while working (for free) at the French Consulate in New York when the war begins. She helps deliver packages for children in different orphanages in France.
Kasia: A young Polish girl at the beginning of the war who as part of the underground resistance is found out and is taken to Ravensbrück in the company of her mother, a nurse, and her sister, a physician.
Herta Oberheuser: she's a german surgeon who believes blindly in Hitler. She takes the job at Ravensbruck and despite being the only female doctor she has no qualms in running the experiments on the Polish women.
Lilac Girls was sad and horrifying but it also exhibited hope, love, empathy, and the will to survive against all odds.
As a reader, one thing I know for sure is that I won’t be disappointed by Alessandra’s work.
Her writing was flawless in Every Last Secret. I sped thrAs a reader, one thing I know for sure is that I won’t be disappointed by Alessandra’s work.
Her writing was flawless in Every Last Secret. I sped through the pages like my life depended on it. Nothing was more important than knowing what was going to happen next.
This is the story of two very different women, Neena Ryder and Cat Winthorpe. Each can tell the other one might be a problem. The battle has begun and only one will win it.
In one corner we have Neena Ryder. Neena is the new company's life coach hired by Cat's husband William. Neena comes from nothing and although she has loved her husband Matt, she is now ready for an upgrade. Neena is ambitious and she doesn't believe Matt's demolition business can compete with the money some of her new neighbors have. William her new boss, is a hunky man. He is rich, powerful, and connected. Success is something Neena is attracted to and what she believes she deserves to have.
Neena will begin a seduction plan to win William. Her ultimate goal is to make William fall for her.
On the other corner, we have Cat. She seems to have everything. A handsome husband, his love, a beautiful home, and plenty of money to spend as she pleases. After meeting Neena, she knows the woman wants more in life but in the beginning, Cat is very sure of Williams's loyalty. Once Cat realizes that Neena is interested in him as a man, and William is not as responsive to Cat's needs anymore, the game is on.
I honestly can say that I love to see these two women sparring. They were playing chess and I couldn't wait to see how one would outdo the other one and checkmate was called. My money was on Cat. Quiet, organized, and lethal in her own way. (I wouldn't cross her.) Yet, Neena had the street smarts and the Ph.D. which helped with her manipulations.
Was the ending too good to be true? Maybe, but I'm not complaining.
The next question is when is another A.R. Torre book coming out?
I enjoyed this one so much! Yes, the ending was an unbelievable one but I went with it.
Too Good To Be True was a page-turner suspense with a great twI enjoyed this one so much! Yes, the ending was an unbelievable one but I went with it.
Too Good To Be True was a page-turner suspense with a great twist that I did not see coming. I actually had an "Oh wow" moment.
Skye Starling is a young woman who is working as an editor. She is also a very rich woman. She has a trust that would make anyone more than comfortable in life. Yet, even though it looks like she has everything or she could buy it if she wanted to, she is unlucky in love. She has OCD and is unable to stop her compulsions of knocking on all pieces of wood or kissing clocks. So the men she has met so far, fall short 100%. Some of them total losers for sure. And then, Skye meets Burke Michaels.
Burke is a man in his forties. He looks like a successful businessman who is also handsome and interesting. He is a recovering addict who doesn't hide it. Burke doesn't care about Skye's compulsions. He understands her. There is of course one tiny problem. He is already married!!!
I think that in order to get the maximum enjoyment of Too Good To Be True, is to not read the blurb. It has way too much information and since I went in blind, I had a blast reading it.
Skye had all my sympathy. Dealing with a debilitating OCD is hard. Her meds were not completely useful but at least her therapist was a great one.
I won't comment on Burke because I don't want to give out any spoilers. Just know my friends that you might want to have an open mind about the ending.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
What makes a book a great book? Is it writing? Is it the premise? Is it the characters? Or is it the author's voice? I don't know but I can
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What makes a book a great book? Is it writing? Is it the premise? Is it the characters? Or is it the author's voice? I don't know but I can tell you, I thought the Malibu Rising checked all the boxes above. It was superb!
I had so much fun with the multiple storylines which is weird because usually I’m against too many characters moving around all over the place. Nevertheless, in this case, it completely worked for me.
Let's meet the Rivas:
Mick Rivas, the father, an unfaithful man, a famous rock star. A sperm donor who has four children and a trail of ex-wives and broken hearts.
Nina, the oldest daughter. A supermodel. The one who made all the sacrifices for her siblings. The one that took over their care without thinking about herself. Her husband left her and she is not even sure how is she going to deal with the upcoming party.
Hud, the surfer photographer who's keeping a big secret from his brother, Jay.
Jay, the well-known surfer who has a secret of his own.
Kitt, the youngest daughter. The road to self-discovery has began, What better way to do it than during the famous Rivas party.
Is the 1980s and everyone wants to go to the party of the year! Everyone and anyone who is someone wants to attend the Rivas party. And what a PARTY it is. There is no invitation. The only condition to be a guest is to know the address. If you do, you can show up and have the time of your life. Or not....
Over the years, the Rivas party has become the one event the siblings enjoy together. Yet, this year things are going to be different.
I love all the Rivas kids. They had an unbreakable bond and surfing was their glue.
Of course, I had a soft spot for Nina.
I can't finish my review without mentioning the beautiful cover. I love it. It's perfect for these characters. I already preordered my copy.
**spoiler alert** This was a massive disappointment.
I’m a huge fan of Sandra Brown’s work but this book is, by all means, my least favorite.
To be hon**spoiler alert** This was a massive disappointment.
I’m a huge fan of Sandra Brown’s work but this book is, by all means, my least favorite.
To be honest, I can’t believe she wrote this. Although, she did write it in the 1980s.
The Best Kept Secrets is about Alexandra Gaither, a lawyer who comes to her birth town to uncover the truth about her mother’s murder when she was a baby.
Celina, Alex's mother, was stabbed to death in a barn stable and a man, Gooney Bud, who had a learning disability was blamed for it. Alex is sure this is not the case since the doctor who treated the man said he never showed any aggressive behavior and in his professional opinion, he had no doubt he was innocent.
Meet the suspects:
Angus, the patriarch. Junior, his son, the charmer. Reede, the town’s Sheriff and Celina's ex-boyfriend.
Alex wants justice and she has been given a month to prove it.
I found many things wrong with this book. Let me share a few of my thoughts:
First, the men and the treatment of women:
Angus has sex with his unwilling wife while thinking about his mistress.
"That she responded to him out of a sense of obligation rather than passion didn't stop him from wanting her; it might even have enhanced his desire. Angus enjoyed a challenge."
"She winced slightly when he entered her. He pretended not to see her grimace. He tried not to sweat or make a sound or do anything that she would consider nasty and unpleasant. He saved all his raunchiness for the widow lady he supported in the neighboring county."
Junior has sex with his ex-wife in a rough manner and feels elated that he has power over her and that he is hurting her, so basically rape.
"Her dismay, her debasement made him feel powerful. His release came from subjugating her, not from the sex itself."
The hero of the story, Reed, throws disgusting comments at the heroine all the time. Also, he's having sex with the town’s madam while he shows interest in the heroine. Lastly, he was Celina's boyfriend but he has no problem having sex with Alex despite having known her as a baby.
"You thought I was hot enough last night," he sneered. "Or did you stay a technical virgin this long by going down on all your dates?"
I’m shaking my head. How can anyone think he was romantic?
Second, the heroine:
Alex is immediately taken by the Sheriff despite his nasty attitude towards her. He’s rude, arrogant, dismissive, and aggressive with her. Yet, she has stars in her eyes from the moment she meets him. Furthermore, Alex is self-serving, immature, and a push-over.
I won't ever understand the premise that because he mistreats you, he must love you. Alex kept on coming back to Reede and pretty much has to beg him to tell her he loves her. Give me a break!
Third, the mystery surrounding Celina’s death:
The killer was a no-brainer. It was spelled in big letters if you ask me.
I have no idea how I was able to finish this book. So many times I wanted to DNF it.
I’m glad I’m done with this backwoods place and all these cruel men.
Charming and sweet is the best way to describe this book.
Nothing better than a nice story to lift your spirits and I believe Chloe James achieved t3.5
Charming and sweet is the best way to describe this book.
Nothing better than a nice story to lift your spirits and I believe Chloe James achieved this with Love in Lockdown.
Sophia Trent and Jack Stanton are living in the same building without ever meeting in person. Jack has some health issues and he’s unable to leave his apartment during the pandemic lockdown. Sophia, on the other hand, is able to continue with her job as a teacher. She studied law but after developing epilepsy she gave up her career and now works with kids. Due to her illness, her boyfriend of five years didn’t want to stay with her.
One day after that NHS clapping, she becomes emotional and starts crying. Jack who lives above Sophia can hear her and they strike a conversation. Soon this becomes the norm. Sophia sends treats his way, while he sends special cocktails using a box and rope to her apartment balcony. Together, this duo and with the help of WhatsApp start helping their courtyard community.
Love in Lockdown brings some solid points about the pandemic including mental health issues that can arise from isolation, the need to help the elderly and other vulnerable populations, the importance of telemedicine and exhaustion of the healthcare workers, the need for teachers to help kids during these dire times.
My one complaint about the book would be the ending, I felt it needed more. Something was missing in the romance department.
3.5/5 fangs
Cliffhanger: No
A complimentary copy was provided by Avon UK via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Was the premise a good one? Absolutely. Twins (mirror twins) almost conjoined twins **spoiler alert** SPOILERS!!
All that for it to end this way! Arrgh
Was the premise a good one? Absolutely. Twins (mirror twins) almost conjoined twins if they had stayed a little longer in the womb: Summer and Iris are the main topic of discussion.
Summer with all her perfect body and Iris with her dextrocardia and other organs on her right side instead of her left.
Summer, the sweet perfect twin while Iris, full of envy and freaky-how-I-imitate-my twin behavior.
Summer with the perfect husband, Adam. Iris with a failed marriage to Noah.
Then, of course, there is the money. The twins' father's revealed a bomb when the girls were just teenagers. Whoever delivers a new child after they marry will be the sole proprietor of the Carmichael fortune. Unfortunately, the twins are not the only ones that can inherit. They have stepsiblings and their brother to compete for it.
__
Poor Iris. She never got a chance. What the heck Ben, you couldn't tell them apart? Moron. And poor Ester, you know Summer is going to find a way to get rid of her.
Did I guess the twists? Yes, from the beginning. I knew Summer was alive and not pregnant. I also guessed that Adam was in on it. I knew they wanted Iris's baby but I was hoping Summer wouldn't get away with it.
Iris had all this growth as a person, as a daughter, as a stepmother, and as a mother. Why let her die?
Summer had no growth just plain evil. A psychopath dreaming of crocodiles killing her victims.
Was the book a good one?
Oh yeah, the suspense was killing me. It was a race to answer the one question I had. Was Iris going to be a victim or a survivor?
Adam you conniving bastard with your freaky sex! What an arse! Hope Summer kills you too.
Do I feel strongly about the emotions The Girl in the Mirror brought out in me?
Yep, I had many.
I will read anything Rose Carlyle writes from now on.
Back in Lucas Davenport's world, two women are going to make his life quite interesting.
The assassination of attorney Hale Allen's wife and subsequentBack in Lucas Davenport's world, two women are going to make his life quite interesting.
The assassination of attorney Hale Allen's wife and subsequent police officer's death will bring Lucas and his squad to dig deeper. At first, everything points to Hale Allen but there is just one problem, the man is too dumb to have planned it.
Allens wife's murder is a perfectly executed hit with a 22 by Clara Rinker, a professional hitwoman and when the FBI comes calling and wanting a piece of the action, Lucas knows this case is bigger than he thought. He also suspects that attorney Carmel Loan is involved in all this and he will do everything in his power to prove it. Although this time, the brains and the beauty might get away with it.
I have come to enjoy Lucas et al. Yes, he breaks the law and does dubious things and might be a psychopath himself but he entertains me throughout. The secondary characters are by now so well known to me that is like visiting family. I want to know what they are up to since the last book.
I love seeing how Lucas's mind works, how he unfolds the mystery for the reader to follow. As for his personal life, he's a mess. He's still a womanizer but I have come to terms with his douchery.
My thoughts on the ladies: Carmel was not very likable but she was all sorts of smart. On the other hand, I really liked Clara. She was a perfect antagonist. Too bad she can be a Lucas' love interest since he might not last long with such a professional next to him and also there is the little issue of her having killed quite a few people already. Pfft.
No, it's not a quote from the book. It’s me wishing this book had snatched my attention but regrettably, I had a hard time liking this one.
My maSorry.
No, it's not a quote from the book. It’s me wishing this book had snatched my attention but regrettably, I had a hard time liking this one.
My main problem with The Perfect Father is that I disliked both main characters. They were selfish, egotistical, and to a point not quite believable.
The novel begins with a successful businesswoman, Esther, receiving a cryptic message from her husband, Robin. Ester immediately knows something is wrong. She hurries home to talk to her husband, to see her 2-year-old baby, Riley, and to reassure herself that there is nothing wrong.
Robin is a stay at home dad. After Riley was born, Esther returned to work as the sole breadwinner which is nothing new, since Robin has not had a stable job since Esther met him.
When Esther arrives home, there is no sign of Robin or Riley. Her husband has taken her. Why and for what purpose? Esther doesn't know. She's desperate but she has no clue where to start looking.
Then, the police come knocking.
Through past and present passages, and with Esther and Robin voicing their parts, we learn about all the lies, deceits, and unforgivable behaviors.
I didn’t like Robin from the very beginning. I thought he was despicable. In my opinion, there was not a trace of antihero or a drop of redeemability in him.
Cliffhanger: No
2/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Quercus Books via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Usually, when I read a book, I read it all in one sitting. I like to know what happens. Well, this is one of those few times whenCreepy. Oh so creepy!
Usually, when I read a book, I read it all in one sitting. I like to know what happens. Well, this is one of those few times when I had to put the book away. It happened around the 50% mark. I got so spooked that I couldn’t continue reading.
The story is an interesting one. Famous springs that are whispered to grant wishes. Sick people getting better after bathing or drinking the spring water. However, there is a price to pay.
Are you willing to pay the price?
The Drowning Kind has two timelines.
One is told by Ethel O' Shay Monroe. Ethel is a young woman who recently married a doctor. She has a happy marriage except that she's having fertility issues. She wants nothing more than to become a mother but despite trying, no baby is making an appearance. Her husband plans a visit to a grand new hotel and their miracle springs, Brandenburg Springs Hotel and Resort in Vermont. Ethel starts to believe that the springs could be the answer for them.
The other timeline is told by Jax in 2019. Jax is a social worker who has to travel to her grandmother's home, Sparrow Crest, after finding out that her estranged sister, Lex, has drowned in the pool. Jax feels guilty since she purposely stayed away from her sister who was bipolar.
Eery and suspenseful is the best way I can describe this novel. I was wondering how the two timelines could intersect.
Many times, I found myself thinking get away from the freaking water!! Why won’t they listen??
After reading this, I think I might not go into my pool for a while. Never in the dark. Never along.
Cliffhanger: No
4/5 Fangs
A complimentary copy was provided by Gallery via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
So where do you go when you had plastic surgery and Witness protection has to place you somewhere in the States? Well, yoMy curiosity has been piqued.
So where do you go when you had plastic surgery and Witness protection has to place you somewhere in the States? Well, you move to Black Rock Falls, Montana of course.
David Kane is the new Deputy Sheriff at Black Rock Falls. The first night he gets there, he's witness to a car accident. A truck has tried to run over a car. To his surprise, he discovers that the victim's car is none other than his new boss, Sheriff Alton.
Sheriff Alton is not what he was expecting. She seems too young for her job however she's very confident and knowledgeable. He also believes she's hiding something or hiding from someone.
His job is also not what he was expecting. He was expecting to relax in a new town without major drama but he soon discovers that the town is full of surprises. Two people have gone missing without a trace and then a body is found at the garbage dump. It's up to him and Sheriff Alton to discover the truth behind these disappearances.
I really like the beginning of this series. I thought both characters were very likable and interesting. Both were hiding in plain sight and you know that at some point their past is going to come looking for them.
I'm intrigued, so I will continue reading the next installment.
First off, I love Loreth Ann White's books. She is a must-buy for me. Her books always flow naturally and take me to a big reveal that inevitably leavFirst off, I love Loreth Ann White's books. She is a must-buy for me. Her books always flow naturally and take me to a big reveal that inevitably leaves me with my mouth wide open.
In the Deep, Mrs. White brings to life a very broken female character, Ellie.
Ellie Tyler is the well-known heiress of the Hartley empire in Canada. When the story begins, she has been invited to dinner by her father at their hotel. After having a blow-up with him, she and her friend Dana, decide to start drinking at the bar. After Dana leaves, Ellie is going to the lady's room when she meets a man that makes her feel alive again. After a short courtship, Ellie marries Martin Cresswell-Smith and move to Australia to start a new life.
Ellie's past has not been a bed full of roses. Her mother committed suicide when Ellie was nine. Her father lacked empathy. Her daughter, who was just three years old, drowned at sea. Her first husband cheated, sending her into the path of benzodiazepines, alcohol, and a very public mental breakdown which ends with her being institutionalized.
After meeting Martin, Ellie believes she can finally achieve some well-deserved happiness.
But just a few months into their marriage, Martin is found tortured and murdered and the prime suspect is none other than Mrs. Martin Cresswell-Smith. The jury must decide if she is guilty or not.
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Ellie frustrated me. Between her lorazepam and her drinking, she was a lost cause. It irritated me to no end that she was never sure of what was happening around her or to her since she repeatedly was in a benzo and booze stupor. She was unreliable, I wanted to shake her and scream at her: "pay attention, you dimwit."
As always, between a masterful scenery description and a hard to put down storyline, Mrs. White has created another excellent book with an OMGosh twist.
In my opinion and If I want to be hypercritical, I would say that the last scene with Senior Constable Lozza Bianchi was unnecessary.
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