Holy cow! This prologue is explosive and and jumps right into the brutal details! And the tension stays To be released just before Valentine’s Day!!
Holy cow! This prologue is explosive and and jumps right into the brutal details! And the tension stays elevated through the entire book. Loved it!
“I’m not a monster. But I do kill people, have been for more than two decades. Mostly, I’m doing the world a favor.”
This is Book #1 in a new series from Jenna Kernan. I almost skipped over this one, because I’m not a fan of series. Some of them go on forever, plus you have the wait between book releases...too much stress, lol. And I already have so many books on my TBR list. So glad I didn’t!
Dr. Finch is a forensic psychologist, who happens to have a serial killer for a mother. Although this isn’t common knowledge among her coworkers. She’s changed her name and worked very hard to keep her personal history a secret. But someone knows, and is threatening to expose her...someone she works with.
Ms. Kernan’s comparison to Karin Slaughter is spot on! This thriller is excellently written...but vivid, grisly and descriptive. Reader beware!
There was a touch of romance between the two main characters, but nothing overly mushy. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about Dr. Finch and Detective Demko!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jenna Kernan and Bookouture for this free digital ARC, in exchange for my honest opinion!
My Rating: 4.5 ⭐️’s (rounding up) Published: February 11th 2021 by Bookouture Pages: 397 Recommend: Yes
Holy cow! This prologue is explosive and and jumps right into the brutal details! And the tension stays elevated through the entire book. Loved it!
“I’m not a monster. But I do kill people, have been for more than two decades. Mostly, I’m doing the world a favor.”
This is Book #1 in a new series from Jenna Kernan. I almost skipped over this one, because I’m not a fan of series. Some of them go on forever, plus you have the wait between book releases...too much stress, lol. And I already have so many books on my TBR list. So glad I didn’t!
Dr. Finch is a forensic psychologist, who happens to have a serial killer for a mother. Although this isn’t common knowledge among her coworkers. She’s changed her name and worked very hard to keep her personal history a secret. But someone knows, and is threatening to expose her...someone she works with.
Ms. Kernan’s comparison to Karin Slaughter is spot on! This thriller is excellently written...but vivid, grisly and descriptive. Reader beware!
There was a touch of romance between the two main characters, but nothing overly mushy. I’m definitely looking forward to reading more about Dr. Finch and Detective Demko!
Thank you to NetGalley, Jenna Kernan and Bookouture for this free digital ARC, in exchange for my honest opinion!
My Rating: 4.5 ⭐️’s (rounding up) Published: February 11th 2021 by Bookouture Pages: 397 Recommend: Yes
Everyone has secrets in this who-dunnit mystery/suspense!
I read “The Hunting Party” and loved it, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Foley’s newestEveryone has secrets in this who-dunnit mystery/suspense!
I read “The Hunting Party” and loved it, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Foley’s newest thriller. There is definitely a similarity between the two and I’m not sure which one I liked better.
Foley is wonderful at transforming a remote setting into the perfect murder site...very chilling and eerie. She also likes to keep it interesting by gathering an ill-matched group. Like her previous book, this one slowly builds up tension, so by the time you get to the last 10%, you can’t read fast enough! The secrets and twists that come out in that last bit make the book worth reading.
It’s narrated in various POV’s - the main characters in the wedding party. Each chapter builds up suspense and leaves you hanging, then goes on to another narrator. There were many times when I stayed up reading too late because it was hard to find a good stopping point!
I won’t go into too many specifics. You can find those in the book description or other reviews. I will say that I found Will’s ushers and best man, who were old school mates, to be an interesting bunch. Just add a little liquor (and drugs) and these “adult, professional men” returned to their boyish antics and shenanigans...so typical and realistic
Merged review:
Everyone has secrets in this who-dunnit mystery/suspense!
I read “The Hunting Party” and loved it, so I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Foley’s newest thriller. There is definitely a similarity between the two and I’m not sure which one I liked better.
Foley is wonderful at transforming a remote setting into the perfect murder site...very chilling and eerie. She also likes to keep it interesting by gathering an ill-matched group. Like her previous book, this one slowly builds up tension, so by the time you get to the last 10%, you can’t read fast enough! The secrets and twists that come out in that last bit make the book worth reading.
It’s narrated in various POV’s - the main characters in the wedding party. Each chapter builds up suspense and leaves you hanging, then goes on to another narrator. There were many times when I stayed up reading too late because it was hard to find a good stopping point!
I won’t go into too many specifics. You can find those in the book description or other reviews. I will say that I found Will’s ushers and best man, who were old school mates, to be an interesting bunch. Just add a little liquor (and drugs) and these “adult, professional men” returned to their boyish antics and shenanigans...so typical and realistic...more
This is an intriguing must-read! Several things drew me to my latest thriller by Marie Rutkoski. I’ve never read or heard of her before and I love tryThis is an intriguing must-read! Several things drew me to my latest thriller by Marie Rutkoski. I’ve never read or heard of her before and I love trying new authors; the location, I lived in a suburb of Chicago; the fact that the author wrote on personal experience; and the awesome cover. Who couldn’t love that cover!?
Samantha is one of the most fascinating characters I’ve read about in a long time. She doesn’t have an easy life, but she’s grateful for what she has, and she is a remarkable stepmother to Rosie.
The story is very character-driven and pulled me into the lives of these strippers immediately. And, of course, the serial killer helped, also. The only part I didn’t thoroughly enjoy was that it made me teary-eyed. Thrillers are not supposed to make you weepy, haha. But the story is perfect and I wouldn’t want it to end any other way.
I listened to the audiobook and the narration was wonderful. It included an interview between the narrator and author at the end that readers need to listen to. It explains how the author chose the title and is quite interesting.
A great book to wind down from 2021!
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan Audio for this ARC. This review is my honest opinion.
“The truth was, the past hadn’t made me a victim like everyone thought; I think it made me a monster.”
So many twists, I can't count them all! I wa“The truth was, the past hadn’t made me a victim like everyone thought; I think it made me a monster.”
So many twists, I can't count them all! I was excited to grab another opportunity to listen to a Kiersten Modglin audiobook and I wasn't sorry. KMod’s edge-of-your-seat thrillers never disappoint. After reading the first part of the synopsis, I couldn't pass this one up:
“Five years ago, the residents of the Gerbera subdivision in the small town of Fallen Oaks were brutally murdered in their beds. The only survivors, now called The Fallen Oaks Five, were children—practically strangers at the time, forever connected by the weight of all they witnessed”
I love captivating and thrilling first chapters and this one is a doozy! It's so suspenseful, it will take your breath away! You literally can't stop reading.
They are The Fallen Oaks Five and they are survivors. Physically, anyway. Their entire subdivision was slaughtered, except for these resilient five children that managed to escape. Leaving their families behind to face the monsters that came in the night.
Five years later and someone thinks it's their turn.
”Two little daisies, ready to pluck. We're coming for you, daisies, don't count on your luck.”
Sincere thanks to OrangeSky Audio for providing this audiobook through NetGalley. I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
If you’re like me, you want to find out as much as you can about your ancestors. But it’s hard to know where to begin.
This isn’t an in-depth book, onIf you’re like me, you want to find out as much as you can about your ancestors. But it’s hard to know where to begin.
This isn’t an in-depth book, only the basics as the title suggests. But it’s a great book that has enough information to get you started on your search. And it’s a simple and quick read that is definitely worth checking out!
Thank you NetGalley and i30 Media Corp for this eARC. I’m voluntarily leaving my honest opinion....more
A...M...A...Z...I...N…G!! This was a dark and disturbing psychological thriller, and I loved every page! I’ve only read three of Whelan’s books, but tA...M...A...Z...I...N…G!! This was a dark and disturbing psychological thriller, and I loved every page! I’ve only read three of Whelan’s books, but they’ve all been 5-star-reads and I was addicted after the first one. I automatically request her upcoming books as soon as I see them on NetGalley, without reading the synopsis. She’s that good!
The book starts off with the violent murder of a mini cow named George. I know…I hate animal abuse and murder, too. It also contains scenes of rape and humiliation. If this one is too disturbing for you, try one of her others. She’s an excellent author that I highly recommend!
Jennifer is an influencer, and her life sounds amazing. She’s recently divorced, has three children and a new boyfriend that just moved in with her and her kids. Tyler is younger than her and still living with his mother when they started dating. I wasn’t a big fan. He’s trying to impress her and the kids, and show off for the ex-husband, so he plans a long weekend away for the family. Four days in Montana spent in a secluded yurt, with no phone service or internet. No one is particularly excited about the trip, especially since Tyler is not a skilled outdoorsman.
I don’t think this trip could have turned out any worse. I’m not a big fan of camping. I like my luxuries…a warm shower, comfy bed, running water, etc. After reading this, I don’t know if I’d feel safe in a secluded cabin, even with all the amenities of home!!
The excitement starts early and the tension stays high the entire time. And....WOW....that ending! What a shocker!
Huge thanks to NetGalley, Burbank Books and A.B. Whelan. I received an ARC and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The simple, but sleek, cover caught my eye, and my quick glance at the blurb sealed the deal on this one. It wasn’t exactly a creepy read, but it’s anThe simple, but sleek, cover caught my eye, and my quick glance at the blurb sealed the deal on this one. It wasn’t exactly a creepy read, but it’s an ARC that publishes Nov 3, 2021, so I needed to squeeze it in.
I started by reading this one on my kindle and finished up by listening to the audiobook. The kindle read was a little slow-going for me. There were some lulls and it was hard to stay focused at times. I’m so happy I was able to get the audiobook from #NetGalley. Once I started listening to the audio, I had the book finished up in no time. I’ve found it’s usually easier to relate to the characters when I hear their voice! I recommend the audio version of this one.
Lily takes on more than she bargained for after taking a private tutoring job. Within months she’s married to her employer, living in a gorgeous house, with no money worries. Edward is a handsome widower, but I found him creepy and unlikeable! Although her new stepson is adorable, he’s also very anxious. Noah has secrets that he shares with Lily, but he keeps them from everyone else, including his father. I liked Lily but was irritated with the way she handled this situation.
Huge thanks to #netgalley / #bookouture / #jessryder for this ARC. I am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.
Yes, this is the start of another book series! And although I don’t care for them, I've decided audiobook is the way to go. If I could listen to a whoYes, this is the start of another book series! And although I don’t care for them, I've decided audiobook is the way to go. If I could listen to a whole series at once, it would be heaven. I’d feel like I was binge-watching a Netflix series, lol!
This is Boyle & Keneally #1 and if you like ritualistic murders, creepy serial killers, and disturbing mythology, you need to read this one! The narrator and the two mismatched detectives were excellent.
There is too much to this story to give a clear picture of what kind of a wild ride you are in for, but I highly recommend this one! Dunphy is a new-to-me author and his writing is extraordinary. There wasn’t a boring moment!
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
You meet the love of your life and start receiving messages telling you he’s a murderer. What do you do? Dump him or help him? Natalie doesn’t know JoYou meet the love of your life and start receiving messages telling you he’s a murderer. What do you do? Dump him or help him? Natalie doesn’t know Josh very well. They only knew each other a short time before he proposed, but it felt so right. She was so happy. Until her Vlog followers start attacking her and accusing Josh of being a murderer. Then turn their vicious comments towards her.
Since her car accident, which left her with facial scars that ended her modeling career, Natalie has worked for her SIL as a wedding planner. But it was her Vlog she was most proud of because it helped ease the pain of the accident and losing her career.
Natalie was a strong character, despite everything she’s been through. I admired that. But Josh spent most of his time feeling sorry for himself. All his sniveling got tiring. Several twists were slightly predictable. If I didn’t read so many thrillers, I probably would have been shocked by some of the events.
I didn’t appreciate the narration as much as some readers did and this is the only NetGalley audiobook I’ve had issues listening to. I almost gave up because of that and the book probably would have been more enjoyable without those issues.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Audio. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My Rating: 3.5 ⭐️’s Published: September 9th 2021 Audio: 9 hours 47 min
What do you look for in a boyfriend? Not perfection, that’s for sure!
Nina feels lucky when she meets Simon, after her husband disappears. Simon is a What do you look for in a boyfriend? Not perfection, that’s for sure!
Nina feels lucky when she meets Simon, after her husband disappears. Simon is a perfect fit for their family. The only issue is Nina’s daughter, Maggie. But that should work itself out over time.
After my divorce, I said I’d never marry again. One husband (like my first) was enough for a lifetime. I’d settled into my routines, which consisted of spending most of my time at work and at home. One of my friends was always trying to get me to go out, telling me I’d never meet anyone if I always stayed at home and I told her my prince charming would have to knock at my door. And, eventually, he did!
Since we’d known each other (worked together) for 14 years, I was lucky. I didn’t worry about him being some weird psycho. I guess he still could have been, but thankfully he wasn’t, lol!
When I was young, dating was exciting, but there is no way I’d want to go through that again with all the nut jobs that are out there now! Even if they seem perfect, you can’t trust them!
Sincere thanks to Edelweiss and St. Martin's Press. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s Published: April 14th 2020 Pages: 376 Recommend: Yes
This story was an absolute hoot! It does have aspects of a thriller, but it is so much more. Fern is an adorable character that I fell in love with imThis story was an absolute hoot! It does have aspects of a thriller, but it is so much more. Fern is an adorable character that I fell in love with immediately. Sally Hepworth’s writing is outstanding and this is one of the best books I’ve read this year!
The below excerpt was so funny, I was laughing out loud as I drove down the road…alone, lol. I’d love to see it played out in a movie!
”I’m wearing earplugs,” I say. “So I can’t hear you.” Wally blinks. Then his mouth moves again. “I said I can’t hear you,” I say louder. He pushes his glasses up on his nose and then gestures for me to remove an earplug. Reluctantly, I do. “I just inquired as to why you are wearing those,” he says, pointing to my eyes. “The swimming goggles? I find they work better than sunglasses to block out the garish lights at these kinds of places.” The barest of smiles appears at Wally’s lips. “I . . . see.” I am aware, of course, that the goggles are a fashion faux pas, but I’d hoped that people might just go with it and assume they were some sort of new trend.”
Fern and Rose are twins, but nothing alike. Fern is on the autism spectrum and has sensory issues, while Rose is not. Rose is overly protective of Fern, to the point of making Fern feel she can’t function without her. I felt bad for Fern and wanted her to stand up for herself more.
Throughout the story, we hear Fern’s perspective and Rose’s journal entries. Both are quite interesting, but Fern’s point-of-view is magnificent! Hepworth and the narrator were incredible in their rendition of Fern. She was delightful to listen to. I think this is definitely a story that is better listened to as an audiobook! I enjoyed listening to the way she conversed with others. Her direct approach was simple and hilarious. Rose’s journal entries were sad. Both girls had a troubled relationship with their mother, but Rose’s seemed more complicated.
Fern meets a man named Rocco, whom she insists on calling Wally, and they begin to date. I don’t remember hearing why she chose to call him Wally, but that in itself turns out to be rather funny. She plans on dating Wally only long enough to get pregnant. This was decided after she discovered Rose wants a baby but is unable to get pregnant. This is her easy and secret solution to Rose’s problem. But this sweet gesture sets off a torrent of events and no one is who you think they are!
Sincere thanks to Edelweiss, Libro.fm and St. Martin's Press/Macmillan Audio. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My Rating: 5 ⭐️’s Published: April 13th 2021 Pages: 8 hours 19 minutes Recommend: YES!!!
This is a strange and twisted psychological suspense about a bizarre character named M.
M has blackouts/memory lapses, sees a therapist, and is trying This is a strange and twisted psychological suspense about a bizarre character named M.
M has blackouts/memory lapses, sees a therapist, and is trying memory recall exercises. She is trying to fill in some missing pieces from her past. Some things might be better off forgotten! She has made inappropriate comments about coworkers that have caused issues and she doesn’t remember them. She has dysfunctional relationships with both parents, who are now divorced and have forced her to keep secrets from the other. She enjoys watching people and she’s obsessed with her neighbor, Caleb. She’s a mess!
She has dinner with Caleb every Tuesday night. She makes a special meal, dresses up, and then sits down at her table and watches Caleb through the perfect view she has into his flat. He doesn’t ever seem to close his windows. Even during intimate times with his girlfriend! Lesson learned!! She stalks him on social media, keeps a diary of his schedule, and follows him during some of his nights out. He doesn’t know who M is, but he might find out!
This is my first read by this author and it was edge-of-your-seat suspenseful! And I have my eye on her upcoming book, “Sincerely Yours”.
Sincere thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
My Rating: 4 ⭐️’s Published: August 31 2021 Audio: 7 hours 59 minutes Recommend: Yes
Julie (JuJu)
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