Category: NetGalley

#Review | The Last Wife by Karen Hamilton

The Last Wife by Karen Hamilton
Genre: Psychological Thriller
Published by Graydon House
Publication Date: July 7, 2020
ASIN: ‎ B07QWXG96C
Pages: 352
Review Copy From: Publisher via NetGalley
Edition: Kindle
My Rating: 4

Synopsis (via GR)

Two women. A dying wish. And a web of lies that will bring their world crashing down.

Nina and Marie were best friends—until Nina was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Before she died, Nina asked Marie to fulfill her final wishes.

But her mistake was in thinking Marie was someone she could trust.

What Nina didn’t know was that Marie always wanted her beautiful life, and that Marie has an agenda of her own. She’ll do anything to get what she wants.

Marie thinks she can keep her promise to her friend’s family on her own terms. But what she doesn’t know is that Nina was hiding explosive secrets of her own…

My Thoughts

This is the first book that I read by this author but I surely will be checking out both past and future works by her.

There is nothing more than Marie wants and that is a child. And secondly would love, and covets, the life of her best friend, Nina, who has it all. A husband, Stuart, who loves her, 2 children, and the proverbial white picket fence. Until, the horrible news that Nina has only a few months to live.

Nina asks Marie to keep several requests and promises. Marie being the absolute loyal friend will do just that. To love and watch over her 2 children as much as she does, not to have her husband choose another woman that is unworthy, and if so, Marie must step into the role, and to keep the family home where her children have so many memories.

This book had my head spinning. Characters that have deadly secrets, betrayals, lies, hidden agendas, and forced alibis, all to protect the family. But one character has the biggest secret and the perfect setup that encompasses all the players in this story.

This story will definitely have you turning the pages trying to figure out who the master manipulator is.

Did Marie keep the promises she swore to? That you will have to find out on your own!!!!

A nail-biting and chilly read!!!!!

Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

REVIEW DISCLAIMER

  • This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
  • I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
  • I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.
  •  

    #Review | Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica

    Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
    Genre: Domestic Thriller
    Published by Park Row
    Publication Date: May 18, 2021
    ASIN: ‎ B08DKZX3FX
    Pages: 290
    Review Copy From: Publisher via NetGalley
    Edition: Kindle
    My Rating: 5

    Synopsis (via GR)

    People don’t just disappear without a trace…

    Shelby Tebow is the first to go missing. Not long after, Meredith Dickey and her six-year-old daughter, Delilah, vanish just blocks away from where Shelby was last seen, striking fear into their once-peaceful community. Are these incidents connected? After an elusive search that yields more questions than answers, the case eventually goes cold.

    Now, eleven years later, Delilah shockingly returns. Everyone wants to know what happened to her, but no one is prepared for what they’ll find…

    In this smart and chilling thriller, master of suspense and New York Times bestselling author Mary Kubica takes domestic secrets to a whole new level, showing that some people will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried.

    My Thoughts

    I have a very embarrassing confession to make. I have been reading for (covers mouth and mumbles) years and this is the first book I have read by Ms. Kubica. Sad for me that I now realize that I have been missing out on an author of exceptional writing.

    This story grabbed me from the start and would not let go. I felt that I was there! The suspense sped throughout the book and I had to hold on. I did not even bother to try and figure out who the suspect was because I was turning the pages as fast as I could and devouring every word. The characters felt like I knew each and every one of them. The writing extraordinary!!!

    A white knuckle read that was difficult to put down. Totally engrossing!! A captivating tale, that when I did turn the last page, I knew that this is a book that will stay with me for quite a while. A shocking ending!!

    Ms. Kubica is now on my “authors to read” list. I definitely will be checking out her previous books!!!!!

    Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

    REVIEW DISCLAIMER

  • This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
  • I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
  • I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.
  •  

    #Review | Just Married by Kiersten Modglin

    Just Married by Kiersten Modglin
    Genre: Suspense. Psychological Thriller
    Published by Bookouture
    Publication Date: July 5, 2021
    ASIN: ‎ B0949JZK8X
    Pages: 184
    Review Copy From: Publisher via NetGalley
    Edition: eARC
    My Rating: 5

    Synopsis (via GR)

    When my husband found this perfect little cabin in the woods for our honeymoon, I couldn’t wait to get away. Just us in the middle of the forest, waking up every day in the trees, ending each night in the hot tub under the stars. But now I’m not sure that I know my husband at all…

    I just wish we’d gone to the police when someone left a note on the doormat saying: She’s dead, you’re next. Ryan said I was overreacting, but I don’t understand why he won’t go to the cops now things are getting worse. Can I trust my husband?

    I’ve known about the terrible thing that Ryan did for years and it’s been tearing me apart. Last night I told him I would always keep his secret. But is the man I married hiding something else from me?

    Now someone has cut the phone lines and we’re trapped here. Ryan swears he has no idea what’s going on and just wants to keep us safe. I’m here alone in the middle of the dark forest with the man I thought I could trust. My heart is racing and there’s no one I can call…

    My husband promised till death do us part. Am I about to find out what that means?

    A heart-pounding, unbelievably twisty psychological thriller that will have you sleeping with the light on! Fans of Gone Girl, Behind Closed Doors and Date Night will be utterly gripped.

    My Thoughts

    I found this author from a Facebook group I am a member of and have read a couple of her books and each one has been captivating. I hope to read all of her books, they are that good!

    Ryan surprises his wife with an overdue honeymoon in a secluded cabin in the woods. Unbeknownst to them, this cabin has a history. Or was this known when it was booked? Around town, it’s called “the murder cabin” because 2 previous guests died under suspicious circumstances and the killer was never found.

    Then the next day, after a hike and running into a homeless man, their romantic honeymoon turns into a nightmare.

    Ryan and Grace are holding secrets from the other. Secrets that could become deadly.

    I could not put this book down. Eerie twists and turns that will have the hairs on your neck standing up. A chilling, page turning read!

    Check this author out. I guarantee you will be hooked.

    Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

    REVIEW DISCLAIMER

  • This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
  • I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
  • I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.
  •  

    #Review | THE STRANGER IN THE MIRROR by Liv Constantine

    The Stranger In The Mirror by Liv Constantine
    Genre: Sister’s Fiction, Conspiracy Thriller
    Published by Harper Collins
    Publication Date: July 6, 2021
    ASIN: B08F7QTMQN
    Pages: 336
    Review Copy From: Publisher via NetGalley
    Edition: eARC/Print ARC
    My Rating: 5

    Synopsis (via GR)

    Addison’s about to get married, but she’s not looking forward to the big day. It’s not her fiancé; he’s a wonderful man. It’s because Addison doesn’t know who she really is. A few years ago, a kind driver found her bleeding next to a New Jersey highway and rescued her. While her physical wounds healed, Addison’s memory never returned. She doesn’t know her real name. Or how she ended up injured on the side of a road. Or why she can’t shake the notion that she may have done something very, very bad . . .

    In a posh home in the Boston suburbs, Julian tries to figure out what happened to his loving, caring wife, Cassandra, who disappeared without a trace two years ago. She would never have left him and their seven-year-old daughter Valentina of her own free will—or would she?

    As these two lives intersect, The Stranger in the Mirror hooks readers with riveting drama, told with Liv Constantine’s hallmark blend of glamour, tense psychological thrills, and jaw-dropping twists.

    My Thoughts

    The sisterly dynamic duo has done it again!!!!

    O!! M!! G!! I have read every book by this team and each book will have captivated and this book didn’t disappoint.

    Let’s talk about the characters. I don’t think I have read a book where my emotions and feelings towards each character changed so drastically and so often. I would feel empathy and like them, then I would have my suspicions as to their real agenda, then be surprised that maybe I was wrong and care about them again, and then BANG!!! The truth is revealed!!!!

    It was nonstop suspense that had my head reeling so much that I think I now have vertigo. I found myself holding my breath and the next minute having heart-pounding palpitations. The kind of book that you can’t wait to see how it all comes together, but on the other hand, don’t want it to end.

    An explosive read that will have you on the edge of your seat wondering when the next shoe will fall.

    I just hope they are on the final edits of their next book because I don’t have that much patience to wait to see what they have in store with their next book.

    Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

    REVIEW DISCLAIMER

  • This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
  • I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
  • I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.
  •  

    Review | The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth

    The Good Sister by Sally Hepworth
    Genre: Psychological Fiction, Sister’s Fiction
    Published by St. Martin’s Press
    Publication Date: April 13, 2021
    ASIN: ‎ B08BYCWK6T
    Pages: 313
    Review Copy From: Publisher via NetGalley
    Edition: Kindle
    My Rating: 4

    Synopsis (via GR)

    From the outside, everyone might think Fern and Rose are as close as twin sisters can be: Rose is the responsible one and Fern is the quirky one. But the sisters are devoted to one another and Rose has always been Fern’s protector from the time they were small.

    Fern needed protecting because their mother was a true sociopath who hid her true nature from the world, and only Rose could see it. Fern always saw the good in everyone. Years ago, Fern did something very, very bad. And Rose has never told a soul. When Fern decides to help her sister achieve her heart’s desire of having a baby, Rose realizes with growing horror that Fern might make choices that can only have a terrible outcome. What Rose doesn’t realize is that Fern is growing more and more aware of the secrets Rose, herself, is keeping. And that their mother might have the last word after all.

    My Thoughts

    Twin sisters Rose and Fern have been inseparable since birth. Due to Fern’s disabilities and traumatic home life, Rose has always looked after Fern and became her caretaker. However, Fern doesn’t remember her home life as Rose did but maybe that is because Rose has always protected her. So who had the best recollection?

    This was such a captivating read. Fluid throughout, which is why I just had to keep turning the pages. Even though, I figured it out, I still needed to find out more details and how it all ended.

    I enthusiastically recommend this book especially if you enjoy psychological thrillers and family dynamics.

    Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

    REVIEW DISCLAIMER

  • This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
  • I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
  • I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.
  •  

    #Review | Dream Girl by Laura Lippman

    Dream Girl by Laura Lippman
    Genre: Psychological Thriller, Amateur Sleuths, Mystery
    Published by William Morrow
    Publication Date: June 22, 2021
    ASIN: B08JLHS4FZ
    Pages: 320
    Review Copy From: Publisher via NetGalley
    Edition: Kindle
    My Rating: 3

    Synopsis (via GR)

    Following up on her acclaimed and wildly successful New York Times bestseller Lady in the Lake, Laura Lippman returns with a dark, complex tale of psychological suspense with echoes of Misery involving a novelist, incapacitated by injury, who is plagued by mysterious phone calls.

    After being injured in a freak accident, novelist Gerry Andersen lies in a hospital bed in his glamorous but sterile apartment, isolated from the busy world he can see through his windows, utterly dependent on two women he barely knows: his young assistant and a night nurse whose competency he questions.

    But Gerry is also beginning to question his own competency. As he moves in and out of dreamlike memories and seemingly random appearances of a persistent ex-girlfriend at his bedside, he fears he may be losing his grip on reality, much like his mother who recently passed away from dementia.

    Most distressing, he believes he’s being plagued by strange telephone calls, in which a woman claiming to be the titular character of his hit novel Dream Girl swears she will be coming to see him soon. The character is completely fictitious, but no one has ever believed Gerry when he makes that claim. Is he the victim of a cruel prank—or is he actually losing his mind★ There is no record of the calls according to the log on his phone. Could there be someone he has wronged★ Is someone coming to do him harm as he lies helplessly in bed★

    Then comes the morning he wakes up next to a dead body—and realizes his nightmare is just beginning

    My Thoughts

    Last year I read Sunburn by Ms. Lippman and it captivated me. So when I saw that she had a new book coming out, I was so excited to be approved for an eARC.

    As the synopsis states, this read “echoed” Misery by Stephen King, which I also read years ago.

    The story alternated between multiple time frames within the story that it was a bit confusing. Also, I found that the mindset of the main character Gerry was also perplexing. Was he awake, was it a dream or was it dementia that was hinted at?

    I have to be honest, I was thinking that I might give up on this book on multiple occasions, but at one point, when I was 1/2 way through, I figured I would just try to finish it. After refinishing it, I did check out reviews of the book and it appeared that there were some people that loved it, and others, like me, felt as it was just OK.

    Even though this book was a midline read for me, that doesn’t mean I won’t read other books by this author in the future.

    Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

    REVIEW DISCLAIMER

  • This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
  • I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
  • I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.
  •  

    #Review | Her Ocean Grave by Dana Perry

    Her Ocean Grave by Dana Perry
    Genre: Police Procedural, Thriller
    Published by Bookouture
    Publication Date: June 2, 2021
    ISBN 1800193858 (ISBN-13: 978-1800193857)
    ASIN: B091CRDBK2
    Pages: 290
    Review Copy From: Publisher
    Edition: Print/Kindle
    My Rating: 5

    Synopsis (via GR)

    Over the cliff edge, she sees a broken body on the jutting rocks below, the waves crashing all around. She can’t see the girl’s face, which is covered by her long, brown hair. But she knows her. She met her just yesterday…

    When Samantha Claymore doesn’t return home after an afternoon bicycle ride on Martha’s Vineyard, Detective Abby Pearce acts immediately. She knows from experience how quickly a lost girl can become a tragedy. Back on the island for the first time since she ran away as a teenager, Abby hopes solving Samantha’s case will make up for her past mistakes… But, as the media swarm and Samantha’s grieving mother joins the search, the police find no trace of the beloved sixteen-year-old—even when a reward is offered for her return.

    Trawling through old case files, Abby discovers that Samantha is not the only girl to have gone missing in the small community of Martha’s Vineyard. She’s convinced more could follow, but her team insists there’s no link to be found. Until Samantha’s best friend is found dead at the bottom of a cliff the next day…

    After searching Samantha’s bedroom and trawling through the files on her computer, Abby digs into the death of Samantha’s father five years ago at sea, following the trail to one of the island’s most powerful families. The same people who failed to protect Abby the night she was forced to leave as a young girl. Is there anyone left on this quiet island who Abby can trust? Can she find Samantha before more innocent lives are taken?

    An absolutely unputdownable and nail-biting crime thriller that will have you racing through the pages. Perfect for fans of Lisa Regan, Kendra Elliot, and Gregg Olsen.

    My Thoughts

    Caveat: I’m a big fan of this author’s books, both the Clare Carlson series written by R.G. Belsky and the Jessie Tucker series penned under Dana Perry. Would I enjoy this book, the first in another series, as much as I have all his previous books?

    Her Ocean Grave checked off many boxes of what I enjoy in a book.

    √ The story flowed, along with the captivating suspense, from page 1 to the last word.

    √ The setting description, within the narrative, was so vivid that while sitting on my deck reading, I felt as if I had been transported to Martha’s Vineyard.

    √ The characters were both believable and lifelike. I could picture them as they came alive in my mind.

    √ Short chapters meant that I would tell myself just one more chapter because the story was so engrossing and then realized I had read 10.

    √ Enough twists and turns that had me guessing how this tale was going to end.

    √ And just when I thought the case had wrapped up, BAM! I didn’t see that one coming!!

    Now to answer my question. YES!!! I definitely devoured this read!!

    And what’s more exciting for me now is that I have 3 sequels to look forward to!! No pressure but keep these books coming and make it quick, please!!!!!!

    Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

    REVIEW DISCLAIMER

  • This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from, and/or how the book was obtained and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
  • I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
  • I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.
  •  

    #Review | Ruby Falls by Deborah Goodrich Royce

    Ruby Falls by Deborah Goodrich Royce
    Genre: Mystery; Psychological Thriller
    Published by Post Hill Press
    Publication Date: May 4, 2021
    ASIN: B08YRZGB4F
    Pages: 242
    Review Copy From: Publisher via NetGalley
    Edition: Kindle
    My Rating: 5

    Synopsis (via GR)

    On a brilliantly sunny July day, six-year-old Ruby is abandoned by her father in the suffocating dark of a Tennessee cave. Twenty years later, transformed into soap opera star Eleanor Russell, she is fired under dubious circumstances. Fleeing to Europe, she marries a glamorous stranger named Orlando Montague and keeps her past closely hidden.

    Together, Eleanor and Orlando start afresh in LA. Setting up house in a storybook cottage in the Hollywood Hills, Eleanor is cast in a dream role—the lead in a remake of Rebecca. As she immerses herself in that eerie gothic tale, Orlando’s personality changes, ghosts of her past re-emerge, and Eleanor fears she is not the only person in her marriage with a secret.

    In this thrilling and twisty homage to Daphne du Maurier’s Rebecca, the story ricochets through the streets of Los Angeles, a dangerous marriage to an exotic stranger, and the mind of a young woman whose past may not release her.

    My Thoughts

    Hold on a second, my jaw is on the floor and I need to pick it up!!!! WOW!!!!!

    This is the first book that I have read by this author, and if it’s any indication of what’s to come, then I can’t wait.

    In 1968, Ruby Russell, six years old, is abandoned by her father at Lookout Mountain, never to be seen again. As a child, she is broken and the incident never leaves her. Even as an adult, she has held on to the fact that her father would return and because of it suffers from severe anxiety.

    She has just finished shooting a soap opera that did not end well but is so happy because she marries an aristocrat after a whirlwind romance and they move to Hollywood.

    This book had my head spinning as I could not figure out who were the “good guys” and those that weren’t.

    A heart pounding read that was tough to put down. The suspense caused palpitations because I didn’t have a clue as to how this was going to turn out. And all I will say is, that it wasn’t what I expected!!!

    Highly recommend.

    Purchase Links: Amazon 🔗 | Barnes & Noble 🔗 | Goodreads 🔗

    REVIEW DISCLAIMER

  • This blog was founded on the premise to write honest reviews, to the best of my ability, no matter who from, where from and/or how the book was obtained, and will continue to do so, even if it is through PICT or PBP.
  • I received a copy of this book, at no charge to me, in exchange for my honest review. No items that I receive are ever sold…they are kept by me, or given to family and/or friends.
  • I do not have any affiliation with Amazon.com or Barnes & Noble. I am providing link(s) solely for visitors that may be interested in purchasing this Book/EBook.
  •