Category: Book Review

#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.
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    #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 | The Therapist by B.A. Paris

    The Therapist by B.A. Paris
    Genre: Domestic Thriller, Psychological Thriller
    Published by St. Martin’s Press
    Publication Date: July 13, 2021
    ISBN-10: ‎ 1250274125
    ISBN-13: ‎ 978-1250274120
    Pages: 304
    Review Copy From: Publisher
    Edition: ARC TPB
    My Rating: 5+

    Synopsis (via GR)

    When Alice and Leo move into a newly renovated house in The Circle, a gated community of exclusive houses, it is everything they’ve dreamed of. But appearances can be deceptive…

    As Alice is getting to know her neighbours, she discovers a devastating secret about her new home, and begins to feel a strong connection with Nina, the therapist who lived there before.

    Alice becomes obsessed with trying to piece together what happened two years before. But no one wants to talk about it. Her neighbors are keeping secrets and things are not as perfect as they seem…

    My Thoughts

    After reading Behind Closed Doors, I knew I had to get a copy of this book in my hands. Was it as good?

    The Therapist was a read that checked off all the boxes that I love in a book.
    √ Short chapters in which this reader would say “just one more chapter” and I found that I had read not one chapter but many.
    √ Hooked right from the start.
    √ Felt that I was part of the story and transported into it not knowing what was going on around me (ex: my husband talking to me, which I didn’t even hear him because I was so engrossed)
    √ The mystery was so profound that I had no clue how this was going to end.
    √Characters three dimensional, believeable and could have been any of them as the suspect.

    Was this as good? HECK YES!!! This book was hard to put down!! A riveting and chilling read! Exceptional!! Captivating!!

    And let’s talk about the ending. The ending!! I almost passed out because I didn’t realize how long I was holding my breath. A white knuckle read with an explosive finish!!

    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 | The Fiancée by Kate White

    The Fiancée by Kate White
    Genre: Domestic Thriller
    Published by Harper Collins
    Publication Date:
    ISBN-10: 0063092727
    ISBN-13: 978-0063092723
    Pages: June 29, 2021
    Review Copy From: Publisher
    Edition: ARC
    My Rating: 5

    Synopsis (via GR)

    They had everything they needed for a perfect family vacation: close-knit relatives, a bucolic setting . . . and a murderer in their midst?

    Summer’s looking forward to a break from hustling for acting work in Manhattan when she, her husband Gabe, and Gabe’s nine-year-old son arrive at the annual family get-together at her in-laws’ sprawling estate. On the agenda are leisurely gourmet meals, tennis matches, and plenty of relaxation by the pool.

    But this year, Gabe’s brother Nick has invited his new flame Hannah, whom Summer immediately recognizes from a few years before. Oddly, her brother-in-law’s girlfriend claims not to know her. Yet she charms the other family members, and after Nick announces that he’s proposed to Hannah, Summer doesn’t have much choice but to grin and bear it.

    Then the reunion is rocked by tragedy when a family member is found dead. Though the doctors attribute the loss to natural causes, a grieving Summer fears that the too-good-to-be-true Hannah is involved, even as Gabe dismisses her suspicions.

    How far will Summer go to expose the truth? As she investigates just what Nick’s fiancée might have done to keep her perfect image intact, she begins to fear that the first death might only be the beginning . . .

    My Thoughts

    It’s been a long time since I have read one of Ms. White’s books and after turning the last page not only did I have to process what I just read but also ask myself why it’s been so long.

    The story takes place in Buck’s County, PA. The ironic thing is that I read the majority of this book on our ride to my son’s house is the next county over from Buck’s so the scene was so easy to visualize because we have been on this drive many times. And then to make it a little eerier, we came upon a situation (vague to avoid a spoiler) that was very similar to an incident in the book.

    I love books with family dynamics and then add in a thriller, this book had everything that I enjoy in a story.

    It’s the week of the Keaton family reunion when all 4 brothers and their significant others not only gather at their parents’ house but truly look forward to it with its cottages, pool, tennis courts, and the mass amount of land. Why wouldn’t it be a perfect family getaway? Except this year turns out to be not the fun gathering but a somber event when one of the family members is found dead. Then in the midst of this grief, another body is found on the property. Could it be that one of the Keatons is a murderer? Or could it be the new additional guest that is introduced as one of the brother’s fiancée after a couple of months of knowing her?

    This story gripped me from the beginning and held me captive until the end. I usually have 1 or 2 suspects on my radar but this book wouldn’t give it up. The suspense was fluid, the writing descriptive where I felt that I was part of the story. The characters believable, even to the point where I would like to be friends with a couple of them. All in all, I loved this book!!!!

    And I know one thing is true, it won’t be such a long time before I grab another Kate White book. I am already looking forward to her next book!!!!!!

    Purchase Links: 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.
  •