October 2018

October 12, 2018October 12, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: The Wife’s Secret

If you read any psychological thriller, make sure it is this one. I know I’ve said this, or something close to it, a few times, but I guess I have just been lucky when it comes to psych thrillers lately. I had never read anything by Kerry Wilkinson, but the description of this one grabbed me, and I am so glad that I chose it. While there were parts that I almost guessed what was going on (a bad habit due to too many psych thrillers, I think), there was enough to keep me guessing. I was really impressed with the way the story was laid out: from the groom’s point of view in the present, then from differing points of view in the past. It was all layered very nicely to build the story towards the climax. I’d definitely recommend picking this one up.

The Wife’s Secret by Kerry Wilkinson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
So many books these days have a tagline similar to this one: “A gripping psychological thriller with a heart-stopping twist.” Some don’t live up to the hype, while others rise to the occasion and earn the tag. This book is solidly in the latter category. At first glance, it seems as if the alternating chapters of present and past, with the past coming from multiple viewpoints and at varying times, would be confusing. But the author keeps juggling everything, and does so with finesse. The method highlights the dread of knowing that everything is not as it seems, while building layers of plot that make the twists true “OMG” moments. I loved every page of this book, and upon finishing immediately downloaded other books by Kerry Wilkinson. An excellent psych thriller in a crowded market. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for a digital ARC in return for an honest review.

October 5, 2018October 5, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Tell Nobody

I usually hate coming into the series in the middle, especially if it’s a serial story where continuity is important. It’s hit or miss; sometimes an author makes a passing reference that is intriguing and makes me want to read the previous books, and sometimes an author refers to previous events so much that I don’t feel a need to read any of the others. This book, the 5th in the Lottie Parker series, fits in the former category. A really cracking crime story, set in Ireland, it weaves several perspectives into one narrative. A perfect break from rom-coms and psych thrillers. If you like crime novels, I’d start with the first one of the series, only because you’ll get better continuity of characters. Below is my Goodreads review:

Tell Nobody by Patricia Gibney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Even though this was the 5th in the Detective Lottie Parker series, it was the first one I have read. Aside from a few references to previous events, it did not matter much that I was new to the series. This was a well-crafted crime thriller, with many threads weaving into one narrative. I loved the setting, and thought the author did a great job with detail. Told from different perspectives depending on the action, the narrative never got lost or jumbled. In fact, the differing voices gave credibility to the story, making it well-rounded. I found the law enforcement perspective especially interesting, because it was so similar to an American point of view; LE is universal! The author did a great job of dropping hints and revealing clues in a timely manner, so that there was always something driving the plot forward. I did feel like the first half was a little slower, as everything was being set up; but once I got halfway through, the pace really took off as more pieces started falling into place. I will definitely be going back for the first four books in the series, and will be looking for the next one! A solid 4.5 stars. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

October 4, 2018October 4, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Under My Skin

I’ve been reading so many books lately, that there are times where I can’t keep them straight (sad, but true); this is especially the case when it comes to psychological thrillers. This is a genre that has exploded recently, and it sometimes seems that everyone who can type has written one. Now, I’ve read quite a few good ones, but it takes a lot to really make one stand out in a crowded field. This is that book!

The atmosphere is set when we learn that Poppy’s husband was killed just about a year prior to the action, and she hasn’t dealt with the grief very well. That’s actually quite an understatement. Poppy’s uncertainty about what her own life has become is made even more confusing by mysterious events that occur. Ultimately, the line between dreams and reality are irrevocably blurred, and Poppy needs to make some difficult decisions as to whether she is strong enough to move forward.

This book had twists and turns galore, and had high tension all throughout. A real page turner, I can’t recommend it highly enough! Below is my Goodreads review:

Under My Skin by Lisa Unger
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Good. God. This book was amazing! I could not turn the pages fast enough to get through the twists and turns of this psychological thriller. The characters are very real, even as they may not actually exist, and the plot is very well-crafted. The reader is essentially in Poppy’s shoes as she navigates her increasingly mysterious life. The author did an incredible job with tone and atmosphere, as there were times where I could literally feel Poppy’s panic as my own. The revelations that begin to clear up the mystery are well-done, and timely within the plot. I especially liked how the author kept me off balance; just when I thought I had something or someone figured out, something else would occur to make me doubt what I knew. This was extremely effective, because it mirrored Poppy’s experiences. And the “what the heck” moment that comes in every psych thriller? Yeah…didn’t see it coming at all. Incredible story, with excellent resolution. Thank you to NetGalley, Harlequin-Hanover Square Press, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

October 1, 2018October 1, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Louisiana’s Way Home

I’m sorry to say that this is one case where I had seen movies based on the author’s books, but hadn’t read the books themselves. Never having read them, I wasn’t sure what to expect style-wise from this middle school-appropriate story. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised. The characters were vividly described and the situations Louisiana found herself in were sometimes laugh out loud funny. I really loved Louisiana’s voice, and was glad the author wrote the story in the first person; her commentary on the events gave additional perspective that fit the story perfectly. Fans of “Because of Winn-Dixie” and “The Tale of Despereaux” will definitely like this book!

My Goodreads review follows:

Louisiana’s Way Home by Kate DiCamillo
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was a short, easy read with a well-loved character at the center. Fans of the author’s “Raymie Nightingale” will be thrilled to see the return of Louisiana Elefante. Written in the first person, Louisiana’s voice really comes through. I can’t imagine this story being told any other way, because her voice is truly unique. Headstrong Louisiana deals with major life changes with tenacity, humor, and heart. Although not entirely easy to see on the surface, young readers will learn the message that good things come to those who wait, and that it sometimes just takes a little bit of faith in others to be able to find one’s own strengths. I would recommend reading “Raymie Nightingale” first, to get a better depth of understanding of the characters, but it isn’t necessary for understanding this book. Best for middle grades, although advanced elementary readers may enjoy it as well. Thank you to NetGalley, Candlewick Press, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

View all my reviews