November 2021

November 30, 2021November 27, 2021

The Life She Wants-Psych Thriller-Available Now

The Life She Wants might be a psych thriller that is confusing to some readers.

There is a prologue, then current action, then a trip to 2015 from an unknown point of view, more action…and that’s all in Part One!

Part Two then takes the reader back in time, but even that flips between two different years. And then in Part Three, the action is back in the current time.

Oh, and in each part, there are different points of view within the chapters. But the reader is not clear on who the PoV is from.

It may seem like it would all be very confusing. But, strangely enough, I was not confused in the narrative a single time.

I always read chapter titles (if there are any), and that definitely kept me on track in this story.

However, the author also does a fantastic job of keeping everything moving along at a good pace. The characters have clear actions and motivations.

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The only part that felt a little draggy was Part Two. But I think that was because of the bigger time leap. I was anxious to get back to the present time and see where everything was going to lead.

Why? Because my notes indicate no fewer than seven different theories as to motivations and responsibility for events. So, in that regard, the author definitely keeps the reader guessing!

This is an interesting review to write. As I re-read it, I am realizing that none of the characters really stuck with me. I was more involved in the plot itself and the way it would be resolved.

Which is actually kinda cool. That means the plot is enough to keep my attention without having to have heavy character development.

At the same time, I do feel like that is a bit lacking. The reveals occur late in the book (obviously). But at that point, the characters are known liars. That makes it a little bit difficult to know what the truth is and what is part of the deception.

Like this author’s previous book, Ten Days, the author explores if past trauma is indicative of present behavior – or can people change?

But again, I’m not sure how much that matters, because the story is just so good.

I’m going to conclude that The Life She Wants is simply a different type of psych thriller. But it is still one you should definitely take a look at!

Facebook: MelSherrattauthor/
Instagram: mel_sherratt/
Twitter: @writermels

Author Bio:

Mel Sherratt is the author of fifteen crime novels. They all have become bestsellers and have sold over 1.5 million books.

For the past four years, she has been named as one of Stoke-on-Trent’s top 100 influential people. Shortlisted for the Crime Writer’s Association Dagger in the Library in 2014, she regularly appears at festivals.

She lives in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire, with her husband and terrier, Dexter.

November 23, 2021November 15, 2021

Suspense-Nanny Dearest-Available Now

Today is informational. So, read on for details of a new suspense book releasing at the end of November.

COVER

ABOUT THE SUSPENSE BOOK:

This is a novel of domestic suspense. Fans of THE TURN OF THE KEY and THE PERFECT NANNY should read on.

NANNY DEAREST is the story of 25-year-old Sue Keller, a young woman reeling from the recent death of her father. This is a particularly painful loss given that Sue’s mother died of cancer when she was only three.

At this time of vulnerability, Anneliese Whitaker reappears. She is Sue’s former nanny from her childhood days in upstate New York.

Sue is craving connection and mothering. Therefore, she is only too eager to welcome Annie back into her life. However, as they become inseparable once again, Sue begins to uncover the truth about Annie’s unsettling time in the Keller house.

Why is that important? Of particular concern is the manner of Annie’s departure. Or was it a dismissal? At the same time, Sue grows increasingly worried about the safety of the two children currently in Annie’s care.

Told in alternating points of view and switching eras, this is a taut novel of suspense with a shocking ending.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Flora Collins was born and raised in New York City and has never left, except for a four-year stint at Vassar College. When she’s not writing, she can be found watching reality shows that were canceled after one season. Or maybe attempting to eat soft-serve ice cream in bed. Sometimes simultaneously. Nanny Dearest is her first novel and draws upon personal experiences from her own family history.

November 22, 2021November 22, 2021

Crime Thriller-The Other Passenger-Available Now

I’m not exactly sure how to put it, but this crime thriller is absolutely amazing. I am in the process of downloading her others as I type this review.

From the opening pages to the messy conclusion, the author weaves a story with a clever plot and compelling characters.

That is not to say that the characters are likable. In fact, I can honestly say that I didn’t particularly care for any of them. But that makes it easier to read what happens to them with a sick fascination.

It is sort of like watching reality television or tabloid journalism. You know they have put themselves in the situations, but you can’t look away from what happens to them.

Jamie, the true main character, is relatable in a Gen X way. I know several people who have lost jobs for various reasons and are finding it difficult to re-enter the workforce.

Does this mean he is a sympathetic character? Not really. Because he makes foolish choices and then gets burned by them. That is no spoiler, but his character arc is quite satisfying.

Melia and Kit appear to be stereotypical millennials. But are they or do they have a deeper drive? Regardless, I enjoyed many of Jamie’s observations about the difference in generations.

I can’t say much about the plot because it is too twisty and there are too many things that I could spoil. Let’s just say that I have about a dozen notes of different theories and most of them are incorrect.

What I like most about this novel is that the author’s pacing and plotting allow for the reader to have “aha moments” shortly before the characters. There were numerous times I returned to earlier parts of the book to see where the author dropped hints.

Truly masterful.

The homages and influences are apparent (at least to me). I caught a whiff of “Double Indemnity” and there is a meta moment with another movie

I don’t want to name that movie because it might spoil a plot point. But the reference is there.

I highly, highly recommend this crime thriller. And I can’t wait to dig into her other books. Here is another review of one of her books, Our House.

November 21, 2021November 22, 2021

Mystery Thriller-The New Wife-Available Now

Sometimes a book seems more like a mystery thriller than a psychological thriller. I often wonder what decisions go into determining the genre.

A case in point is this book.

While there are touches of psych thriller along the way, I feel that it is more of a mystery. As Georgie protects her son and asks questions about the tragedy, the clues feel more like a whodunit.

Other readers may have a different opinion. I think it would depend on whether or not they go in thinking it will be very mind-twisty or mystery thriller twisty.

And yes, there is a difference.

There are plenty of twists in the book and not all of my theories were correct. The plot is just complex enough to be entertaining.

Memories play a big part in the story. Georgie is constantly thinking back on past experiences with the Jacksons. She does have a particularly interesting observation early on, that memories are not always reliable.

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Are they our own memories, or do stories that people tell us, become the memories instead? Where does one end and the other begin?

That plays a big part in the plot as well. Georgie eventually realizes that due to her situation, she has allowed other stories to taint her memories (no spoiler there).

As the author lays the groundwork, the action is slow for a good part of the book. However, as Georgie approaches the truth and finds more answers, the story picks up.

I think that is why I was surprised by the big revelation at the end. It was abrupt and flew in suddenly. And then we moved to the epilogue (which felt a bit forced).

The characters are strong, however, and there are some good wrap-ups with earlier storylines. Grief is also a main theme, with each character acting accordingly to their points of view.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. I would recommend it as a mystery thriller. With this perspective, see if you can figure out the culprit!

Other books by this author:

Author Bio:

Sue Watson was a TV Producer at the BBC until she wrote her first book and was hooked.

Now a USA Today bestselling author, Sue explores the darker side of life, writing psychological thrillers with big twists.

November 19, 2021November 22, 2021

Psych Thriller-The New Family-Available Now

This psych thriller needs to go to the top of your TBR list.

Do what you must do. One-click it, buy it, find it…READ IT!

I am not exaggerating when I say that this psych thriller is one of the best I have read in recent memory. It has absolutely everything a person could want in the genre.

The author does a masterful job of laying out plot threads that are seemingly unrelated. The connections only become clear when the author is ready for them to be revealed.

The structure of the storytelling helps this parallel narrative. The chapters alternate between Brooke in 2019 and Christina in 2018. For at least half the book, it is not apparent how the two are related.

I mean, the reader knows that they are (they have to be). But the author gives up no clues before it is time.

I literally had an “AHA” moment when I saw the first connection. I think I even yelled it, startling the cat that was curled up next to me.

That is how involved in this story I became.

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I can’t talk too much about the plot because I really do NOT want to give anything away. I know I am repeating myself from previous reviews, but if ever there was a time to go into a book blindly, this is the one.

It is difficult to talk about how fantastic the book is without giving details, but seriously, I don’t want to blow any surprises.

What can I safely say? The way that Brooke uncovers what is really going on is natural and fits the story. She is not a superhero – in fact, she is someone overcome with grief and guilt.

But she has good sense. And her artistic eye allows her to see details that other people may miss. Even with that, though, she is still piecing together parts of the puzzle on the very last page.

And what an intricate puzzle it is.

By the time all is revealed, the reader is as breathless – and as blindsided – as Brooke is. There are even moments where you will want to flip back to earlier pages, wondering if you missed something.

Chances are you probably did. But that is by design. And the author did an excellent job of those types of “hidden in plain sight” clues.

Honestly, I know that I am rambling. But I am trying to think of other things that can sell how great this psych thriller is and how you HAVE TO READ IT!

If you are a reader who likes to make note of theories throughout a book, this is one for you. I must have at least a dozen in my notes. They kept changing with new pieces of information. And only parts of a few of them are correct.

In re-reading this review, I realize that it sounds hyperbolic, which is unusual for me. But I can’t say enough good things about it.

Go read this psych thriller now. I mean it. Straight to the top of my best reads of the year list.

Other psych thriller novels by this author:

Facebook: victoriajenkinswriter/
Twitter: vicwritescrime
Instagram: vicwritescrime/

Author Bio and Social Media

Victoria Jenkins is an English tutor and former secondary school teacher from South Wales who has been writing for years and day-dreaming about becoming a ‘proper’ writer for the past decade. She have an MA in Creative and Media Writing from the University of Wales, Swansea, where she wrote a lot of poetry while planning a lot of plots she hoped she would once day write. Victoria lives in South Wales with her husband.

November 18, 2021November 19, 2021

Historical Fiction-From the Dark We Rise-Available Now

I have made no secret that historical fiction intrigues me. There is so much fodder and untold stories abound.

Case in point, this trilogy.

The first book in the series (A Light in the Window) was engaging and I was surprised to see that it would be a trilogy. Here we have the second book, and once again, the author tackles the ugly history from a unique perspective.

If you have not read the first book, you may want to skip this review and just go pick it up so you can read it for yourself. If not, this is a warning that this review gives away plot points from the first book.

Margarete continues her charade as Annagret. She has absolutely no choice but to do so. The opening chapters are heavy with recap, but that is to be expected.

The connection between the first and second books is tenuous. It takes a while for Margarete (as Annagret) to remember the promise she made at the end of the first book. But one event changes that.

Margarete sees how easily her life could be very different – if she still had a life at all. And from that point, the story becomes brisker.

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Sometimes we need a stark reminder to goad us to action, and that is what happens to Margarete. She recognizes herself in Lena and knows she needs to do…something.

She is clever in the steps that she takes, and it is fortunate that she receives help from both Lena and Dora. Their involvement is another reminder that good people had to do bad things for their own survival.

However, the specter of atrocities always hovers. And when Margarete sees a familiar face, she knows she has to kick her plan into higher gear.

Margarete walks a tightrope with her charade, and the reader walks along with her. Every time she thinks she is caught, the tension rises. Ultimately, this becomes a page-turner to see how Margarete progresses with her ruse.

To me, this takes more focus than the plot points for the story itself. But that is probably a personal thing.

This historical fiction novel mimics history in that the reader knows there is more to come. It ends in a similar fashion to the first book.

I look forward to seeing how Margarete’s plan works out in the end.

Facebook: AutorinKummerow
Instagram: marionkummerow
Twitter: MarionKummerow

Author Bio:

Marion Kummerow was born and raised in Germany, before she set out to “discover the world” and lived in various countries. In 1999 she returned to Germany and settled down in Munich where she’s now living with her family.

Inspired by the true story about her grandparents, who belonged to the German resistance and fought against the Nazi regime, she started writing historical fiction, set during World War II. Her books are filled with raw emotions, fierce loyalty and resilience. She loves to put her characters through the mangle, making them reach deep within to find the strength to face moral dilemma, take difficult decisions or fight for what is right. And she never forgets to include humor and undying love in her books, because ultimately love is what makes the world go round.

November 16, 2021November 26, 2021

The Cranberry Inn-Small Town Romance-Available Now

The Cranberry Inn is the latest small-town romance novel by author Barabara Josselsohn and it is perfect timing for the holidays.

By now, reading a small-town romance set in Lake Summers feels like taking a vacation. The location is familiar, the characters are pleasant, and the stories are always sweet.

Oh, and I can’t forget the HEAs. Never underestimate the power of a good “happily ever after,” especially these days.

And what more perfect time of year for one that is set around Christmastime?

There is not a lot that makes Laurel or Joel stand out, but that is not a bad thing. They are both real people that could step off the page into real life without skipping a beat.

I like that they are not dramatic or overdone. It makes it so much easier to enjoy their story.

The author cleverly uses Laurel’s profession as a springboard (and a metaphor) for her own life. There is some good decoration, and a few special pieces (like her son), but it is – for the most part – empty.

I think a lot of people can relate to that.

The action kicks in when Laurel returns to the Cranberry Inn (her childhood home) and finds her dad…not where is supposed to be. The resolution of that comes late in the book, but only when Laurel is ready for the reason for his disappearance.

Honestly, I love the way this author plots her books. Everything happens for a reason and in its good time.

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I liked Laurel and Joel both apart and together. As I have mentioned several times, the reader knows they are going to end up together. The fun and enjoyment are in going on the journey with them.

We get the usual interesting secondary characters as well. Another strength of this author is how perfectly she captures small-town life.

For those who have lived it, it’s a great reminder of the quirks and perks. For those who have never lived in a small town, it’s an accurate portrayal that allows them to live vicariously.

The biggest message I got from this story is that sometimes the best gifts are intangible. Second chances, time, and personal connections can be the greatest gifts of all.

I absolutely recommend The Cranberry Inn as a holiday season read. And while you’re at it, you should also take a look at other books set in Lake Summers:

**Facebook:** BarbaraSolomonJosselsohnAuthor
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**Twitter:** BarbaraJoss

Author Bio:
Barbara Josselsohn is an award-winning journalist and novelist who loves crafting stories about strong protagonists facing a fork in the road. Her novels center around second chances, family relationships and, of course, romance. She is the author of the Lake Summers series set in the fictional town of Lake Summers, nestled in the Adirondacks Mountains, which includes the books The Lilac House and The Bluebell Girls. Before joining with Bookouture, she published The Last Dreamer, a women’s-fiction novel from Lake Union Publishing, along with hundreds of articles and essays in major and regional publications about family, home and relationships. She lives just north of New York City and enjoys escaping to the beach or the mountains whenever she can. Other than writing, her biggest passion is her family: husband, her three kids, and her indefatigable shih-poo!

November 15, 2021November 10, 2021

Family Drama-Her Silent Husband-Available Now

The blurbs for this fiction/family drama novel state that it is “emotional.” It is an emotional read. But I am not sure that it is the emotion they were going for.

The best parts of this novel are the lessons learned by the characters. In fact, as I am reviewing my notes for this book, I am seeing more and more. Here are just a few that I noticed:

Family: What is the meaning of family? What are the responsibilities of family members? What makes a family…well, a family?

Beth asks herself all of these questions over the course of the book. The position she finds herself in causes some serious introspection. In her case, it is much needed.

Assumptions: Don’t make them. Foundations are not built on them. Nothing good comes from them.

Both Beth and Gemma are guilty of seeing the other through assumptions instead of getting to know each other properly. Obviously, this causes much discord, which adds to the tragedy.

Respect: It is a vital component in any relationship. Beth does not show a lot to Drew and neither does Gemma. This is a direct cause of the event that opens the book.

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Honestly, I spent a lot of this book despising Beth. She came across as spoiled, shallow, and single-focused on her kids. Not that the latter is a bad thing, but it certainly skewed her perspective.

But, as Gemma comes to terms with Beth’s demeanor, I did too. Beth’s interactions with her family are also informative and shine light on why Beth is the way she is.

Interestingly, Gemma and Beth are more similar than either one realizes. They both let their pasts dictate their present instead of embracing the present for what it is.

And then this brings us to Drew.

I felt for him the most in this entire family drama because he has the weight of the world on his shoulders. Who wouldn’t fold in that situation?

A couple of subplots did not do a lot for me. For example, the reason for Tristan’s surliness (although that was a nice little twist towards the end) seems contrived.

And the number of kids in the family appeared more for convenience of the plot rather than depth (two of them didn’t have a lot to do with the story at all).

But as I said at the beginning of this review, the power of this family drama is in the messages and lessons it teaches. And frankly, the strongest one is at the very end.

One bit of kindness can open a whole new world of understanding between people. That is certainly something to remember, especially in the times we are living in.

If you are interested, you can find other family drama novels here and here.

Facebook: SamVickeryWrites/

Author Bio:
Sam Vickery is an English author who loves gritty, emotional stories that can make you sob. As a child, she was forever getting in trouble for being caught with her nose in a book, and these days are no different. She lives on the south coast of England with her husband, two children and a cat that thinks it’s a dog.

November 14, 2021November 9, 2021

Psychological Thriller-The Widow-Available Now

You know how sometimes you read a psychological thriller and you have a fleeting thought about what is going on, but you dismiss it because you figure the author probably did not go there.

In this book, the author did go there.

However, the clues to the twist are so well hidden that I am not sure some readers will see them. I read a lot in this genre and (as I have mentioned) I like to challenge myself to see if I can outguess the author.

Anyway, this story starts with a forensic dig and then goes back in time roughly two months earlier. This is an effective way to tell the story because the reader knows something bad is going to happen (from the prologue).

But the author lays the detailed groundwork so that when the action reaches the point of the prologue, everything is clear.

Let me try to explain that better.

The first part of the book flows naturally. The story draws the reader in, but with the understanding that this “event” is going to eventually happen. And it does so in the natural course of the story.

And, as a reader wants in a psychological thriller, the reveal is nothing like what you think it might be. Well, maybe a little. But there are surprises for sure!

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I think Kate is a strong figure. She has a lot to deal with but maintains her kind nature throughout most of the story. She only slips a little at the end, which seemed out of character. But I chalk it up to the amount of stress she is dealing with at the time.

The author weaves a sub-plot (with direct bearing on the main plot) about foreign laborers that is both informative and pivotal. This is a unique perspective that I think is probably still quite accurate in real life.

There were a couple of moments that don’t ring exactly true to me, especially as secrets are revealed. A few incidents seem to be tossed off as part of the overall arc when I think they might have been more impactful.

Also, a couple of moments that were mentioned and then forgotten (a letter Kate receives goes nowhere). And the similarities between Kate, Donna, and Irene could be a little clearer.

Those are fairly nitpicky and minor in the overall arc of the story, however. I like that my theories changed over the course of the book, which means the author kept me guessing.

I will also say that the author has a talent for telling a story that is entirely plausible, but also, by the end of it, the reader feels like certain things should have been obvious. But they weren’t. I think that is smart writing.

It is a solid entry in the psychological thriller genre. I recommend it.

Other titles by the author

Facebook: KimLSlaterAuthor
Instagram: klslaterauthor
Twitter: @KimLSlater

Author Bio:

For many years, Kim sent her work out to literary agents but never made it off the slush pile. At the age of 40, she went back to Nottingham Trent University and now has an MA in Creative Writing.

Before graduating, she received five offers of representation from London literary agents which was, as Kim says, ‘a fairytale … at the end of a very long road!’

Kim is a full-time writer and lives in Nottingham with her husband, Mac.

November 10, 2021November 5, 2021

Crime Thriller-The Darkwater Girls-Available Now

A crime thriller can be too predictable. I have favorite authors (here is one), but others I have stopped reading. Always willing to give the first book in a series a shot, though.

And very glad I did that with this one because it is one of the best crime thrillers I have read in a long time.

Everything from the characters to the background, to the setting, is fresh. In some ways, that makes it an even more exciting read.

It would be easy to do a “by the book” review for this one because it does have the hallmarks of a great crime thriller. But that would be giving it short shrift.

It is just so much better than that.

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I like Georgia. She’s normal – even though we find out that she really isn’t. In fact, I like how everyone in this book is an “everyperson.” There are no caricatures and no rote character studies.

Everyone is real. It also adds to the interest level because it made me feel like I was just plopped down in the middle of a real town. I guess that makes me sort of like Georgia.

The author does a great job of keeping the reader off-balance, just as Georgia is. Even at the climax, I still wasn’t sure of where the greatest menace was coming from.

And OMG, what a freakin amazing few chapters mark the high point of the plot.

Honestly, I don’t want to give anything away about the plot. I will say that if you think you have it figured out, you probably don’t,

Even though my guess at one major aspect was accurate, I still didn’t get how widespread the entire enterprise was.

And something else – the author is smart in hinting about a few things regarding Georgia’s background. The story stops short of revealing her secrets. It is a guarantee to get readers like me to read future books in the series.

I will be reading the series regardless, however. I am now invested, and I have to see how Georgia and Linc’s story plays out – it is far from over.

And I do hope that certain characters from this book make a return. Some of them deserve whatever may be coming to them.

This is a fantastic start to a new series. It has great characters, an intricate yet easy-to-follow storyline, and enough detail to create full scenes. In short, it made me feel like I was watching a movie at times.

I highly recommend getting in on the ground floor of this crime thriller series, because I can already tell it is going to be a good one!

Facebook: thrillersandkillers/
Twitter: @maeganbeaumont
Instagram: maeganbeaumont/

AUTHOR BIO

Maegan Beaumont is the award-winning author of the Sabrina Vaughn thriller series. Her debut novel, CARVED IN DARKNESS was awarded the 2014 gold medal from Independent Publishers for outstanding thriller as well as being named a Foreword Book of the Year finalist and Debut Novel of the Year by Suspense Magazine. When she isn’t locked in her office, torturing her protagonists, she’s busy chasing chickens (and kids), hanging laundry and burning dinner. Either way, she is almost always in the company of her seven and a half dogs—her truest and most faithful companions—and her almost as faithful husband, Joe. She also writes hot contemporary romance as USA TODAY best-selling author, Megyn Ward.