Book Reviews Archives

March 14, 2022March 13, 2022

The Summer Getaway-Mallery-Review-Fiction-Available Now

The Summer Getaway by Susan Mallery is a clever and honest family drama/fiction novel. It focuses on second chances and standing up for oneself.

I know, that makes it sound like it is a heavy read but it isn’t. It is more like watching your favorite tv show or a chick flick. You know, where you just jump in and go for the ride?

Robyn is everything to everybody. But four years after her divorce, she feels stagnant, which is hardly surprising. Why?

First off, her ex’s choice for a girlfriend has a disturbing connection to the family. Then her daughter is a bridezilla. In all, there are too many demands on Robyn.

As to the first one there, I don’t want to give that away, but it was a legit laugh-out-loud moment for me. It really set the tone for Robyn’s attitude the rest of the book.

I think any woman of a certain age will relate to Robyn wanting to do more for herself. Having to put others first for so long can make one go a little mad and want to toss it all away.

This was the aspect of the story that I enjoyed the most. As a result of the pressures, Robyn tries to get away from it all.

I especially liked how Robyn sees great-aunt Lillian as a free spirit to mimic. But this can also be a case of “be careful what you wish for.” Really, can one be too “free?”

And what happens when the rest of the family realizes they can’t do without Robyn, bringing their drama to rain down on her blissful dreamlike existence with Lillian?

Haven’t we all been there? Where we just want to be alone, but family intrudes?

Honestly, I’m not sure what else I can say about The Summer Getaway without giving anything away (see what I did there?)

There are times the family drama seems almost too contrived. None of the male characters are as developed as they could be. Unfortunately, they seem very cookie-cutter compared to other characters.

The Summer Getaway is a book that doesn’t require a lot of thought. Just go for the ride and be entertained by Susan Mallery’s writing talents.

If you are looking for more from this author, try these as well: The Vineyard at Painted Moon; The Friendship List; The Stepsisters.

Twitter: @susanmallery
Facebook: @susanmallery
Instagram: @susanmallery

March 12, 2022March 7, 2022

The Party at No. 12-Wilkinson-Review-Psych Thriller-Available Now

I have made no secret of how much I like the way Kerry Wilkinson writes, and The Party at No. 12 is a return to what I like best about a psych thriller.

Hannah, as the main character, is the perfect foil for everything that occurs. She is sort of wishy-washy, but also intelligent enough to notice things. She also tries to see the best in people, especially those who are close to her.

With everything going on in her life, she has decided to go traveling, and her “going away” party is the one in the title. However, a simple, fun, family and friends get together turns…wrong.

How can I say this next part without giving anything away?

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Yes, the action of the book is front-heavy, and a lot happens in the first few chapters. A reader’s inclination may be to think that it is wrapped up and obvious.

But this author is one of the best when it comes to “late-in-the-game” twists. And The Party at No. 12 is the perfect example.

There are several hints along the way, but I didn’t catch many of them until other events occurred, which caused me to look back at things from a different perspective.

I know that is confusing, but I don’t want to give the plot away.

I liked the “mystery” aspect of it because even as the reader knows what happened, there is still a lot to uncover. And having Zach be a catalyst for it is effective.

Again, cagey, I know. But I know of no other way to say it is a great book with lots of twists.

Oh, look at that, I just did!

Seriously, though. Even though the middle dragged just a little bit, The Party at No. 12 is still a great psych thriller. You will not know all of the details and motivations until the very last pages. And that is what makes this latest book from Kerry Wilkinson a must-read.

Check out my review of The Perfect Daughter for a link to other books by Kerry, or type “Kerry Wilkinson” into the search bar! 🙂

Facebook: KerryWilkinsonBooks/
Twitter: kerrywk
https://kerrywilkinson.com/

Author Bio:

Kerry Wilkinson is from the English county of Somerset but has spent far too long living in the north. It’s there that he’s picked up possibly made-up regional words like ‘barm’ and ‘ginnel’. He pretends to know what they mean.

He’s also been busy since turning thirty: his Jessica Daniel crime series has sold more than a million copies in the UK; he has written a fantasy-adventure trilogy for young adults; a second crime series featuring private investigator Andrew Hunter and the standalone thriller, Down Among The Dead Men.

March 1, 2022March 13, 2022

The Baby Shower-Lynes-Review-Psych Thriller-Available Now

S. E. Lynes has written excellent psych thrillers and The Baby Shower is no exception. This author has produced everything I love in a psych thriller.

There is a prologue that consists of a news article. Right off the bat, the author lets us know (in a clever way) that there is going to be one heck of a culmination of events in this book.

Well-done setups like this instantly grab me.

Chapter One is a mystery narrator. Those are always good for intrigue. If you’re paying attention, you will notice that both the newspaper article and Chapter One are set in May.

I cannot stress enough how important it is to take a careful look at when each chapter is set. The author lays out the plot clearly. But if you aren’t looking at when each event takes place you could get lost.

And you don’t want to do that.

I generally am not a fan of “girl power/friends” tropes. In this case, however, it works perfectly.

Jane has just enough going for her, and just enough against her, that her friend circle is vital to her well-being. This is why the rest of the story is so good.

As usual, I am not going to give away plot points here. But believe me when I say the author has written a tightly woven story that had me turning pages literally into the wee hours of the morning.

That’s not hyperbole. I’m not one to gush or throw out typical platitudes. But I stayed awake until 3 am to finish this one because I was totally enthralled by the plot.

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I did guess a couple of the “surprises” but (as I have mentioned before) I like to challenge myself to guess where the author is going.

However, there are several twists that I did not figure out. One of them (no spoiler) made me doubt everything that I believed up to that point. I thought maybe I had it all wrong.

That’s another thing I love in a good psych thriller. Keep ‘em guessing is a great rule of thumb.

Sometimes psych thrillers have a backstory that only serves as a jumping-off point. That is not the case here. Jane’s backstory is specific and gives insight to her frame of mind while also providing an underlying current of dread (also felt by Jane) to current events.

There was a point at the end that felt like it verged on preachy about how bad women have it sometimes, but I understand why the author included it. That being said, the whole friendship angle is blown out of the water when one character gets what is coming to her.

Once again, not a spoiler. But that twist provides a cutting commentary on the danger of being carried away by material things and the “reality” presented on social media.

I am a big fan of S.E. Lynes, but The Baby Shower may just be my favorite one yet. Be sure to check out her other psych thrillers: The Lies We Hide, The Housewarming, Can You See Her, Her Sister’s Secret

Facebook: S E Lynes Author
Twitter: @SELynesAuthor
Instagram: @S E Lynes Author

Author Bio:

Former BBC Producer, S.E. Lynes is the Amazon best selling author of ‘intelligent and haunting’, ‘beautifully written’ psychological thrillers, VALENTINA, MOTHER, THE PACT, THE PROPOSAL, THE WOMEN, THE LIES WE HIDE, CAN YOU SEE HER? and her latest novel, THE HOUSEWARMING, available for pre-order NOW.

After completing her MA, Lynes taught creative writing at Richmond Adult Community College for over ten years. She now combines writing, mentoring and lecturing.

February 25, 2022March 10, 2022

The Girl with the Scarlet Ribbon-Goldring-Review-Historical Fiction-Available Now

I am a huge fan of Suzanne Goldring. Her historical fiction novels have impeccable research. They are heartfelt and unique. The Girl with the Scarlet Ribbon is no exception. This may be my favorite one yet.

There is a contemporary storyline that alternates with the historical timeline. And (as usual) the author does a masterful job switching between the two.

This works because each of the timelines is a full story in its own time. It is almost like reading two different stories, where each has its own interest. Except they weave together to make a full narrative.

Simply put, it is masterful storytelling.

First off, Sofia is tasked with putting together an exhibit of her recently deceased father’s paintings. Riccardo is world-renowned, and the paintings are full of symbolism. However, neither Sofia nor her mother (Isobel) fully understands them.

In the historical timeline, we get Riccardo’s story. He grew up in Italy during the German occupation of WWII. The history is apparent. This makes some of the symbolism in Riccardo’s paintings is abundantly clear.

But the pathos in the story comes from his childhood. In linear fashion, how the events that he witnessed created a tortured mind. And how that tortured mind produced the famous paintings.

I know that sounds convoluted but it really isn’t. It is straightforward and easy to follow. The topic and the focus grab the reader with their uniqueness. Together, they weave a spell that allows for seamless transitions.

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I don’t want to say how Sofia and Isobel come to learn more about Riccardo’s paintings. That is part of the surprise of the story. But it is an interesting twist that allows for some self-reflection from both characters.

I will say that I did not like Isobel. Why? Because she was, to put it bluntly, a shrew. Now, I understand why the author wrote her character that way. But it was annoying.

I felt no pity for her complaints about how much she suffered at the hands of Riccardo’s genius because she was just so unlikeable. Even when you learn his secrets, she still is whiny and entitled.

Honestly, Sofia was a saint for putting up with her. And even she had her trouble doing so. Their relationship is not an easy one. They are quite opposite each other.

That all takes place secondary to the paintings, though. Finally, a last word about the symbolism. These were easily my favorite parts of the book. As I mentioned, some were obvious, and others only became apparent after Riccardo’s story unfolds.

But all of it is fascinating and gives this novel a truly unique spin.

Suzanne Goldring is a masterful author, and The Girl with the Scarlet Ribbon is an excellent addition to the genre. For more by this author, check out the following books: My Name is Eva, The Girl Without a Name, Burning Island, The Shut Away Sisters.

Facebook: suzannegoldringauthor
Twitter: suzannegoldring

Author Bio:

Following an eventful career as a public relations consultant, specialising in business and travel, Suzanne Goldring turned to writing the kind of novels she likes to read, about the extraordinary lives of ordinary people. Whether she is working in her thatched cottage in Hampshire or her seaside home in North Cornwall, Suzanne finds inspiration in the secrets hidden by everyday life.

February 23, 2022March 7, 2022

If She Wakes-Therme-Review-Thriller-Available Now

If She Wakes by Erik Therme is billed as a standalone, and as a thriller, I will say that is mostly accurate.

However, I will also say that you absolutely want to read the first book in the series if you have any hope of understanding all of the twists, turns, and relationships.

I understand that the author needs to “lay the scene” so to speak so that anyone who didn’t read the first book has an inkling about where this is starting.

But I will be honest and say that my head was spinning trying to keep everything in the first chapter straight. It was a bit of a push to get through it, but I am glad that I did.

This is a very strongly plotted book that has plenty of interesting moments. It finally did catch my attention and held it.

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It really made me wish I had read the first book first. So, don’t make my mistake – definitely check them out in order.

One thing that I gather is the theme throughout (so far) is the question of how far a person would be willing to go to protect their family. Tess has to answer this question several times.

There is plenty of well-written action. In fact, sometimes it almost seems fraught.

I like a bit of realism with my thrillers, but I kept thinking that no way would a woman (or anyone) be able to handle everything Tess goes through without needing serious therapy – or a drink or seven. There were times that it felt a bit much.

However, once I realized the author’s goal, I was able to just sit back and go along for the ride. And that is definitely the best way to approach this book.

So, definitely read the first one and then read If She Wakes. Erik Therme is obviously building something, and your enjoyment will be multiplied by reading it the way it is crafted.

Facebook :ErikTherme.writer
Instagram: eriktherme
Twitter: ErikTherme

Author Bio
Erik Therme has thrashed in garage bands, inadvertently harbored runaways, and met Darth Vader. When he’s not at his computer, he is cheering on his youngest daughter’s volleyball team, or watching horror movies with his oldest. He currently resides in Iowa City, Iowa—one of only twenty-eight places in the world that UNESCO has certified as a City of Literature.

February 22, 2022February 22, 2022

The Invite-Browne-Review-Psych Thriller-Available Now

The Invite by Sheryl Browne is one of those psych thrillers where the reader thinks the plot is going in one direction but then it goes in seven others.

So, paying attention from the beginning is an absolute must. Blink, and you may totally miss an important event or twist.

Honestly, I don’t remember the last time I had to concentrate this much on a psych thriller. Not that I am complaining – I love that it was NOT cookie cutter or the same ol’ thing.

The Invite is definitely a unique entry in the genre.

Kaitlin is part of a whirlwind romance with Greg. When her BFF Zoe shows up at Kait’s birthday party, she warns Kait to not get carried away.

And then, as the blurb says, Zoe disappears.

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What follows is a convoluted but very well-plotted story of revenge, payback, jealousy…and just a touch of psychosis from more than one character.

The beginning of the book, when the foundation is laid, is a little slow and feels uneven. But as the story progresses, it becomes obvious that those basics are very important.

Honestly, this is another one of those that if I mention one little thing, I run the risk of giving away a plot point.

And if ever there was a time that you want to experience the story on your own…this is it.

Kaitlin is a sympathetic main character. She is realistic and it is easy to go along with her emotions. Especially as she starts to question who is telling the truth and who she can trust.

The two are not mutually exclusive either.

The Invite could also be described as a roller-coaster type of psych thriller…slow build-up into a second-half full of twists and loops speeding to the end. Which you will not expect.

I hope I did this book justice without giving any plot points away. Sheryl Browne has done it again – The Invite is a must-read psych thriller.

Other books by the author: The New Girlfriend, The Perfect Sister, The Liar’s Child, My Husband’s Girlfriend, Trust Me

Author Bio:

Bestselling Author, Sheryl Browne, writes taut, twisty psychological thriller. A member of the Crime Writers’ Association and the Romantic Novelists’ Association, Sheryl has several books published and two short stories in Birmingham City University anthologies where she completed her MA in Creative Writing. Sheryl has also obtained a Certificate of Achievement in Forensic Science and – according to readers – she makes an excellent psychopath. Sheryl’s latest psychological thriller THE INVITE comes to you from BOOKOUTURE. Her previous works include the DI Matthew Adams Crime Thriller series, along with contemporary fiction novels, The Rest of My Life and Learning to Love.

February 19, 2022February 20, 2022

The Promise-Shiner-Review-Psych Thriller-Available Now

The Promise by Emily Shiner is a psych thriller that shows a lot of…well, promise.

The concept is different. I won’t go into details because it is a fairly intricate plot. Any little mention is a spoiler.

The story is told from three points of view: Scott, Erin, and Kathleen. Scott and Erin are married. Kathleen is…an outsider. Sort of.

Honestly, it is a bunch of connections and relationships that are difficult to explain without giving anything away but make perfect sense in the context of the plot.

There is a lot to unpack within all of it as well. To name a few issues, there are shades of gaslighting, Munchausen by Proxy, controlling, stalking, and true psychosis. Ms. Shiner certainly threw a lot at this.

I guess that could be a good definition for a psych thriller though, right?

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It is a linear plot, so there isn’t any jumping around to confuse times or places. What does occur, however, is that since there are alternating viewpoints, the reader often gets the same action from another character’s point of view.

It definitely gives more detail and allows the reader to get a deeper understanding of character motivations, but it also gets repetitive at times.

My only other thing about this psych thriller is that the big reveal appears fairly early in the story. That’s not really a spoiler, I don’t think. I mean, there is still plenty of book left. The author keeps some decent twists for the last few chapters.

But a lot of the “who and why” isn’t there. And that is usually something that makes for a more interesting story.

Regardless, I read and enjoyed The Secret Wife by the author, and The Promise does enough to make me want to read more from Emily Shiner.

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Author Bio

Emily Shiner always dreamed of becoming an author but first served her time as a banker and a teacher. After a lifetime of devouring stacks of thrillers, she decided to try her hand at writing them herself. Now she gets to live out her dream of writing novels and sharing her stories with people around the world. She lives in the Appalachian Mountains and loves hiking with her husband, daughter, and their two dogs.

February 18, 2022March 7, 2022

Beach Wedding-Ledwidge-Review-Thriller-Available Now

Beach Wedding by Michael Ledwidge is one of those thriller books that reads like a movie. It’s the perfect way to tell this story.

Terry Rourke and his family return to the rich playground of Long Island for older brother Tom’s fancy wedding. It’s part family reunion, part celebration, and all excess and fun.

But Tom has an ulterior motive. As soon as Terry catches on to it, the perspective shifts. There is still fun to be had, but the undercurrent sweeping below the action is quick and dark.

I will put a side note in here. Michael Ledwidge is a co-writer with James Patterson on several books. The style is very similar, so if you know James Patterson, you know what to expect here.

The chapters are short, the cast of characters is interesting, and the action is linear (except for a few “memory” sections, so it moves along quickly.

Really, there isn’t time to think too much. It is best to just let the story take you along for the ride.

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Although I enjoyed the book immensely and finished it in one sitting I feel like there are some missing parts.

A few characters serve a purpose in a singular scene and then disappear forever. I think the biggest thing for me is that the wedding, the reason they are all on the island, fades into the background as soon as Terry gets wind of updates in “the case.”

No, I’m not going to tell you what “the case” is – you can read it for yourself. No spoilers here.

But I wanted more from the wedding of excess. It is almost like the author started with the intention of the book going one way and then decided to veer in another direction to get the “thriller” points.

I will say, however, that if you think you have it figured out before Terry, you don’t. The author saves a couple of pretty good twists for the last third of the book. I guess that makes it a good thriller.

In other words, just sit back and enjoy the beach wedding.

Facebook: OfficialMichaelLedwidge/
Twitter: _mikeledwidge
Instagram: mike.ledwidge/

About the Author:

MICHAEL LEDWIDGE is the writer of seventeen novels, the last dozen being New York Times bestsellers cowritten with one of the world’s bestselling authors, James Patterson. With twenty million copies in print, their Michael Bennett series is the highest-selling New York City detective series of all time. One of their novels, Zoo, became a three-season CBS television series. He lives in Connecticut.

February 16, 2022March 13, 2022

The Paris Network-Curham-Review-Historical Fiction-Available Now

I chose to read The Paris Network by Siobhan Curham. First, I loved Beyond This Broken Sky by the author. It was one of my favorite historical fiction reads of 2021. And the book description sounded interesting.

Little did I know that I would almost instantly feel connected to the book in so many more ways than one can imagine. Two stand out as very personal to me.

1. The main character’s name is Jeanne. So is mine.

2. The main character is named so because of her mother’s love of Joan of Arc. So am I.

Eerie coincidence, of course, but instantly endeared me to the character.

Add in a love of books and dabbling in local theater, and really, the book can’t hit many more of the targets for me.

On an even more personal note, I also recently found out the truth about my birth family. So, this novel really hit on several levels.

But again, that is all specific to me. What about someone who has none of these connections?

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It is still a fantastic historical fiction novel. The author captures the attitudes of the French people as they move from “it’s a phony war” to the disbelief regarding German callousness and ambition, to the realization they need to fight to save their country.

That overall arc is clear in the novel, but the way the author relays all of this through Laurence, Gigi, and the townspeople is heartfelt and realistic.

There are also stark portrayals of bravery and cowardice. And Laurence’s “dispensary of books” is a fascinating concept that I wish someone would establish now. That is some genius.

The Paris Network is another fine novel by Siobhan Curham, and I look forward to the next one.

Twitter: SiobhanCurham
Instagram: SiobhanCurham/

Author Bio:

Siobhan Curham is an award-winning author, ghost writer, editor and writing coach. She has spoken at businesses, schools, universities and literary festivals around the world, including the BBC, Hay Festival, Cheltenham Festival, Bath Festival, Ilkley Festival, London Book Fair and Sharjah Reading Festival.

February 15, 2022February 16, 2022

The Rebound-Walsh-Review-RomCom-Available Now

I really loved One Night Only by Catherine Walsh, so I was excited to see how The Rebound would be. In a way, I suppose you could say that The Rebound is the perfect follow-up to the first book, even though they aren’t in any way related.

There are some similar situations, however. Girl from America heads to Ireland to nurse a broken heart, meets cute guy, stuff happens…pretty much a typical RomCom drill.

Except, as noted in the blurb, the cute guy is someone she didn’t know she knew until after the stuff happens.

I apologize if that sounds cryptic, but it is in the promo material. And I am not going to give away any more plot than that in this review.

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This author’s strength lies in the character development…of the background characters. I know that sounds weird. But I got a stronger feeling for the secondary characters and quirky townfolk than I did for the featured couple.

I had a particularly difficult time with Abby. She suffers from a chronic case of misunderstanding and reluctance to talk things out. A little of this is fine, but in this case, there are times that I feel it featured too much “not talking.”

Honestly? A few passages read like a bad episode of Three’s Company where people all have ideas about what is happening, and none of them are accurate. But nobody talks to anyone else to sort it all out.

In spite of Luke’s hunkiness, I also don’t think his character is as developed as it could be. I get the relationship, but I think it could have been more fun if he had more of a background.

That being said, The Rebound is still a lovely RomCom, and a great choice for a quick, sweet, clean read.

Twitter: CatWalshWriter
Instagram: catwalshwriter/
https://catherinewalshbooks.com/

Author Bio:

Catherine Walsh was born and raised in Ireland. She has a degree in Popular Literature and the only prize she ever won for writing was at the age of 14 in school (but she still cherishes it.)

She lived in London for a few years where she worked in Publishing and the non-profit sector before returning to Dublin where she now lives between the mountains and the sea. When not writing she is trying and failing to not kill her houseplants.