#GeneralFiction(adult) Archives

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.

September 27, 2018September 27, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Stuck in Manistique

I was fortunate enough to be pre-approved for this book. Even though it didn’t look like something I would normally read, I’m very grateful for the “read everything you can” perspective I got from my mom. I would really have hated to miss out on this lovely book by Dennis Cuesta. It was like taking a quick vacation to a more serene place. Even though it was set in the UP of Lake Michigan, it reminded me a lot of the small towns in the Sierra Nevada where we used to spend our summers (right down to the interactions with residents that make you realize that everyone knows everyone’s business…and is okay with it). Really, a simple time in a simple place. I sincerely hope they still exist, not just in fiction.

Please note that Amazon does not have a listing for this title yet. When they do, I will post an updated link to the book. My review follows:

Stuck in Manistique by Dennis Cuesta
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was an absolutely charming book. The author’s love for the setting, the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Lake Michigan, comes through in his descriptions of the sights, the people, and even the lexicon of the area. The characters are memorable, and the plot lines are believable. Even though I guessed at a couple of the resolutions, it was still a nice ride with the characters as they reached their destinations. There were some very funny moments (nice odes to Fawlty Towers), as well as some heart-wrenching ones. All of it was written with care and attention to detail. In all of the noise of everyday life, it was very relaxing to spend some time in Manistique. I sincerely hope the author writes more stories with these characters. Thank you to NetGalley, Celestial Eyes Press, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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September 19, 2018September 19, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: Perfect Girls (Detective Rachel Prince Book 3)

As you’ve probably been able to tell, I don’t stick to one genre of books. I read whatever strikes me (or whatever is up next on my NetGalley list). As a result, I sometimes end up with a book that is part of a series. I usually don’t like to read these for two reasons: 1) it can feel like reading the end of something to know what happens before reading the rest or 2) there’s so much detail from the previous events, it’s not worth going back and reading the others. I get happy when I find a series that doesn’t do either. This is one of those. However, don’t be me: find the first one and start from the beginning. Below is my Goodreads review.

Perfect Girls (Detective Rachel Prince #3) — Published
9/18/2018

Perfect Girls by Alison James

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a cracking good crime thriller! The third in the Detective Rachel Prince series, it’s the first one I’ve read, and I will definitely be going back to read the first two. Det. Prince is a flawed heroine; she apparently has a tendency to think romantically about people she works with (according to references to previous events), tends to be obsessive, and seems off-balance in some of her familial relationships. All of this makes her more human, and not the usual “superhero cop” who solves a case easily. The story unfolds in “real time,” with the actions of Rachel and co-workers interspersed with brief perspectives from the perpetrator of the crimes. This lends authenticity to the story, and the glimpses of the criminal mind slowly draw the reader deeper into the investigation. The author has researched well; the description of travel and locations are accurate and vivid. The time constraint that Rachel is working under compels the reader to keep up with Rachel’s sense of urgency. The crimes at the heart of the story are timely, especially in the age of social media saturation. Not really a spoiler, but you probably won’t look at a certain growing trend in travel the same way ever again. A great read, and I look forward to adding this series to my “follow” lists. Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture, and the author for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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September 10, 2018September 10, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: “Petals and Stones”

Guys, this is one you don’t want to miss! The catalysts for the story are two things a woman hopes to never have to deal with in her marriage, and the main character, Uma, has to deal with them both in a short amount of time. Her journey as she deals with the emotions brought about by the events, while trying to recover and rediscover herself, is poignant but also thought-provoking. I know that it made me take a step back and answer some of the same questions Uma asked herself. Fortunately for me, my answers were different…but it definitely made me recognize some important things I had overlooked. My Goodreads review is below.

This exploration of what happens when two different life-changing events collide into one big maelstrom of emotion is hauntingly beautiful. Joanne Burn has created a story that is both reflective and thought-provoking. As Uma recovers from the one-two punch of events, she is forced to re-evaluate her life choices. Through Uma’s journey, the author explores issues such as the emphasis on image over truth in a marriage, whether something built on a lie is sustainable, and why it sometimes takes a tragedy to recognize the reality of a situation. The author also uses symbolism effectively, specifically the lighting of fires (for cooking or warmth) to illustrate Uma’s inner fire being relit. I especially liked that she used the four elements (air, fire, water, earth) as a basis for Uma’s healing: the way Uma was swept along by the breeze of her marriage (and the winds that signify change as she comes to her realizations), the previously mentioned fires, the ocean that calls to Uma and invigorates her, and the spices, stones, and flower petals that finally give her the answers she has been looking for. An excellent book that should be at the top of anyone’s TBR list! Thank you to NetGalley, Legend Press, and the author for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

September 7, 2018September 7, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: “All That Was Lost”

If you have a secret, do you have to lie in order to keep it a secret? Or is it possible to be truthful and still keep your secret? Can keeping a secret and lying about it negatively impact your well-being?

This was a fantastic book that explores these questions in an approachable and thought-provoking manner. Patrice is a well-known psychic who hires Leo to ghostwrite her autobiography. Through Patrice’s flashbacks to 1967, the reader gains insight as to her motivations. Leo has his own story that intertwines with Patrice’s, as does Louise. These three main characters’ points of view intertwine nicely without the reader feeling jarred when a perspective changes. There are a couple of minor twists, and a few major ones, but this isn’t a thriller. It’s more of a reflection on how life can throw us curveballs, how we deal with those curveballs, and how our actions can affect others. A really great read from Alison May.

(For more on this book, see my review on Goodreads!)

June 18, 2018September 7, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: “The Perfect Friend”

This book was very interesting. At the beginning, I found it to be confusing and felt that the author was trying to do too much within the story. However, as I read further I realized that she was actually creating an amazingly deep and complex story that had many twists and turns: some were revealed openly and some took much longer to unravel. There was one point where I realized that I was completely mistaken in my understanding of parts of what I had read so far, which was a neat twist in itself. After that, I found myself reading much more carefully and questioning everything that was happening. In addition, the deeper exploration of how sometimes souls can recognize each other without conscious acknowledgment is skillfully illustrated by the experiences of both Carrie and Alex and their growing friendship. “The Perfect Friend” is one of the best psychological thrillers I have ever read. This was my first Barbara Copperthwaite novel and I can’t wait to read more!

June 18, 2018September 7, 2018

BOOK REVIEW: “Girls’ Night Out”

What an amazing story! Based on the authors’ last book, I went in expecting another good thriller. While “Girls Night Out” certainly met that expectation, I was more intrigued by their thought-provoking analysis of long-term friendships. Anyone who has friends they’ve known for awhile will instantly be able to relate to the three main characters in this story. The authors have done a great job in layering the perspectives of Natalie, Lauren, and Ashley from both before and after “the night.” It was especially interesting that each woman had her own secrets that were revealed as the main “mystery” was unraveled. I thought the authors did a phenomenal job of illustrating the difficulties middle-aged women have when they come to a crossroads in life, and how even confiding in long-term friends can be a challenge. A definite must-read!