bethany_reads2003's reviews
65 reviews

The Perfect Son by Freida McFadden

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Two Mothers by Kathryn Croft

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

VERY UNPREDICTABLE AND ORIGINAL!!!! This was a brilliant thriller which I rated 4.75 stars. I could never predict what was going to happen next and there were so many plot twists which made you question everything you thought you knew. 

The dual POV from both mothers (one from the past and the other from the present) really helped the story flow and the book was overall so difficult to put down!!
Two Mothers definitely took me on an emotional rollercoaster ride.... learning about each mothers different struggles and the love they had not only for their children, but for each other as friends really moved me. They never gave up on each other and always sought to protect each other anyway they could. 

This is a fantastic thriller about love, friendship, betrayal and loss and Kathryn expressed each of these perfectly throughout the book. 
Definitely recommend if you are a thriller lover who wants a good twist you wont see coming. 

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

adventurous challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

Death at Darrington Manor by Nancy Warren

adventurous challenging mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Death at Darrington Manor is a cosy mystery set in the 1920’s. Abigail Dixon is a journalist based in Paris who is invited to England to cover a high society wedding between a young British woman of nobility and the son of an American millionaire. Unfortunately, Abigail’s week of reporting on the fun festivities / celebrations of two young lovers takes a dark turn when she find herself in the midst of not one, but two murders. Abigail will have to use her journalism experience to uncover the truth and secrets that are hidden within Darrington Manor and its guests….

I really enjoyed this book! I didn’t realise this was the second book in a series so I was a bit confused with Abigail’s past experiences with Inspector Deschamps but it did not take away from the story. The setting and the plot along with the mysterious, unique characters really sets the mood and motivates the reader to work alongside Abigail to uncover the murderer and solve the mystery. 
Overall, this was a really enjoyable read and I loved Abigail’s character and her friend Vivian (they make a great team!) 

I am definitely going to get the first book and I look forward to reading more about other mysteries waiting to be solved by Miss Abigail Dixon!!

The Nice Guy by Sarah A. Denzil, S.L. Harker

challenging dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

The Love of My Afterlife by Kirsty Greenwood

adventurous emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Keep It In The Family by John Marrs

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

The Four by Ellie Keel

challenging dark emotional informative mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Talking with Psychopaths: A Journey Into the Evil Mind: A Chilling Study of the Most Cold-Blooded, Manipulative People on Planet Earth by Christopher Berry-Dee

challenging dark emotional informative sad slow-paced

2.25

Isabel and the Rogue by Liana De la Rosa

adventurous challenging emotional funny informative inspiring tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Isabel Luna has always been overlooked and discreet as the middle sister and bookish wallflower. She can sneak away from ballrooms and events unnoticed..... or so she thought....   Captain Sirius Dawson notices Isabels coninuous disapearances and offers to help her sneak around to get the information she needs to save her country. 

After finishing the first book in this series, I went straight to this book and I can honestly say it did not disappoint!!! I related to Isabel a lot in the first book and was excited to read more about her and her spy- plot in this book. 

I loved the relationship Isabel and Siruis had, as partners in crime and as a "couple". Their connection was very vulnerable and real...showing their true selves and their flaws but still loving eachother unconditionally. Siriuis really saw Isabel for the amazing, intelligent woman she was and went to great lengths to ensure she was safe and happy. Their love story was definitely my favourite so far! 

I also liked the Historical components in this book and learning more about the Mexican war as I don't feel this is talked about alot! Liana did a great job explaining the issues and effect war had on people.

Overall, I loved this book and the historical element was really inspiring. I cannot wait for Gabby's story!!!