Scan barcode
booklistqueen's reviews
549 reviews
The Housemaid's Secret by Freida McFadden
I was caught off-guard when The Housemaid's Secret was voted the best thriller in the 2023 Goodreads Awards, so I picked both books in the series up at the library. While The Housemaid felt like a mash-up of several popular thrillers, The Housemaid's Secret was much more original than the first book. McFadden successfully plays on your expectations and adds in some clever twists. Although The Housemaid's Secret is plagued by the same poor writing quality, the narrative is fun enough to let it slide since it's a quick read.
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
In a sequel to The Housemaid, Millie lands a new position working for successful tech businessman Douglas Garrick. Cleaning their penthouse and cooking fancy meals for the Garricks is what she was expecting. What she wasn't expecting was never meeting Mrs. Garrick or the blood stains around the neck of the wife's nightgowns. Millie must decide how best to protect Mrs. Garrick without revealing her own secrets.
I was caught off-guard when The Housemaid's Secret was voted the best thriller in the 2023 Goodreads Awards, so I picked both books in the series up at the library. While The Housemaid felt like a mash-up of several popular thrillers, The Housemaid's Secret was much more original than the first book. McFadden successfully plays on your expectations and adds in some clever twists. Although The Housemaid's Secret is plagued by the same poor writing quality, the narrative is fun enough to let it slide since it's a quick read.
The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
When The Housemaid's Secret won a Goodreads Award in 2023, I realized I had somehow missed the train on McFadden's series. Let's be honest, The Housemaid is not particularly clever, deep, or original. The writing, in particular, left much to be desired. Yet Millie's darkly humorous personality made for a quick fun read. I could have done without the "pining over the married employer" vibe, but the ending took an unexpectedly dark turn that makes it stand out.
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
After ten years in prison, Millie can't be picky about the jobs she takes so she feels extremely grateful to land a position as a housemaid to the Winchesters. At first, Nina Winchester seems grateful to have Millie clean up her disastrously messy house. Quickly, Nina's erratic mood changes have Millie on edge. Worse is watching Nina's perfect (and sexy) husband forced to live with such a wife, which has Millie imagining what it would be like to be in Nina's place.
When The Housemaid's Secret won a Goodreads Award in 2023, I realized I had somehow missed the train on McFadden's series. Let's be honest, The Housemaid is not particularly clever, deep, or original. The writing, in particular, left much to be desired. Yet Millie's darkly humorous personality made for a quick fun read. I could have done without the "pining over the married employer" vibe, but the ending took an unexpectedly dark turn that makes it stand out.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
Whenever Verity is mentioned (and it seems to be mentioned a lot), readers are either shocked I haven't read it yet or they warn me it's a complete piece of trash. Honestly, I can see both viewpoints. Colleen Hoover expertly blends erotic romance with a dark thriller. Switching between Lowen's perspective and Verity's manuscript added plenty of suspense and stunning revelations to keep you turning pages. Personally, it wasn't really the book for me. The book got uncomfortably dark for me, and, holy hell, there was a lot of sex! However, the memorable narrative and the dark corners of Hoover's mind will make this one pretty hard to forget, and I can understand why it's a favorite.
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
3.5
Struggling writer Lowen Ashleigh receives the chance of a lifetime when Jeremy Crawford hires her to complete the bestselling book series written by his wife, Verity. Just months after their daughters' deaths, Verity was left in a catatonic state after a car accident. Going through Verity's study, Lowen stumbles upon an unpublished autobiography full of erotic obsessions and dark confessions. Now Lowen can't stop thinking about how Verity's sexy husband deserves better, debating whether to show him Verity's writings.
Whenever Verity is mentioned (and it seems to be mentioned a lot), readers are either shocked I haven't read it yet or they warn me it's a complete piece of trash. Honestly, I can see both viewpoints. Colleen Hoover expertly blends erotic romance with a dark thriller. Switching between Lowen's perspective and Verity's manuscript added plenty of suspense and stunning revelations to keep you turning pages. Personally, it wasn't really the book for me. The book got uncomfortably dark for me, and, holy hell, there was a lot of sex! However, the memorable narrative and the dark corners of Hoover's mind will make this one pretty hard to forget, and I can understand why it's a favorite.
The Waters by Bonnie Jo Campbell
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
I generally enjoy the celebrity book club picks, but I found <em>The Waters</em> so tediously boring I could not force my way through it. From the start, the constant superfluous details and long chapters had me worried, but I kept hoping the narrative might save it once it kicked in. Yet, I ended up disliking all of the characters and found myself dreading picking up the story. I rarely DNF but I just was not into this one at all and decided my time would be better spend elsewhere.
All We Were Promised by Ashton Lattimore
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Ballantine Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
3.5
In 1837, Charlotte has escaped her life as a slave only to serve as a housemaid to her white-passing father in Philadelphia. Longing for more freedom but afraid of slave-catchers, Charlotte befriends Nell, an up-and-coming abolitionist from a prominent Black family. When Charlotte's former mistress arrives with her slave Evie in tow, Charlotte and Nell risk losing everything to help Evie gain her freedom.
Ashton Lattimore's promising debut is a solid historical fiction with a great setting and interesting characters. I especially enjoyed the look at racism and classism, especially within the Black community.
However, All We Were Promised was a bit rough around the edges. The slow plot would have easily been improved with heavier editing, cutting the length and needless repetition down. However, my biggest complaint was that the narration always keeps you at a distance; I saw the characters struggles but never truly felt them myself. I do think Lattimore's novels will improve with time and I'm excited to see what she has in store in the future.
However, All We Were Promised was a bit rough around the edges. The slow plot would have easily been improved with heavier editing, cutting the length and needless repetition down. However, my biggest complaint was that the narration always keeps you at a distance; I saw the characters struggles but never truly felt them myself. I do think Lattimore's novels will improve with time and I'm excited to see what she has in store in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Ballantine Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Darling Girls by Sally Hepworth
As usual, Sally Hepworth delivers a well-plotted page turner. Miss Fairchild proved to be a perfectly aggravating villain, fully despicable in her child abuse but clever enough to conceal everything at first glance. I was thrown by several of the revelations and loved the push-and-pull of the then and now timelines. Although the thriller obviously shows the worst scenario of foster care, Hepworth balances that out with a wonderful portrayal of Alicia as a social worker.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Jessica, Norah and Alicia are the luckiest girls, or so they are told. After family tragedies, each was given a second chance at a happy family, living on a peaceful farm with a loving foster mom. Yet, the foster sisters' childhood was far from idyllic, though no one ever believed them. When a body is found buried on the farm, they soon find themselves prime witnesses and possibly prime suspects.
As usual, Sally Hepworth delivers a well-plotted page turner. Miss Fairchild proved to be a perfectly aggravating villain, fully despicable in her child abuse but clever enough to conceal everything at first glance. I was thrown by several of the revelations and loved the push-and-pull of the then and now timelines. Although the thriller obviously shows the worst scenario of foster care, Hepworth balances that out with a wonderful portrayal of Alicia as a social worker.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden
The Warm Hands of Ghosts is five-star historical fiction dragged down by a three-star fantasy. Katherine Arden's impeccable World War 1 research shines throughout the novel. She beautifully describes the horrors of the war while also sharing interesting historical events I didn't know. Even better, I loved Laura and Freddie and wanted even more of most of the supporting characters. Unfortunately, the "Devil Went Down to Georgia" fantasy story didn't hold much force for me. I would have preferred a straight historical fiction novel instead.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Del Rey. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
dark
hopeful
informative
sad
slow-paced
3.5
In January 1918, recovering war nurse Laura Iven is reeling from the death of her parents in a local disaster when she learns her brother is missing in action. Months earlier, Freddie finds himself trapped in a bunker in No Man's Land with a German soldier. Forging a lasting bond from the near-death experience, Freddie and Winter can't bear to be separated until they find a man who promises to take them out of this hellscape. Searching for answers, Laura volunteers at a private hospital in Belgium, where she hears whispers of a fiddler who can make soldiers forget in this historical fantasy novel.
The Warm Hands of Ghosts is five-star historical fiction dragged down by a three-star fantasy. Katherine Arden's impeccable World War 1 research shines throughout the novel. She beautifully describes the horrors of the war while also sharing interesting historical events I didn't know. Even better, I loved Laura and Freddie and wanted even more of most of the supporting characters. Unfortunately, the "Devil Went Down to Georgia" fantasy story didn't hold much force for me. I would have preferred a straight historical fiction novel instead.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Del Rey. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The Violin Conspiracy by Brendan Slocumb
Brendan Slocumb has penned an intriguing mystery that packs a double punch with its powerful story of a Black man navigating the predominantly white field of classical music. I love it when a book can connect me with the characters and The Violin Conspiracy had me fully emotionally invested in Ray's journey; I was prickling at the actions of Ray's family, furious at the racist instances Ray faces, and heartbroken at the loss of his beloved violin. From start to finish, I was completely captivated by The Violin Conspiracy and if you can, I recommend listening to the audiobook with its compelling narration and snippets of violin music.
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Growing up in rural North Carolina, Ray McMillian will not let his family's doubts or inherent racism against Blacks stop him from becoming the world's best classical violinist. Which is why it's a dream come true when he realizes his grandfather's old fiddle is really a priceless Stradivarius. On the eve of the most prestigious music competition, his violin is stolen and replaced with a ransom note. Ray must do everything he can to get it back, all while the descendants of his ancestor's former slave owner claim the violin is rightfully theirs.
Brendan Slocumb has penned an intriguing mystery that packs a double punch with its powerful story of a Black man navigating the predominantly white field of classical music. I love it when a book can connect me with the characters and The Violin Conspiracy had me fully emotionally invested in Ray's journey; I was prickling at the actions of Ray's family, furious at the racist instances Ray faces, and heartbroken at the loss of his beloved violin. From start to finish, I was completely captivated by The Violin Conspiracy and if you can, I recommend listening to the audiobook with its compelling narration and snippets of violin music.
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
Abby Jimenez's charmingly funny romance weaves together a ton of romance tropes: mental health and trauma from past relationships, coworkers fake dating, a little pen pal action, surprise pregnancy, and a whole lot of miscommunication. Technically a sequel to Part of Your World, you don't have to have read the first book (I didn't) since the main character is just a side character, and vice versa. If you enjoy romance books, you'll likely love Yours Truly, though it is steamy in only a few spots. I really enjoyed the novel until about the 90% mark, and then the miscommunication trope got old, as it generally does for me.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
With her divorce about to be finalized, Dr. Brianna Ortiz's life seems to have been sidetracked. Not only is her brother running out of time for a kidney transplant but also the new annoying doctor, Jacob Maddox, is likely going to steal her promotion. But after Jacob sends her a letter, she finds he is quite the opposite of what she thought. When he volunteers to be a kidney donor for her brother, she finds she can't resist him, especially when he calls in a favor she can't refuse.
Abby Jimenez's charmingly funny romance weaves together a ton of romance tropes: mental health and trauma from past relationships, coworkers fake dating, a little pen pal action, surprise pregnancy, and a whole lot of miscommunication. Technically a sequel to Part of Your World, you don't have to have read the first book (I didn't) since the main character is just a side character, and vice versa. If you enjoy romance books, you'll likely love Yours Truly, though it is steamy in only a few spots. I really enjoyed the novel until about the 90% mark, and then the miscommunication trope got old, as it generally does for me.
The Cruelest Month by Louise Penny
Three Pines must have the highest murder rate in the country the way this series is going. Sadly, the books are losing some of their charm for me. The novels are starting to feel a little predictable. Instead of building characters each novel. You keep the same core villagers and then add a new group, of which one is a victim and one is a murderer. I did like that The Cruelest Month heavily included the Arnot Case storyline that has building between books. I promised myself I would read at least the first five books, but I must say, I am quickly losing enthusiasm.
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
3.0
As Easter approaches in the tiny forgotten Quebec village of Three Pines, a group of villagers decide to hold a séance after a spiritualist comes to town. What starts as a lark quickly turns deadly serious when someone dies at a second séance at the Hadley House. Inspector Gamache and his trusty sidekick Jean-Guy Beauvoir must find the murderer while also finally dealing with the fallout of the Arnot case.
Three Pines must have the highest murder rate in the country the way this series is going. Sadly, the books are losing some of their charm for me. The novels are starting to feel a little predictable. Instead of building characters each novel. You keep the same core villagers and then add a new group, of which one is a victim and one is a murderer. I did like that The Cruelest Month heavily included the Arnot Case storyline that has building between books. I promised myself I would read at least the first five books, but I must say, I am quickly losing enthusiasm.