booksthrilljessica's reviews
462 reviews

The Busy Body by Kemper Donovan

4.0

I absolutely loved the concept of this book, blending the world of ghostwriting for the rich and famous with mystery and murder. I really connected with the main female character, who is a no-nonsense, solitary, and business-focused woman. It was also refreshing to see her begin to question whether this is the life she truly wants, or if she’s yearning for deeper, more intimate connections with others. The dynamic between her and Dorothy was fantastic and entertaining. Donovan captures their relationship perfectly, describing it as a true Sherlock and Watson partnership.

Immortal Longings by Chloe Gong

3.0

I really enjoyed the premise of this book, especially the unsettling concept that people in this world can take over someone else’s body using their chi. The idea of a deadly game where participants fight to the death and "body snatch" each other is wild and gripping. However, I found the middle of the book to be overly drawn out, with excessive detail that caused me to lose focus. This had the opposite effect of creating meaningful connections with the characters. Additionally, the constant body switching became quite confusing, especially when listening to the audiobook. That said, I loved the twist at the end and the abruptness of it, which left me eager to continue the series.

You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego

4.0

Reminiscent of a Agatha Christie novel, this book begins when a group of writers gathers on a remote island for a writer’s retreat. Drawn by the elusive famous author Alastor, they hope to finally uncover his true identity. But as the writers are killed off one by one, they realize they are trapped with a murderer among them, and perhaps it just might be one of them. As tensions rise, they begin to discover unsettling connections between themselves and others on the island. Mila, who has been working alongside Alastor to create this twisted game, is promised the chance for revenge on someone who wronged her as long as she does what he says. But as the weekend progresses, she starts to question everything she thought she knew about Alastor.

I was skeptical at first with this book. It seemed as though it took every mystery trope and Christie’s writing style and mashed it into one book. However, I appreciated how Pliego leaned into this, even humorously acknowledging the tropes within the narrative. The author ups the stakes with intriguing side stories, each with its own twists. And the ending was perfect, provoking readers to reflect on the need for revenge versus salvation. Mila’s character, initially set up as a villain, ultimately becomes more complex, allowing her to shine as she uncovers the dark truths about Alastor.

*Thank you to Ande Pliego, Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine  and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

The Business Trip by Jessie Garcia

3.0

Okay, hear me out…. I did enjoy this book, but the numerous,  and I mean NUMEROUS narrators were incredibly distracting. Which at times felt unnecessary for the story’s progression. The plot and twist could have been much more impactful if told from just a few perspectives, which would have allowed for better character development and more effective scene building. Instead, it felt like I was constantly trying to keep track of too many characters, making it hard to fully appreciate the story’s direction. I also wished for a deeper connection with the two main characters, Stephanie and Jasmine. While we did get a brief look into Jasmine’s life that helped build empathy for her, a key moment from her past was glossed over, but this could have provided significant insight into her character. That said, it was still an engaging mystery full of deception and wildly unhinged characters.

*Thank you to Jessie Garcia, Macmillan Audio, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the audio copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Silenced Girls by Roger Stelljes

3.0

When FBI agent Tori Hunter is drawn back to her hometown after a teenage girl goes missing in a manner eerily similar to her sister’s disappearance, she knows it’s time to uncover the person responsible for taking these girls. Along the way, she'll have to confront painful truths and face difficult challenges, all while working alongside the charming local detective. As tensions rise, so do Tori’s emotions and attraction. Will she be able to overcome her past and the obstacles in her way to find the person behind the abductions?

The opening chapter instantly drew me in, but as the story progressed, I struggled to stay engaged with the characters and the plot. The narrative seemed to linger too much on the romance angle, which distracted from the mystery. The ending also felt predictable and clichéd. Despite this, I’m still curious to see how Agent Tori develops throughout the series and whether she can navigate the path she ultimately chooses.

*Thank you to Roger Stelljes, Bookouture Audio and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

The Second Mrs. Strom by Kaira Rouda

3.0

This book is packed with characters that readers will love to despise. The story follows a couple celebrating their first anniversary in Paris, but as the plot unfolds, we discover that both have dangerous secrets. Rouda keeps readers on edge, constantly questioning who the villain is, who the victim is, and who will ultimately come out on top. I found Paul to be unbearably unlikable, and Nick Landrum's narration was so effective that I couldn't help but feel intense disdain for him. Although I didn’t realize this was the second book in a series, it works perfectly as a standalone, with minimal backstory needed for the plot to unfold smoothly. The ending twist, while somewhat predictable, was still engaging and enjoyable. However, it left me wondering... Do three wrongs make a right?

*Thank you to Kaira Rouda, Bookouture Audio and Netgalley for the  copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Kill Yours, Kill Mine by Katherine Kovacic

3.0

In this psychological thriller, Strangers on a Train meets a victim support group. Mia, a grief counselor, brings together women who have lost their sisters to domestic violence. Together, they devise a plan that will not only change their lives but the lives of many others. 

I was captivated by this fresh twist on the classic Strangers on a Train and was hoping for more chaos and intrigue. However, I was left somewhat perplexed by the ending, especially the abrupt resolution between the women and the lone officer who was onto them. That said, I did enjoy the journey each woman took in finalizing their parts of the plan, and how they each had to confront and overcome their personal demons.

*Thank you to Katherine Kovacic, Poisoned Pen Press and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

The House of My Mother by Shari Franke

4.0

I’ve been following this story in the news since it first broke, eagerly awaiting an autobiography to gain a deeper understanding of what truly happened. The writing style captivated me, shedding light on circumstances that made my heart ache for the family. I especially appreciated hearing from one of the older children, offering their perspective on how things went from good to bad and what contributed to Ruby's downfall. I also respected how the book kept the names and experiences of the younger children private, focusing instead on Shari’s journey and insights. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in true crime and uncovering the real stories behind these tragic events.

The Haunting of Hecate Cavendish by Paula Brackston

3.0

This historical mystery transports readers to a world that spans both the physical and the spiritual realms. Hecate Cavendish discovers there’s more to her than just a brilliant mind and a passion for ancient texts. She finds out that she can communicate with lost spirits, and it’s now her responsibility to help them. However, as a woman in the 1800s, she faces numerous limitations. Hecate must navigate not only the challenges of her newfound abilities but also the societal constraints placed upon her. Along the way, she will experience love, heartbreak, adventure, and mystery. But can she uncover the true purpose of her gifts before it is too late?

I was really excited about this story based on the synopsis, but unfortunately, I felt the narrative fell flat at times. There were a lot of unnecessary descriptions that pulled me out of the story and left me feeling disconnected from the characters and their development. I also hoped the love interest or a slow-burning romance would emerge earlier in the book, with more focus on that relationship rather than the overemphasis on Hecate’s connection with her father.

*Thank you to Paula Brackston, St. Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.

Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 by Lisa Unger

3.0

Adele is struggling to pick up the pieces after her husband’s devastating betrayal. Not only has he swindled their company and deceived their friends and neighbors, but he’s also drained the family’s finances, leaving Adele to face an uncertain future. In a desperate attempt to secure a better life for herself and her two children, she must resort to bold and extreme measures. But what she uncovers in the process will push her beyond what she ever thought she’d be willing to do.

Enter Maverick Dillan, a daring YouTuber known for his extreme stunts. His next big project? A high-stakes game of hide and seek on a deserted island, with a massive cash prize at stake. However, Maverick’s past game, which ended in tragedy, looms over him. Can he shake the ghosts of that disaster, or will it mark the end of his career?

The premise of this book immediately hooked me, and I was intrigued by the concept of the abandoned building and the inspiration Unger drew from her own family trip. However, I did feel that the novel contained too many subplots that didn’t quite come together. I wished the story had focused more on the deserted island and the game show, with additional attention to the backstory of the main character and more exploration of her husband’s role in the narrative. However, the ending twists were expertly executed, delivering a sense of justice and wrapping up the story in a satisfying, neatly tied bow.

*Thank you to Lisa Unger, Harlequin Trade Publishing  and Netgalley for the ARC copy. I am freely leaving my honest review.