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booktrishandmagic's reviews
413 reviews
A Cold Dose of Murder by Emily George
adventurous
funny
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? Yes
4.0
I absolutely love this series, and A Cold Dose of Murder is another fun, cozy mystery that had me hooked from start to finish! This book truly has everything I enjoy—murder, mystery, cannabis, and delicious food. The setting of the ice cream festival was such a treat (I’d totally go to that in real life!), and I’m already planning to try the ice cream recipe included at the end.
One of the things that makes this series stand out is the creative way cannabis is woven into the story, especially through the café and all the infused recipes. As someone who supports medicinal cannabis use, I really appreciate how it's featured in such a positive and normalized way.
The small-town vibes are perfect, and I love seeing the characters grow with each book. Honestly, Azalea Bay sounds like the dream place to live—if you can doge the occasional murder. 😆
Overall, this was a quick, cozy, and super enjoyable read with a unique plot. I can't wait for the next one!
Only One Survives by Hannah Mary McKinnon
medium-paced
3.0
I was immediately drawn to Only One Survives by its gorgeous, atmospheric, and creepy cover, and the premise had me hooked—a girl rock band stranded in a cabin during a blizzard, with no way out and a possible killer among them. The snowstorm setting and locked-door thriller elements created an eerie, tension-filled atmosphere that initially pulled me in.
However, while the book started strong, it lost momentum in part two. The pacing dragged on, and the last 100 pages felt unnecessarily long. I wish the story had ended at the cabin, as the events that followed felt far-fetched and took away from the tight, suspenseful setup.
Unfortunately, the ending left me unsatisfied, and the story ultimately didn’t hit home for me.
That said, if you enjoy isolated thrillers and slow-burning suspense, you might still find aspects to appreciate. But for me, this one went downhill and left me wishing for a tighter, more impactful conclusion. This book has received plenty of glowing reviews, so don’t just take my word for it—give it a read and see what you think!
You Are Fatally Invited by Ande Pliego
medium-paced
4.0
This book was such a fun, engaging read with major Clue and Agatha Christie vibes—think And Then There Were None but with a modern twist. The Clue-style map at the front? Absolutely loved it (we love a good map!). And that ending? Chef’s kiss! 👏
While the story was quick and entertaining, I did find it a little confusing at times, especially when keeping track of all the characters. Some parts dragged a wee bit, but nothing too major. For a debut novel, this was phenomenal, and I’m definitely excited to see what Ande Pliego writes next.
If you love classic whodunits, isolated murder mysteries, and a good dose of suspense, this one’s for you!
White Line Fever by KC Jones
2.75
White Line Fever had an intriguing premise with its eerie, ominous road, but it took me a bit to get into. There were too many characters, making it a little confusing at first, and I struggled to connect with them and their personal struggles. That said, the paranormal horror aspect was enjoyable, and despite my mixed feelings, I ended up reading it in one sitting—I was too curious and anxious to see how it would all unfold. Overall, it was an okay read for me!
The Dead Take the A Train by Cassandra Khaw, Richard Kadrey
medium-paced
2.0
I’m not usually a fan of fantasy horror, but I gave The Dead Take the A Train a shot—and while the writing was undeniably strong, the story itself didn’t fully work for me. The graphic gore and intense violence were entertaining, but I didn’t connect with the plot or the characters. That said, fans of monster horror will likely have a great time with this one. If you enjoy dark, bloody mayhem with a well-crafted style, this might be up your alley!
The Butcher by Jennifer Hillier
dark
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
Perfection. I could not put this book down. Jennifer Hillier delivers twist after twist, each more shocking than the last. My mind was blown. This is an absolutely wild, jaw-dropping thriller—dark, disturbing, and deeply unnerving. Hillier’s writing grips you from the start, pulling you into a graphic and chilling story that is not for the faint of heart. I’m kicking myself for not reading it sooner! If you love thrillers that keep you on edge, this one is a must-read. Phenomenal. No notes.
I’m so glad I forced @anita_thrill to read it with me when I got about 67 pages in and started freaking out. My eyeballs were popping out of my head. I needed someone to experience it with me. 🤭
The Last Room on the Left by Leah Konen
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Last Room on the Left was a solid, gripping read that kept me hooked from start to finish. The multiple POVs added an interesting dynamic, and I was genuinely invested in discovering what would happen next. The isolated, wintery motel setting was perfect for a chilling atmosphere, and I loved the suspense it created.
However, the ending left me a bit disappointed. After all the build-up and tension, it felt a bit flat, especially with so many twists throughout the story. I also found myself tiring of the "drunk, crazy female" trope, which is becoming a bit overdone for me.
That being said, it’s a great choice if you’re after a popcorn thriller with a locked-room mystery vibe. The cover is striking and definitely catches the eye. I wouldn’t compare it to *The Shining* though—that’s a bit of a stretch. Still, if you’re into atmospheric thrillers with plenty of suspense, this one’s worth the read.
A Girl Like Us by Anna Sophia McLoughlin
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
A Girl Like Us was an engaging and thrilling read that I found hard to put down—so much so that I ended up finishing it in one sitting! The story was definitely a locked-room style popcorn thriller, full of suspense. While the pacing was a bit slow at times, and the book felt a little longer than necessary, it kept me hooked throughout. I did struggle to keep track of the numerous characters, and there was a bit too much drama for my taste. However, if you're a fan of domestic thrillers and enjoy a bit of rich people drama, this book is definitely worth picking up.
Midwinter Murder by Agatha Christie
3.75
Midwinter Murder is a delightful collection of winter-themed short stories that showcase the wit and charm Christie is known for. With a wonderful blend of suspense, intrigue, and humor, this collection features some of my favorite characters—Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple, and Tommy and Tuppence. Each story is masterfully crafted, with the trademark sass and sharp dialogue that Christie often weaves into her characters. While all the stories are thoroughly enjoyable, Three Blind Mice and The Christmas Adventure stood out as personal favorites. Whether you're a longtime fan of Christie or new to her work, this collection is a cozy and gripping way to dive into her world of mystery and murder.