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chaptersofchase's Reviews (1.12k)
mysterious
slow-paced
The Only Survivors 🚌
Thank you, Scribner Books, for the gifted copy of this book! {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 4.11.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
Thank you, Scribner Books, for the gifted copy of this book! {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 4.11.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
"Everything, she realized in that stark moment of clarity, had always been out of her control."
Full disclosure: I started reading this and made it about 15% before putting it down because it was such a slow start that I couldn't stay focused on what I was reading. I was still intrigued by the storyline, so I requested a copy of the audiobook from my local library, and when my copy arrived, I started listening.
The story never picked up pace but continued with the slow burn until the final 20% of the book. Some parts were redundant and unimportant to the story - overall, it could've been shorter.
I enjoyed how the storyline was told through alternating timelines, as it gave me a deeper understanding of who the characters were and what made them tick. The past chapters were, by far, my favorite, and I love how each character was given one chapter to share their part of the story.
🐌 Slow burn
🙅🏽♀️ Too many characters
👌🏼 Perfectly atmospheric
⏰ Alternating timelines
🗣️ Multiple POV's
😤 The ending was a bit of a letdown
While The Only Survivors may not be my favorite from Megan Miranda, it was still an entertaining read that kept me working in the yard a little longer as bits and pieces of the story were revealed.
_
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dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Heiress 🌿
Thank you, St Martin's Press, for the gifted copy of Rachel Hawkin's upcoming novel! {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 1.9.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
I cannot wait for you all to read The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins in 2024!
It is one of those stories that's so easy to get lost in. I can't tell you the last time a book pulled me in as this one did - I could tune out the rest of the world, and when I had to put it down, I found myself continuously thinking about the characters and storyline. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, but I didn't want the book to end. Absolute perfection!
In some ways, I was reminded of a darker version of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo as Ruby McTavish had that same type of personality - larger than life, taking no prisoners, and having no regrets until the end (and even then, I'm not sure). While we never hear from Ruby in the present day, we're provided vivid details of her life through letters, which was fascinating and added an extra air of mystery to the story. My one takeaway is that I would not want to cross Ruby McTavish.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the viewpoints of Camden and Jules. I tried to think of the last mystery I read that was told from the perspective of a husband and wife, but I came up empty. Jules also breaks the third wall a few times and speaks directly to the reader, which I loved.
🤓 Dysfunctional family
📖 Short chapters
🗣️ Husband & Wife POV
📝 Past perspective in letters
Overall, The Heiress is just one of those books that cast a complete spell over you while reading. I was in awe of the complex story and can see this being made into a movie.
_
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Thank you, St Martin's Press, for the gifted copy of Rachel Hawkin's upcoming novel! {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 1.9.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
I cannot wait for you all to read The Heiress by Rachel Hawkins in 2024!
It is one of those stories that's so easy to get lost in. I can't tell you the last time a book pulled me in as this one did - I could tune out the rest of the world, and when I had to put it down, I found myself continuously thinking about the characters and storyline. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough, but I didn't want the book to end. Absolute perfection!
In some ways, I was reminded of a darker version of The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo as Ruby McTavish had that same type of personality - larger than life, taking no prisoners, and having no regrets until the end (and even then, I'm not sure). While we never hear from Ruby in the present day, we're provided vivid details of her life through letters, which was fascinating and added an extra air of mystery to the story. My one takeaway is that I would not want to cross Ruby McTavish.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the viewpoints of Camden and Jules. I tried to think of the last mystery I read that was told from the perspective of a husband and wife, but I came up empty. Jules also breaks the third wall a few times and speaks directly to the reader, which I loved.
🤓 Dysfunctional family
📖 Short chapters
🗣️ Husband & Wife POV
📝 Past perspective in letters
Overall, The Heiress is just one of those books that cast a complete spell over you while reading. I was in awe of the complex story and can see this being made into a movie.
_
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challenging
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
Just Another Missing Person
Thank you, William Morrow, for the gifted copy of this book {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Missing Person
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 8.1.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Thank you, William Morrow, for the gifted copy of this book {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Missing Person
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 8.1.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
“Sometimes things become crystal clear only when one is faced with the immediacy of them.”
Last year, I read and loved Wrong Place Wrong Time, and I couldn’t wait to get my hands on her newest novel, Just Another Missing Person. But I was nervous; what if it didn’t meet my expectations as much as WPWT did? Well, let me tell you that it did and then some!
I love how McAllister creates such complex characters with dark secrets and qualities you can’t help but admire. Throughout this book, you get to know them all, adding a captivating dimension to the story. Her books have a way of asking, “Just how far would you go for the person you love?”
For the first 50% of the book, I felt like I was slowly assembling the puzzle pieces, but some weren’t fitting. And then there was the twist that completely blew my mind and turned all my hard work upside down. After that point, I couldn’t put the book down because I needed to know what was happening. It was everything I had hoped it would be!
🕵🏽♀️ Missing persons cases
🔀 Mind-blowing twists
🚨 Police procedural
🗣️ Multiple perspectives
👏🏼 Complex characters
📖 One that I would read again
I recommend reading Just Another Missing Person if you’re in the mood for a story that keeps you guessing until the end.
_
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dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
m y 🔪 m u r d e r
Thank you, PRH Audio, for the gifted audiobook { #prhaudiobookinfluencer }
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Science Fiction
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 6.6.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Let me start off by saying that I had no idea this was a science fiction/dystopian story! Once I figured that out, it took me a minute to readjust and change my thinking. I always love a good genre mash-up, and this did not disappoint.
Nestled in this novel about murdered women brought back to life through cloning are themes of marriage, motherhood, identity, and friendship. It was the perfect mix of everything and held my attention from start to finish. I did not expect several twists; I always love when a book surprises me.
I’ve seen a few reviews mention being confused by the timeline and some of the plot points, but I think that, as the reader, you are meant to be a little confused. We’re following along with the MC, Lou, and her thoughts as she tries to figure out what happened to her life. The author made me feel like I was trying to figure it out with Lou and no one else.
🤩 Genre mash-up
👌🏼 Witty & poignant
🔀 Several unexpected twists
🎢 Rollercoaster of events & emotions
❌ graphic descriptions of murders
I recommend going into My Murder with an open mind and seeing where it takes you!
_
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Thank you, PRH Audio, for the gifted audiobook { #prhaudiobookinfluencer }
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Science Fiction
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 6.6.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Let me start off by saying that I had no idea this was a science fiction/dystopian story! Once I figured that out, it took me a minute to readjust and change my thinking. I always love a good genre mash-up, and this did not disappoint.
Nestled in this novel about murdered women brought back to life through cloning are themes of marriage, motherhood, identity, and friendship. It was the perfect mix of everything and held my attention from start to finish. I did not expect several twists; I always love when a book surprises me.
I’ve seen a few reviews mention being confused by the timeline and some of the plot points, but I think that, as the reader, you are meant to be a little confused. We’re following along with the MC, Lou, and her thoughts as she tries to figure out what happened to her life. The author made me feel like I was trying to figure it out with Lou and no one else.
🤩 Genre mash-up
👌🏼 Witty & poignant
🔀 Several unexpected twists
🎢 Rollercoaster of events & emotions
❌ graphic descriptions of murders
I recommend going into My Murder with an open mind and seeing where it takes you!
_
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slow-paced
Windfall 💰
Thank you, William Morrow, for the gifted copy of this book! {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Locked Room
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 7.11.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
Thank you, William Morrow, for the gifted copy of this book! {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Trope: Locked Room
Format: 📖
Pub Date: 7.11.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
“..you can possess all the things so many people believe make life worth living — wealth, success, beauty, health — and still feel trapped in a meaningless experience.”
I wanted to love Windfall, but it just wasn’t for me.
For starters, there were too many plot lines, and it took a lot of work to figure out which was the one to follow. Was there one missing person or two? Is the house haunted? Who is being honest/dishonest? Is there a possible romance? Can I find hints in the podcast segments sprinkled throughout? It was too much to put into a short book, and nothing happened until the 40% mark!
Unfortunately, other plot points didn’t work for me, and the ending left me unsatisfied and honestly sad.
💵 Lottery winners
🏠 Loved the setting
🐌 Slow Burn
😵💫 Too many plot lines
I recommend reading Windfall if you’re looking for a slow-burn, locked-room mystery!
_
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Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Hollywood Romance 🎬
Thank you, Dell Books & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of Will They or Won't They {partner}
Genre: Romance
Trope: Second Chance
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆
Pub Date: 6.27.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Thank you, Dell Books & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of Will They or Won't They {partner}
Genre: Romance
Trope: Second Chance
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆
Pub Date: 6.27.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
"Hopefully, there's life after life after death."
I knew going into Will They or Won't They that there would be quite a bit of the miscommunication trope (which is my favorite 🙄), but it was still an enjoyable read. For some reason, I kept getting Vampire Diaries vibes from the show they were working on and thinking about Elaina and Damon's real-life relationship and how it translated into the show. So, that kept me entertained. I also loved the ending as it was so perfect for Hollywood and, overall, charming.
My biggest complaint about the book is the audio. It was narrated by two people - one for Lily's character and one for Shane's. The narrator for Lily gave Shane a Southern accent (which is referenced in the book), but the narrator for Shane did not have a Southern accent. For whatever reason, this bothered me so much and distracted me from the story. It's a me problem, not the book, but keep that in mind if you choose the audio format. I have issues with continuity in books/movies/tv shows.
👏🏼 Well-rounded/well-developed characters
🎥 Hollywood Setting
✌🏼 Dual POV
🥰 The perfect ending
🙅🏽♀️ Audiobook wasn't for me
I recommend reading Will They or Won't They if you enjoy a Hollywood romance setting!
_
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emotional
funny
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The Celebrants 🎈
Thank you, PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of audiobook { #prhaudiobookinfluencer }
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Found Family
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆
Pub Date: 5.30.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
When I read Guncle in 2021, it was an instant LOVE for me. I was so excited to read The Celebrants in hopes of having that same immediate rush of love for the characters and storyline, but unfortunately, it wasn’t the book for me.
I did enjoy the concept of The Celebrants - mainly because it did remind me of Big Chill (which is set in one of my favorite towns), but I couldn’t connect to the storyline… at all. I was constantly confused about who was who. I’m not sure why there needed to be two characters named ‘Jordan,’ but it didn’t help matters. I had to back up the audio several times because I couldn’t figure out who was talking, and it was so frustrating every time.
But, as I said, I did enjoy the concept, and the end did give me a few misty-eyed moments. It was a beautiful look at the power of lifelong friendships and just how difficult they can be to maintain. Although the group might go years without seeing one another, they still were able to be there when times got rough.
As I said, I enjoyed bits and pieces, and there were moments that had me laughing, but it wasn’t enough to carry my interest throughout the novel. I’ve seen reviews all over the place for The Celebrants, so I recommend trying it and seeing what you think!
-
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Thank you, PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of audiobook { #prhaudiobookinfluencer }
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Found Family
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆
Pub Date: 5.30.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
When I read Guncle in 2021, it was an instant LOVE for me. I was so excited to read The Celebrants in hopes of having that same immediate rush of love for the characters and storyline, but unfortunately, it wasn’t the book for me.
I did enjoy the concept of The Celebrants - mainly because it did remind me of Big Chill (which is set in one of my favorite towns), but I couldn’t connect to the storyline… at all. I was constantly confused about who was who. I’m not sure why there needed to be two characters named ‘Jordan,’ but it didn’t help matters. I had to back up the audio several times because I couldn’t figure out who was talking, and it was so frustrating every time.
But, as I said, I did enjoy the concept, and the end did give me a few misty-eyed moments. It was a beautiful look at the power of lifelong friendships and just how difficult they can be to maintain. Although the group might go years without seeing one another, they still were able to be there when times got rough.
As I said, I enjoyed bits and pieces, and there were moments that had me laughing, but it wasn’t enough to carry my interest throughout the novel. I’ve seen reviews all over the place for The Celebrants, so I recommend trying it and seeing what you think!
-
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funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Charm City Rocks 🎸🥁
Thank you, Random House & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of this fun read!{ #prhaudiobookinfluencer }
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Romance
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆.5
Pub Date: 6.6.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Thank you, Random House & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of this fun read!{ #prhaudiobookinfluencer }
Genre: Fiction
Trope: Romance
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆.5
Pub Date: 6.6.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
“.. then one day, they never spoke again. It was like mourning a death: awful at first and then progressively less awful.”
Do you know those books that are so fun and refreshing that you can’t help but love all the characters (even the ones that are supposed to be annoying)? Well, that’s how I felt about Charm City Rocks. I truly loved every character - there weren’t so many that were hard to keep track of, but they all played a pivotal role in the book.
I wouldn’t say that Charm City Rocks is solely a romance - there is a subplot of romance, but it’s more of a look at a family and how they’ve stuck together over the years and adapted to include others. I love Billy’s character for how he treated everyone, including his ex-girlfriend (mother to his son), Robyn, and Robyn’s husband, Aaron. But I especially loved Billy’s relationship with his son, Caleb. Even with the introduction of Margot (Billy’s long-time celebrity crush), the dynamics adjusted but stayed the same. It was such a refreshing look at family in the modern age.
🗣️ Several characters POV’s
❤️ Later-in-life romance
👨👦 Single dad
👌🏼 Not any unnecessary drama
🥰 Refreshing
I recommend reading Charm City Rocks if you’re looking for an easy read to add to your summer reading list!
_
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slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you, St Martin’s Press, for the gifted copy of Bye, Baby
Genre: Fiction
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 3.5.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆
Okay, let me start by saying that I typically really enjoy Carola Lovering’s book, and while I do think that Bye, Baby had its moments, it was not the book for me.
For starters, it is not a mystery; it is not a thriller; it is more a look at the relationship between childhood friends and how they grew apart over the years. Bye, Baby hit home for many reasons, and unfortunately, all of those reasons made me feel uncomfortable and added to my dislike of the book.
There will always be characters in books that aren’t lovable or likable. But, I think something is to be said for an author who creates a character who goes too far over the edge of unlikeable. Lovering did that when she created Cassie. I didn’t like her from the start, and then I was not too fond of her stance on children and her lack of understanding of why Billie didn’t want to have them. When a character like this exists, it's hard to find any redeeming qualities and it can cause your reader to feel isolated from the story.
Another issue I have is that the book is marketed as “A missing baby. A fraught friendship. A secret that can never be told,” it opens up with the baby missing. But, halfway through the book, the baby is returned, the friendship is still fraught, and the secret has been revealed. It seemed like all the cards had been played, yet the book still had over 100+ pages left.
Overall, Bye, Baby was not for me, and I probably should’ve DNF’d, but I kept hoping there would be some redeeming quality. If you’re looking for a Carola Lovering book to read, I might try Too Good to be True.
_
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Genre: Fiction
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 3.5.2024
Star Rating: ☆☆
Okay, let me start by saying that I typically really enjoy Carola Lovering’s book, and while I do think that Bye, Baby had its moments, it was not the book for me.
For starters, it is not a mystery; it is not a thriller; it is more a look at the relationship between childhood friends and how they grew apart over the years. Bye, Baby hit home for many reasons, and unfortunately, all of those reasons made me feel uncomfortable and added to my dislike of the book.
There will always be characters in books that aren’t lovable or likable. But, I think something is to be said for an author who creates a character who goes too far over the edge of unlikeable. Lovering did that when she created Cassie. I didn’t like her from the start, and then I was not too fond of her stance on children and her lack of understanding of why Billie didn’t want to have them. When a character like this exists, it's hard to find any redeeming qualities and it can cause your reader to feel isolated from the story.
Another issue I have is that the book is marketed as “A missing baby. A fraught friendship. A secret that can never be told,” it opens up with the baby missing. But, halfway through the book, the baby is returned, the friendship is still fraught, and the secret has been revealed. It seemed like all the cards had been played, yet the book still had over 100+ pages left.
Overall, Bye, Baby was not for me, and I probably should’ve DNF’d, but I kept hoping there would be some redeeming quality. If you’re looking for a Carola Lovering book to read, I might try Too Good to be True.
_
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emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Same Time Next Summer 💛
Thank you, PRH Audiobooks, for the gifted audiobook #prhaudiobookinfluencer
Genre: Romance
Trope: Second Chance
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 6.6.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
Thank you, PRH Audiobooks, for the gifted audiobook #prhaudiobookinfluencer
Genre: Romance
Trope: Second Chance
Format: 🎧
Audiobook Narration: ☆☆☆☆
Pub Date: 6.6.2023
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
“Sometimes you have to walk away from all the things you don’t want to make room for the future.”
If you’re looking for the perfect easy summer book (or audiobook), I recommend adding Same Time Next Summer to your reading list!
While I thought the book started slowly, it took off, and I finished it in one day. I enjoyed Sam’s character growth and her path to remembering the girl she used to be all those summers ago. From the beginning, we (as the reader) are meant to dislike Sam’s fiancé, Jack, because we see that he’s a bit controlling and the opposite of who Sam needs. But, after giving it some thought, Sam is the one who needs to realize that on her own. Her character and relationship with Jack took me back down memory lane, and it was nice to see her grow. I especially loved her relationship with her parents.
The only part about Same Time Next Summer that irked me is that no one seemed to know Wyatt and who he had become after leaving Long Island and heading West. It seemed strange because everyone knew everyone’s business in that small community.
☀️ Perfect Summer Read
✌🏼 Dual POV
🎧 Easy audiobook
👌🏼 Character development
Overall, it was the perfect light read, making for the ideal audio to listen to while working in the yard. I look forward to reading what Annabel Monaghan writes next!
_
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