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chaptersofchase's Reviews (1.12k)
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
From earbuds to bookshelves—Ashley Flowers is back with another dose of murder and mystery, this time on the page.
Thank you, Random House & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of The Missing Half {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 5.5.2025
Pages: 272
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
It’s so cool to see Ashley Flowers go from Crime Junkie podcast queen to published author—she knows how to spin a tale full of mystery and murder, and I was so ready for her second book after loving her debut.
The Missing Half had a lot going for it: a strong foundation and emotional themes like sisterhood, guilt, and loyalty... but whew, it took a while to get there. For a book under 300 pages, the first half felt like it was stuck in slow-mo. And don’t even get me started on the main character—yes, her messy choices aligned with her personality, but did I want to shake her a few times? Absolutely.
I also clocked the twist from early on, which dulled the impact a bit. I still enjoyed the journey to the reveal but hoped for more shock and less predictability.
Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆
The audiobook was narrated by Saskia Maarleveld, one of the GOATs in the voice-acting community. It was fun to listen to her narrate this mystery/thriller, as I typically only hear Saskia’s narration through historical fiction titles.
Read if you enjoy:
❗️Red Herrings
🐌 Slow Burn
🌪️ Twisty
😅 Psychological Suspense
🔍 Unsolved Mysteries
It had the ingredients for a killer thriller, but in the end, it needed a bit more bite and a whole lot more suspense
______
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slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Griffin Sister's Greatest Hits
Thank you, William Morrow Books, for the gifted copy of The Griffin Sisters Greatest Hits {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 4.8.2025
Pages: 384
Star Rating: ☆☆☆.5
If you're looking for a family saga set in the music industry, The Griffin Sister's Greatest Hits may be your book!
There's something magical about diving into a story set in the '90s or early 2000s—it instantly transports me back to my childhood. Add a backdrop of the music industry from that era? I'm all in. That music will forever live rent-free in my heart and soul.
I recently picked up The Griffin Sisters' Greatest Hits and had high hopes. I've read quite a few of Jennifer Weiner's books and know her signature style—slow-burn, character-driven stories that don't necessarily keep you on the edge of your seat but instead pull you into the lives of the characters.
That said… this one didn't hit the right notes for me. It started strong, but by the middle, it felt repetitive, and I struggled to stay invested. Zoe, one of the main characters, didn't sit right with me—her choices and how she treated others wore thin. And just when I expected things to build to something big, the story rushed to the finish and tied everything up a bittoo neatly.
Read if you enjoy:
Family Saga
Multiple POV
Dual Timeline
Early 2000
While the story didn’t quite hit all the right notes for me, the nostalgic setting and music-infused vibes still made it worth the read.
______
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slow-paced
I’m a sucker for a cozy mystery—especially when it involves missing antique artifacts and a touch of intrigue. It’s my bookish catnip. 🐱
Thank you, Atria Books, for the gifted copy of The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea {partner}
Genre: Cozy Mystery:
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 2.18.2025
Pages: 304
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
Unfortunately, Death on the Red Sea didn’t quite live up to the hype for me. It had a strong start—just Freya, her Aunt Carole, and maybe one other character. But then… the character roster exploded. Suddenly, there were too many names to keep track of, all with bland, generic vibes and similar personalities. By the end, I struggled to remember who was who, which completely pulled me out of the story.
I’m also craving more depth—especially with the setting. Set in Egypt, I expected to feel immersed in the culture and landscape, but there was almost zero detail about the places they were visiting. If you’re going to be an Antique Hunter, show me what’s around you! Instead, it often felt like we were trapped in the main character’s head, watching her make one bad decision after another.
It’s not that I didn’t enjoy the book—I did. But for it to reach the next level, I needed more substance and a better balance between character development, setting, and plot.
Read if you enjoy:
🗣️ Multiple POV
😵💫 Character Overload
🇪🇬 Egyptian History
📖 Character Development
🐌 Slow Burn
Ultimately, The Antique Hunter’s Death on the Red Sea had promise, but I need a little more depth to make it truly unforgettable.
______
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adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
What a pleasant surprise! 🤩
Thank you, Random House & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of Fun for the Whole Family {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 4.8.2025
Pages: 368
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
I started this one on a whim — the cover caught my eye, and I was in the mood for something family-focused… wow, did this story deliver?
What I found was a book packed with heart, love, and layers. You know those books where you tell yourself, "Just one more chapter," and suddenly it's 2 a.m.? Yeah, that kind.
The story weaves through a non-linear timeline, bouncing from state to state, past to present — but every road trip memory ties beautifully into the siblings' current journey. As a reader, you're let into their inner worlds, and you know one of them is carrying three secrets.
It wasn't until I was about 60% that the third secret hit me… and hit hard. It was the kind of quiet emotional reveal that lingers. This character had been holding so much for so long, and when that weight started to show, I truly felt it.
Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆
I hit play on Fun for the Whole Family without realizing it was narrated by none other than my fave: Lauren Graham. As someone who rewatches Gilmore Girls to relax (basically daily at this point 😅), I didn't even need to ease into the listening speed. I just jumped right in and let Lauren work her magic — and, of course, she nailed it. She brought so much warmth and charm to the narration, and honestly? I can't imagine anyone else telling this story.
Read if you enjoy:
🚗 Road Trips
📖 Character Driven Books
😆 Witty Humor
🎭 Family Drama
If you're craving a family-centered story with emotional depth and beautifully written relationships, this one's worth the journey.
______
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Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I am not okay. 😭
Thank you, St Martin’s Press, for the gifted copy of Left of Forever {partner}
Genre: Romance
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 5.20.2025
Pages: 336
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
“One day, when we’re very old and gray, one of us will open our eyes to a day that the other won’t, but we’ll smile knowing how full life has been. Knowing how we spent forever. Everything left of it, together.”
I devoured this book — and when I tell you it took a piece of my heart with it, I mean it.
Left of Forever by Tarah DeWitt is the kind of love story that lingers. The kind that reminds you why we keep showing up for the people who matter most.
After falling hard for Savor It last year, I didn’t think she could top it… but here we are. DeWitt’s talent for creating raw, real characters is unmatched. Wren and Ellis feel like people you’ve known forever — their love, heartbreak, and fight to find their way back to each other was truly beautiful.
Left of Forever feels personal. You can feel every word and emotion—and the acknowledgments confirm it’s close to the author’s heart. Which makes it all the more powerful.
If you’re craving a romance that’s tender, honest, and completely unforgettable… this one’s for you.
Read if you enjoy:
❤️🩹 Second Chance Romance
🫶🏼 Found Family
🚨 Marriage in Crisis
🏘️ Small Town
🔥 Open Door Romance
Left of Forever was simply the perfect story, and I’m so grateful I had a chance to read it.
______
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emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
It’s wonderful to be back with Molly Gray! 💛
Thank you, Viking Books & PRH Audio, for the gifted copy of The Maid’s Secret {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 4.8.2025
Pages: 336
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆.5
“We should always look past the grime, for what lies beyond it may shine more brightly than anything imaginable.”
Well, this is my new favorite in the Molly the Maid series!
I honestly didn’t expect to cry while reading this book openly, but the emotional depth of the characters completely swept me away. There were so many moments where their emotions overflowed onto the pages, and I couldn’t help but feel them, too.
For the past few books (three if you count the Christmas novella), we’ve heard a lot about Molly’s grandmother. Even though she’s no longer in Molly’s life, she remains ever-present in her thoughts and actions. I’ve always wanted to hear more from Flora and finally got my wish.
Flora’s story was a beautiful reminder that our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents all experienced love, heartbreak, and friendship long before we came along.
I also loved seeing how much Molly grew in this book. She seemed more confident, more comfortable speaking her mind, and more present in the lives of those around her. It was amazing to watch her evolve and really step into her own.
If this is the last book in the Molly the Maid series, it was pure perfection. But I’m hoping it’s not!
Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆
The Maid’s Secret is narrated by Lauren Ambrose, who has also narrated all of the other books in the Molly the Maid series. She’s a delight to listen to, and I will have a hard time thinking of her as anything other than Molly Gray’s voice!
Read if you enjoy:
🫶🏼 Found Family
📖 Short Chapters
👏🏼 Character Development
✌🏼 Dual Timeline
If you haven’t already started reading the Molly the Maid series, I highly recommend it! I love the quirky, fun characters and have come to love them so deeply. It’s a series, so you’ll want to work through all the books (including the novella) oryou'll miss out on lots of the storyline!
______
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mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Allons en France! ✈️🇫🇷
Thank you, Sourcebook Landmark, for the gifted copy of The French Honeymoon {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 4.15.2025
Pages: 288
Star Rating: ☆☆☆
“The truth is, none of this has to do with luck. You know when people say they met the right person at the right time? That the stars aligned and it was all meant to be? We were the wrong people coming together at the worst time, and the sky must have been pitch black.”
I didn’t know what to expect from The French Honeymoon, but I was immediately drawn into the setting. We kick things off in NYC, make a quick pit stop, and then land in France for a honeymoon that seemed like it came straight out of an Instagram dream. But, of course, things weren’t as perfect as they seemed...
The vivid descriptions and twisty little details kept me intrigued, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. It wasn’t the quirky, unlikable characters—but something didn’t fully hit the mark for me.
That said, one twist caught me off guard (which is rare these days!), and I absolutely loved that. Plus, the ambiguous ending? Chef’s kiss—I’m still thinking about it.
Read if you enjoy:
🔀 Twisty
📖 Slow Burn
🤳🏼 Social Media “influencers”
🧐 Ambiguous Endings
😒 Unlikable Characters
I recommend reading The French Honeymoon if you enjoyed reading The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley!
______
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slow-paced
Loveable characters:
Yes
What an incredibly unique story! 🤩
Thank you, Zibby Publishing, for the gifted copy of I See You’ve Called in Dead {partner}
Genre: Fiction
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 4.1.2025
Pages: 304
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
“Aren’t we all more than our resume? Aren’t we more than the college we attended and the places we’ve worked? Aren’t we a million things that are so subtle and nuanced that most people never see them or experience them?”
It gave me major Backman vibes, where you don’t just get to know the main character but also fall in love with the supporting cast. Death of the Author was full of wonderfully flawed, relatable humans, and I found myself connecting with so many of them—yes, even the side characters! They helped remind the MC (and me) what it truly means to live and face the realities of death.
The story started off a bit slow for my taste, and I wasn’t sure about the MMC at first, but by the end, I was completely hooked. There were definitely tears but also plenty of laughs, making it the perfect balance of emotion. It was exactly the book I didn’t know I needed.
Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆
The audiobook is narrated by Sean Patrick Hopkins, who also narrated A Good Girls Guide to Murder, Happiness Falls, The Astrology House, and The Days I Loved You Most. I think Hopkins was the perfect choice to narrate I See You’ve Called in Dead, as it seemed to fit exactly how I imagined the MMC’s voice. Thank you, @librofm, for the gifted copy!
Read if you enjoy:
🤭 Dry, Witty Humor
🫶🏼 Lovable Supporting Characters
📖 Slow Paced Stories
👏🏼 Character Development
I recommend reading I See You Called in Dead if you’re looking for a heartfelt read to help you see things in a new light.
______
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adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
F I V E 🏆 S T A RS
Thank you, William Morrow Books, for the gifted copy of Death of the Author {partner}
Genre: Science Fiction
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 1.14.2025
Pages: 448
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
"We are mortal beings. We die. But we live first."
I'll be honest—I probably wouldn't have picked up Death of the Author if a friend hadn't recommended it. Science fiction usually feels a bit too much for me, but WOW… I'm so glad I gave this one a shot.
The storytelling in this book is at the next level. The author masterfully weaves together multiple storylines and characters, each of them feeling incredibly real (despite being entirely fictional!). And don't even get me started on Zelu, the FMC. She's flawed, but given her past and family, it's impossible not to understand why she's the way she is. Watching her face so many obstacles—and still fighting—was inspiring.
And let's talk about the magic of books about books! 📚 There's something so special about that. This story kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly waiting for those two parallel storylines to finally collide. Trust me, it's worth the wait!
This book would make such a fantastic book club pick, and I can't recommend it enough!
Audiobook Review: ☆☆☆☆☆
In total honesty… while I absolutely LOVED Death of the Author, I'm not sure I would have made it through without the audiobook. It's slower-paced and packed with so much to unpack, but wow—the narrators absolutely brought this story to life. Liz Femy, Anthony Oseyemi, Jason Culp, and Chris Dejuma truly elevated the experience. Their performances added so much depth to the characters and made the complex storytelling so much more engaging. I'm happy I decided to dive into this one through audio; it was definitely the right choice.
If you're a fan of audiobooks, this one is a must-listen!
Read if you enjoy:
✌🏼 Dual Timelines
🤩 Characters with depth
📖 Books within book
I highly recommend adding Death of the Author to your 2025 reading list!
______
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adventurous
slow-paced
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Book Three ✅
Genre: Young Adult
Trope: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 8.30.2022
Pages: 400
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆
“The world is the board, Heiress. We just have to keep rolling the dice.”
I’m slowly making my way through this series, and while book one is still my favorite, I have high hopes for book four—SO many people have told me it’s their favorite, so I’m excited to see where it goes!
I decided to listen to The Final Gambit on audio, mostly because I didn’t have a lot of time to sit down and read. I was eager to see where the quirky, lovable characters would go this time around. Unfortunately, I don’t think I’ll be going the audiobook route for the rest of the series. The narrator gave all the characters a much more youthful (and sometimes whiny) tone, which made the book feel more like Young Adult than the previous two installments did.
Looking back, I think the main reason for that shift in tone was the romantic angle added to the story. The love triangle and “first love” vibe seemed to distract from the mystery that originally drew me in. Then pair that with the narration style and it just wasn’t my favorite.
That said, I’m definitely continuing with the series—but next time, I’ll be opting for the print version!
______
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