hobbyist_tm's reviews
38 reviews

Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh

adventurous challenging emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This is my first Steve Cavanagh book and I did not know what to expect. I thought I was just reading two stories of women who were unrelated to each other, and surprise surprise! I was wrong. I also thought the plot was already revealed immediately just at 20% of the book, and guess what? I was wrong again. 

My thoughts kept me gripping unto the book because it was fast-paced and unpredictable. I wanted to know what will happen next. There were a lot of revelations and plot twists along the way. As I was nearing the last few chapters, there was yet another plot twist and I was so shocked about it. It was exciting and it kept me interested until the end.

Ultimately, this book was mind-boggling and I know I will read more books from the author. 💯

Hidden Pictures by Jason Rekulak

emotional mysterious tense 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

The questions I have continually asked myself as I deep dive through this book were, "Is this a mental health condition?", "Is this an effect of substance abuse?", "Is this child psychology?", or "Is this paranormal activity?" That is why I could not put the book down because I wanted to know the answer. Curiosity got the best of me and I'm glad I did not stop reading until I finished the book. 

This book was multi-layered since it tackled a lot of topics, especially sensitive ones (trigger warning). I could say, Jason Rekulak was able to resolve them and his writing gave this book a satisfied resolution.

Love, Mom by Iliana Xander

emotional 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

4.0

Wow, I never thought I could finish this in just a day! I did not mind reading this book until the wee hours (and there's work the next day). I think I've been really up for so much mystery and crime thrillers these past few days—and there's no hiding that I'm loving every single bit of it. 🥰

The first few chapters of Love, Mom made me think there were similarities to the books I've read last year. I'M GLAD I WAS WRONG. There were so many plot twists I was not ready for. Sometimes I would just pause and take all the contents in before I proceed to the next chapter. 

This book gave me things to ponder on, especially topics on relationships. Would I be reading more books from Iliana Xander? Definitely.

Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I finished this book with a shorter time than the first two from this series. I could not put it down since I was adamant to know what will happen next. To be honest, I was not able to guess who the culprit was, but I still found the resolution satisfying. 🫡

Wit and fun will always be a part of Benjamin Stevenson's books so this one's not an exception. This book is also similar from the other two in terms of pace—it's slow at first and then at 80% the thrill will come rushing in. That's how crime thrillers work, right? 😉 

What's new for me is the combination of magic and holiday cheer that it gave me so many things to look forward to. It also tickled my imagination since there were so many tricks as the story progressed (like, nobody prepared me for those tricks). This book did not disappoint, eventhough I found myself wondering as between chapters, was it possible?

Everyone on This Train Is a Suspect by Benjamin Stevenson

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

It really took me two books of Benjamin Stevenson to finally ride the tides of his storytelling. I now felt in this l second that I was the Watson to his Sherlock. I got two correct answers from all the clues he has given. 😉

The book was slow at first and it took me days to continue reading it. I even thought I would not finish it. Alas! I just needed to get past the first half of the book to finally enjoy the rest of the plot. 

By far, I enjoyed this second book more than the first one. I now agree with one of the characters who said in the book, "Sequels aren't always a disappointment, you know."

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

4.5

Evil Under the Sun by Agatha Christie

3.5

Five Little Pigs by Agatha Christie

4.0

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

4.25

The ABC Murders by Agatha Christie

4.0