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joyceheinen's reviews
177 reviews
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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
3.0
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.5
Grady Hendrix is my guy, my horror guy. I love how he takes on these standard horror tropes and flips them upside down. He did it before with demons, vampires, zombies and a haunted house. Now it’s witches. And I think this is my favorite Hendrix so far.
We meet a fifteen-year-old girl, who is send to a home for wayward girls. Basically teenage pregnant girls are being send there to have their baby in secret, give it up for adoption and move back home and act like it never happened. When she arrives, she is given the name Fern. She is not allowed to tell anyone what her real name is and where she is from. There, Fern befriends three other girls: Rose, Zinnia and Holly. When Fern receives an occult book about witchcraft from the local librarian, she becomes obsessed by it. And believes their might be a way to get away from this. But witchcraft comes with a price.
The horror element is minimal, in the way that it’s not very scary. But there is some body horror. Especially focused on pregnancies and giving birth. If that makes you squeamish, just be warned. The books is mainly scary because of its social commentary. Because wayward houses were an actual thing, for teens who were troubled or out of control. And the goal was to redeem them and eventually return home as a bettered person. But most important, no one could ever know about it. In “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls”, it’s a home for pregnant teenagers to have their baby, give it up for adoption and leave again to continue their lives like nothing every happened.
In Hendrix’s author’s note he acknowledges that as a middle aged, childless man he probably isn’t the best choice to write this book but based on family revelations he wrote to understand these homes and the people who would have been sent to them. I personally think he did an amazing job and praise him for giving empathy understanding. It’s kind of amazing this book, which has a great debate on women’s rights, was written by a man. And this proves again what a great author Hendrix is. The book was only a bit too long for my taste.
Like I said, this is my favorite Grady Hendrix so far. And I was a bit skeptical, because reviews were very mixed. I’m glad it turned out to be such a success.
We meet a fifteen-year-old girl, who is send to a home for wayward girls. Basically teenage pregnant girls are being send there to have their baby in secret, give it up for adoption and move back home and act like it never happened. When she arrives, she is given the name Fern. She is not allowed to tell anyone what her real name is and where she is from. There, Fern befriends three other girls: Rose, Zinnia and Holly. When Fern receives an occult book about witchcraft from the local librarian, she becomes obsessed by it. And believes their might be a way to get away from this. But witchcraft comes with a price.
The horror element is minimal, in the way that it’s not very scary. But there is some body horror. Especially focused on pregnancies and giving birth. If that makes you squeamish, just be warned. The books is mainly scary because of its social commentary. Because wayward houses were an actual thing, for teens who were troubled or out of control. And the goal was to redeem them and eventually return home as a bettered person. But most important, no one could ever know about it. In “Witchcraft for Wayward Girls”, it’s a home for pregnant teenagers to have their baby, give it up for adoption and leave again to continue their lives like nothing every happened.
In Hendrix’s author’s note he acknowledges that as a middle aged, childless man he probably isn’t the best choice to write this book but based on family revelations he wrote to understand these homes and the people who would have been sent to them. I personally think he did an amazing job and praise him for giving empathy understanding. It’s kind of amazing this book, which has a great debate on women’s rights, was written by a man. And this proves again what a great author Hendrix is. The book was only a bit too long for my taste.
Like I said, this is my favorite Grady Hendrix so far. And I was a bit skeptical, because reviews were very mixed. I’m glad it turned out to be such a success.
The Perfect Escape: The twisty psychological thriller that will keep you guessing until the end by Leah Konen
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Sam, Diana and Margaret have become friends, when they bonded over their divorces and break-ups. To get away from all the mess, they decide to go on girls’ trip. When they are halfway, they have car trouble and they are stranded in a small town. One of them goes missing, an ex show up and someone ends up dead. Girls' trip gone bad.
First of all, this is more a mystery then a thriller. Only towards the end I felt this was more of a thriller. And although I did have a good time reading this book, the book was overall just okay and in the end pretty forgettable.
I liked the pace of the story and it did have some really good twists and turns. I was left in the dark for a long time. The stranded-in-a-small-town trope is one I love. The multiple POV’s I liked as well. And I was very invested in the mystery. But not at all in the characters. And because I have read so many thrillers at this point, the book didn’t give me anything new or ground breaking. I have read this kind of a book many times before.
All in all, a solid mystery thriller book, but not one that I will remember for the ages. Just fine.
First of all, this is more a mystery then a thriller. Only towards the end I felt this was more of a thriller. And although I did have a good time reading this book, the book was overall just okay and in the end pretty forgettable.
I liked the pace of the story and it did have some really good twists and turns. I was left in the dark for a long time. The stranded-in-a-small-town trope is one I love. The multiple POV’s I liked as well. And I was very invested in the mystery. But not at all in the characters. And because I have read so many thrillers at this point, the book didn’t give me anything new or ground breaking. I have read this kind of a book many times before.
All in all, a solid mystery thriller book, but not one that I will remember for the ages. Just fine.
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Cleo is from England and does not have much money. She is an artist living in the U.S. and her visa is about to expire. She falls head over heals in love with Frank, director of a New York advertising agency and twenty years older then her. He falls for Cleo too and not long after they meet, they marry, which will change their lives and the lives of the people around them.
Cleo and Frank’s story is told from their perspective as well as that of their friends: Cleo’s best friend Quentin views her marriage with distress, as he might prefer to have married Cleo himself, were it not for the fact that her likes men. Anders, Frank’s friend, is handsome and has no desire to commit, and so more that one woman from Frank’s circle he has slept with. Then there is Zoe, Frank’s half-sister, perpetually broke and at first not happy about her brother’s marriage either. There is Eleanor, who works for Frank and has always been his support. And Santiago, a friend of Frank, who lost his wife.
Author Coco Mellors has managed to poignantly describe the vast, turbulent world that revolves around love. With each chapter, we see the perspective of a different character, about their life, their struggles. It is still, in core, about Cleo and Frank, but the other people we follow are the ones that shape their lives. And how their marriage shapes the lives of their friends and family members.
“Cleopatra and Frankenstein” is not a happy love story, it’s heartbreaking but beautiful. It has multiple layers and is a great character study. Very well written. Coco Mellors’ book “Blue Sisters” is on my TBR and I can’t wait to read this as well.
Cleo and Frank’s story is told from their perspective as well as that of their friends: Cleo’s best friend Quentin views her marriage with distress, as he might prefer to have married Cleo himself, were it not for the fact that her likes men. Anders, Frank’s friend, is handsome and has no desire to commit, and so more that one woman from Frank’s circle he has slept with. Then there is Zoe, Frank’s half-sister, perpetually broke and at first not happy about her brother’s marriage either. There is Eleanor, who works for Frank and has always been his support. And Santiago, a friend of Frank, who lost his wife.
Author Coco Mellors has managed to poignantly describe the vast, turbulent world that revolves around love. With each chapter, we see the perspective of a different character, about their life, their struggles. It is still, in core, about Cleo and Frank, but the other people we follow are the ones that shape their lives. And how their marriage shapes the lives of their friends and family members.
“Cleopatra and Frankenstein” is not a happy love story, it’s heartbreaking but beautiful. It has multiple layers and is a great character study. Very well written. Coco Mellors’ book “Blue Sisters” is on my TBR and I can’t wait to read this as well.
Jar of Hearts by Jennifer Hillier
dark
tense
fast-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
2.5
I read “Little Secrets”, by Jennifer Hillier, a couple of years ago and really liked it. “Jar of Hearts” gets a high average rating on GoodReads, so I had very high hopes. But, my opinion about this book is going to be unpopular.
We learn about the disappearance of Angela Wong, when she was only sixteen years old. When her remains are found fourteen years later, the truth comes to surface as well, with her best friend Georgina going to jail for being involved and her then boyfriend Calvin being convicted for the murder. Angela and Georgina’s mutual friend Kaiser is now a detective, wanting to get to the bottom of this and finding out what really happened that fateful night.
While Georgina pays the price for her unconditional love, Calvin escapes from prison. And soon lives up to his nickname of the Sweetbay Strangler. What is his ultimate intention? Do the new victims have a link to Angela? And what other secrets does Georgina have?
I found it very difficult to relate to any of the characters. First of all, I didn’t like any of them, but I can often get passed that. I just didn’t understand any of the motivations these characters had. When Angela went missing and later found, many people claimed she was the sweetest girl. But flashbacks reveal something completely different. I don’t get why Georgina wanted to be friend with her. And she also says, multiple times, how much she loved Angela. Angela was the one woman she loved most after her mom. That just makes it even less understandable why she eventually did what she did. And it seems with ease, with her so-called monster of a boyfriend behaving out of character. And she just moved on. It feels like we are supposed to sympathize and empathize with Georgina, but in no way could I do that. Same for her relationship with Calvin. I get that sometimes love blinds you, but it just didn’t make sense what she did for this guy.
There is a romantic subplot, that I really did not care about. I mostly hate romantic plot lines in thrillers. And again, I did not understand it. In their younger years, sure, I get it. But as adults, I don’t see why this man still wants to be with her, especially with him knowing about her what he knows. And all these characters have thoughts about other people’s appearances and smells in the most inappropriate moments. It feels so strange.
For a book being sold with having many unexpected twists and reveals, I was a bit underwhelmed. Sure, it had some, but the final reveal was pretty obvious in the end. I just didn’t have a good time with this book, unfortunately.
We learn about the disappearance of Angela Wong, when she was only sixteen years old. When her remains are found fourteen years later, the truth comes to surface as well, with her best friend Georgina going to jail for being involved and her then boyfriend Calvin being convicted for the murder. Angela and Georgina’s mutual friend Kaiser is now a detective, wanting to get to the bottom of this and finding out what really happened that fateful night.
While Georgina pays the price for her unconditional love, Calvin escapes from prison. And soon lives up to his nickname of the Sweetbay Strangler. What is his ultimate intention? Do the new victims have a link to Angela? And what other secrets does Georgina have?
I found it very difficult to relate to any of the characters. First of all, I didn’t like any of them, but I can often get passed that. I just didn’t understand any of the motivations these characters had. When Angela went missing and later found, many people claimed she was the sweetest girl. But flashbacks reveal something completely different. I don’t get why Georgina wanted to be friend with her. And she also says, multiple times, how much she loved Angela. Angela was the one woman she loved most after her mom. That just makes it even less understandable why she eventually did what she did. And it seems with ease, with her so-called monster of a boyfriend behaving out of character. And she just moved on. It feels like we are supposed to sympathize and empathize with Georgina, but in no way could I do that. Same for her relationship with Calvin. I get that sometimes love blinds you, but it just didn’t make sense what she did for this guy.
There is a romantic subplot, that I really did not care about. I mostly hate romantic plot lines in thrillers. And again, I did not understand it. In their younger years, sure, I get it. But as adults, I don’t see why this man still wants to be with her, especially with him knowing about her what he knows. And all these characters have thoughts about other people’s appearances and smells in the most inappropriate moments. It feels so strange.
For a book being sold with having many unexpected twists and reveals, I was a bit underwhelmed. Sure, it had some, but the final reveal was pretty obvious in the end. I just didn’t have a good time with this book, unfortunately.
I Know Who You Are by Alice Feeney
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Up and coming actress Aimee Sinclair loves to put herself in someone else’s shoes. For a moment forgetting who she is and where she came from. It feels like an escape from reality. When Aimee returns home after an argument with her husband Ben, she finds his wallet, phone and car keys, but Ben is nowhere to be found. She reports him missing, but the police question the actress. And Aimee does have secrets, but not the one the police expect.
Alice Feeney is one of my favorite thriller authors. She wrote “His & Hers” and “Rock Paper Scissors”, which are two of my all-time favorite thriller books. But Feeney did not convince with this book.
First, there are too many questions. Which are not a problem in general, but the answers to these question feel either unsatisfactory, unbelievable or are left unanswered. I found it interesting to learn about Aimee’s past and the mystery was engaging. But the final twist and reveal really ruined it for me. Where Feeney is usually known for her amazing plot twists, she really missed the mark here. I found it very difficult to believe and something at the very end of the story felt gross and just not okay. While it’s still a memorable ending, it’s for the wrong reasons. And I’m still left with a lot of questions at the end, some things just didn’t make sense.
Overall, the thriller is still engaging and I had a good time with it. But it was totally ruined by its ending. I’m glad I read other, better books by Feeney, because if this was my first, I would have been hesitant to pick up the rest.
Alice Feeney is one of my favorite thriller authors. She wrote “His & Hers” and “Rock Paper Scissors”, which are two of my all-time favorite thriller books. But Feeney did not convince with this book.
First, there are too many questions. Which are not a problem in general, but the answers to these question feel either unsatisfactory, unbelievable or are left unanswered. I found it interesting to learn about Aimee’s past and the mystery was engaging. But the final twist and reveal really ruined it for me. Where Feeney is usually known for her amazing plot twists, she really missed the mark here. I found it very difficult to believe and something at the very end of the story felt gross and just not okay. While it’s still a memorable ending, it’s for the wrong reasons. And I’m still left with a lot of questions at the end, some things just didn’t make sense.
Overall, the thriller is still engaging and I had a good time with it. But it was totally ruined by its ending. I’m glad I read other, better books by Feeney, because if this was my first, I would have been hesitant to pick up the rest.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
In “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” the world of gaming and literature meet. In itself, that seems like a clash of generations and cultures, but author Gabrielle Zevin manages to seamlessly connect those worlds in this novel.
Sam and Sadie have known each other since childhood, with videogames being the thing that connected them in the first place. They haven’t seen ach other for nine years, and they meet again. Both still into gaming, they decide to work together. But where Sam and Sadie can lose themselves in a videogame, there is no escaping the real world.
We follow Sam and Sadie in their lives together and apart, how they each deal with their success differently, but also with things like grief, love, friendship, depression, illness. It deals with pretty heavy themes at times, but it never gets too heavy.
“Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” is an ode to friendship, with the gaming worlds as its background. I can understand that people who are not into gaming, it might not interest you. I’m not a gamer, at least not like these characters are, but I could relate to both Sam and Sadie at several stages in this story. I understand the hype of the book, I feel it, because this book grabbed me and I was captivated from start to finish. The writing is beautiful and I loved reading about this friendship. But I do also understand people who don’t get the hype.
I found a new favorite in “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow””, but won’t recommend it to just anyone who loves reading. Because the theme of the gaming industry will make or break this book for most people.
Sam and Sadie have known each other since childhood, with videogames being the thing that connected them in the first place. They haven’t seen ach other for nine years, and they meet again. Both still into gaming, they decide to work together. But where Sam and Sadie can lose themselves in a videogame, there is no escaping the real world.
We follow Sam and Sadie in their lives together and apart, how they each deal with their success differently, but also with things like grief, love, friendship, depression, illness. It deals with pretty heavy themes at times, but it never gets too heavy.
“Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow” is an ode to friendship, with the gaming worlds as its background. I can understand that people who are not into gaming, it might not interest you. I’m not a gamer, at least not like these characters are, but I could relate to both Sam and Sadie at several stages in this story. I understand the hype of the book, I feel it, because this book grabbed me and I was captivated from start to finish. The writing is beautiful and I loved reading about this friendship. But I do also understand people who don’t get the hype.
I found a new favorite in “Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow””, but won’t recommend it to just anyone who loves reading. Because the theme of the gaming industry will make or break this book for most people.
Cutting Teeth by Chandler Baker
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
We follow three mothers, Rhea, Mary Beth and Darby, who all have young children in Little Academy preschool. Trying to balance their life as mothers with their career, social life and relationship with their partners, life is hard enough. When the children at Little Academy start biting people, it feels like they are going through a phase. But eventually they develop an apatite for blood. With that, one of their teachers is found dead on school property. And the only witnesses are the four-year-old kids. But they’re not just witnesses, they might also be suspects. And so are their mothers.
The story deals with motherhood and the things that people never tell you before becoming one. It also takes a looks at society with a critical eye. “Cutting Teeth” is first and foremost a very original book, dealing with an actual medical condition that I personally never heard of. Mixing these issues these parents are all dealing with, with a murder mystery, makes for a very entertaining and enjoyable read. And the story was not at all predictable. It took some unexpected turns.
The character development was very strong and enjoyed the mystery. Sometimes the story focused on the personal lives and relationships of the three main female characters a bit too much. I wasn’t that interested in that. I preferred reading about the kids and the murder mystery and how these women dealt with that.
I am very interested in Chandler Baker’s other work within this horror/ thriller genre, because this was a definite winner.
The story deals with motherhood and the things that people never tell you before becoming one. It also takes a looks at society with a critical eye. “Cutting Teeth” is first and foremost a very original book, dealing with an actual medical condition that I personally never heard of. Mixing these issues these parents are all dealing with, with a murder mystery, makes for a very entertaining and enjoyable read. And the story was not at all predictable. It took some unexpected turns.
The character development was very strong and enjoyed the mystery. Sometimes the story focused on the personal lives and relationships of the three main female characters a bit too much. I wasn’t that interested in that. I preferred reading about the kids and the murder mystery and how these women dealt with that.
I am very interested in Chandler Baker’s other work within this horror/ thriller genre, because this was a definite winner.
You Like It Darker by Stephen King
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Stephen King’s 2024 release, “You Like It Darker”, is a collection of 12 short stories. They live up to the hype, though some stories are more memorable than others. And like the title says, it explores the grimmer aspects of life.
There was only one story I didn’t really care for, called “Red Screen”. The rest of the stories were all really good. And I will focus on a few of my favorites.
“The Fifth Step” is one of the shortest stories and this makes it even more impressive that it packs such a powerful punch. We meet Harold who agrees to listen to the confessions of a recovering alcoholic named Jack. His revelation are initially mild but the twist in this story is what makes your jaw drop.
“Rattlesnakes” is a (sort of) sequel to “Cujo”. This is the scariest story in the book, about a man named Vic facing a haunting in Florida. He staying at a friend’s home and befriends the neighbor woman, who also lost her children. It’s a frightening horror story.
There were two stories I rated 5 stars and one of them might be an unpopular one. I loved “Laurie”, which focuses on death and grief, but is the most heartwarming story in this collection. I was emotionally invested and loved the main character and his dog Laurie. No supernatural, no twists, just really good.
My absolute favorite was “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream”. It’s the longest story, with over 150 pages, it’s a novella within a book. Danny has been having the same dream, about an abandoned gas station with a person’s hand sticking from the ground. When he finds the actual gas station, he decides to visit it, and there he finds a dead body. He makes an anonymous call, but when he’s been tracked by the police, Danny becomes the prime suspect. Danny Coughlin is one of the most compelling main characters and the story is very compelling from start to finish.
Other favorites were “Two Talented Bastids”,”Willie the Weirdo”, “The Turbulence Expert”, “The Dreamers” and “The Answer Man. I was so happy that this turned out as good as I hoped it would be, because you never know with a short story collection.
There was only one story I didn’t really care for, called “Red Screen”. The rest of the stories were all really good. And I will focus on a few of my favorites.
“The Fifth Step” is one of the shortest stories and this makes it even more impressive that it packs such a powerful punch. We meet Harold who agrees to listen to the confessions of a recovering alcoholic named Jack. His revelation are initially mild but the twist in this story is what makes your jaw drop.
“Rattlesnakes” is a (sort of) sequel to “Cujo”. This is the scariest story in the book, about a man named Vic facing a haunting in Florida. He staying at a friend’s home and befriends the neighbor woman, who also lost her children. It’s a frightening horror story.
There were two stories I rated 5 stars and one of them might be an unpopular one. I loved “Laurie”, which focuses on death and grief, but is the most heartwarming story in this collection. I was emotionally invested and loved the main character and his dog Laurie. No supernatural, no twists, just really good.
My absolute favorite was “Danny Coughlin’s Bad Dream”. It’s the longest story, with over 150 pages, it’s a novella within a book. Danny has been having the same dream, about an abandoned gas station with a person’s hand sticking from the ground. When he finds the actual gas station, he decides to visit it, and there he finds a dead body. He makes an anonymous call, but when he’s been tracked by the police, Danny becomes the prime suspect. Danny Coughlin is one of the most compelling main characters and the story is very compelling from start to finish.
Other favorites were “Two Talented Bastids”,”Willie the Weirdo”, “The Turbulence Expert”, “The Dreamers” and “The Answer Man. I was so happy that this turned out as good as I hoped it would be, because you never know with a short story collection.
Behind Closed Doors by B.A. Paris
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I have not had the best luck with B.A. Paris yet. I read her 2024 release “The Guest” which I found extremely boring. But one bad book does not say everything about an author. I was interested in the story of Jack and Grace, who seem like they’re living the perfect life. But they have everybody fooled.
The story is told from the perspective of Grace and the chapters alternate between past and present. At first, I felt that Grace wasn’t the smartest main character. She made some questionable decisions and things that happened were a bit predictable. Grace did certain things and I knew what would happen next. What the consequences were to her actions. But as the story went along, there were some really good twists. And the book turned out to be above average because of the ending. I really loved that and I did not expect it either. So that makes “Behind Closed Doors” both predictable and unpredictable.
I have read my fair share of thrillers now. So even though this is still a good book, I feel it has a bigger impact if you are fairly new to the genre. And it’s most definitely better then the other book I have read by Paris.
The story is told from the perspective of Grace and the chapters alternate between past and present. At first, I felt that Grace wasn’t the smartest main character. She made some questionable decisions and things that happened were a bit predictable. Grace did certain things and I knew what would happen next. What the consequences were to her actions. But as the story went along, there were some really good twists. And the book turned out to be above average because of the ending. I really loved that and I did not expect it either. So that makes “Behind Closed Doors” both predictable and unpredictable.
I have read my fair share of thrillers now. So even though this is still a good book, I feel it has a bigger impact if you are fairly new to the genre. And it’s most definitely better then the other book I have read by Paris.