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One of Us Is Next by Karen M. McManus offers a continuation of the Bayview High saga with a new deadly game of Truth or Dare, but it doesn’t quite capture the intrigue of its predecessor. While the premise initially piqued my interest, the execution felt less compelling. I correctly guessed part of the mystery, but the story still left me slightly underwhelmed.
The pacing and twists kept me reading, but the characters didn’t feel as memorable or dynamic as those in One of Us Is Lying. While there were moments of tension, the overall plot didn’t hook me as much as I’d hoped.
With that said, fans of the first book might still enjoy the new secrets and scandals, but I’m uncertain if I’ll continue the series. Overall, a decent read but not as gripping as I’d anticipated. 3.75/5
The pacing and twists kept me reading, but the characters didn’t feel as memorable or dynamic as those in One of Us Is Lying. While there were moments of tension, the overall plot didn’t hook me as much as I’d hoped.
With that said, fans of the first book might still enjoy the new secrets and scandals, but I’m uncertain if I’ll continue the series. Overall, a decent read but not as gripping as I’d anticipated. 3.75/5
Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine for an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Ashley Flowers’ The Missing Half is a masterfully crafted, multi-layered mystery that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. The story follows Nic and Jenna, two women bound by the tragic, unresolved disappearances of their sisters. As an older sister, I found myself deeply connected to both characters and their emotional journeys. The twists in the plot are nothing short of brilliant—I never saw them coming!
Flowers seamlessly balances a fast-paced, suspenseful narrative with raw, moving moments that elevate this book beyond a typical mystery. It’s a testament to the complexities of sisterhood, loss, and resilience. The depth of the characters and the intricately woven story kept me glued to the pages, finishing it in just one day. With its gripping twists and heartfelt storytelling, The Missing Half is an absolute 5-star read that will stay with you long after the final page.
Ashley Flowers’ The Missing Half is a masterfully crafted, multi-layered mystery that grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go. The story follows Nic and Jenna, two women bound by the tragic, unresolved disappearances of their sisters. As an older sister, I found myself deeply connected to both characters and their emotional journeys. The twists in the plot are nothing short of brilliant—I never saw them coming!
Flowers seamlessly balances a fast-paced, suspenseful narrative with raw, moving moments that elevate this book beyond a typical mystery. It’s a testament to the complexities of sisterhood, loss, and resilience. The depth of the characters and the intricately woven story kept me glued to the pages, finishing it in just one day. With its gripping twists and heartfelt storytelling, The Missing Half is an absolute 5-star read that will stay with you long after the final page.
Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the ebook in exchange for my honest review. Alice Hoffman’s The Bookstore Keepers is a beautifully crafted short story that captures her signature mix of whimsy and emotion. This quick read immerses you in a magical, atmospheric world where a bookstore becomes a sanctuary for its characters. Hoffman’s prose is captivating, drawing you in effortlessly and leaving you invested. While the story is satisfying, it left me yearning for more—this world and its characters deserve a full-length novel. Now to get my hands on a copy of The Bookstore Sisters and The Bookstore Wedding. After reading the Practical Magic series last year, Alice Hoffman has become one of my favorite authors.
Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks is an emotional tale of love, loss, and healing. The story draws you in with the mysterious love letter that sets Theresa on a journey to find its author, Garrett. While the romance and heartfelt moments are classic Sparks, the book left me with lingering questions—particularly about Catherine and how she died. I kept waiting for the signature Sparks twist and felt it was a bit rushed when it finally came, lacking the emotional build-up I’ve come to expect from his books. That said, the ending tied the story together nicely, bringing everything full circle in a poignant way. While not one of my favorites, it’s still an enjoyable read that earns 4 stars. I’m curious to see how the movie adapts the story and if it adds any depth.
Murder on the Orient Express is a classic whodunit with an intricate mystery and a clever, methodical detective at its center. While I appreciated Poirot’s sharp investigative skills—especially his detailed examination of the body—the novel was initially slow for me. It took about 30% before I felt truly invested, partially due to the older writing style, which I found somewhat difficult to read. The twist is undeniably creative, but the number of people with a motive conveniently gathered on the same train stretched believability. That said, the novel’s locked-room setting and gradual unraveling of secrets kept me intrigued once the pace picked up. This was my first Christie novel so far, and I can see why it’s considered a classic. If you enjoy methodical detective work and intricate plotting, it’s worth reading!
The Broken Girls by Simone St. James is a chilling blend of mystery, historical fiction, and supernatural horror. The dual timeline—flipping between 1950s Idlewild Hall and Fiona Sheridan’s 2014 investigation—keeps the suspense high. The eerie, Gothic atmosphere is immersive, and the ghostly presence of Mary Hand adds an unsettling layer to the story. The characters, particularly the girls at Idlewild, are compelling, each with a tragic backstory that tugs at the heart.
I had so many plot questions and St. James seemed to answer them all with the satisfying conclusion. St. James masterfully intertwines past and present, crafting a story that is both haunting and heartbreaking. Fans of psychological thrillers with a ghostly twist will find this a rewarding read.
Rating: 4.25 stars – atmospheric, suspenseful, and deeply engaging.
I had so many plot questions and St. James seemed to answer them all with the satisfying conclusion. St. James masterfully intertwines past and present, crafting a story that is both haunting and heartbreaking. Fans of psychological thrillers with a ghostly twist will find this a rewarding read.
Rating: 4.25 stars – atmospheric, suspenseful, and deeply engaging.
Jar of Hearts is a dark, gripping thriller set in the Pacific Northwest—not far from where I live—which added an extra layer of atmosphere for me. I went in blind based on a friend’s recommendation, and right away, the content warnings were staggering. This book does not shy away from heavy themes, particularly trauma, abuse, and manipulation. Calvin’s gaslighting was disturbing and infuriating.
While the twist was somewhat predictable, it was still satisfying to see everything unfold. The writing—or maybe the narration (I listened to the audiobook)—felt a bit clunky at times, which pulled me out of the story occasionally. Still, the pacing and tension kept me engaged, and I appreciated the way the story explored guilt, consequences, and survival. Though not a perfect read, Jar of Hearts delivers a chilling, well-constructed mystery with enough twists to keep psychological thriller fans hooked.
While the twist was somewhat predictable, it was still satisfying to see everything unfold. The writing—or maybe the narration (I listened to the audiobook)—felt a bit clunky at times, which pulled me out of the story occasionally. Still, the pacing and tension kept me engaged, and I appreciated the way the story explored guilt, consequences, and survival. Though not a perfect read, Jar of Hearts delivers a chilling, well-constructed mystery with enough twists to keep psychological thriller fans hooked.
The Crash by Freida McFadden had an intriguing premise, but overall, it fell flat for me. The narration, done by the same voice actress as The Teacher, felt overly whiny, making it hard to connect with Tegan as a character. Her constant references to her baby as “Tuna” drove me absolutely crazy.
The story had a definite Misery vibe, which I don’t like feeling like a book is copying another author. I know it’s bound to happen at times, but made the book less enjoyable for me. There was an interesting theme of perception—why do we, as women, always assume the man is the villain based on appearances? The final twist left me underwhelmed. Her brother?! It just didn’t hit as hard as I expected, making the ending a disappointment rather than a shocking revelation.
Out of the four McFadden books I’ve read so far, this was my least favorite. While the pacing was decent, the storyline made it less than enjoyable for me. I still appreciate McFadden’s writing style, but this one was a miss rather than a hit for me. 3 out of 5 stars.
The story had a definite Misery vibe, which I don’t like feeling like a book is copying another author. I know it’s bound to happen at times, but made the book less enjoyable for me. There was an interesting theme of perception—why do we, as women, always assume the man is the villain based on appearances? The final twist left me underwhelmed. Her brother?! It just didn’t hit as hard as I expected, making the ending a disappointment rather than a shocking revelation.
Out of the four McFadden books I’ve read so far, this was my least favorite. While the pacing was decent, the storyline made it less than enjoyable for me. I still appreciate McFadden’s writing style, but this one was a miss rather than a hit for me. 3 out of 5 stars.
I absolutely loved The Lost Apothecary! The dual-timeline narrative and three distinct POVs made for an immersive reading experience, seamlessly weaving together the past and present.
Sarah Penner’s research truly shines through, bringing 18th-century London to life with rich historical detail. The lost apothecary itself felt almost magical, blending realism with a touch of mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. The steady pacing ensured that every chapter added something meaningful, whether it was Nella’s dark and compelling past, Eliza’s unexpected resilience, or Caroline’s path to self-discovery.
And I have to mention the book cover—it’s absolutely stunning! It perfectly captures the enchanting, mysterious tone of the story. This book had everything I love: historical intrigue, strong female characters, and a beautifully woven plot. A fantastic read that I’d highly recommend!
Sarah Penner’s research truly shines through, bringing 18th-century London to life with rich historical detail. The lost apothecary itself felt almost magical, blending realism with a touch of mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. The steady pacing ensured that every chapter added something meaningful, whether it was Nella’s dark and compelling past, Eliza’s unexpected resilience, or Caroline’s path to self-discovery.
And I have to mention the book cover—it’s absolutely stunning! It perfectly captures the enchanting, mysterious tone of the story. This book had everything I love: historical intrigue, strong female characters, and a beautifully woven plot. A fantastic read that I’d highly recommend!