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marcyjmf's reviews
1251 reviews
Say You'll Remember Me by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I think this is my favorite Abby Jimenez book yet! It absolutely broke my heart.
The God of the Woods by Liz Moore
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
Lost Among the Living by Simone St. James
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Close Your Eyes and Count to 10 by Lisa Unger
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
Big thanks to NetGalley and Park Row Books for the advanced audio copy of Close Your Eyes and Count to Ten by Lisa Unger! All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. The story was engaging, told from multiple perspectives, and each character felt distinct and well-defined. What I loved most was how none of the characters were purely good or evil—everyone fell into shades of gray, which made them feel real and complex. It kept me hooked, and I’m so glad I read it. I’d definitely recommend it to others!
One thing that stood out to me was how this book didn’t feel like a traditional thriller. Even though there were several different mysteries woven throughout, the pacing and storytelling had a different vibe from what I expect in a psychological thriller. In some ways, it felt almost like a cozy mystery but with thriller elements mixed in. While that could have been jarring, I actually think it added to the story. It wasn’t exactly what I expected, but that wasn’t a bad thing at all.
Vivienne Leheny did a great job narrating, giving each character their own unique voice. I liked the rhythm of her narration, but I have to admit it was a little slow for my taste. I’m usually a purist about listening to audiobooks at normal speed, but I had to bump this one up to 1.25x. That small change made all the difference, and after that, I was completely immersed in the story.
Overall, this was a great listen, and I’d totally recommend it!
I really enjoyed listening to this audiobook. The story was engaging, told from multiple perspectives, and each character felt distinct and well-defined. What I loved most was how none of the characters were purely good or evil—everyone fell into shades of gray, which made them feel real and complex. It kept me hooked, and I’m so glad I read it. I’d definitely recommend it to others!
One thing that stood out to me was how this book didn’t feel like a traditional thriller. Even though there were several different mysteries woven throughout, the pacing and storytelling had a different vibe from what I expect in a psychological thriller. In some ways, it felt almost like a cozy mystery but with thriller elements mixed in. While that could have been jarring, I actually think it added to the story. It wasn’t exactly what I expected, but that wasn’t a bad thing at all.
Vivienne Leheny did a great job narrating, giving each character their own unique voice. I liked the rhythm of her narration, but I have to admit it was a little slow for my taste. I’m usually a purist about listening to audiobooks at normal speed, but I had to bump this one up to 1.25x. That small change made all the difference, and after that, I was completely immersed in the story.
Overall, this was a great listen, and I’d totally recommend it!
Everything is Tuberculosis by John Green
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
The Serendipity by Emma St. Clair
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Thanks to NetGalley and Create If Writing LLC for providing me with an advanced copy for review. All opinions are my own!
This was my first book by Emma St. Clair, and I absolutely adore her writing style! From the very first page, I was drawn in by the quirky charm and lighthearted tone. The Serendipity is one of those stories that immediately feels like a cozy, magical escape, and Emma’s narrative voice made it such a fun read.
As someone who is a sucker for stories that feature a magical building, this one was an instant winner. If you’re familiar with The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston, then you know exactly what I mean when I say I love a good magical building that feels like a character in its own right. In this case, The Serendipity gives us that same sense of wonder and whimsy that makes the building feel so much more than just a setting—it’s a catalyst for change, mystery, and discovery.
The charm of the story is apparent right from the start. It’s quirky, fun, and filled with little surprises that kept me grinning from ear to ear. However, what really sets this book apart is how it balances light-heartedness with meaningful depth. While the narrative doesn’t take itself too seriously, it also does a remarkable job at addressing anxiety and mental health issues in a realistic and sensitive way. I was so impressed with how these themes were woven into the plot, offering moments of vulnerability and growth that added complexity to the characters and the story.
The humor and the magical elements are what make The Serendipity such a delightful read, but the way Emma St. Clair navigates heavier emotional landscapes really resonated with me. It's not often that a book can make you laugh and smile one moment and then pause for a thoughtful reflection on mental health the next. It’s a delicate balance, and Emma does it wonderfully.
Overall, The Serendipity is a quirky, magical ride that feels like a warm hug for the soul. It was an absolute joy to read, and I’m already looking forward to exploring more of Emma St. Clair’s work. If you love a blend of whimsy, heartfelt moments, and magical charm, this one’s definitely for you!
This was my first book by Emma St. Clair, and I absolutely adore her writing style! From the very first page, I was drawn in by the quirky charm and lighthearted tone. The Serendipity is one of those stories that immediately feels like a cozy, magical escape, and Emma’s narrative voice made it such a fun read.
As someone who is a sucker for stories that feature a magical building, this one was an instant winner. If you’re familiar with The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston, then you know exactly what I mean when I say I love a good magical building that feels like a character in its own right. In this case, The Serendipity gives us that same sense of wonder and whimsy that makes the building feel so much more than just a setting—it’s a catalyst for change, mystery, and discovery.
The charm of the story is apparent right from the start. It’s quirky, fun, and filled with little surprises that kept me grinning from ear to ear. However, what really sets this book apart is how it balances light-heartedness with meaningful depth. While the narrative doesn’t take itself too seriously, it also does a remarkable job at addressing anxiety and mental health issues in a realistic and sensitive way. I was so impressed with how these themes were woven into the plot, offering moments of vulnerability and growth that added complexity to the characters and the story.
The humor and the magical elements are what make The Serendipity such a delightful read, but the way Emma St. Clair navigates heavier emotional landscapes really resonated with me. It's not often that a book can make you laugh and smile one moment and then pause for a thoughtful reflection on mental health the next. It’s a delicate balance, and Emma does it wonderfully.
Overall, The Serendipity is a quirky, magical ride that feels like a warm hug for the soul. It was an absolute joy to read, and I’m already looking forward to exploring more of Emma St. Clair’s work. If you love a blend of whimsy, heartfelt moments, and magical charm, this one’s definitely for you!
The Fall Risk by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
The Fall Risk is yet another reminder of why Abby Jimenez has quickly become one of my top-tier favorite authors. I’m usually not the biggest fan of short stories because they don’t give me enough time to truly invest in the characters—but somehow, Abby is the exception to that rule every single time.
Even with the brevity of this format, the two main characters were so lovable and relatable. Their chemistry was perfect, and I was hooked from the start. Abby has this incredible way of balancing humor and deep emotions, and The Fall Risk was no exception. It was funny, full of heart, and gave me all the feelings of falling in love again—even though the backstory behind it was incredibly serious.
Writing a romance that feels this real and impactful in such a short space is no easy feat, but Abby makes it look effortless. This story was everything I wanted and more!
A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall
dark
mysterious
tense
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
4.5
Listening to A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall was such an incredible experience! The audiobook, narrated by the always-amazing Karissa Vacker, completely pulled me in. I couldn’t tear myself away and ended up listening late into the night until every twist and turn had played out.
I’ve really enjoyed Marshall’s previous books, but this one is hands-down my favorite so far. The story follows Theodora Scott, an unreliable narrator surrounded by a cast of suspicious characters, each with their own secrets. I was convinced early on that I had figured everything out—and while I did correctly pin the villain, the sheer number of twists and surprises along the way kept me second-guessing myself the entire time.
Karissa Vacker’s narration was flawless. I’ve listened to several of her audiobooks before and she always delivers, but she truly knocked it out of the park with this one. The mix of Marshall’s gripping writing and Vacker’s pitch-perfect performance made this the perfect storm—pun totally intended—of a thriller.
If you’re into twisty mysteries with unreliable narrators, shady characters, and an audiobook that completely immerses you in the story, A Killing Cold is a must-listen!
The Serial Killer Support Group by D.B. Stephens
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for providing me with an advanced copy of The Serial Killer Support Group by D.B. Stephens in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
This was a solid 4-star read for me! One of the standout aspects of this book was its morally grey cast of characters. There are no clear-cut heroes or villains here—just people operating in shades of gray, making decisions that teeter on the edge of right and wrong. The protagonist herself is far from a traditional heroine, and the lines between justice and revenge blur in fascinating ways. Even the so-called villain had layers that made them compelling, and I found myself constantly shifting my perspective on who I should be rooting for.
While this wasn’t a traditional thriller in the sense that the “who” and “why” were revealed early on, that didn’t take away from the suspense. Instead, the tension came from watching everything unravel—seeing how these morally ambiguous characters would navigate the chaos and what the final fallout would be. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough to see where it would all lead.
This was my first book by D.B. Stephens, but I’m now very interested in going back to read the previous book referenced in this story. It sounds fantastic, and if this novel is any indication, I have high hopes that it will deliver just as well.
As the mother of a little boy on the spectrum, I especially appreciated the unglamorized and unsensationalized representation of an autistic child. It was refreshing to see a portrayal that felt real and honest rather than exaggerated for dramatic effect.
Overall, this was a gripping read with complex, flawed characters and a premise that kept me engaged until the very end. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for more from this author!