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micasreads's reviews
1003 reviews
The House That Horror Built by Christina Henry
2.0
Author: Christina Henry
Started: May 28, 2024
Finished: May 29, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Thriller
Harry Adams works for horror movie director Javier Castillo as a housecleaner. His house is filled with artifacts from the horror movies that made him famous - unil a family tragedy and scandal took it all away. When she hears what she believes are crys for help from a locked room, Harry soon comes to realize that there is something about his past that her employer has never shared, and it may cost her everything.
When I read the synopsis for this book, I thought I would be in for a very creepy story, but I found it to be extremely lackluster. The storyline dragged on, and some of it seemed unnecessary. Harry, the main character, was overwhelming and exhausting - she gets upset quickly and blows things out of proportion. None of the characters are what I would consider likable, and I was unable to connect with them emotionally.
Started: May 28, 2024
Finished: May 29, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Thriller
Harry Adams works for horror movie director Javier Castillo as a housecleaner. His house is filled with artifacts from the horror movies that made him famous - unil a family tragedy and scandal took it all away. When she hears what she believes are crys for help from a locked room, Harry soon comes to realize that there is something about his past that her employer has never shared, and it may cost her everything.
When I read the synopsis for this book, I thought I would be in for a very creepy story, but I found it to be extremely lackluster. The storyline dragged on, and some of it seemed unnecessary. Harry, the main character, was overwhelming and exhausting - she gets upset quickly and blows things out of proportion. None of the characters are what I would consider likable, and I was unable to connect with them emotionally.
Listen for the Lie by Amy Tintera
4.0
Author: Amy Tintera
Started: May 25, 2024
Finished: May 26, 2024
Format: Print
Genre: Thriller
For the first time in 5 years, Lucy returns home to Texas. Considering people think she grusomely murdered her best friend, Savvy, this is no small feat. Also in her hometown is Ben, podcast host of Listen for the Lie, who is looking into Savvy's unsolved murder. Despite not remembering anything about the nigh Savvy died, while working with Ben, Lucy begins to piece together the night of Savvy's murder and her possible role in it.
This was a fun, quick read using a multimedia format. I love whenever they have a podcast as a key part of the story, as I think it adds to the story. The characters were interesting, and the storyline moved forward at a good pace. There were a myriad of suspects brought up, but the ending still surprised me. This was my first Amy Tintera novel, but I'm sure it won't be my last.
Started: May 25, 2024
Finished: May 26, 2024
Format: Print
Genre: Thriller
For the first time in 5 years, Lucy returns home to Texas. Considering people think she grusomely murdered her best friend, Savvy, this is no small feat. Also in her hometown is Ben, podcast host of Listen for the Lie, who is looking into Savvy's unsolved murder. Despite not remembering anything about the nigh Savvy died, while working with Ben, Lucy begins to piece together the night of Savvy's murder and her possible role in it.
This was a fun, quick read using a multimedia format. I love whenever they have a podcast as a key part of the story, as I think it adds to the story. The characters were interesting, and the storyline moved forward at a good pace. There were a myriad of suspects brought up, but the ending still surprised me. This was my first Amy Tintera novel, but I'm sure it won't be my last.
The June Paintings by Maggie Shipstead
2.0
Author: Maggie Shipstead
Started: May 20, 2024
Finished: May 20, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Historical Fiction
Jane Tremblay is an aspiring painter trying to find herself. She is offered a summer position assisting a well-known artist on a remote island. The one rule she must follow and that is not to create anything while on the island. When she breaks that rule, she sets off a series of events that alter her life.
This was not my favorite of the Blaze collection. I found the story a bit boring and didn't find any of the characters likeable. All of the characters seemed very full of themselves, and it made the story hard to enjoy. This isn't a story from the collection that I would recommend.
Started: May 20, 2024
Finished: May 20, 2024
Format: Audio
Genre: Historical Fiction
Jane Tremblay is an aspiring painter trying to find herself. She is offered a summer position assisting a well-known artist on a remote island. The one rule she must follow and that is not to create anything while on the island. When she breaks that rule, she sets off a series of events that alter her life.
This was not my favorite of the Blaze collection. I found the story a bit boring and didn't find any of the characters likeable. All of the characters seemed very full of themselves, and it made the story hard to enjoy. This isn't a story from the collection that I would recommend.
Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose
3.0
Three estranged siblings gather after their mother's death. Now that she is gone, all they have are each other since their father left years ago. When they go through their parents' belongings, they discover a VHS tape that upends all of their worlds.
I've heard fantastic things about Jeneva Rose and really looked forward to reading my first novel of hers. Plus, the book cover was fantastic. The story was interesting and had some great twists and turns. I wasn't a huge fan of the oldest daughter, Beth. She was so angry and hurtful throughout the book. I will be reading more thrillers from Jeneva Rose.
I've heard fantastic things about Jeneva Rose and really looked forward to reading my first novel of hers. Plus, the book cover was fantastic. The story was interesting and had some great twists and turns. I wasn't a huge fan of the oldest daughter, Beth. She was so angry and hurtful throughout the book. I will be reading more thrillers from Jeneva Rose.
Doll House by John Hunt
2.0
Author: John Hunt
Started: May 12, 2024
Finished: May 15, 2024
Format: Digital
Genre: Horror
On her first day of college, Olivia is kidnapped. Along with other girls, she is kept for 5 years by two sadistic men who do abhorrent things to them. When Olivia kills one of the captors and escapes, she lives in constant fear that the man will come back for her. When the inevitable happens, Olivia makes the decision not to be a victim again
This storyline caught my attention, and i really wanted to enjoy it, but it ended up just being an ok read. While there are some grusome scenes, they were part of the plot and did not appear gratuitous. That being said, this book could have been 35-40% shorter and still told the complete story. There was almost a whole chapter on Olivia's father's alcholism that was unnecessary. I can only think that this aspect of the story was personal to the author in some way. Overall, this is not a book I would want to read again.
Started: May 12, 2024
Finished: May 15, 2024
Format: Digital
Genre: Horror
On her first day of college, Olivia is kidnapped. Along with other girls, she is kept for 5 years by two sadistic men who do abhorrent things to them. When Olivia kills one of the captors and escapes, she lives in constant fear that the man will come back for her. When the inevitable happens, Olivia makes the decision not to be a victim again
This storyline caught my attention, and i really wanted to enjoy it, but it ended up just being an ok read. While there are some grusome scenes, they were part of the plot and did not appear gratuitous. That being said, this book could have been 35-40% shorter and still told the complete story. There was almost a whole chapter on Olivia's father's alcholism that was unnecessary. I can only think that this aspect of the story was personal to the author in some way. Overall, this is not a book I would want to read again.
The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson
3.0
Author: Holly Jackson
Started: May 7, 2024
Finished: May 9, 2024
Format: Digital
Genre: YA Thriller
The Price family is in the process of filming a documentary about the 16 year old unsolved disappearance of Rachel Price when she suddenly returns. Her unexpected return brings up questions and unsurety in the Price family - especially with Rachel's daughter, Bel. She has noticed some inconsistency in Rachel's take and believes she is lying. When Bel confronts everyone with the information she has found, she may get more truth than she bargained for.
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year since I loved the Good Girls trilogy. The premise of the story sounds amazing, but the storyline was not executed as well as it could have been. First, Bel, Rachel's daughter, was annoying and really hard to root for. I understand the character has lived through a very unique experience, but her attitude about everything really sucked. The Price family is entitled and annoying, which made me understand why Rachel may have left. The ending was twisty but seemed like a lot to take in, and some didn't seem possible at all. This book was a little bit of a let-down, but I am hoping future books by the author will be better.
Started: May 7, 2024
Finished: May 9, 2024
Format: Digital
Genre: YA Thriller
The Price family is in the process of filming a documentary about the 16 year old unsolved disappearance of Rachel Price when she suddenly returns. Her unexpected return brings up questions and unsurety in the Price family - especially with Rachel's daughter, Bel. She has noticed some inconsistency in Rachel's take and believes she is lying. When Bel confronts everyone with the information she has found, she may get more truth than she bargained for.
This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year since I loved the Good Girls trilogy. The premise of the story sounds amazing, but the storyline was not executed as well as it could have been. First, Bel, Rachel's daughter, was annoying and really hard to root for. I understand the character has lived through a very unique experience, but her attitude about everything really sucked. The Price family is entitled and annoying, which made me understand why Rachel may have left. The ending was twisty but seemed like a lot to take in, and some didn't seem possible at all. This book was a little bit of a let-down, but I am hoping future books by the author will be better.
Recursion by Blake Crouch
4.0
Author: Blake Crouch
Started: May 4, 2024
Finished: May 6, 2024
Format: Digital and Audio
Genre: Science Fiction
People all over the city are suffering from memory issues. They have the odd feeling that they have lived lives other than their current one. Detective Harry Sutton begins to look into the phenomena he comes across a hotel where he is sent back in time to stop his daughter's death. Meanwhile, Helena Smith is given the chance to create a chair to help those with Alzheimers relive their memories. When someone decides to use the chair for profit, Barry and Helena team up to being time under control.
After reading Dark Matter, I knew I had to read more of Crouch's writing. Off the bat, this was far more scentific than Dark Matter; and the world building took a bit longer. It took a bit of patience to get through the minutia of the world building. It seemed like a bit of a slog when reading on my Kindle, but once I switched to audio, it moved at a much faster clip. There is some repetitiveness, but the completion of the story makes it worth it. I will definitely be reading more of Crouch's novels.
Started: May 4, 2024
Finished: May 6, 2024
Format: Digital and Audio
Genre: Science Fiction
People all over the city are suffering from memory issues. They have the odd feeling that they have lived lives other than their current one. Detective Harry Sutton begins to look into the phenomena he comes across a hotel where he is sent back in time to stop his daughter's death. Meanwhile, Helena Smith is given the chance to create a chair to help those with Alzheimers relive their memories. When someone decides to use the chair for profit, Barry and Helena team up to being time under control.
After reading Dark Matter, I knew I had to read more of Crouch's writing. Off the bat, this was far more scentific than Dark Matter; and the world building took a bit longer. It took a bit of patience to get through the minutia of the world building. It seemed like a bit of a slog when reading on my Kindle, but once I switched to audio, it moved at a much faster clip. There is some repetitiveness, but the completion of the story makes it worth it. I will definitely be reading more of Crouch's novels.
Fires to Come by Asha Lemmie
4.0
Author: Asha Lemmie
Started: May 6, 2024
Finished: May 6, 2024
Format: Digital
Genre: Historical Fiction
Carlotta, a young Black woman adopted by Italian parents, has always known she is different. As her older brother threatens to send her back where she belongs; she knows she must decide her own fate. Carlotta quickly learns that being part of a "family" doesn't always mean sharing blood.
This was a fun read, and the author did a great job of telling a full story in 45 pages. Carlotta is a solid character who has obviously picked up on the world her father lived in and knew how to play the system. I do have to say I found it difficult to believe that , during the Prohibition era that an Italian family would adopt a Black child or that other "familiies" would listen to her so willingly. I will admit it is not a topic I know much about, so I could be very wrong on this topic.
Started: May 6, 2024
Finished: May 6, 2024
Format: Digital
Genre: Historical Fiction
Carlotta, a young Black woman adopted by Italian parents, has always known she is different. As her older brother threatens to send her back where she belongs; she knows she must decide her own fate. Carlotta quickly learns that being part of a "family" doesn't always mean sharing blood.
This was a fun read, and the author did a great job of telling a full story in 45 pages. Carlotta is a solid character who has obviously picked up on the world her father lived in and knew how to play the system. I do have to say I found it difficult to believe that , during the Prohibition era that an Italian family would adopt a Black child or that other "familiies" would listen to her so willingly. I will admit it is not a topic I know much about, so I could be very wrong on this topic.
Tune in Tomorrow by Melanie Benjamin
4.0
Author: Melanie Benjamin
Started: May 4, 2024
Finished: May 4, 2024
Format: Digital
Genre: Historical Fiction
Abby Taylor is a woman trying to succeed in a man's world. She writes serial stories for the radio and is now trying to make the move to television. In order to prove she can do it, she must make the first move. Along with this, she is raising a rambunctious son and caring for her sisters. Abby changes the world one decision at a time.
This book shows all that women had to go through to be successful after World War II. This story was far too short for my liking; and I would have loved a fuller story that details Abby's background and how she moves forward in television. This short story gave a better understanding of what Abby had to do and all she gave up in order to lead the life she dreamed of.
Started: May 4, 2024
Finished: May 4, 2024
Format: Digital
Genre: Historical Fiction
Abby Taylor is a woman trying to succeed in a man's world. She writes serial stories for the radio and is now trying to make the move to television. In order to prove she can do it, she must make the first move. Along with this, she is raising a rambunctious son and caring for her sisters. Abby changes the world one decision at a time.
This book shows all that women had to go through to be successful after World War II. This story was far too short for my liking; and I would have loved a fuller story that details Abby's background and how she moves forward in television. This short story gave a better understanding of what Abby had to do and all she gave up in order to lead the life she dreamed of.
The Last Secret of Lily Adams by Sara Blaydes
4.0
Lily Adams was one of Hollywood's biggest stars. When she suddenly disappears from the limelight and many wonder why. Years later, Carolyn, her granddaughter, is clearing her house after Lily's death. She begins to realize that she did know all of her grandmother's life, but she is quick to learn more than she ever imagined.
This was a good historical fiction that does not take place in WWII. Stories set in the Golden Age of Hollywood are always fantastic. This had a mysterious storyline that was fun to read. The author weaves together a seamless story with no open ends, which is always satisfying. I think this story was well-worth the time. I believe this story will be well received by a large amount of readers.
This was a good historical fiction that does not take place in WWII. Stories set in the Golden Age of Hollywood are always fantastic. This had a mysterious storyline that was fun to read. The author weaves together a seamless story with no open ends, which is always satisfying. I think this story was well-worth the time. I believe this story will be well received by a large amount of readers.