nebulous07's reviews
297 reviews

The Kind Worth Saving by Peter Swanson

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dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Smart, immersive and twisted, Peter Swanson's The Kind Worth Saving doesn't disappoint. It was a dose of nostalgia for me, for my first Peter Swanson book was The Kind Worth Killing. You do not have to read book one to begin this one. Peter's ability to capture narcissism is at its finest with a character like Joan. The pacing was brilliant and diverse, with Henry Kimball dominating the first half and the OG Lily Kintner making an impactful return. The simplistic plot of a former English teacher, now private investigator (Kimball), helping his former student, now client (Joan), in catching her husband having an affair with his co-worker intricately branches out to unlikely alliances, high school memories and an unfortunate accident. I devoured this book in one sitting and could never anticipate the ending that was simply jaw-dropping. I am still thinking about all the puzzle pieces coming together with such simplicity and yet delivering a power punch read. 

Do not skip this one if you're a fan of domestic/marriage noir etched with twists and turns. 

A big thank you to NetGalley & Faber and Faber for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
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Right Behind You by Diana Wilkinson

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dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

4.0

Right Behind You by Diana Wilkinson is dark, chilling and sinister. It is not for the fainthearted as it has multiple trigger warnings of stalking, miscarriage and child abuse. Diana Wilkinson has done an excellent job of delivering a psychological thriller with effective and well-placed twists and turns. Beverly Digby's stance of taking matters into her own hands has a tragic and painful beginning. However, she doesn't understand why she needs to attend mandated therapy for one event when she happens to be in the same area as her ex-boyfriend and his girlfriend. And his girlfriend happens to lose their unborn baby. Things take on a downward spiral when Beverly is, in turn, stalked. Beverly is a queen of deception who is highly skilled at covering her tracks and stringing the right words together. There were certain sections of the book where I felt deep sorrow for her. The parallels between the past and present, Beverly's relationship with her therapist, Queenie and the supporting characters are well fleshed out. The only minor flag for me was that the last few chapters appeared slightly drawn out. Diana Wilkinson is a talented and skilful writer, and I look forward to reading more of her work. 

Thank you NetGally & Boldwook Books, for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily. 
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Burning Bridges by Stephanie Harte, Stephanie Harte

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dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced

4.0

Burning Bridges by Stephanie Harte was gritty, emotional and completely immersive. I devoured this book in one sitting. I wasn't aware that this is the second book in the series and qualifies as a stand-alone. The author does a brilliant job with her compelling narrations, and the character development is well fleshed out. The twists and turns are well-placed, and I didn't see some coming! The vines of lies, deception and pain run deep, keeping in line with the theme of a relentless and unforgivable gangland thriller. Mia, Kelsey and Scarlette are distinct, and everyone is processing the loss of their father, Davie, in different ways. The girls had me cheering, teary-eyed and riled up in equal measure. The ending was a bang, and I can't wait to see if there's a book three. I highly recommend this book and the author if you're in for an immersive gangland thrilling ride. 

Thank you, NetGalley & Aria & Aries, for giving me an ARC. This honest review if left voluntarily.
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The Mill House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense 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

The Mill House Murders is Yukito Ayatsji is an immersive, atmospheric read with a twisted ending. It gave me a nostalgic one-detective show vibe (Hercule Poirot sprang to mind). It's a murder mystery that oscillates between past and present moments and is non-linear. I gobbled this book up in one day and appreciated the references made to Japanese culture. Each character stood out to me with their distinct mannerism and motives, and as the plot progressed, it became increasingly challenging to decipher the ending. The balance between narration (from the simplistic references to weather to the details provided of the mysterious and ominous house) and the dialogue is well crafted. The ending was shocking, one I could have never predicted, and it lingered in my mind even after two days. Reading this book reinforced why murder mysteries are a significant and celebrated genre.
I look forward to reading more of this author's work. 

Thank you NetGalley & Pushkin Press, for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily. 
Without Further Ado by Jessica Dettmann

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Without Further Ado is a refreshing, immersive and beautiful read. From page one, I was drawn into Willa's life; her character shone through with every page. Jessica Dettmann has done a phenomenal job with her eclectic narration and hilarious dialogue. The banter between old friends was well-captured and so realistic. The awareness of capturing "The Feeling" while spiralling in one's "story" made me stop and reflect on numerous occasions. While our protagonist brings romance to life through publishing and doesn't believe in marriage and having children, something is holding her back from addressing her attraction to one of the Smith brothers. How this was deciphered individually and through her supportive tribe of friends and family was memorable. The ending was well crafted, but one of my contentions was the little surprise that Ewan unveiled. I felt it was a compensation package that made the outcome more favourable. Despite this, this book made me feel a rollercoaster of emotions on many levels.

I look forward to reading more of the author's work. 

It's safe to say this is one of my top reads this year! 

Thank you, NetGalley & HarperCollins Publishers Australia, for giving me a free ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
The Summer House by Keri Beevis

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dark mysterious 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? No

4.5

Keri Beevis has developed a tense, unsettling and immersive plot with The Summer House. An enticing, dark and passionate chapter one is a great way to reel readers in until...it horribly goes wrong. I loved how the author created multiple narrations across different timelines, which was easy to follow and kept me on my toes. The underlying premise of one sister murdered, one brother jailed. and one love betrayed was skilfully deciphered, with all three elements integrating exceptionally well. The shocking and brutal murder of Camille Hamilton has left deep scars on twins Ollie and Lana. While their relationship starts tense and hostile, the character developments are remarkable. In addition, the long-lost love and the heart-tugging friends-to-lovers story between Xav and Lana beautifully blossomed. The pacing between the multiple sub-plots was well executed. The twists and turns were remarkable, and the breadcrumbs were smartly sprinkled until the shocking reveal! I finished this book in one sitting. Do not skip this one for fans of small towns with themes of lies, secrets and betrayals! A 4.5-star read. 

Thank you to NetGalley & Boldwood Books for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
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Desperate Acts by Alexandra Ivy

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

4.0

Desperate Acts by Alexandra Ivy is immersive, slow-burn and intriguing. A continuation of the established and enjoyable Pike series, it follows the journey of Lia & Kaden. Lia is an introvert who is a well-established businesswoman but keeps this under the radar, away from her nosy neighbours. She is still haunted by the distressing image of a run woman running and jumping. Kaden left Wisconsin for Hollywood and is content with his business in Las Vegas. However, when the skeletal remains are found, he finds himself back at Pike to seek justice on behalf of his later brother. This results in their paths crossing with the mutual aim of seeking the truth. I have been a massive fan of Alexandra Ivy, for she delivers the perfect mix of slow-burn romance and mystery. Desperate Acts certainly did not disappoint. This book is filled with suspense and enough twists and turns that will keep you guessing till the end. I was surprised by the ending and didn't see that coming.
I look forward to reading more books from this series. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Sea Castle by Andrew Mayne

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative mysterious reflective 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? No

4.0

I am a massive Andrew Mayne fan, so it wasn't even a decision to read "Sea Castle." What a thrilling, exciting and intriguing ride! Sea Castle is the fourth book in his Underwater Investigation Unit series but can be read as a standalone. Sloan McPherson of the Underwater Investigation Unit is a well-written, strong and rational character. Her interactions with hardened, reckless and impulsive Gwen Wylder create an "opposites attract" dynamic duo. Both characters are driven and passionate. The plot and the level of expertise are quite a niche, but a delightful read. The first half of the book settles the pace, establishing the premise and characters, and the second half goes all out to deliver an unexpected, thrilling and shocking ending. Having read Andrew Mayne's books earlier, I found the narrative style slightly different; however, it is refreshing.
I look forward to reading more of the UIU series. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Thomas & Mercer for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Make Me Clean by Tina Baker

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dark emotional funny mysterious reflective 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? No

4.0

Drawn to an interesting premise, Tina Baker's "Make Me Clean" did not disappoint! Maria, the protagonist, is complex and full of contradictions. I felt uncertain of my feelings towards her as the author skillfully lures you into her world etched with trauma, loss and survival. You sometimes feel sorry for her as her past is unearthed, but anxiety and weariness strike when goriness comes to the fore. Certain moments appear monotonous, but this gives insight into how weary Maria is. There is a beautiful flip between past and present moments that flow well in the novel. All supporting characters, aside from Elsie, have shades of grey that complement this well-thought-out plot. I'm glad I picked up this book. Don't skip this one if you're looking for a domestic/psychological thriller infused with dark humour. 

Thank you to NetGalley and Viper Books for providing me with an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
The Friendship Breakup by Annie Cathryn

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Annie Cathryn's "The Friendship Breakup" is a heartfelt, immersive book; a blanket-hugging read full of laughter, emotion and contemplation. Fallon Monroe is such a perfectly unperfect character who finds herself isolated from the mom group, which takes her down a path of deep reminiscing and reflection. Annie's writing is so immersive and inviting, and one feels that you are right there with the characters as the scenes unfold. I connected with Fallon as a young woman in college courtesy of the flashbacks, a daughter fulfilling her obligations and standing up for her friends and herself. The scenes with the therapist are beautifully written, evoking personal thought and reflection. At times, I did feel that I was venturing into the self-help textbook solutions, but our protagonist is a "self-help book junkie." But it didn't take away from the central message that the beauty of life is in the pauses and immersing yourself with what is, even when what should be, doesn't figure out in the chapters. A 5-star read! 

Thank you to NetGalley and Alcove Press for inviting me to read this fantastic debut novel. I highly recommend this read for fiction-feel-good lovers.