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nebulous07's reviews
297 reviews
In the Blink of an Eye by Jo Callaghan
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Five stars is insufficient for Jo Callaghan's "In The Blink of An Eye." Every 90 seconds, someone in the UK is reported missing. DCS Kat Frank is returning to the force after losing her husband. Her first task is to lead a team associated with a pilot programme using Lock, an AIDE (Artificially Intelligent Detective Entity). What if AIDE is the solution to changing this statistic? Moreover, what if this entity can overturn the stagnation faced by cold cases? The central premise of two cold cases is AI versus human experience and instincts.
The Yaays: This book is original. The pacing is immaculate, and easy to get attached to Kat, Lock and the team. Additionally, this book is gut-wrenchingly human and thought-provoking. The parallels between the cold cases and the current situation are infused well. I devoured this book in one sitting as the twists and turns will keep you hooked, especially when the case gets highly personal. This book is also character-driven which makes it even more satisfying. The author's note at the end got me and connected the dots as to why this book screams authenticity.
The Nays: None. Okay, if I had to choose one, it is the lingering effect this book will leave you with and a probable book hangover lasting 3-5 days.
Verdict: This is easily one of my favourite reads of 2023. If you're a fan of suspense, thrillers, or police procedurals with a twist, please grab this book.
Thank you, NetGalley & Simon & Schuster (Australia), for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
The Yaays: This book is original. The pacing is immaculate, and easy to get attached to Kat, Lock and the team. Additionally, this book is gut-wrenchingly human and thought-provoking. The parallels between the cold cases and the current situation are infused well. I devoured this book in one sitting as the twists and turns will keep you hooked, especially when the case gets highly personal. This book is also character-driven which makes it even more satisfying. The author's note at the end got me and connected the dots as to why this book screams authenticity.
The Nays: None. Okay, if I had to choose one, it is the lingering effect this book will leave you with and a probable book hangover lasting 3-5 days.
Verdict: This is easily one of my favourite reads of 2023. If you're a fan of suspense, thrillers, or police procedurals with a twist, please grab this book.
Thank you, NetGalley & Simon & Schuster (Australia), for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Terminal illness, Medical content, and Kidnapping
Enter the Darkness by Sarah Budd, Sarah Budd
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.0
Enter the Darkness by Sarah Budd is tense, claustrophobic, and, you guessed, dark. We have four characters (two main while the other two are supportive). Each of them has motives/secrets for entering the caves during the Spring Solstice. However, the White Lady likes to nom-nom on human flesh (trigger warning: cannibalism) for her strength and survival, longstanding the lore associated with the area.
Before I jump into the yaays and nays, let's disclose all the trigger warnings.
Suicide, bereavement, implied parental abuse, domestic abuse, kidnap & murder.
The yaays: Sarah Budd lures you in with vivid, non-repetitive descriptions of the caves. This is commendable as most of the plot unfurls in this area. The chapter and the point-of-view placements are good, leaving you with a few breadcrumbs about each of them, ensuring the readers have a clear idea of their background. The build-up was excellent, and I couldn't wait to read what came next. The pacing was well-done, and I devoured the book in a few hours.
The nays: The ending. The minute twist at the end wasn't enough for me. "Huh." would be my one-word response to the conclusion; unfortunately, it felt underwhelming and rushed (in keeping up with the pacing). Additionally, it would be wonderful to understand the folklore behind the caves in greater detail.
Thank you, NetGalley & the publishers at Bridgids Gate Press, LLC, for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Before I jump into the yaays and nays, let's disclose all the trigger warnings.
Suicide, bereavement, implied parental abuse, domestic abuse, kidnap & murder.
The yaays: Sarah Budd lures you in with vivid, non-repetitive descriptions of the caves. This is commendable as most of the plot unfurls in this area. The chapter and the point-of-view placements are good, leaving you with a few breadcrumbs about each of them, ensuring the readers have a clear idea of their background. The build-up was excellent, and I couldn't wait to read what came next. The pacing was well-done, and I devoured the book in a few hours.
The nays: The ending. The minute twist at the end wasn't enough for me. "Huh." would be my one-word response to the conclusion; unfortunately, it felt underwhelming and rushed (in keeping up with the pacing). Additionally, it would be wonderful to understand the folklore behind the caves in greater detail.
Thank you, NetGalley & the publishers at Bridgids Gate Press, LLC, for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Where the guilty hide by Annette Dashofy
dark
emotional
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
4.0
Where the Guilty Hide is an immersive and outstanding read. This book involves the convergence of two storylines; Detectives Matthias Honeywell and Cassie Malone investigating a series of break-ins in Lake Erie, and Emma Anderson, a photographer unknowingly capturing a murder victim through the lens. Annette Dashofy does an incredible job with pacing and the revelations that binds the storylines together, the character development of Matthias and Emma and the unexpected twist that leaves the reader captivated and mesmerised. A thorough police procedural with an incredible mix of supporting characters meant to keep you on your toes. At times the description of the characters got repetitive, which slightly dimmed my reading experience. Small towns indeed hold plenty of secrets unveiled at critical points, which makes this read utterly satisfying. This is my first book by Annette, and I look forward to reading more of her work.
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for giving me an e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Thank you to NetGalley and One More Chapter for giving me an e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Death Comes to Marlow by Robert Thorogood
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
Death Comes to Marlow is a clever cosy mystery. Robert Thorogood has done it once again! It was a delight reuniting with the dynamic trio - Judith, Suzie and Becks as they brought their wits together to solve a puzzling locked room mystery that turns into murder. I appreciate how the supporting characters, especially Suzie and Becks, are fleshed out. The narrative style hooked me, and the banter was skillfully crafted. The plot was an intricate maze with remarkable breakthroughs and yet frustrating dead ends, all of which complement an unpredictable and shocking ending. The last two chapters were jaw-dropping! This mystery explores cruel intentions, wealth, family, secrets and friendships. Do not skip this series if you're a fan of cosy mysteries, amateur detectives and the classic whodunit.
I look forward to reading more of the author's work and the series!
Thank you to NetGalley & Poisoned Pen Press for an e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
I look forward to reading more of the author's work and the series!
Thank you to NetGalley & Poisoned Pen Press for an e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
The Narrator by K.L. Slater
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.0
K.L Slater's "The Narrator" is well written, infused with twists and turns with a surprising ending. Props to the author for creating such an immersive world that reels you right from page one. Even if you take a break, returning to the suspenseful and haunting disappearance of Philippa Roberts, a renowned author, is effortless. Eve, her colleague and audiobook narrator, is coming to terms with loss, trauma and a relationship breakdown. When Philippa's tenth book is found, Eve is asked to narrate it. However, she cannot ignore the blatant discrepancies and inconsistencies. She takes it upon herself to connect the missing pieces. However, this comes at a price, one she never saw coming. The ending was shocking and jaw-dropping. I couldn't even predict it coming! However, there were moments when I thought it was too far-fetched. The characters are well fleshed out, enough for readers to support them or run for the hills. Overall, this is a delightful book, and I highly recommend it.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for giving me an ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Last Seen in Santorini by Vivian Conroy
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Last Seen in Santorini is the second Miss Ashford Investigates series book. Drawn to the idyllic cover with blue, white and red splashes, this book did not disappoint! Vivian Conroy reels you with an exciting plot and beautiful descriptions etched with myths, superstitions and history. Atalanta Ashford is a great character, a cosy mystery sleuth slowly building her confidence and being highly observational, rational and empathetic. However, the numerous unanswered questions get repetitive, slightly hindering my reading experience. This resulted in the element of suspense being dragged on for far too long. The cosy mystery slowly evolves into a domestic drama with a memorable ending, and it is a delight when all the puzzle pieces come together. Even though this book is set in the 1930s, there's minimal reference to the time period. It can easily pass as a modern-day cosy mystery. If you're seeking a tropical getaway in your mind's eye, do not skip this one. It will be an excellent way to start the new year as this book releases on 6 January 2023.
Thank you to NetGalley & One More Chapter for giving me this e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
Thank you to NetGalley & One More Chapter for giving me this e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.
The Engagement by Samantha Hayes
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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? No
5.0
Publication Date: 10 Jan 2023
Top 3 words: Shocking, Immersive & Tense
What a way to start 2023 with a well-executed psychological thriller. Samantha Hayes' "The Engagement" involves Rob & Hannah, who organise a birthday party for their oldest daughter. Belle has brought herself back from France and is introducing Rob & Hannah to her fiance, Jack. Is Jack who he portrays himself to be? Is the tension between Rob & Hannah only limited to their daughter's suspicious relationship?
The Yaay's: Samantha Hayes is a talented writer with a narrative style that is concise and clear. Right from the first chapter, you can easily decipher the intentions/motives of the characters along with the family dynamics. The easter eggs are well placed throughout the trio-narratives of Molly, Hannah & Belle. The level of unease & tension is present throughout the book and gradually builds. While I could predict 25% of the ending, the twists and turns were shocking. A well-executed UNO reverse!
The Naay's: Some elements of the book were too far-fetched and the relevance diminished.
If you're a fan of suspense, thrillers & psychological thrillers, pick up this book. I know 2023 will be a year where I will try more of Samantha Hayes. Thank you, NetGalley & Bookouture, for giving me a review copy. This honest review is left voluntarily,
Top 3 words: Shocking, Immersive & Tense
What a way to start 2023 with a well-executed psychological thriller. Samantha Hayes' "The Engagement" involves Rob & Hannah, who organise a birthday party for their oldest daughter. Belle has brought herself back from France and is introducing Rob & Hannah to her fiance, Jack. Is Jack who he portrays himself to be? Is the tension between Rob & Hannah only limited to their daughter's suspicious relationship?
The Yaay's: Samantha Hayes is a talented writer with a narrative style that is concise and clear. Right from the first chapter, you can easily decipher the intentions/motives of the characters along with the family dynamics. The easter eggs are well placed throughout the trio-narratives of Molly, Hannah & Belle. The level of unease & tension is present throughout the book and gradually builds. While I could predict 25% of the ending, the twists and turns were shocking. A well-executed UNO reverse!
The Naay's: Some elements of the book were too far-fetched and the relevance diminished.
If you're a fan of suspense, thrillers & psychological thrillers, pick up this book. I know 2023 will be a year where I will try more of Samantha Hayes. Thank you, NetGalley & Bookouture, for giving me a review copy. This honest review is left voluntarily,