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shari_russell's reviews
406 reviews
Her Perfect Family by Teresa Driscoll
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
This was the first book by Teresa Driscoll that I have read. I was not prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that I experienced. I had no idea that I would discover another writer that writes a psychological thriller the way it’s supposed to be. Another “must-read “ author with more books to look forward to.
The story begins with Gemma’s graduation being held in a cathedral. As she is walking up to receive her diploma she seems to trip and fall down to the ground. She actually has been shot by an unknown shooter, causing complete chaos in the cathedral. At the hospital after surgery, Gemma is in a coma with her mom and dad, Rachel and Ed, by her side. Alex, Gemma’s ex-boyfriend, is a person of interest in her shooting. He has shown irrational behavior in days leading up to their break-up and after the shooting. One of Gemma’s professors who is unknown for most of the story, was having an affair with Gemma. He is probably the father of her baby that she is carrying unknown to everyone until the shooting.
Matthew Hill is a private investigator that used to be police. He gets involved by being in the area when the shooting happened and went to assist in the aftermath. He is brought in as a consultant on the case by DI Mel Sanders, the Detective in charge and also a friend and former associate of Matt’s. Sally, Matt’s wife hates that he is back to doing police work because of the danger involved. And now they have a little girl, Amelie, to think of. Strange things have happened that directly affect Sally and Amelie in a bad way and Amelie is scared to the point they have to have her seen by a child therapist. Laura is Ed’s first wife that he had never spoken about with his current wife Rachel. There are secrets surrounding her that start to surface when they find out that she is no longer in Canada, but has been in the UK close to them for a few weeks. Could she be involved in the shooting? As Mel and Matthew are doing everything in their power to track down a shooter, family dynamics are challenged at the hospital, where Ed and Rachel are keeping a vigilant eye on Gemma. Rachel finds out the secret Ed has been keeping from her about his previous marriage. Then she finds Gemma’s diary pages on her computer, realizing that Gemma has kept things from her too. Suspense and tension heighten as more and more suspects are revealed.
The story weaves through 3 different timelines. It begins the day of Gemma’s graduation, and continues on for 9 more days. The narrative during this time is back and forth between Rachel’s 1st person point of view, an unknown narrator that you can only assume is the shooter narrating in 1st person, and Gemma at small intervals with her inner voice as she lies in the hospital unable to wake up. The remaining characters stories are a 3rd person account. The 2nd timeline reveals some of Gemma’s journal notes from her computer that were written in the weeks leading up to the graduation and consequential shooting. This 1st person perspective is Gemma’s voice. Finally, we see a 3rd timeline that occurs in Canada many years ago and tells the story of Ed, Gemma’s father, and his first wife, Laura. This is a 3rd person account that brings to light the secrets that Ed has kept hidden from Rachel and Gemma. And he wonders, does the shooting have anything to do with Canada? These flashbacks keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat by arousing the curiosity.
Character development was important to the plot and theme, and it was done so well. The main characters were believable and realistic to me. They were complex with strengths, weaknesses and back stories that developed to who they are today.
The plot Involves the complicated journey and mystery of catching a shooter. This in itself is enough to grab the reader’s attention and not let it go. So, it’s easy to lose site of the fact that there is an underlying theme unfolding about the dynamic and love between a mother and her daughter.
With perfect pacing that flows seamlessly, the reader is engaged at every turn. Twists and turns keep you intrigued and that is only intensified with the unexpected shocking conclusion.
The stylistic pen of the writer made for such an easy and enjoyable read. While the tone was both intimate and intense in this riveting tale, the writing was concise, fluent, and eloquent.
Rating and Recommendation
This is one of those literary treasures that reminds me why I can’t get enough of suspense and psychological thrillers. I applaud the author and look forward to reading more of her excellent writing. I can only find everything right with this novel so I have to give it 5 well deserved stars.
I highly recommend this book and the author, Teresa Driscoll, to serious psychological thriller fans. This reads the way a psychological thriller should.
Afterthought
Teresa wrote this on her Authors Notes page at the end of the book:
“A mother daughter story. A thriller with love at it’s core.” Authors Note page.
This really resonated with me and made me rethink the story that I just read. I was so captivated by the main storyline and eager to know who the killer was, that I totally missed this at first. Once I really thought about it and remembered the scenes where this was a big part, the book became even more to me. Who wouldn’t appreciate a thriller with love at it’s core?
The story begins with Gemma’s graduation being held in a cathedral. As she is walking up to receive her diploma she seems to trip and fall down to the ground. She actually has been shot by an unknown shooter, causing complete chaos in the cathedral. At the hospital after surgery, Gemma is in a coma with her mom and dad, Rachel and Ed, by her side. Alex, Gemma’s ex-boyfriend, is a person of interest in her shooting. He has shown irrational behavior in days leading up to their break-up and after the shooting. One of Gemma’s professors who is unknown for most of the story, was having an affair with Gemma. He is probably the father of her baby that she is carrying unknown to everyone until the shooting.
Matthew Hill is a private investigator that used to be police. He gets involved by being in the area when the shooting happened and went to assist in the aftermath. He is brought in as a consultant on the case by DI Mel Sanders, the Detective in charge and also a friend and former associate of Matt’s. Sally, Matt’s wife hates that he is back to doing police work because of the danger involved. And now they have a little girl, Amelie, to think of. Strange things have happened that directly affect Sally and Amelie in a bad way and Amelie is scared to the point they have to have her seen by a child therapist. Laura is Ed’s first wife that he had never spoken about with his current wife Rachel. There are secrets surrounding her that start to surface when they find out that she is no longer in Canada, but has been in the UK close to them for a few weeks. Could she be involved in the shooting? As Mel and Matthew are doing everything in their power to track down a shooter, family dynamics are challenged at the hospital, where Ed and Rachel are keeping a vigilant eye on Gemma. Rachel finds out the secret Ed has been keeping from her about his previous marriage. Then she finds Gemma’s diary pages on her computer, realizing that Gemma has kept things from her too. Suspense and tension heighten as more and more suspects are revealed.
The story weaves through 3 different timelines. It begins the day of Gemma’s graduation, and continues on for 9 more days. The narrative during this time is back and forth between Rachel’s 1st person point of view, an unknown narrator that you can only assume is the shooter narrating in 1st person, and Gemma at small intervals with her inner voice as she lies in the hospital unable to wake up. The remaining characters stories are a 3rd person account. The 2nd timeline reveals some of Gemma’s journal notes from her computer that were written in the weeks leading up to the graduation and consequential shooting. This 1st person perspective is Gemma’s voice. Finally, we see a 3rd timeline that occurs in Canada many years ago and tells the story of Ed, Gemma’s father, and his first wife, Laura. This is a 3rd person account that brings to light the secrets that Ed has kept hidden from Rachel and Gemma. And he wonders, does the shooting have anything to do with Canada? These flashbacks keeps the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat by arousing the curiosity.
Character development was important to the plot and theme, and it was done so well. The main characters were believable and realistic to me. They were complex with strengths, weaknesses and back stories that developed to who they are today.
The plot Involves the complicated journey and mystery of catching a shooter. This in itself is enough to grab the reader’s attention and not let it go. So, it’s easy to lose site of the fact that there is an underlying theme unfolding about the dynamic and love between a mother and her daughter.
With perfect pacing that flows seamlessly, the reader is engaged at every turn. Twists and turns keep you intrigued and that is only intensified with the unexpected shocking conclusion.
The stylistic pen of the writer made for such an easy and enjoyable read. While the tone was both intimate and intense in this riveting tale, the writing was concise, fluent, and eloquent.
Rating and Recommendation
This is one of those literary treasures that reminds me why I can’t get enough of suspense and psychological thrillers. I applaud the author and look forward to reading more of her excellent writing. I can only find everything right with this novel so I have to give it 5 well deserved stars.
I highly recommend this book and the author, Teresa Driscoll, to serious psychological thriller fans. This reads the way a psychological thriller should.
Afterthought
Teresa wrote this on her Authors Notes page at the end of the book:
“A mother daughter story. A thriller with love at it’s core.” Authors Note page.
This really resonated with me and made me rethink the story that I just read. I was so captivated by the main storyline and eager to know who the killer was, that I totally missed this at first. Once I really thought about it and remembered the scenes where this was a big part, the book became even more to me. Who wouldn’t appreciate a thriller with love at it’s core?
The Wife Stalker by Liv Constantine
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Omg!! I feel like I just got off of the crazy train! Not only was I not on the same page as the story, I was in a whole different book. I felt that I knew who the characters were, and who I liked and didn’t like. I was pretty sure I knew where the plot was going but everything that was really going on came out on the very last pages. I’m still saying “What??” That’s what happens with unreliable narrators.
I didn’t read any reviews before I read this book, so I went in blind, so yes, I was shocked at how it all came together. I am having a tough time writing this review because the littlest thing I could say might give you some clues and I want you to experience the same climactic ending that I did. So, instead of rehashing a summary of what the story is about, which is already in the Publisher’s description above, I’m giving you the main points that were important to the characters and the plot/Theme.
It's the age old tale of two women loving the same man.The plot unfolds with alternating narratives between Joanna, the current wife to Leo Drakos, and Piper Reynard, the new chick in town who has her sights set on Leo. Piper arrived to the scenic community of Westport, Connecticut from San Diego and started a successful wellness center. Both women know what they want and it’s a cat and mouse game to the end. It didn’t take long though for Leo to be taken in by Piper’s beauty and seduction. Joanna is very abruptly pushed out of their home and out of the children’s lives.
Evie and Stellie, Joanna and Leo’s children, seem to be caught in the middle of everything and play a big part in the story. Evie starts to warm up to Piper, who thinks that she’s sweet. But then there’s Stellie who is 2 years younger than Evie and he just wants his mommy. He makes it very clear to Piper that he does not want her there. Some of Pipers thoughts and feelings about Stellie make you wonder if she has disturbing plans in store for him. Especially with what Joanna is coming up with.
Joanna is adamant that Leo will come back to her. She makes it her mission to uncover some unseemly facts about Piper. Her amateur sleuthing pays off when she finds some horrifying information about Piper and her past relationships. Now she’s convinced that Piper is going to harm her family.
The characters were complex and well-developed even though they weren’t all likeable. Though I did have my mind made up on who I liked, felt sorry for, or disliked until those last few pages when everything that I thought I knew made a drastic turn.
I did have some issues that made my rating 3 stars at first. There were some plot holes and unanswered questions that were not resolved. It also seemed to slow down in parts where the day to day minutiae started to become unbelievable and would not happen in real life. I was entertained throughout though and read it in practically one sitting. The shocking conclusion and finally understanding what was really going on made me look at the story differently. I ended up giving it 4 stars.
I am a big fan of Liv Constantine and have rated everything I’ve read from them a 4 or 5. They are definitely on my must-read authors list. With that said, I recommend this book to domestic thriller fans that are looking for an entertaining read with a shocking twist at the end.
I didn’t read any reviews before I read this book, so I went in blind, so yes, I was shocked at how it all came together. I am having a tough time writing this review because the littlest thing I could say might give you some clues and I want you to experience the same climactic ending that I did. So, instead of rehashing a summary of what the story is about, which is already in the Publisher’s description above, I’m giving you the main points that were important to the characters and the plot/Theme.
It's the age old tale of two women loving the same man.The plot unfolds with alternating narratives between Joanna, the current wife to Leo Drakos, and Piper Reynard, the new chick in town who has her sights set on Leo. Piper arrived to the scenic community of Westport, Connecticut from San Diego and started a successful wellness center. Both women know what they want and it’s a cat and mouse game to the end. It didn’t take long though for Leo to be taken in by Piper’s beauty and seduction. Joanna is very abruptly pushed out of their home and out of the children’s lives.
Evie and Stellie, Joanna and Leo’s children, seem to be caught in the middle of everything and play a big part in the story. Evie starts to warm up to Piper, who thinks that she’s sweet. But then there’s Stellie who is 2 years younger than Evie and he just wants his mommy. He makes it very clear to Piper that he does not want her there. Some of Pipers thoughts and feelings about Stellie make you wonder if she has disturbing plans in store for him. Especially with what Joanna is coming up with.
Joanna is adamant that Leo will come back to her. She makes it her mission to uncover some unseemly facts about Piper. Her amateur sleuthing pays off when she finds some horrifying information about Piper and her past relationships. Now she’s convinced that Piper is going to harm her family.
The characters were complex and well-developed even though they weren’t all likeable. Though I did have my mind made up on who I liked, felt sorry for, or disliked until those last few pages when everything that I thought I knew made a drastic turn.
I did have some issues that made my rating 3 stars at first. There were some plot holes and unanswered questions that were not resolved. It also seemed to slow down in parts where the day to day minutiae started to become unbelievable and would not happen in real life. I was entertained throughout though and read it in practically one sitting. The shocking conclusion and finally understanding what was really going on made me look at the story differently. I ended up giving it 4 stars.
I am a big fan of Liv Constantine and have rated everything I’ve read from them a 4 or 5. They are definitely on my must-read authors list. With that said, I recommend this book to domestic thriller fans that are looking for an entertaining read with a shocking twist at the end.
Date Night by Samantha Hayes
adventurous
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? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This thrilling domestic noir is fast-paced with questions, lies, and secrets building up to an explosive twist at the end. I was actually shocked at the surprising finale.
The story begins with Libby arrested and at this point we don’t understand what is happening. The story has two timelines, the days leading up to the date night which was the night that Sasha disappeared and the days that follow the horrible night. The different timelines work so well in this story by creating curiosity and a quest for answers. As Libby is being questioned for the murder of Sasha, you are on the edge of your seat dying to read what led up to this before.
The story is told in a first person narrative through Libby. At first, Libby and her husband, Sean seem like a normal happy couple. However, as time goes on and Libby is being questioned by the police, you realize that there are cracks behind closed doors. Sean, who started off as such a nice, loving husband isn’t what he seems and is angry and on edge. Libby is just a mess with Sasha’s disappearance and then being arrested for Sasha’s murder. She acts crazy, screaming and throwing and breaking things.
You also realize that Libby may be an unreliable narrator. But as you turn the pages, you start to see that nothing is what it seems. This is when I went from being irritated with Libby’s personality to wanting to reach out and help her.
Samantha Hayes writing is perfect. There are so many things going on that the reader is hooked from page one and can’t get enough of this suspenseful page-turner until it’s over.
I loved almost everything about this riveting thriller, except for the characters. I was irritated in some way by each of them, but it kind of makes sense now when you find out all of the flaws and secrets of each one.
Date Night is a 4 star read for me! I absolutely recommend it to psychological thriller and domestic noir fans with the warning to be prepared for an unputdownable read.
The story begins with Libby arrested and at this point we don’t understand what is happening. The story has two timelines, the days leading up to the date night which was the night that Sasha disappeared and the days that follow the horrible night. The different timelines work so well in this story by creating curiosity and a quest for answers. As Libby is being questioned for the murder of Sasha, you are on the edge of your seat dying to read what led up to this before.
The story is told in a first person narrative through Libby. At first, Libby and her husband, Sean seem like a normal happy couple. However, as time goes on and Libby is being questioned by the police, you realize that there are cracks behind closed doors. Sean, who started off as such a nice, loving husband isn’t what he seems and is angry and on edge. Libby is just a mess with Sasha’s disappearance and then being arrested for Sasha’s murder. She acts crazy, screaming and throwing and breaking things.
You also realize that Libby may be an unreliable narrator. But as you turn the pages, you start to see that nothing is what it seems. This is when I went from being irritated with Libby’s personality to wanting to reach out and help her.
Samantha Hayes writing is perfect. There are so many things going on that the reader is hooked from page one and can’t get enough of this suspenseful page-turner until it’s over.
I loved almost everything about this riveting thriller, except for the characters. I was irritated in some way by each of them, but it kind of makes sense now when you find out all of the flaws and secrets of each one.
Date Night is a 4 star read for me! I absolutely recommend it to psychological thriller and domestic noir fans with the warning to be prepared for an unputdownable read.
The Followers by Bradeigh Godfrey
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
The Followers is set in Durango, CO, a small college town with the beauty of the mountains. It has well balanced characters and pacing throughout with a fast-paced, mysterious, and twisty plot.
Molly is a popular social media influencer under the name “Invincible Summer” a meaningful reference to the poem by Albert Camus that I will include at the end of this review. The book explores the dark world of social media and the trolls, haters and followers that are out there hiding behind their screens. It was inspiring to see Molly overcome so much and become an inspiration to thousands of people.
A big part of the plot centers on two women struggling with their separate issues and the friendship that builds between them. I really enjoyed watching the growth and friendship of these women.
The last few pages made me tear up a little bit, which doesn’t happen often in chilling thrillers, which tend to be dark from beginning to end. At the same time, I was shocked at the surprising, crazy twist. I thought I had it figured out, but I was so wrong.
I found this book suspenseful, adventurous, inspirational, and emotional. I was reminded of the dark, scary world that social media can be and inspired by the invincible Molly and the motivational quotes at the beginning of each chapter. So many different emotions while reading this book definitely makes me want to read more of this authors books. It is well-deserving of my 5 star rating. I highly recommend this book, especially to readers who enjoy a thriller mixed with romance and victorious women.
**The poem by Albert Camus that was the inspiration for Molly’s influencer name:
My dear,
In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.
In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile.
In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm.
In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger, something better, pushing right back.
Truly yours,
Albert Camus”
Molly is a popular social media influencer under the name “Invincible Summer” a meaningful reference to the poem by Albert Camus that I will include at the end of this review. The book explores the dark world of social media and the trolls, haters and followers that are out there hiding behind their screens. It was inspiring to see Molly overcome so much and become an inspiration to thousands of people.
A big part of the plot centers on two women struggling with their separate issues and the friendship that builds between them. I really enjoyed watching the growth and friendship of these women.
The last few pages made me tear up a little bit, which doesn’t happen often in chilling thrillers, which tend to be dark from beginning to end. At the same time, I was shocked at the surprising, crazy twist. I thought I had it figured out, but I was so wrong.
I found this book suspenseful, adventurous, inspirational, and emotional. I was reminded of the dark, scary world that social media can be and inspired by the invincible Molly and the motivational quotes at the beginning of each chapter. So many different emotions while reading this book definitely makes me want to read more of this authors books. It is well-deserving of my 5 star rating. I highly recommend this book, especially to readers who enjoy a thriller mixed with romance and victorious women.
**The poem by Albert Camus that was the inspiration for Molly’s influencer name:
My dear,
In the midst of hate, I found there was, within me, an invincible love.
In the midst of tears, I found there was, within me, an invincible smile.
In the midst of chaos, I found there was, within me, an invincible calm.
In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.
And that makes me happy. For it says that no matter how hard the world pushes against me, within me, there’s something stronger, something better, pushing right back.
Truly yours,
Albert Camus”
The Personal Assistant by Kimberly Belle
challenging
dark
emotional
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
My Thoughts
The suspense builds with each turn of the page, keeping you on the edge of your seat as you race to uncover the truth. Belle masterfully plants twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end, culminating in an explosive finale that will leave you stunned. As a first time reader of Kimberly Belle’s, I was impressed with her ability to grab my attention and keep me engrossed from cover to cover. I am giving this book a solid 5 out of 5 stars, and I highly recommend it, especially to those psychological and domestic thriller fans. I will definitely check out more of Kimberly Belle’s work. She’s definitely an author I need to read more of.
About the Author
Kimberly Belle is the USA Today and internationally bestselling author of eight novels, including The Personal Assistant, The Marriage Lie, a Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for Best Mystery & Thriller, and the co-authored #1 Audible Original, Young Rich Widows. Her books have been published in dozens of languages and optioned for film and television.
Keep up with Kimberly on Facebook (www.facebook.com/KimberlyBelleBooks), Twitter (@KimberlySBelle), Instagram (@KimberlySBelle) or via her website at www.kimberlybellebooks.com.
Husband and Wife by K.L. Slater
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The Night of the Sleepover by Kerry Wilkinson
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0