spookysarahsays's reviews
320 reviews

Bat Eater by Kylie Lee Baker

dark mysterious sad tense 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? It's complicated

4.0

Thank you Harlequin Audio and NetGalley for the ARC of the audiobook! 

This book probably isn't my normal go-to type of book. The thriller/true crime vibes at the start weren't my jam, but I was hooked once it eased into the supernatural aspects. This is a really thought-provoking book in that it was clearly written towards the start of COVID and sadly, we aren't out of the woods yet. I'd definitely recommend this for folks who enjoy thrillers but want to lean more into horror. 

Crumble by Meredith McClaren

emotional hopeful inspiring 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

I received an ARC of this from the author.

This was such a perfect way to explain grief and working through it to a younger audience. The art style was cute and I loved that it included recipes. 

The Bookstore Keepers by Alice Hoffman

emotional hopeful sad 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? It's complicated

3.0

Much like the last story of this series I think the themes are a bit too poignant for a novella. They would be better served in novel form. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Animal death, Death of parent

The Bookstore Wedding by Alice Hoffman

hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

Not bad but I think for the tone of this story it would have been better as a novel versus a novella. Sophie’s diagnosis and love story feel rushed and unearned. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Cancer

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

dark emotional mysterious 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

4.0

Really solid book! The first act is a bit slow but the second act grabs you and doesn’t let go!

Miss Marple: The Complete Short Stories by Agatha Christie

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I definitely prefer Poirot to Marple, at least for the short stories. 

Beasts and Beauty: Dangerous Tales by Soman Chainani

dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

Not bad, just not memorable.

Brooms by Jasmine Walls

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring 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? No

5.0

Great read! I loved the perspective presented in this one!

Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë

dark mysterious sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I can see why this is considered a classic but I didn’t love it. Maybe I will reread it later and see if I get more from it. 

Hungry Hearts: 13 Tales of Food & Love by Elsie Chapman, Caroline Tung Richmond

emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

4.0

A really interesting blend of genres in this anthology. I really enjoyed most of the stories and how they intersected.